A Girl Like Tilly. Helen Bates

      “I am happy to endorse A Girl Like Tilly. Girls with ASD are looking for books based on personal experiences so that they can share and contrast their feelings with others. The age range for this group is particularly needed.”

      Professor Gillian Baird OBE, Vice President of the National Autistic Society, Vice President of Afasic and consultant in children’s neurodisability

      •

      “A charming tale about a little girl, which also features the narratives of Mum, Grandma, Teacher and Psychologist. Although autism is different in everyone, Tilly strongly resonated with me. I also like how timely the story is, as it mentions how the world is ‘learning more now about what autism looks like in girls’. A sweet, charming story that has been enhanced with hand-drawn illustrations.”

      Alis Rowe, Entrepreneur and Founder of The Curly Hair Project

      •

      “A Girl Like Tilly is a lovely story highlighting a girl’s journey with autism from birth through her school years. Tilly is like many girls I see in my practice – bright and gifted but socially confused and anxious, who is trying to find her place in a neurotypical world.”

      Danuta Bulhak-Paterson, Clinical Psychologist and author of I am an Aspie Girl: A book for young girls with autism spectrum conditions

      •

      “I absolutely loved this book. It is so beautifully illustrated and visually gives such a sense of Tilly’s world. We see so many small details of her life and learn why she is who she is. An informative, realistic yet positive read for all autistic girls and their families.”

      Sarah Hendrickx, autistic adult and author of Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder

      •

      “Anyone working with girls on the spectrum will treasure this book! It is easy to read and therefore suitable for children too. It provides very descriptive and well-presented information about how it is to be a girl on a spectrum. Ellen Li’s illustrations are excellent and accompany the text in a great manner.”

      Despina Giza, Med In Special Education Needs, Autism

      •

      “As someone who was once a girl very much like Tilly, I found the main character’s journey relatable and her reactions spot on. For girls who are just discovering that they are on the spectrum, Tilly’s story is both an icebreaker and a comforting reassurance that there are other girls just like them.”

      Cynthia Kim, author of Nerdy, Shy and Socially Inappropriate: A User Guide to an Asperger Life

      •

      This book was written as a testament to a young woman’s courage and to honour her experiences.

      It is for girls and women, their families, friends and carers where autism is a concern.

      It is also for those professionals who seek to better understand the nature of female autism.

      A Girl Like Tilly

      Growing up with Autism

      Helen Bates

      Illustrated by Ellen Li

      Everyone agrees that Tilly is a lovely baby.

      But, like all new arrivals, she keeps everyone on their toes.

      “Mmmmm,” says Mum, “Tilly really doesn’t like to be on her own but she’s not too keen on cuddling either.”

      Grandad is taking photos.

      “She’s lost in her daydreams again,” says Grandma.

      “I think she likes her very own secret world best,” says big brother Tim.

      “I’ll jolly her along,” says Grandad. “I’ll give her a big hug.”

      But Tilly has already run away.

      “Never mind,” says Grandma. “I expect you’re a bit prickly. I think she’d like to go tadpoling with you instead.”

      Tilly is learning about lots of things very quickly.

      Everyone thinks she is very clever and will love going to school. She can remember the names of all her brother’s toy cars.

      But when will she learn to ride her bike?

      However, when she starts school, Tilly doesn’t like it at all. She would much rather be at home with Mum, where everything is safe and she knows what’s what. School is all new and strange and there’s lots of noise and funny smells. In fact, it’s rather frightening.

      “She’s just Little Miss Shy,” says the teacher.