Synopses & Reviews
When Anna and Sean Kennedy discovered that one of their sons had Aspergers syndrome and that their other son was autistic, they were truly devastatedbut their familys troubles were just the beginning. Turned away by no fewer that 26 special needs schools when searching for appropriate educational facilities for their boys, Anna and Sean were downbut not out. Anna was determined to prove that for children like her sons, the challenges of growing up with autismto demonstrate to the world that they were simply Not Stupiddid not have to end in defeat. Through sheer guts and determination, they turned their situation into a victory by establishing a center of excellence for the care and support of those with autism. The school quickly became over-subscribedproof that educational provision in this field is inadequate, and proof also that it is still possible to transform a vision into reality through simply not giving up. Annas story, and that of her ever-improving sons, is a beacon of inspiration for parents of special needs children all over the country. Not Stupid offers readers a rollercoaster of emotionsfrom the depths of frustration and despair to the dizzy heights of joybut most of all, it offers a real sense of hope for those whose lives are affected by autism.
Synopsis
When Anna and Sean Kennedy discovered that their sons Patrick and Angelo suffered with Asperger's Syndrome and autism respectively, they were truly devastatedbut their family's troubles were just beginning. Placed in mainstream nurseries and schools, Patrick and Angelo endured traumatic experiences in a system woefully equipped to cater for their complex needs. Like so many parents, Anna and Sean, having been turned away by no fewer than 26 special needs schools when searching for appropriate educational facilities for the boys, were downbut not out. The local education authority had a fight on its hands. Anna was determined to prove that for children like her sons, the challenges of growing up with autism did not have to end in defeat.Through sheer guts and determination, they turned their situation into a victory for parent power by transforming a disused local school into a center of excellence for the care and support of those with autism. Anna's story, and that of her ever-improving sons, is a beacon of inspiration for parents of special needs children everywhere.
About the Author
Anna Kennedy cofounded the charity Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support in 1997. By 1999, with the fellow directors, the Kennedys had opened Hillingdon Manor School, a specialist primary school for children with an autistic spectrum disorder. By 2003, Hillingdon Manor School had expanded to open a middle and upper school, and now provides specialist education for 85 children with autistic spectrum disorders aged between three and 19.