Instructions Not Supplied: A story of adoption, autism and coming together as a family
As seen:
By Julie Otto, and and, Dr Ken Aitken
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Instructions Not Supplied is the account of one family’s experience in adopting three children, each of whom turned out to have special needs, and the challenges they have faced along the way. Some of the difficult situations they have faced are simply part of a family life; others are as a direct result of the children’s disabilities and difficulties, including autism, attention deficit hyper-activity disorder, foetal alcohol syndrome, attachment disorder and sensory issues.
A story of adoption, autism and coming together as a family, this book describes with honesty and humour how the behaviour of the children has often challenged the adults around them. It also explores the process of diagnosis and the difficulty of getting the right support both for the children and their parents, with insights for all parents and teachers of children with complex needs.
The book is a unique insight into the twin challenges of adoption and disability, an invaluable read for prospective adopters and adoptive parents as well as natural parents of children with additional support needs. It is equally valuable for practitioners, as it gives an insight into the family life of those parenting such children and how best to support them.
Reviews
This is a searingly honest book featuring a family who adopt three boys. They all turn out to suffer autistic spectrum disorder in addition to other difficulties. These medical conditions are not apparent at the time of their adoption and this book follows the efforts of the parents to cope with and understand the complicated health problems of the three unique boys.
The national health service, excellent in parts, does not appear to be able to respond in a timely fashion to the severe health difficulties and behavioural problems displayed. Julie and Steve Otto battle on, achieve much and yet must be fearful of future situations as the boys enter their teenage years.
This book should be required reading for intending adopters. A compulsive read.
