Danny's People

'Virginia's love for her son Danny is an inspiring testament and a celebration of neurodiversity. This important book dismantles prejudice and shines with honesty and truth.' —Manni Coe, author of Brother. Do. You. Love. Me. ‘An impassioned plea for better provision for autistic people, as well as a moving and unsparing account of the joys and challenges of raising Bovell's autistic son… Danny’s People radiates with love and Bovell’s warm voice.’ —Jill Dawson, author The Great Lover 'A remarkable book that raises deep questions. Her [Virginia's] compassion for autistic people – in all their multiplicity – and the dedicated people who support them shines through. This book will inspire and educate.' —Prof Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge 'A beautifully written and searingly honest account of the highs and lows of raising a disabled child, as well as the very special people that can make a difference along the way. But more than that – this book is a must-read for anyone who would benefit from a critical and empathetic reflection on a range of debates and controversies in the field of autism.' —Professor Laura Crane, Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research at the University of Birmingham 'Virginia Bovell’s marvellous book goes to the heart of what it takes to parent a profoundly disabled young man. It charts with tremendous care and unflinching honesty the fearfully challenging health complications faced by her beloved son, Danny, but also the radiant joy that he inspires in so many. She carefully charts, and tries to resolve, the deep and often bad tempered debates surrounding autism, and reminds us of the raw realities of learning disabilities. She goes out of her way to celebrate the many people who have supported and helped Danny through thick and thin, and shares with us, in passages of luminous prose, the overwhelming love that she feels for her son, and the enormous gift that he offers in return. Danny's People is an important, honest and beautiful book. Highly recommended.' —Stephen Unwin, director and former chair of Kids 'A profound, insightful and deeply moving book, Danny’s People explores the human relationships that lie at the very core of any thriving life. Through a series of compelling moments, Virginia Bovell traces the extraordinary changes in our understanding of autism over the last two decades with exceptional subtlety and care. The result is not just one of the best recent contributions to autism research, but one of the most compelling books that I have read in many years.' —Liz Pellicano, Professor of Autism Research, UCL