Cindy Dowling

 Why did you write Lessons From My Child?

It was a project I stumbled across by chance and very quickly became passionate about. Having a son with autism had obviously made me a firm advocate for the disabled and their families, and I was all too well aware of the lack of parent-focused information available. When Benny Thomas put an announcement in my son's special school newsletter asking for parents of disabled children to tell their stories for a book she was hoping to put together, I jumped at the chance. As I got to know both the project and Benny better, I realised I could contribute perhaps a little more than just a story. Before I knew it, I was co-editor.

How would you summarise your book's key message?

That parents of special needs children are not alone, no matter how often they may feel that way. Having a child diagnosed with a disability is one of the most emotionally devastating experiences a person can have. It is so important that people in that terrible situation realise - and hopefully take some comfort from the fact - that everything they are feeling and experiencing has been shared by many other parents around the world.

Based on feedback you've received, does any section or aspect of the book appeal to people in particular?

The honesty and poignancy of the parent's stories seem to what captivates most readers. The stories are from ordinary people telling it the way it is, without the sugar-coating and sentimentalising that sometimes occurs when people start talking about disability. Real people, real emotions. Even readers without disabled children comment on how moving the stories are. The topic introductions from [psychologist] Neil Nicoll have also been very well received. Readers have commented how Neil's words of wisdom and professional expertise is a perfect counterpoint to the high emotion of the parents' contributions.

Any final advice for readers?

There are two ways to approach Lessons From My Child. One is as an honest and unique parenting guide to coping with a disabled child. The other is as an insight into the strength of the human spirit and the endless capacity every parent has to love their children. Whichever approach you take, I sincerely hope you enjoy the journey.