Joanne Pasquale - A Positive Result: One Boy With Down Syndrome and a Mum Who Refused to Let Others Tell Her What He Could or Couldn’t Ac

First Edition 2018
First Published in the United Kingdom by Summertime Publishing
Copyright Joanne Pasquale

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publishers prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

ISBN 978-1-9998808-2-8

Design by Joseba Attard
Cover image: iStock.com/AnikaSalsera

For my gang Cliff, Sam, Lou and of course JJ.

xx

Take the M for me and the Y for you

out of family and it all falls through.

Billy Bragg

M for Me

PRAISE FOR THIS BOOK

Joanne Pasquale takes her reader on a heartfelt emotional journey through the pages of her book A Positive Result. Undoubtedly parents who have a child with Down syndrome will relate to many of the situations Joanne so openly and eloquently shares in her book. Readers unfamiliar with the journey of raising a child with different needs will hopefully come away with more awareness of the fight and challenges parents face dealing with everything from friends to the establishment.

As I began reading this book I was quickly drawn in and found it hard to put down. It was easy to connect with her as she continually fought for Jamie and all he deserves. My personal favourite memory was the dinner at home with friends and the look. Joanne has a talent for painting an image so well you feel youre at their table as its unfolding.

I found A Positive Result to be thought-provoking, honest and very refreshing!

Through reading Joannes memoirs and the experiences she encounters with various people (medical staff, family, friends, schools and support service) it inevitably highlights where we are succeeding as a community, but more importantly where we have room for tremendous growth and opportunity to reflect on our value system.

Christine Elliott

Manager for the Down Syndrome Research Foundation UK (www.dsrf-uk.org)

Jo shouldnt be surprised at the interest in this book, its a rare gem, and has something for everyone to relate to. Jos book cant change the past, but it can help shape the future, and should be given to every professional involved with screening programmes as bedtime reading.

Bringing up a child with Down syndrome in a world where disability discrimination is so entrenched that its unrecognisable, has not been easy for anyone Ive met. I laughed and cried as I read, so glad Jo stole the time over the years to write it all down. I didnt feel brave, Jo tells us, but isnt that the essence of parenthood; its not about feeling brave, its about that parental bond, the one which drives us to do what we have to? Poo happens, we deal with it, and we move on. Hope thats not giving away too much of the plot?

Lynn Murray

Down syndrome advocate with Dont Screen Us Out (www.dontscreenusout.org)
Saving Down syndrome (www.savingdownsyndrome.org)
Huffington Post blogger

~

This extraordinary love story of a hilariously stroppy mother, her wonderful son Jamie and their firmly supportive family, will keep you hastily turning the pages from start to finish. Its a triumphant tale of an anything-but-ordinary family, who both hilariously and sometimes very sadly stumble through everyday tasks and situations, weaving their way and setting their own course. This book is witty, gritty and beautifully written, a testament to a mothers fiercely enduring love for her son, and a shining beacon of humour to those of us making our way through the fog.

Youll laugh, youll cry, and youll be utterly exhausted when its over. Welcome to the world of Joanne and her fabulous family.

Sue Tulloch

Proud parent of a young man with Down syndrome

Finally, a book about Down syndrome!

I was hooked on this raw and honest account of having a child with additional needs. The theme that stays true throughout is Jamie is just one child with additional needs and this is the story of their family. Jo doesnt hold back in sharing her frustrations at friends, anger at the system and worries for the future, but most of all, you feel the love, patience, and dedication she has for all her children.

As an educator to other educators, I recommend you read this to be less quick-to-judge parents. But also as a parent myself to a child with additional needs, I recommend this book it will be like talking to the friend you wished you had by your side for both the achievements and challenges, the highs and lows.

It will make you feel all the emotions a good book should, but you will also walk away with knowledge that can hopefully help promote understanding and acceptance of people with additional needs. You can feel what it is like to walk a day in Jamie and Jos shoes.

Max Simpson

Founder and Vocational Programme Coordinator, Steps with Theera

a vocational training programme for people with special educational needs,
Bangkok, Thailand (www.stepswiththeera.com)

I have worked in the field of SEN for thirty-six years, the last twenty of which have been as head teacher of Treetops School in Essex, UK.

I was honoured and humbled to be asked by Jo to write a brief review of this book. I was further humbled on many occasions throughout the book by the honesty and integrity contained in the text. Every professional health, education or social care should read this to better understand the world from the perspective of the parent of a child with SEN of any kind.

It has made me re-think and re-evaluate the way I work and confirmed for me that I chose the best job in the world. Our children and young adults are amazing. It is time for the wider world to understand and accept this.

Paul Smith

Head teacher, Treetops School, specialist school and college, Essex, UK

(www.treetopsschool.org)

~

A wonderfully warm and honest account of the highs and lows of loving a child with special needs.

An excellent read for any professional person who works with young people with additional needs. A great tool to facilitate professionals in understanding some of the challenges and lifestyles of families with children who have special needs.

You will laugh and cry along with the brave journey the family have been on.

A wonderful support for new parents to show that there is light and hope at the end of the tunnel, along with the proudest of moments and achievements, and a reminder for us as educators to remove the ceiling in what young people can achieve. A must-have book for any parent or educator.