Life at the Edge and Beyond : Living with ADHD and Asperger Syndrome

Parenting a child with Asperger's syndrome is never easy, and adding ADHD to the psychological mix makes life even more difficult. In this searingly honest account of bringing up her son, Luke, Jan Greenman challenges common perceptions of a 'life with labels', and recalls her family's 18 year journey to the edge and back. Writing frankly about the medical issues of Luke's early years, including the impact of MMR and Ritalin, Jan recalls how Luke's diagnoses came about, and how life at The Edge, their aptly named family home, changed as a result. She describes the causes and effects of the behaviours associated with Luke's conditions, and the impact they had on each family member, including his younger sister, Abbi. The only predictable thing about Luke is his unpredictability, and Jan also takes a light-hearted look at some of his more unusual habits and obsessions. The book includes tips and advice from Jan, Abbi, and Luke himself, and the final chapters go beyond Luke's early years to look at his life as a teenager - his solo trip to Dubai, and subsequent encounter with customs, his expulsion from school, and the inspirational Headteacher who helped him to turn his life around. Life at the Edge and Beyond is a must for anyone involved in bringing up a child with Asperger's syndrome, ADHD - or both. Parents will take from the family's successes, learn from their mistakes, and realize that, no matter how close to the edge they may feel, they are never alone. "Ì feel honoured that Luke has chosen me as his hero and recommend this book as a moving and searingly honest account of one boy who has risen above the dificulties of autism with the help of his family ... a truly riveting read.'--Nigel Mansell British F1 racing driver, World Champion and Luke's hero" "J̀an Greenman shows that Asperger's children can be a helter-skeltering gift from the heavens, every achievement somehow magnified and made more special. This is a funny, uplifting book which reminds you it is good to be alive.'--Quentin Letts, TV Political Journalist of 2009 and Daily Mail theatre critic" "D̀on't let the seriousness of Asperger Syndrome put you off reading Luke's story, He can laugh at it and so will you.'--Leigh Francis (aka Keith Lemon), comedian" "L̀uke is a true inspiration - a shining light, succeeding against all odds, facing his demons, beating the doubters, achieving more than he ever thought possible.'--Trystan Williams, Headmaster of Springfields Specialist School of Excellence" "Parenting a child with Asperger Syndrome is never casy, and adding ADHD to the psychological mix makes life even more difficult. In this searingly honest account of bringing up her son, Luke, Jan Greenman Challenges common perceptions of a 'life with labels', and recalls her family's 18-year journey to the edge and back." "Jan recalls how Luke's diagnoses first came about, and how life at T̀he Edge', their aptly named family home, changed as a result. She describes the behaviours associated with Luke's conditions, and the impact they had on each family member, and takes a light-hearted look at his more unusual habits and obsessions. The book includes tips from Jan, Luke, and Luke's sister, Abbi, and goes beyond Luke's childhood to look at his life as a teenager -- his eventful solo trip to Dubai, his expulsion from school, and the inspirational teacher who helped him to turn his life around." "Life at the Edge and Beyond is a must read for anyone involved in bringing up a child with Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, or both. Parents will take from the family's successes, learn from their mistakes, and realize that, no matter how close to the edge they feel, they are never alone."--Jacket In this account of bringing up her son, Luke, Greenman challenges common perceptions of a 'life with labels', and recalls her family's 18 year journey to the edge and back. Writing about the medical issues of Luke's early years, Jan recalls how his diagnoses came about, and how life at The Edge, their aptly named family home, changed as a result.