Why I Wrote This Book/ blog

 

By Sara Jane Gorman

This book/blog is very important to me because I have lived with learning difficulties and mental health problems. I want to raise awareness for others who face the same or similar challenges. I hope this book helps people understand these experiences better, whether you live with them yourself, or you simply want to learn more.

Sometimes, people judge you instead of helping you. That’s one of the reasons I started writing this book/ blog, and, later, this book.

Over the years, I’ve worked with many groups and organizations. I’ve met children, parents, teachers, and people with different disabilities. I’ve listened to their stories—and without knowing it, they have helped me shape the words you are reading now.

This book is about real people. People with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, anxiety, and physical disabilities. It talks about how these conditions affect everyday life and how we can support one another with kindness and understanding.

Inside, you’ll find:

• Stories

• Poems

• Helpful tips

• Easy words and pictures, to make it accessible to more people.

Some parts of the book talk about difficult topics, like bullying, feeling sad, or self-harm. These are real issues that many people go through. If any of these parts upset you, it’s okay to take a break, skip them, or talk to someone you trust.

This book is for everyone—students, families, teachers, and friends. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be open and willing to listen and learn.

Thank you for reading with me. I hope this book helps you see the world more kindly.

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Living with a Learning Disability

It’s not easy to be understood when you have a learning disability. Sometimes, it’s hard just to make yourself heard. That’s why I’m writing—to share what my disability feels like day to day, and the support that can truly make a difference.

This blog and book are for anyone involved in disability and mental health—whether you’re learning, working, or caring for others.

People of all ages—babies, children, teenagers, adults, middle-aged, and elderly—can have disabilities and face different challenges. But we all want the same thing:
To live our lives fully and be treated just like everyone else.

For most of my adult life, I’ve followed the Mencap website to learn more about the facts around disability. I once read that many people with a learning disability only lived to around 50 years old. But I’m proud to say that I’m now 55—and I believe there are many others like me, living longer, healthier lives.

That’s why good support is so important. People with learning disabilities deserve:

• Access to healthcare

• Annual health checks

• The chance to live long, healthy, and happy lives—wherever we are in the world.

Just like everyone else.