Book review: Developing Ellie

14 February 2025

Our librarian, Jan, reviews ‘Developing Ellie 0-36 Months: bringing a profoundly disabled child to life’ by Cate Gibbons

Book review: Developing Ellie

14 February 2025

Our librarian, Jan, reviews ‘Developing Ellie 0-36 Months: bringing a profoundly disabled child to life’ by Cate Gibbons

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I really enjoyed reading this one, it’s so full of hope and positivity. This is a really special autobiography. I feel in awe of this mum who was determined to do everything in her power to make sure her daughter flourished when faced with a devastating diagnosis.

Soon after her daughter was born, Cate realised something was wrong. Her first instinct was to stimulate her baby as much as possible in the hope of giving her every possible chance. This book takes you through the ups and downs of daily stimulation and exercises; celebrates the amazing support they received, as well as the not so great side of seeking professional help out there; through the tests and treatments, illnesses, hospital stays and changes in diagnosis. Ellie was finally diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia at around 9 months old.

This is a story of first time responses, of milestones achieved, of sacrifices made, of grief for what should have been, of breakthroughs and just what can be achieved with love and determination.

Janet Pugh

Cerebra Librarian

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