Press reviews for: Lucy's Story
OAARSN
Lucy's autobiography is fascinating and amazing... I have learned a great deal about autism from Lucy's book. I admire Lucy and all she has achieved. I remember that Lucy does not, even today, answer questions in the same way as other people do, including myself. And so I can only ask more questions, which is what books like this should make us do. I thank Lucy for sharing her story, to teach me more about life and those who live it with courage and fortitude.
Special
Reading the text would give strength and understanding to parents of children with autism, as well as an important view for any professionals who work within the realms of autism. The book could also be read by anyone who enjoys a story of strength and courage. A book well worth buying and reading, whatever your interest in autism.
Oliver Russell, consultant psychiatrist
In this book Lucy Blackman describes her experience of growing up with autism. The book re-opens the controversy about "facilitated communication", a method of enabling people who cannot speak to communicate using an alphabet board or keyboard. Pioneered in Australia by Rosemary Crossley, the technique is now used around the world. Crossley taught Lucy how to use the Cannon communicator to write words on ticker tape. A facilitator - in Lucy's case her mother - supports the arm of the keyboard user and in time the person learns to generate words. Controversy has arisen over the role of the facilitator who determines which key is struck and hence is the real author of the words generated. The book provides unique reflections on the inner world of autism, but the critical reader who generated these insights. This is a book worth reading, even by the spectical.