LINCOLN, UK:  A young writer with autism is putting the finishing touches to her first novel at her Lincoln home.

Laura Would was diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was eight, but struggled to get the extra help she needed when the diagnosis was ignored by her primary school.

Now 16, Laura began writing at about the same age she was told she had ASD and now feels it gives her a release from the elements of the world she does not understand.

Laura's mother, Kate Would, said: "The writing helped her take control of the situation and she is so focused on it. I hope this inspires other people with autism to do things."
 
Currently running at 851 pages, the book is set in Stalinist Russia between 1937-38 and follows the life of a peasant woman Belia who falls in love with a wealthy businessman who has ties to the communist party.

Mrs Would, who - along with husband, Andrew - works from home, said: "Everything has to be completely historically accurate so she will take ages looking into certain bits to make sure they are right."

Laura's interest in Russia began in 2006. And at 15, she travelled to the country to research her book, visiting St Petersburg and Novgorod.

"I taught myself to read Russian and I can recognise all the symbols," said Laura. "I work on my book for about eight hours a day and I am always thinking about it. I write it in breaks at school and late at night. I would tell other people in my situation to just keep at it and not give up."

(Source:  Lincolnshire Echo, June 2, 2009)