Spalding author James Wand set to talk at Spalding Library about top selling book Autism and ADHD - A Father’s Perspective

A father whose book about autism is currently a top seller will be giving a talk at a town library and hopes to form a support group.

Inspired by his family’s experiences, James Wand, a plumber from Spalding, has written Autism and ADHD – A Father’s Perspective and be holding a meet and greet at Spalding Library.

The author asked Janet Corcoran, who received an MBE for 30 years of service working for people with autism, to review his book and is keen to get the message out for changes in how mainstream education deals with neurodivergence.

Mr Wand said: “I knew there was a need for other parents’ voices to be heard and I am taken aback by the level of parents and children in the same situation.

“I had a meeting with John Hayes MP and we had a really good chat, he was very compassionate and understanding.

“He acknowledged that the education system does not meet all the needs of youngsters and has kindly highlighted the issues in his column.”

The talk will centre around the book, published by Grosvenor House Publishing, and encourage readers such as parents and carers to share similar journeys.

Mr Wand said: “Book sales have gone really really well and my contact at the publishers is excited.

“The feedback I have got from other parents and professionals is actually quite amazing.

“I want to push the message to say to people the issue is massive.”

At the meet and greet Mr Wand and his wife Emily will be available for a chat about their children’s experiences with ADHD and autism and the challenges they have faced in mainstream education.

The couple’s daughter Mia (13) has been diagnosed with autism, their son George (9) has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and is on the autism pathway.

Mr Wand said: “The event is for any parents in the area who feel alone and might want to have a tea and coffee and refreshments will be provided.

“I want to canvas for interest in a local support group and use this as an opportunity to come in and talk to us.

“It would be nothing official just to meet up for a drink.”

Mr Wand has met with Gordon Forsyth, chairperson of Parents and Autistic Children Together (PAACT) and committee member of Lincolnshire Autism Society who has invited him to help with some training to parents and to the autism conference in Lincoln in November to have a stall and talk to parents.

He has also discussed the book on a podcast called Inspired Men Talk and will be giving a talk for the charity Little Miracles.

Mr Wand added: “I have organised to go into a primary school to talk to parents, teachers and assistants to gather thoughts as we are thinking about approaching schools to try and inform the staff of how important it is to approach things in a different way.”

The meet and greet event takes place at Spalding Library on Saturday, June 8 from 10am- 12pm.

Autism and ADHD A Father’s Perspective is available in paperback and as an ebook from Amazon and Waterstones.

What do you think? Post your comments below…