Dave Angel has worked with children, adults and families with a variety of differences for over 20 years in the social care field. In the past 10 years he has been supporting parents of children with Aspergers online through his Parenting Aspergers Community, blog, and, more recently, his daily email tips to parents. He recently released a free e-book, Living, Loving and Laughing with Aspergers.
Tell us about your book.
It’s a collection of short stories which all relate to parenting children with Aspergers. They are –hopefully – entertaining stories are on subjects as diverse as TV show Storage Hunters, singer Labi Siffree, incidents in my local Walmart store, Peacocks, cartoon Shaun the Sheep, local radio, actor Dan Akroyd, the film Groundhog day, Ancient Rome, and more.
What inspired you to write it?
For nearly two years I’ve been writing daily emails to parents of children with Asperger’s. Messages of inspiration, practical tips, ideas, success stories, current news and more. And the ones that resonate best are short stories. They seem to really help parents understand particular issues, feel they are not alone in this, and give them a small injection of energy and hope to carry on with their day.
Who is the ideal reader and how do you see the book being used?
This book is for moms of children with Aspergers. It’s a short read and offers a little sprinkle of hope, information, and entertainment to hopefully brighten people’s day just a little. At least that’s the feedback I get from a lot of moms who have read it.
What’s the message you want your readers to take away after reading the book?
That they work incredibly hard at a job that can be anything but easy – parenting a child with Aspergers. But that whilst it’s a “bumpy road” (at best) there’s always hope and a real chance of a more positive future for them and their child.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your book?
Inside this book of stories “Living, Laughing and Loving with Asperger’s Volume 1” is a link to download a free copy of volume 2 in the series 2. So in effect you get 2 free books to read. (see the links to the book below)
Do you have a proud moment, inspirational story, or moving fan feedback you’d like to share?
At the moment I’ve got 18 FIVE STAR reviews of the book on Amazon. One of the nicest comments is:
“My 11 year old son was diagnosed with Asperger’s in June of last year. I’ve been trying to get my hands on everything there is on the topic. It can be very overwhelming and confusing. It’s so nice to read a book that is an easy read and very helpful. I will admit, I cried a few times because I can relate to so much of what’s in here. I also had my 25 year old daughter read it to help her to understand what he deals with on a daily basis, and she hates to read so this was an easier way to get her to understand. I was only disappointed that it ended, wanted to keep reading. Thank you so much for writing this as it has helped me and my family immensely.” Stacy A. Hortaridis
If our readers leave with only one message after reading this interview, what would you like it to be?
You are not alone.
Get a free download of the book:
Access Dave’s parent resources:
Jacqui says
April 2, 2016 at 9:17 amSo proud of Dave and the books he wrote for us, the Moms of these incredible children,. I am getting better each day and am sharing with my older son, who does not have Aspergers with hopes that he “gets it” and becomes an advocate, as well.
Dave Angel says
April 11, 2016 at 7:16 amThanks so much for Sharing Jodi.