Although this blog is largely about my love of knitting, especially rabbits (had to sneak a quick picture in!), I do write about autism from time to time. I also get to hear from a lot of people who are involved with autism – either directly living with an affected family member or involved in research / campaigning. I recently heard from a wonderful young woman who has written a book about an 8 year old boy with autism. Nicki Mann had many problems at school but has gone on to work with special needs children and is currently training to be a teacher. Her book Danny, Danny Superstar tells the story of an autistic boy, his special needs classmates and their school talent show.
It’s a wonderful way to tell other children about some of the difficulties autistic children have. Amy especially likes the story because she identifies with Danny’s big sister Lizzy. It would be a great book to read with children who have an autistic relative, classmate or friend as it’s a very sensitive and child-friendly introduction to the fact that some children are different. Nikki has self-published the book on lulu so you can either download a copy and print it yourself or order a pre-printed bound copy.
My ramblings about autism aren’t based on any intellectual expertise but rather on personal experience and as autism affects every individual in a completely different ways my families’ experiences aren’t necessarily relevant to anyone else. But there are common issues that affect all autistic people. In this country the National Autistic Society are tireless in campaigning for better understanding of autism and better support for those with the condition.
Campaigning is critical if people with autism and their families are to
get a better deal from services and society at large. We work at a
national level to champion the rights and interests of people with
autism and their families and ensure that policy and legislation
reflect their needs: your contribution is vital to achieve positive
changes.
They are currently seeking support from the general public in 2 particular areas. If you’re in the UK and feel like lending your voice please follow the links below. These are not requests for cash – just petitions that show the weight of public opinion.
National Government:
Petition for more government support for those with autistic spectrum disorders
Local Government:
The NAS are also requesting information from each UK local authority on their current provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders. Many local authorities have not yet responded to the questionnaire and so need a kick up the ****. If you fancy delivering a kick, please email me and I’ll forward the email on to you (I can’t get the link to work here!)
Thanks so much for reading and for your support.
little cotton rabbits 
Always willing to support a great cause. I have signed the petition and am more than willing to send an email to our local council if they are one of the offenders. We are in Arun district. Great blog as usual – a pleasure to read.
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I’m sorry I’m not a British citizen, so I cannot support the cause. But I will look for an arganisation in The Netherlands that‘s in consistent with the one in the UK. You’re doing a great job by telling people about the book.
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Heading over to sign the petition …
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good for you! it’s hard to watch your kid struggle and not try and inform people/ try and help the cause. the book sounds good – did you ever read Rules by Cynthia Lord? I think that my princess will love the sibling aspect of it when she’s older – but I’m waiting till she’s older to share it with her.
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Well said, Julie. Just signed the petition and got James to do so also.
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Great book, great advice.
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Okay off to follow that petition link.
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Hey, thanks for blogging about the book and spreading the word! I’m glad Amy enjoyed it, and I hope other kids will be able to enjoy it too!!! 🙂
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my sisters son has autism … a great post, thanks xxxx
love it if you would link to my humble blog xxx
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Go on, say the “a” word, it’ll make you feel better! I think your American fans probably know it as *** though! Heading over there now to sign.
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done. And yes send me the link… I like kicking!!
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I am glad to see that you are utilzing your blog to educate, and to support this cause. I am a school counselor (in the US), and I still see lots of misinformation and stereotyping. Wish I could sign the petition. I support the cause in the states though..so I am supporting this petition in my heart. 🙂
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Thank you for sharing the information and the link. Heading over to the link now …
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I have a four year old about to be assessed for autism, he was diagnosed epileptic at one and has suffered developmental delay as a result. I just wanted to say that your blog has been really amazing for me as I am trying to get my head around all that a special needs child requires, also your invaluable advice on potty training (think I am perhaps starting too early!) have two other older kids 5 and 6 who performed perfectly at 3 – probably too higher expectation. I admire your ability to manage all that you do as well as create gorgeous collectables. Thanks for your wonderful writing. I also craft (on a very small scale) which is how I found your blog. Thanks again.
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