"A Painful Gift" by Chris Goodchild

A Book Review by Alain English

 

I first came across Chris Goodchild over a year ago at a poetry event called Survivor's Poetry.  This regular event was created by people with experience of the mental health system.  Hearing about my Asperger's, the host introduced me to Chris Goodchild.

 

Chris lives in London as a teacher of Alexander Technique was diagnosed as an adult in his thirties.  I have met him a few times both at poetry readings and he has given me a few lessons in Alexander technique.  One of his songs about his Asperger's is "You laugh at me 'cause I'm different, I laugh at you 'cause you're all the same".  It was a privilege to be able to read his words and discover where he came from.

 

Chris grew up in London with foster parents and his early years he struggled through his school, against the barriers of his as-yet unknown condition and his alcoholic mother.  Chris details his harrowing life story in a very positive and life-affirming way, and with a notable lack of bitterness.  Chris frames his story with references to the Bible, as he believes his involvement with religion or more generally spirituality, have helped relieve some of the pan associated with his condition. 

 

The result is a very moving story that gets right to the emotional core of living with autism and many of us on the spectrum could relate to these experiences.

 

Chris Goodchild will be making an appearance at ALAG on 7th April where he will be contributing to the discussion on "Growing Up With Aspergers".

 

"A Painful Gift" by Chris Goodchild is available from Tesco and from Amazon. His website is available at http://s261113093.websitehome.co.uk/.