Can I Tell You About Nystagmus?

Only 1% of British children’s books featuring a main character who is black or minority ethnic as highlighted in a report by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education 2018. (CLPE.ORG)

Nadine Neckles, Author of “Can I Tell you about Nystagmus?” was inspired to create an easy to read children’s story and resource to explain Nystagmus in simple terms. Nystagmus, an involuntary eye condition that has an incidence rate of 1 in 1000 people. Nystagmus can be congenital (born with) or be acquired. Anyone can develop Nystagmus. Nystagmus is the most common form of visual impairment among children.

Inspired by her own daughter who has Nystagmus, Nadine created the central character and point of inspiration ‘Amber’, a 7 year old, Black British girl born with the rare Chromosome condition 18q- and Nystagmus. Nadine said of the book, “It was important my daughter could connect with an identifiable character when the time comes to explain her condition, however there was nothing available – so I created one”

‘Amber’, despite her physical and social challenges enjoys life to the max in and out of school, all whilst in the knowledge that her ‘disability’ will not stop her from achieving her dream of being a ballerina footballer!

Peppered with helpful tips throughout, also included is a 30+ point checklist for teachers, families and professionals to use to continue to support someone with Nystagmus.

Alongside Amber, is a diverse mix of inspirational role models from the world of entertainment, sports and politics who have carved out successful careers alongside their eye condition, such as singer Black Eye Peas Apl.De.Ap, BBC TV Presenter Richard Osman and MP, Marsha De Cordova amongst others. Conscious to carry on the importance of diverse representation, those featured come from a range of cultural backgrounds including English, American and Fillipino.

The book is available online from Amazon and all good online retailers from 21st February 2019, Available to pre order now.