This week I’m joined by Ashley Blaker. Ashley is a dad of 6, that’s right 6 kids. Two of his children are autistic, and he also has an adopted daughter who has Down Syndrome. As well as being a dad, Ashley is a comedian and writer and has been part of numerous TV and radio shows such as Little Britain, V Graham Norton, and Fantasy Football League, as well as two Off-Broadway shows.

Ashley recorded a BBC Radio 4 show with his family, Ashley Blaker 6.5 Children, which is part stand-up, part documentary, where they discuss parenting, adoption, and raising children with special needs.

This has led to his new book, Normal Schmormal which he describes as his occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs.

It’s a part memoir, part how-to guide, sharing the challenges as well as the many rewarding and happy moments of parenting children with additional needs. I found the book insightful and funny in equal measure, and well worth a read for any family with SEN in their lives.

We get to talk about the journey Ashley and his family have been on and the complicated juggling of such a large family with contrasting needs. From the endless meetings and appointments to the battles with the schooling system. The progress his kids have made, learning to ignore the idiots, and Ashley’s hopes for the future.

I loved getting to know more about Ashley and his family, and I’m sure you will too.

Let me know what you thought about the episode in the comments.

To find out more about Ashley and his work head over to his website

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storiesaboutautism.substack.com

Ashley Blaker: Normal Schmormal

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