As a Charity Champion for Anna Kennedy Online I first met the Avery’s at Autism’s Got Talent (AGT) at The Mermaid Theatre in London.  I attend this show every year, it moves me every time, and to me it’s ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’!

The year I met the Avery’s I had just organised a loan car from my workplace for the Charity’s’ upcoming AGT roadshow; which was a spin-off from this London event it was so popular!

Dawns youngest son Aston had been on stage in London receiving a standing ovation, he performed brilliantly and everyone loved him – I remember being outside the theatre afterwards with my Mother-in-Law Chris where we saw Aston and family – we were super excited to see him and let the Avery’s know how much we’d enjoyed his performance as we passed by.  We admitted to being a bit star struck having just seen him perform live on stage!

Dawn had mentioned early on to us that she was writing a book about their families journey, so having read Annas amazing book ‘Not Stupid’ I knew I’d want to buy it. I LOVE a good book, and when it’s about something your family relates to, it makes it all the more important.  I especially love seeing Dawns Aston perform song ‘Budapest’ and always call him my ‘Budapest Buddy’!

I loved seeing Aston each year, he was thriving more each time – and I also enjoyed supporting families on the day of AGT too as Dawn mentions in her book. I have too many memorable families to mention, you become instantly so proud of them – all of them have their own ‘pocket of greatness’ as I say, and all outstanding!

What a great book this is!  From start to finish, anyone in or involved with an autism family will feel a connection to the Avery’s journey in this lovely book.

Indeed I felt many similarities in some parts, and it was nice to actually read something that talked about some of the stuff we too went through, just like Annas book did.

If you hadn’t already known the Avery’s, when you read this book, it has a sense of holding you in such a way that you’d feel like you knew them.

The books covers are striking, standing out in an eye catching design, and when you delve in, it’s a truly lovely read, has a great writing style, and will have you on a rollercoaster of emotions.

It’s written in such a way that the reader will feel a personal connection, and gain an understanding of an autism families journey.

Dawn writes lovingly so about her boys, husband and family, and quite rightly so.  Aston not only has autism, he has other health conditions which added to their journey and quest to do whatever it takes to help and support him.

In fact it’s common for those with autism to have other and overlapping conditions, as does my son Christopher. 

Dawn has written about their journey in such a way as to show that Aston is who he is WITH various conditions, and NOT in-spite of them.  And that’s right don’t you think?!

She has been true to herself and thanked all the professionals and family, and it is clear, you can feel the warmth and love oozing from each page of the book.  An added bonus are the pages nestled in the centre with a selection of fabulous photos of Aston and family; just a snippet of his journey .. (and trust me at every event I always manage to sneak a selfie with Aston, I think he’s used to me doing that now and have a few photos .. I’m such a big fan!).

As an autism parent, it’s nice to read something you can truly relate to, where the words resonate with you.

I found myself thinking back to our own journey, as Dawns book brought back some memories for me that’s for sure.  I loved this book, it was so honest and transparent, such a clear read and would be great for anyone new to autism to get their teeth into. A must on the book list for those just starting their journey.

In fact whether you are just at the start of your journey, or .. already on the your own path, you will find something to hold dear from this book, something of true meaning to you.

Do give it a read, you can get hold of your copy of Dawns book via our Charity website link below, where you can also read about Aston, Dr Anna Kennedy OBE, all the other Ambassadors, Patrons and of course us Charity Champions!  Don’t forget you can sign up there to our Newsletter to hear about all things autism for our Charity with upcoming events, workshops and more!  Click here to purchase your copy!