A girl whose powerful words last year offered a profound insight into what being autistic is like is now the co-author of an already best selling novel.
Libby Scott, 11, from Bromley, has been invaluable in helping people better understand autism ever since her mum shared a story she wrote.
Mum Kym tweeted Libby’s 'The Life of a Perfectionist' in July, which has since been retweeted by 22,000 accounts and liked 55,000 times.
My autistic 10yr old daughter, who hardly ever chooses to read or write, banged this out on the computer yesterday. She’d be over the moon & maybe inspired to write more often if it got some likes & RTs. pic.twitter.com/XjwjCJS8PS
— Kym Scott (@kymscott5) July 15, 2018
This response, which included kind words from established authors, was wonderful for Libby’s self-belief.
FULL STORY HERE: Bromley girl wins hearts and praise for her 'terrific' writing about living with autism
She is now the co-author of newly released 'Can You See Me', a novel exploring the frustrations of a young girl who is misunderstood by friends because of her autism.
Many opportunities presented themselves after Kym’s tweet, most of them declined, but Libby’s mum said this novel felt right.
Finished this on the bus this morning by @WestcottWriter and @BlogLibby. It’s genuinely incredible. Feels like a really, really special addition to MG writing. A moving, realistic, funny, no holds barred yet accessible insight into autism and school transition. PERFECT for Y6. pic.twitter.com/AqOHO1z9aJ
— Ashley Booth (@MrBoothY6) May 17, 2019
"It was such a brilliant idea," she told News Shopper. "Libby wrote the diary entries in the story of the character.
"She also helped develop the plot and characters and had great ideas, such as deciding the dog should have a disability.
"Scholastic came up with the original idea and although the girl in the story is Libby’s age it’s clearly fiction and it’s not her life exposed.
"I’m very happy with how carefully it was thought out."
The book, already an Amazon bestseller since its release this month, was co-written by children’s author Rebecca Westcott, who immediately struck a bond with Libby.
Thanks to @BlogLibby @WestcottWriter and @scholasticuk for this wonderful book. A good read and a great tool for teaching people about autism. Recommended reading for parents, teachers and older children. Made me understand my son a little better. pic.twitter.com/9gfdjbk3AQ
— Beverley Rouse (@PABeverleyRouse) May 17, 2019
Having autism is described by Libby as a love hate relationship, and she said problems arise because of other people’s misperceptions.
She added: "For every person who understands autism better another autistic person will be happier, and I hope this book helps that to happen."
This was reiterated by Kym, who said Libby’s words have started an important dialogue.
She told News Shopper: "People have seen themselves represented in what Libby has written, both adults and children.
"I have had parents come up to me in tears who said they misunderstood so much. They focused on behaviour of autistic children rather than the anxiety and stress behind it.
"It has helped parents and teachers understand why they need to stay calm and know that it’s not something a child does intentionally
"That’s pretty magical to me and I’ve learned a lot from Libby."
Libby spent her life feeling differently to other people and often felt like a burden, as poignantly described in 'The Life of a Perfectionist'.
The reaction of her words has helped her self-esteem and her mum explained the positive changes she has noticed in her daughter.
"She has changed so much since last summer," she said. "She is much happier going to school and has been given massive confidence.
"Her friends understand her in a different way now. She obviously still has her struggles but this has been amazing for her confidence."
Thank you for helping to write such a great book! I am reading it with my 11-yr-old daughter, Darcy, who also has ASD. She loves it because it sounds like her- ‘that’s me mum’ is all I hear when we’re reading it! Recommended it today to another mum who I know will benefit x
— claire eden (@clairesey76) May 16, 2019
Ironically, Libby wasn't a "great fan of writing words", a key reason why her mum tweeted her story in the first place, hoping some fellow teachers would offer some encouragement.
Libby is now excited about day to day life and has the belief that she can achieve anything in the future.
The humble young author, who remains convinced her writing is nothing extraordinary, will be at a book signing for 'Can You See Me' at Bromley's Waterstones on June 22 at 3pm.
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