Normal Schmormal: My occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs by Ashley Blaker

My occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs (Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, neurodivergence)

The heartwarming and hilarious part-memoir, part-guide from comedian and father-of-six Ashley Blaker, on parenting, adoption and raising children with special needs.

‘We had such a variety of experts visiting our home, we really needed a revolving door. All these professionals would watch our son playing while shaking their heads and making tutting sounds, like builders considering a bad job you wanted them to fix. “Tut tut tut. No speech, disordered social skills, sensory issues. This is going to cost you!!”’

Ashley Blaker has six children, three of whom have an SEN diagnosis. Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it’s certainly not what anyone would call a ‘normal’ household – but would he want it any other way?

Normal Schmormal is part-memoir, part how-to guide, highlighting the many challenges, as well as the hugely rewarding elements, of parenting children with additional needs. Written with humour, compassion and a lot of love, it’s a must-read for parents, carers and teachers of children with SEN, either looking for a bit of support or in need of a very big laugh.

Ashley Blaker is a comedian, writer and father.

He has performed two Off-Broadway shows and several programmes on BBC Radio 4 including his family comedy Ashley Blaker: 6.5 Children.

As a writer and producer for TV and radio, Ashley has worked with many considerably more successful comedians.

Normal Schmormal is his first book.