ELIZA FRICKER is an author & illustrator, and an advocate & consultant for PDA, autism and learning.
She has published several books, including A Different Kind of Parenting, the Sunday Times Bestselling title Can’t Not Won’t, and the acclaimed autobiographical Thumbsucker.
Eliza offers a range of support for parents and educators on navigating autism and education, including one-to-one consultations, webinars, presentations, a podcast, and the enduring original Missing the Mark illustrations & blog.
MISSING THE MARK was launched in early 2020, when amongst continued struggles with gaining support and understanding within the English education system, Eliza began documenting her frustrations and experiences through her illustrations.
Not only an artistic expression of difference in today’s society, Missing the Mark aimed to serve as a thought provoking and valuable contribution to the visibility, acceptance and support of families like Eliza’s. An attempt to communicate difficult circumstances with teachers, educators, social workers, other parents and friends of those also experiencing these issues.
Building on a surge of gracious personal responses and industry acclaim, Missing The Mark evolved, alongside Eliza's parental journey, to offer much needed support in a broader capacity.
Eliza lives and works in Brighton & Hove on the South coast of England.
Eliza has received a number of supportive and heartfelt endorsements of her publications and illustrations from colleagues and readers.
Eliza, through some of our darkest times you were one of the few people who spoke sense and gave me and many others the clarity and strength to believe in ourselves and our children and move forward with courage.
Seeing your words and illustrations was, I think, the first time I realised I wasn't alone. I remember the feeling of seeing light in vast darkness.
Your blog is right on target in exposing your experiences of navigating society for a child with autism. You have my admiration!
“I cannot express how much every word resonates with me.”
“We came across your work when we were lost, bewildered and so alone. You showed us that others were going through the same experiences despite the schools pretended surprise that none of their accommodations were working.”
I shared your beautiful and thought-provoking illustrations with colleagues in education psychology today, we all agreed they helped us see the world differently through an important lens.
You capture the need to provide support and to witness without attribution of intention.
Thank you for giving us something most professionals have failed at, hope.
Eliza Fricker works extensively with other independent professionals, organisations and local authorities as an advocate, consultant and illustrator.
Collaborations and commissions include work with University of Cambridge, University of Leeds, University of Reading, University of Sussex, NHS England, Brighton & Hove City Council, Haringey Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Warwickshire County Council, Jessica King Publishers, Little Brown Book Group, Crown House Publishing, Routledge Publishing, Pallant House Gallery, National Autistic Society, Rethinking Education and Autistic Girls Network.
If you are interested in working with or commissioning Eliza in any capacity she would be very happy to discuss your projects and proposals. Please get in touch with any enquiries.
