A Crewe mum has written a book about autism to help families feel less alone and give children the understanding she wishes she had received growing up.

Sophie Deegan Brooks, who was diagnosed with autism later in life, spent four months writing This Is What Autism Looks Like after struggling to find a book that reflected her own experiences.

The self-published book explores life as an autistic woman raising a neurodivergent daughter, offering an honest account of family life alongside practical advice.

Sophie, who is married and has one child of her own and three stepchildren, has lived in Crewe for around 14 years after moving to the town aged 16.

She initially lived at the YMCA Cheshire, which became a defining part of her life. She has since returned to volunteer at the organisation, describing it as a family she never wants to leave.

Sophie told Nub News: "I moved here when I was 16 and lived in the YMCA. It was a massive part of my life, especially the YMCA.

"As soon as I was ready to move out of the YMCA, I thought, 'Let's stay in Crewe,' because it became my home."

Her book was inspired by her experiences of motherhood and the challenges of understanding her own neurodivergence.

Sophie believes her late diagnosis has helped her recognise and support her daughter in ways she was never supported as a child.

Currently studying Psychology and Counselling at university, Sophie explained she had learned to mask her autistic traits growing up, meaning her autism went unnoticed, despite her twin brother also being autistic.

"I wanted to write a book that I wish I had had when I became a mum," she said.

"I think it's a book that will help people understand neurodivergence in a different light, because it's a bit different to what's portrayed in the media.

"It's honest. There are no stereotypes, no over-exaggerations, or under-exaggerations. It's literally the raw truth about a neurodivergent family, what we go through, and what I go through as a late-diagnosed autistic woman."

For Sophie, the book is about more than sharing her own story. It is about helping her daughter grow up with the understanding and support she missed out on.

"Being autistic helps me understand my daughter a lot better, obviously being the same as her," she said.

"I can give her the help that I didn't get, because I could mask it when I was a child, so they didn't think I was autistic."

Sophie hopes the book will help other autistic people feel seen, while giving parents and relatives a better understanding of their loved ones.

She wrote it during a break from university after spotting a gap in the market. Despite having only a little help with editing, she completed the project herself.

"I didn't think I could possibly do that; I didn't think it was possible to self-publish a book on your own," she said.

"I mean, I had a tiny bit of help with editing, but apart from that, I did it all myself."

The book is currently available on Amazon, with Sophie hoping to get it into Waterstones and other bookshops.

Sophie wants readers to understand both her story and her daughter's, and to recognise that every neurodivergent family has its own experiences.

This Is What Autism Looks Like is available to buy on Amazon HERE. Sophie also hopes to get the book in local book shops.

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