Boy Called Arsenal

by Alan J Hill

A Boy Called Arsenal is an honest and emotional true story about a man who, after a life-long battle with mental and physical problems, finally became diagnosed with autism at the age of forty-nine in 2011. The catalyst for his diagnosis was his daughter's attempted suicide, which drove this troubled man to finally get the help he needed. Arsenal grew up in Liverpool and became obsessed with Arsenal Football Club as a young boy. At the age of twenty-three, he changed his name by deed poll to Arsenal Whittick. The book is based on a series of recordings of conversations between the author and Arsenal as well as discussions with his ex-wife and his two daughters. Using extracts from a variety of sources including medical letters, personal letters and football reports, A Boy Called Arsenal is a heart-warming and triumphant story of a life-changing diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

200 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Sam Whittick · Rating 5 out of 5]

i may be biased because arsenal is my dad...(!!)
but what a great read. i really recommend giving it a read if you have an interest in autism, mental health, the challenges of everyday life, family life etc. it isn’t a football book as some may think, it just has themes of football throughout as football is a major part of my dads life. he’s a true hero.

[Jemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

'A Boy Called Arsenal' is a compelling, emotional biography of Arsenal Whittick who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 49 in 2011, after spending those 49 years battling mental difficulties and self-abuse issues. The catalyst for his diagnosis was his oldest daughter's attempted suicide, which led him to get the help he needed to start to understand himself and his autism.

I know Arsenal Whittick, having worked with him from 2011 to 2012, shortly after his diagnosis of autism. Reading the book and discovering the details of what was going on for him in the background was very moving. He is an open chap, and had been forthcoming in telling me whilst at work the reason for his diagnosis and why his wife was divorcing him, but I could never have imagined his real struggle and the difficulties of his home life.

This biography is one of triumph and self-acceptance on a backdrop of life-changing diagnosis and treatment. Arsenal is incredibly positive and often says how happy he is, but how he got to this point is a real testament to his strength of character.

I enjoyed that the biography was told through transcripts of interviews with Arsenal and his family, letters from family and doctors, and even football game reports. This is not a book about football but about Arsenal's all-consuming obsession as one manifestation of his autism and a very important part of his story.

[Paul Foote · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Boy Called Arsenal is a very insightful, honest and illuminating portrait of a man who has struggled and lived unknowingly with Autism for most of his life, and without the knowledge of a diagnosis, has faced many challenges which hopefully others will manage to avoid on the future. I'd had the pleasure of meeting Arsenal during an Autism Wessex introduction when I first joined the company and he relayed some of the information mentioned in this book, yet even still, there was so much more I wanted to know, questions to ask and view points to seek. Fortunately, Alan Hill has asked these for me and in reading A Boy Called Arsenal, we learn of how it has impacted Arsenal and those around him. Mostly told in an interview, dictated style, it is easy to read (although I don't mean this in a contextual way) and i feel the book has the potential to inspire others, with autism or not, and help us address how we react to autism in our society and to improve the provisions offered to those who need it. A fantastic, emotionally moving and shockingly honest read.

[Sophie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone with autism this book was incredibly affirming and whilst every autistic person is different, we share a lot in common. I commend Arsenal's bravery and vulnerability sharing his story, I think its incredibly important that we make sure autistic voices are heard from all across the spectrum. I would highly recommend this book if you are autistic yourself, love someone who is autistic, work with autistic children and adults or generally want to understand autism more. This book will help you understand, not just how autism affects the individual, but also, if left without support, how it affects everyone around them including family. This book does an amazing job at highlighting the importance of autism acceptance, timely diagnosis and support for the individual and their loved ones.

[Jessica Woodrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased as I worked with Arsenal for some time and know how inspiring he is. I've seen him 'in action' helping others and he truly is a hero. This book is such an insight into how autism has influenced Arsenal's outlook on life and how it has impacted his family. As a sibling of someone with autism, and as someone who works with children with special needs, 'A Boy Called Arsenal' is such a valuable insight into their world. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in neurodiversity.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most emotional books I’ve ever read. Arsenal is the most amazing and inspirational person I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. Every chapter either made me laugh or cry. I personally don’t know anyone who has autism but I feel like I understand it in such a deeper level and can really sympathise with Arsenals actions and way of thinking. I am so thankful I got to learn about such a strong, inspiring and beautiful family!

[Zeffery Soo · Rating 5 out of 5]

this went straight up in my 'top 10 books of my life', by many factors. more or less have changed my perspective and awareness towards people in general. written by a great author and an eye opener, at least for me.

[Dave Clowea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing book, particularly for someone learning from their own autism assessment.

[Melanie Greenham · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of most inspirational books I’ve ever read. Must become a film to highlight the impact Autism has , not just on the autistic person but the people around them. Frank and honest life story of a truly amazing man.