In the dark days of Covid, two local charities joined with Essex Family Forum to create a book for families of neurodivergent children (autism, ADHD, OCD, Tourette’s, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia etc.), sharing their own experiences and those of the families that they support. With input from education, health and social care services, the ‘by parents for parents’ guide, is available to families with a young person newly diagnosed with autism or ADHD, and for those going through the diagnosis process.
The book was launched in 2021 and over 10,000 copies have been given to families, schools, libraries and wellbeing hubs in Essex, Southend and Thurrock.
Families have said that they feel less isolated, more confident and better equipped to support their children:
‘This is answering the questions that I didn’t even know I needed to ask’.
After such amazing feedback, the writing team have just completed a refresh of the content to include new subjects, more family feedback and to reflect the fast-moving changes in understanding about neurodiversity.
Paula Farrow (CEO of MyOTAS charity) said:
‘We spoke to parents who said that they just didn’t know where to start to find out what they could do to help their child. We wanted to let these families know that they aren’t alone, and to share best practices and learnings.’
Maggie Cleary (CEO of STRM charity) added:
‘there is a huge difference in the level of support for different health conditions. I have family members with diabetes and neurodivergent conditions. The help that we received for the diabetes was superb but in comparison the experience of trying to access services and support for neurodiversity needed to improve. Our book helps to fill that gap.’
The book is available online here Families can order their free copy funded by NHS here