Ways to Be Me: The third powerful story of autism, empathy and kindness from the bestselling authors of Can You See Me?

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It's accessibly written, with a strong, courageous heroine (who just happens to be autistic) and an important message about accepting who you are. It would make a fine class read for the end of Year 6, as children need to confront the anxieties of growing up and the importance of taking responsibility for their actions.

Facing the pressures of maintaining her optimal academic grades whilst aiming to be the lead of the school play, Tally struggles to navigate Year Six. Tally’s subsequent inability to comprehend her emotions catalyses a confession from her parents Jennifer and Kevin: she has been given a diagnosis of ASD. Reading books can be relaxing and may help prevent anxious taught patterns that could interfere with a person’s sleep. The idea that using a mobile device, especially before bed, might be detrimental to sleep is not new. Caffeine is a stimulant. It stimulates wakefulness and can disrupt sleep patterns. It takes about 3-5 hours for the effects of caffeine to wear off. Therefore, it is best to avoid caffeine for at least 4 hours before going to bed. The temperature at which people feel the most comfortable varies, so it is important to experiment with different temperatures.Tally is not an angelic child. She can be difficult and demanding and she makes the same mistake as everyone else when she assumes things about other people and doesn't consider their reasons why. Life isn't always easy for her parents or her big sister, Nell as they try to help her navigate the choppy waters of school and friendship and identity. They get it wrong too, as do some of the teachers at school and this was something else that was really important to us. We want our readers to recognise Tally - either in themselves or a friend or sibling or classmate. We want them to go with her on her journey as she learns more about who she is. We want them to see that when things go wrong, there is always a reason and most of all we want them to understand that different is not scary.

Each day, choose no more than three tasks and make that your new to-do list. Then, ignore all but the first item. You may find that, with time, you can take on a longer to-do list. 8. Set attainable goals that excite you Taking a bath or shower can be relaxing and help prepare the body for sleep. It can also help improve temperature regulation before bed. Avoid fixating on the past and not letting yourself grow. One of the most unhealthy approaches to being oneself is to make a decision that who you are is defined by a moment or period of time, after which you spend the rest of your life trying to still be that person from the past rather than someone who is still you but grows with the passing of each season and decade. Allow yourself this space to grow, to improve, to become wiser. [2] X Research source Many people living with insomnia can lie in bed wondering how to fall asleep. When this happens, a person can try using the tips below. Some are long-term lifestyle changes, while others are short-term solutions to try at the moment. 1. Create a consistent sleeping pattern To practice gratitude , start by writing down three things you’re grateful for. These could be anything—from your morning coffee, to your pet, or even the comfortable chair you sit on.

10. Communicate kindly.

If you can, switch to a zero-carbon or renewable energy provider. Install solar panels on your roof. Be more efficient: turn your heating down a degree or two, if possible. Switch off appliances and lights when you are not using them and better yet buy the most efficient products in the first place (hint: this will save you money!). Insulate your loft or roof: you’ll be warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer and save some money too. And just when he thinks things can’t get much worse, he discovers that Dad has signed him up for a four-week drama club. In a hall, full of weird people. That smells of feet. Setting yourself goals and challenges, whether at work or outside, such as learning a new language or a new sport, can help build confidence. This may help you deal with stress.

You could try setting aside a couple of nights a week for some quality "me time" away from work. Challenge yourself This fictionalised portrayal of a young autistic girl is written by Rebecca Westcott, in close collaboration with Libby Scott, making it a truly original and inspirational book that will give readers of all ages a deeper understanding of what it's like to be autistic. Perfect for fans of The Goldfish Boy, Wonder and The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time. Author Anna Kemp introduces The Hollow Hills, the sequel to her dark magical tale, Into Goblyn Wood. However, it may be a good idea not to exercise too close to a person’s bedtime, as that may actually disrupt sleep. When taking on an exercise routine, it can be difficult to know where to start. Learn more here. 5. Avoid using your cell phone In a 2019 study, subjects who listened to music before bed reported sleeping better than those who did not.One of my goals was to write a book that showed the universality of certain life experiences. Most children know what it's like to feel anxious about transitioning to secondary school or going on a school residential trip and can relate to how Tally feels about these events. It was incredibly important to us that Tally is not 'other' - while her reactions may sometimes be more extreme than those of a neuro-typical child, there is always a reason for her responses. She just needs the people around her to be bothered enough to take the time to figure out why she does what she does. http://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/112/4/1232.full.pdf?__hstc=93655746.972fdd7a7debc8575bac5a80cf7e1683.1477353600071.1477353600072.1477353600073.1&__hssc=93655746.1.1477353600074&__hsfp=1773666937 A 2021 randomized trial study examining the impact of bedtime reading on sleep showed that sleep improved for 8-22% more people in the intervention group that read before bed compared to the control group that did not. It is Year 6, a time of considerable change and copious tests, with transition to senior school looming on the horizon. Ten-year-old Tally is finding it especially hard, with everyone around her growing up fast and knowing all the unspoken rules, apparently breezing through life without major difficulty.

Here’s a motivational quote to get you going: “You can either experience the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The choice is yours.” 10. Reflect on how far you’ve come From the bestselling author duo behind Can You See Me? comes this exceptional portrayal of autism diagnosis, with diary entries by 12-year-old autistic author Libby Scott.

Ways to be Me’ is recommended to all year groups within Key Stage Two, as themes of empathy and gradual transformation dominate this novel. Both themes are mirrored through her friendship with Miles, whose ASD varies. Their interactions aid ongoing understanding of Tally’s diagnosis and thus steadily becoming comfortable within herself. Other themes of socialisation and fitting in with her peers absolutely apply to all Key Stage Two children. Nevertheless, this novel reinforces that not all children handle situations similarly. Mistakes are a golden opportunity to learn and improve. When you commit one, ask yourself, “Why did I make this mistake? How can I avoid making the same mistake in the future?” Take a few minutes to close your eyes and remember your successes, however small—relive and feel into them.