S.E.N.D. in the Clowns
£12.99
S.E.N.D. In The Clowns started as a collection of diary entries. A cathartic way for mother, Suzy Rowland, to cope with the injustice she felt. But Suzy, the writer’s, aim isn’t just to tell a personal story, she wrote the books to help parents like herself, untangle red tape, and feel empowered as they try to understand a system that struggles to educate children who with ‘difference’.
S.E.N.D in the Clowns by Suzy Rowland
Verdict: A practical yet personal guide, with a philosophical edge…
Suzy Rowland shares her experience as a parent to an autistic son and his journey through the education system. There is a real warmth to Rowland’s writing, as she offers practical yet personal advice to fellow autism parents and professionals. An Autism and ADHD Specialist Trainer herself, Rowland sprinkles ideas, activities and helpful mantras for parents throughout the text. The book includes brief summaries of autism and related conditions.
Rowland also looks at the connection between race and autism and some of the barriers she has faced in accessing support for her child, as a young mum of black Caribbean heritage. She discusses how black children in particular are often more likely to be excluded from schools in the UK than their white peers.
Throughout the book, the author explores language used to describe autism and neurodiversity in general. She tells us that ‘language holds the key to understanding and self-determination’, and explains how we can use language to challenge autism stereotypes, rather than enforcing them.
S.E.N.D in the Clowns is a really accessible and engaging read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with a connection to autism, and anyone with an interest in neurodiversity.
Packed with guidance, S.E.N.D in the Clowns is a positive and uplifting read. A unique handbook of self-care and practical advice for parents who find themselves on the autism merry-go-round. S.E.N.D. in the Clowns is a play on the acronym Special Educational Needs and Disability, hinting that these children’s behaviour may look like they are either the sad clown sitting quietly in the corner or the zany clown performing slap stick tricks to make everyone in the classroom laugh. The reality is more poignant: these neurodiverse children are highly sensitive individuals who mask the pain and confusion of their neurodiversity in a school environment that is often frightening and confusing. S.E.N.D. in the Clowns takes you on two journeys: * Personal story from parent and child – from babe to pre-teen and… * Professional guidance for parents and professionals who work with, teach or support autistic or ADHD children.
