'A beautifully written and wonderful insight into the challenges, and yes the rewards of autism. We all need to read this book and be inspired by its uplifting message.' Jon Snow
'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 the Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge
Moving and deeply thoughtful, Virginia Bovell writes about happiness and struggle with an evenly light touch. She has managed to entwine politics and heart, theory and lived experience so simply and seamlessly that each seems inseparable from the other. At last! Sally Phillips
'Virginia's love for her son Danny is an inspiringtestament and a celebration of neurodiversity. This important bookdismantles prejudice and shines with honestyand truth.' Manni Coe, author ofBrother. Do. You. Love. Me.
'A book of fierce compassion, wisdom, and love inspirational.' Dr Gavin Francis, author of Adventures in Human Being
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 Dannys Peopleradiates with love and Bovells warm voice. Jill Dawson, authorThe Great Lover
'Virginia and I first met when we took on the mammoth task of setting up a school for autistic children in the late 90s. Dannys People is both a rollercoaster of emotion and a wonderful resource. It confronts a question that haunts parents like Virginia and me: who will look after our children when were no longer around? Dr Anna Kennedy OBE, author ofNot Stupid
'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 Bovells 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, Dannys 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
'Virginia's humanity, warmth and dedication to doing whatever she can to help those who are marginalised and particularly those with learning difficulties or who get the label of autism, shine through. Her son Danny's life and experience leaps out of the pages helping the reader see into the uniqueness of the world he inhabits and beyond the superficiality of sympathy and stereotypes.' Dr Sami Timimi, author ofThe Myth of Autism
