A FORMER Ninestiles Academy pupil has published a book about life at school with Asperger’s syndrome.
Madeleine Levy put pen to paper and wrote When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Cat: Surviving the education system with Asperger’s which not only tells her story of school life but also of nine others like her.
Madeleine was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of eight.
She says the book is supportive not only for those with autism and their family but also anyone who is facing struggles because they are different.
She added: “My book is a beacon of hope for autistic individuals as it promotes the message that individuals with long-term health conditions can achieve great things in society.
“I wrote the book because historically I don’t think there has been enough support for young people with autism in education settings.
“Only recently has the government developed training courses on understanding Autism and these are not mandatory.
“I want mandatory training in all education settings across the board.”
After her time at the Acocks Green school Madeleine went on to study at Queen Mary University of London and has also completed an occupational therapy degree.
She also founded the Alternative Voices Theatre Company in 2014, which aired a radio play with an all autistic cast that was aired over lockdown in 2020 on Switch radio Birmingham.
Alex Hughes, principal at Ninestiles said: “It’s always great to hear what former students are up to and everyone at Ninestiles offers Madeleine a huge congratulations on the publication of When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Cat.”
