Finding a Different Kind of Normal - Jeanette Purkis

Hi Everyone,
I have just finished reading ' Finding a Different Kind of Normal' by Jeanette Purkis. It is an autobiographical account of her life up until very recent times. Jeanette is an Australian artist and the book tells of her journey living with and accepting the diagnosis of Aspergers Syndrome. I was very privileged to hear Jeanette speak last year as part of my Autism Spectrum disorder course through The Autism Teaching Institute (Australia). Her story is both confronting and inspirational on so many levels. The book walks the reader through her trials ( which include time in prison and mental health institutions) and her achievements including her masters degree in Art and working and living independently. I love working with children on the Autism Spectrum, and reading the book has reinforced just how important my job is! Thank goodness the world is now a little more educated in how to nurture the talents of people on the spectrum than it was when Jeanette was struggling through childhood and adolescence. Thanks for the insights Jeanette, and the work that you do in spreading the word, so that others will not have to 'do life' so tough!