I Have Autism And I Like To Play Bad Tennis: Vignettes and Insights from My Son’s Life

Reading the book once doesn't do justice. I couldn't help re-reading it a few times and now it remains always within the reach of my hand. It helps me understand and gives me insights to guide the kids I interact with as a Special Educator.Amazed at the courage of the author to pen this book and explain the aspects of a neurodiverse person and give many people tons of hope at the same time.This book I recommend is a must-read for all. The by-line on the cover page," Vignettes and Insights from My Son's Life", truly brings joy, hope, resilience, and a different outlook for us all in our lives.As written at the start of the book," an adorable toddler with golden curls a smile that could light up a room", is exactly what Noelism is and the book spotlights it in an endearing way. A golden glow in the reader's hearts is assured.Manisha

Debashis Paul’s , “I Have Autism and I Like To Play Bad Tennis” , documents the arduous and intriguing journey of raising his neurodivergent child Noel, through 26 years of his life.Inspite of having walked a path fraught with trials & tribulations, he has normalised it by comparing the journey to raising a neurotypical child.Insights and life lessons from the book can help any parent navigate parenting with ease.He elaborates how patience, empathy, persistence, passion and diligence lie at the core of his parenting style. How he has accepted and gauged the differences and nuances of Noel’s personality, created a safe space for him. This unique approach to parenting has helped Noel thrive and grow in his own way, in more ways than one.Debashis has further emphasised how important it is to provide structure in the routine of a neurodivergent child, who is extra-sensitive to changes, and functions well when adhering to a structured routine.This helped him navigate Noel’s bad days, outbursts, tantrums and anxiety issues.Managing Noel’s expectations, keeping his and his family’s sanity intact, managing his own demanding corporate career, has indeed been a tightrope walk, and he just had to be in the daily firefighting mode.The lucid style of narration facilitates ease of reading, and the fact that he found ample rewarding moments and celebration opportunities within the difficult parenting journey, creates parenting goals for everyone. It teaches everyone how important it is to embrace and understand neurodivergent individuals and accept their differences, be inclusive and supportive of their growth.A fantastic read for parents, as well as teenagers and young adults to understand their neurodivergent peers, learn diversity and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion is the cornerstone of sustainability and an integral part of holistic development in the world we live in, today.

The book held me captive. The writing is simple and clear and what stood out for me, was how Debashish focuses on the positive aspect of the entire journey as a father. Definitely his journey wasnt as easy as written in the book, but it portrays a beautiful journey of commitment and perseverence along with joy and happiness. I wouldnt say this book is only for parents with neurodiverse kids, but a must read for any parent who should understand the role of parenting. Every child is diverse and this helps a parent to accept their child for their diversity. Great work Debashish!

It's a story that will tug at your heartstrings, making you laugh, cry, and look at life from a unique perspective as Noel. Through his heartfelt storytelling, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where love, dedication, and acceptance know no bounds. The book will have you revisiting paragraphs several times, savouring every word and emotion conveyed. The raw honesty and genuine emotion that flow through every page will surely touch you and leave a lasting impact on your heart!

It is rare to see a father and son bond so deep and poignant even with parents of neurotypical children. Debashis has gone through the trouble of not only trying to see the world through his son's eyes but also to understand Noel's thought process.Too often, parents lose touch with their children due to a communication gap. Here the child doesn't have to say to the parent - "You don't understand", because the parent does.I have Autism and I like to play good bad tennis - is not only about the coming of age of Noel. It is also about the way Debashis Paul himself evolves as an empathetic person.I would say that this book should be a seminal reading for all parents and social workers working with neurodivergent children. This book is one of the rare attempts by a neurotypical person to enter the world of a neurodivergent child and instead of imposing their own norms, to try and work with their "normal.

What a heart touching story! Bringing up and Caregiving to a child with ASD is no easy task. It comes with a lot of challenges and stress. But reading this book gave me the understanding that Noel’s parents not only gave him guidance and advice; they also made the journey absolutely joyful for him by giving him loads of support and unconditional love. Also, Noel was such an amazing child! So straightforward, simple minded and honest!Reading this book helped me understand how to practice respectful parenting despite all the challenges that might come on the way.