Normal Schmormal cover art

Normal Schmormal

My occasionally helpful guide to parenting kids with special needs

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About this listen

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.

‘A funny, irreverent and loving book’ Daily Express

‘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.

©2023 Ashley Blaker Children's Health Fatherhood Parenting & Families People with Disabilities Relationships Special need Funny Comedy Witty Adoption Health
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I’ve never felt so seen as a parent! Great book. Highly recommend to all parents with kids who differ from the norm.

Loved this

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Written with an incredible balance of humour, heart and helpful reminders that as parents were all trying really hard, this is a brilliant read.

Laugh out loud funny, but enormously helpful too.

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A brilliant book, that honestly gave me much needed advice, especially when you’re so new to the world of SEN.

It made me emotional at times, but Ashley’s humour made it feel much more lighthearted. Most importantly this book gave me much needed hope and I’m sure it will for many others.

Informative, emotional but also gives much needed hope!

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Being the parent of an autistic child myself this book proved to real help. It is funny, insightful and knowledgeable.

Great book

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I loved it. An insiders view of parenting a diverse family written with love and humour.

Great insight into SEND

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