Joy Thomas

From Rough Towels to Milkshakes Joy Thomas

This is the story of life so far with my son and the effect his disability has had on the wider family. When Phillip was born doctors initially denied that he had any problems. I felt, rather than knew, something was not quite right. Although I was reprimanded for voicing my concerns, these feelings never quite went away. Once Phillip started school it was obvious he could not keep up with his peers. My anxieties proved to be correct when he was eventually diagnosed with a learning disability at the age of four and then much later, in his thirties, Asperger's Syndrome. This book is a record of just some of our journey. I decided to write down our experiences after hearing the words "slipped through the net" concerning someone else, another case of failure to provide adequate care by Social Services. These were the same words said to us many years ago. Another phrase frequently used, but heard too often for it to ring true is "we have learnt lessons." I have to say, general understanding of autism is far more widespread now, although there are still many injustices and in the worst cases poor care, bullying and intimidation.