Ann Clarke is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Hull, as was her late husband Alan Clarke who also held the position of Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University. They have been widely published, including seven other books and their careful research and analysis has been recognized by the 1977 Research Award from the American Association on Mental Deficiency and the 1982 Distinguished Achievement Award for Scientific Literature from the International Association for the Scientific Study of Mental Deficiency. Ann is a Fellow of the British Psychological Society and Alan was an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and, in 1974, he was appointed a CBE.