A University of Staffordshire student has published a book about her experiences with autism in a bid to support neurodivergent families
I wanted to write the book that I wish I had had...Even if it just helps one person, it will have been worth it.
Sophie Deegan-Brooks has been on both sides of the diagnosis – as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and as the mother of a five-year-old non-verbal autistic daughter.
The 28-year-old, from Crewe, was inspired to write down her story while studying BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling and has self-published a memoir 'This Is What Autism Looks Like'.
She hopes the book will offer practical advice and reassurance to other people navigating autism.
“On my course, we do a reflective journal and the more I was writing it, the more a light bulb started to flicker,” Sophie explained. “Eventually I thought, you know what? I’m just going to have to write a book.
“I wanted to write the book that I wish I had had. And to show a realistic portrayal of family life with a neurodivergent child and mother. It's got practical information about all the paperwork, schools, behaviours, struggles, and everything in between.
“I hope the book will help other people by giving them strategies and ideas that might make their lives easier. Even if it just helps one person, it will have been worth it.”
Sophie was misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder as a teenage before receiving an autism diagnosis two years ago, after starting counselling. She believes that stereotyped ideas about autism can make it harder for women and girls to receive a diagnosis.
“Because I’m classed as high functioning it made it more difficult to spot. A lot of autism studies have focused on males and their traits and symptoms. Women and girls can mask symptoms a lot better, so it’s harder for professionals to diagnose.”
Sophie was out of education for nearly a decade before completing an access course applying to University of Staffordshire and has fully embraced the experience.
Alongside her studies and writing, she volunteers with the YMCA and works as Wellbeing and Inclusion Officer at the University.
Now in the final year of her degree, Sophie’s dissertation focuses on autism, romantic relationships and adoption. After graduating next summer, she hopes to progress onto a PhD in clinical psychology.
“I've always been really fascinated by the way the mind works and why people do things they do. I think that's possibly part of my autism because I want to understand it better,” Sophie explained.
“I cannot fault University of Staffordshire, there is so much support. You can speak to any of the lecturers, and if you've got any issues you can contact the various support teams and they'll get back to you in no time at all.”
Sophie added: “When I was younger, I didn’t think I was very academic I never imagined that I would go to university. But everyone works at their own pace – so if you’ve got that inkling, go for it!”
'This Is What Autism Looks Like' is available to buy on Amazon.
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