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Resources

Resources

One of the simplest and most effective ways to look after yourself – or someone you’re close to – is by understanding why we feel the way we do and learning how to handle it.

To help you in your journey, we’ve curated a list of some of the most useful resources and websites you can access in order to learn more about a diagnosis or what it is that makes us anxious, how we can help to lessen the impact it has on us, and what kind of services are available to us when we need some support.

Featured Titles

Books about Autism

The award-winning debut by bestselling author Holly Smale. Harriet doesn’t know why nobody at school seems to like her. So when she is spotted by a top model agent, she grabs the chance to reinvent herself. Even if it means stealing her best friend's dream, incurring the wrath of her arch enemy Alexa, and repeatedly humiliating herself in front of impossibly handsome model Nick. Even if it means lying to the people she loves.

MODEL MISFIT is the sequel to award-winning No. 1 UK debut GEEK GIRL.

The laugh out loud follow-up to award-winning debut GEEK GIRL and MODEL MISFIT will have you in stitches!

A two-colour graphic novel about standing-out and fitting-in when you feel different.

Hey, I’m Maisie! is designed to help girls explore autism with the people around them, and includes top tips to help friends, family members and those working in schools and other educational settings, to encourage, inspire and support girls on their autism journey.

Fitting in to school and social life can be the single most challenging task when you are autistic. Packed full of information, this book covers common school situations and the uncommon challenges that they can present to an autistic child. Kids will find the how-to for understanding and communicating with peers and teachers, standing up for and taking care of themselves, setting realistic goals, and making friends.

In this first book release from the Autism Women’s Network, the autistic contributors write with honesty and generosity about the emotional needs, sensitivity, and vibrancy of autistic girls, in the book that many of them wish their parents would have had access to when they were growing up.

A book to help people understand what it’s really like to be an autistic girl growing up into an autistic woman.

Luke is 13 years old and autistic. Adolescence and the teenage years are a minefield of emotions, transitions and decisions but there’s very little information available for adolescents like Luke. Written directly to autistic teens to help them navigate the world.

Tom invites readers to learn about autism from his perspective, helping them to understand what it is and explaining the challenges he faces with issues such as social communication, sensory overload and changes in his routine. Ideally suited for readers aged 7 and upwards, and an excellent way to increase understanding about autism.

The "Secret" Book gives Asperkids (aged 10-17) respectful, funny insights written "for Aspies by an Aspie" Chock full of illustrations, logic and practice sessions, this is the handbook every adult Aspie wishes they'd had growing up, but never did.

Full of insights about being awesome and autistic, this book celebrates the strengths of understanding the world in a different way, with tips for managing tricky situations such as meltdowns, sensory differences and anxiety. This book helps you develop the confidence to be who you are and help you live life with as little stress and anxiety as possible.

This story explains an autism diagnosis in a way that leaves children feeling empowered. It was written by a mother to her autistic son.

At school and university, people find Keiko odd, and her family worries she will never fit in. To make them happy, Keiko takes a job at a newly opened convenience store where she finds peace and purpose in simple daily tasks. But in Keiko's circle it just won't do for an unmarried woman to spend her time stacking shelves and ordering green tea. As the pressure to find a new job - or worse, a husband - increases, Keiko is forced to take desperate action.

An instructional book for those supporting autistic teens and young adults.

A young autistic boy tells us about the achievements and characteristics of his autism heroes, from Albert Einstei to Lewis Carroll. All excel in different fields, but are united by the fact that they often found it difficult to fit in-just like him.

For autistic teens, with acute social challenges, these years can be the most difficult, confusing time in their lives. Here’s practical advice from an autistic teen to get the most out of school, both academically and socially.

This book will help you to identify what makes you anxious, and contains heaps of activities to calm your body and mind, stop unhealthy anxiety building up and head off anxious feelings in the future. Ideal for children and young people aged 8 to 14, the ideas in this book will help you feel less stressed at home, at school and with friends, and give you healthy habits and coping techniques to last a lifetime.

100 ideas of how to support and develop the learning of autistic children. Ideas range from developing pupils' understanding and communication skills to ensuring they are comfortable within their learning environment.

This book looks at the specific difficulties that can arise for autistic people who also experience a mental illness. Providing guidance on the benefits and drawbacks of therapy pets, medication, and psychotherapy, the authors offer balanced perspectives on treatment options and introduce self-help strategies tailored to meet your needs and improve your mental wellbeing.

Packed with self-empowering strategies for coping with being autistic in a neurotypical world, and practical tips so you can handle any bullying scenario.

My Autism Book is a picture book that helps parents to explain an autism diagnosis to their child in a sensitive, positive and accurate way.

Translated from the Japanese by Booker Prize nominee David Mitchell, this remarkable book written by a teenage autistic boy provides a rare insight into the often baffling behaviour of autistic children.

Written by an autistic teen, this go-to guide gives you all the advice and tools you'll need as an autistic girl to help you flourish and achieve what you want in life.

A detailed guide for autistic young people aged 9 to 16 on the basics of periods, which can be a scary and overwhelming issue. It offers direct advice on what periods look and feel like and how to manage hygiene and pain. It also breaks up information using flaps and step-by-step photos of how to change pads and tampons, it discusses alternatives to tampons and pads, and gives information about possible sensory issues for people with autism.

A handbook to help navigate the confusing world of teenage autistic girlhood.

Published to great acclaim.this very special book vividly explores the natural world from the perspective of an autistic teenager juggling homework, exams and friendships alongside his life as a conservationist and environmental activist.

Autism is a different way of being human.

Covering social issues, independent living, academic challenges, student services and emotional wellbeing, this is the one-stop shop for advice on the transition from school to college or university for autistic students and their parents.

A guide to staying safe and independent as a woman with AS.

Drawing on in-depth case studies highlighting the need for young people and their families to feel understood and listened to, the authors show how we can empower these young people to reach their full emotional and physical potential.

'I wanted to show the side of autism that you don't find in books and on Facebook. My story is about survival, fear and, finally, hope. There will be parts that make you want to cover your eyes, but I beg you to read on, because if I can change just one person's perceptions, if I can help one person with autism feel like they're less alone, then this will all be worth it.'

This book is the third in the series to feature Ben and Andy but this book focuses on a young girl called Lisa who is autistic. As with the other Asperger adventures, the book explores features of ASC.This book is aimed at the 9 - 12 age group and is suitable for both girls and boys, although girls might find it particularly good reading.

Harry Thompson was diagnosed PDA as a teenager. This positive book demonstrates that some merely need to take the "scenic route" in order to flourish and reach their full potential. The memoir brings to life Harry's past experiences and feelings, from his difficult school career to more peaceful moments reading, writing or creating YouTube videos.

'I was born on 31 January 1979 - a Wednesday. I know it was a Wednesday, becasue the date is blue in my mind and Wednesdays are always blue, like the number nine or the sound of loud voices arguing.'

Daniel combines the latest scientific research with insights drawn from his personal experience to shed light on the mysteries of how our minds work and the incredible feats of which each one of us is capable.

Bringing together a collection of narratives from those who are on the autism spectrum whilst also identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and/or asexual (LGBTQIA), this book explores the intersection of the two spectrums as well as the diverse experiences that come with it.

WINNER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INSIGHT INVESTMENT SCIENCE BOOK PRIZE 2020 How proteins, machine learning and molecular chemistry can teach us about the complexities of human behaviour and the world around us

The Growing Up Guide for Girls is a one-stop guide for young girls on the autism spectrum explaining all they need to know about puberty and adolescence.

A debut from an autistic author which tells the story of 11-year-old Addie as she campaigns for a memorial in memory of the witch trials that took place in her Scottish hometown. Can Addie challenge how the people in her town see her, and her autism, and make her voice heard?

This graphic novel re-telling of Kathy Hoopmann's best-selling Blue Bottle Mystery brings the much-loved fantasy story to life for a new generation of readers. The hero is Ben, who is autistic. When Ben and his friend Andy find an old bottle in the school yard, little do they know of the surprises about to be unleashed in their lives. Bound up with this exciting mystery is the story of how Ben is diagnosed with ASC and how he and his family deal with the problems and joys that come along with it.

The sequel to Blue Bottle Mystery, this is a science fiction novel for kids, with a difference. Ben is learning to cope with his newly diagnosed Asperger Syndrome, but when an alien crash-lands in his backyard, things really get complicated.

The hero is Ben, who is autistic. When Ben and his friend Andy find an old bottle in the school yard, little do they know of the surprises about to be unleashed in their lives. Bound up with this exciting mystery is the story of how Ben is diagnosed with ASC and how he and his family deal with the problems and joys that come along with it.

Not an explicitly autistic character, but one with strong, sometimes explosive reactions. And a cracking read!

Lou is autistic, and her world is changing, breaking down, chaos is seeping in- a touching , unsettling and darkly hilarious novel told by a cool narrator who observes the world-school, family, love- in a way that makes you want to laugh and cry.

A murder mystery novel like no other. The detective, and narrator, is Christopher, an autistic teen. He knows a great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns and the truth. He has never gone further than the end of the road on his own, but when he finds a neighbour's dog murdered he sets out on a terrifying journey which will turn his whole world upside down.

The story of Willow, a 12-year-old genius who is obsessed with diagnosing medical conditions and finds comfort in counting by 7s. She only connects with her adoptive parents, but her world is tragically changed when they die in a car crash. Her journey to find a fascinatingly diverse and fully believable surrogate family is a joy and a revelation to read.

11 yr old Tally is autistic. Some things bother her even though she wishes they didn't. It means that some people misunderstand, her and feel frustrated by her. People think that because Tally's autistic, she doesn't realise what they're thinking, but Tally sees and hears all of it. And, honestly? That's not the easiest thing to live with.

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. But this summer, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

Patience, understanding, and a soothing exercise saves the beach day when excitement turns to sensory overload. A picture book written with young children on the autistic spectrum, or suffering from sensory processing disorders, in mind.

This book not only helps children who are not neuro-divergent to understand those who are, but it has also helped autistic children understand themselves.

Caitlin misses her brother since his death, and she has no one to explain the world to her. And for Caitlin, the world is a confusing place. She hates it when colours get mixed up, prefers everything to be black-and-white, and needs to check her Facial Expressions Chart to understand emotions.

A heart-warming story of one (autistic) girl trying to work out where she fits in, and whether she even wants to.

Written by the students of Limpsfield Grange, a school for autistic girls, this draws on real life experiences to create a heartfelt and humorous novel that captures the highs and lows of being different in a world of normal.

Follow up to M is for Autism

While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, Her sister Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can't express.

A tale that is equal parts madcap road trip, coming-of-age story for an autistic boy who feels he doesn't understand the world, and an uplifting portrait of a family overcoming a crisis.

You might be familiar with author Chris Bonnello from Autistic Not Weird. He is an autistic teacher with a great understanding of what young people love in a book, and he wanted to write a book with autistic heroes in it.

The Underdogs of Spitfire’s Rise are falling apart. In the series’ penultimate novel, the remnants of Britain’s last army are called into battle again – this time to avert the violent deaths of tens of thousands of prisoners. The neurodiverse skills and defiant bravery of the Underdogs are pitched against the might of military science and the terrifying Acceleration project.

Book 2 in the Underdogs series. Autism. Dyslexia. Anxiety. A million cloned enemies. The Underdogs have returned. A dystopian novel with a neurodiverse teenage character set, including a lead character Ewan who has a diagnosis of a PDA profile of autism.

Neurodiverse fantasy.

A second mystery to solve for Ted, this time a painting was stolen from the Guggenheim Museum.

A mystery on the London Eye and even the police are baffled - so it's up to Ted, whose brain runs on its own unique operating system, to solve this mystery and find his friend.

A fantasy series by an autistic author about one of the last remaining autistics in the Universe.

Neurodiverse fantasy with an autistic heroine.

Neurodiverse fantasy about shifters.

A neurodiverse tale revolving around a favourite interest - cosplay!

The second book from the author of A Kind Of Spark, with Neurodivergent characters you'll root for and a moving friendship at its heart.

Do you know anyone who is autistic? Or maybe you are? This book will introduce you to life with autism, help you understand those in your life who are autistic from the perspective of an 11 year old autistic girl and her Mum; an autism specialist.

This honest, to-the-point guide illuminates the experience of young Autistic girls and explores the situations they can easily fall victim to. Powerful case studies show how easily misunderstandings can arise for Autistic girls and help the reader to identify common patterns of abuse.

This practical book offers an innovative life skills curriculum for autistic girls aged 11 to 15, based on the author's successful workshops and training, which show how to support girls' wellbeing and boost their self-esteem.

This book looks at the consequences of masking, including the toll it can have on mental and physical health, and suggests guidance for family, professionals, and employers to ameliorate negative effects.

Books about ADHD

Providing 100 practical ideas to enhance and develop learning, this is a resourceful guide for anyone working to support pupils with ADHD. Each idea has been successfully tried and tested. Ideas range from preparing to teach the ADHD child to helping develop the child's social skills and self esteem.

Meet Ben - a young boy with ADHD. Ben invites readers to learn about ADHD from his perspective. He helps children understand what it means to have ADHD and describes what it is and how it feels.

What are ADHD? What does it mean to have ADHD? How can kids diagnosed with ADHD help themselves succeed in school, get along better at home, and form healthy, enjoyable relationships with peers?

This practical skills guide helps young people with who learn differently including those with dyslexia, DCD/dyspraxia and ADHD, study for their exams.

A book to help kids reframe the way they think about ADHD and discover that they have special talents that are unique to them.

An inspiring and affectionate look at Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), using images and ideas from the canine world to explore a variety of traits that will be instantly recognisable to those who are familiar with ADHD.

ADHD can impact your life in many ways. This positive, self-affirming guide will increase your knowledge about ADHD and empower you in your daily life.

Books about Anxiety

This gratitude journal for kids is a space for them to write those things down and practice being positive and appreciative.

The Anxiety Gremlin loves one thing - to feed on your anxiety! This is a unique resource to help young people understand different types of anxiety and how to manage them. It can be used by young people aged 10+ on their own or with a parent or practitioner. It is also an ideal anxiety management resource for those working with young people, including mental health practitioners, social workers, education sector staff and youth workers.

The "tweenager's" atlas for navigating life. This interactive collection of stories, quotes, theories and yes, science, guides you through the difficult years between ages 8 and 12 to help you make sense of yourself and the world around you.

An interactive journal designed to help readers nurture their creativity, mindfulness, and self-motivation. It helps readers navigate the confusion and chaos of daily life with a simple reminder: that by taking the time to know ourselves and what those dreams are, we can appreciate the world around us and achieve our dreams.

An interactive self-help book designed to guide 6-12 year olds and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of generalized anxiety.

A relaxation book for children who live with anxiety.

Newly updated edition of the highly successful core text for using cognitive behaviour therapy with children and young people.

Using creative therapy techniques developed through years of working with young children, this activity book will be an invaluable resource for professionals working with children aged 6-11.

This carefully researched, accessible and humorous examination of the ups and downs of the teenage brain has chapters dealing with powerful emotions, the need for more sleep, the urge to take risks, the difference between genders and the reasons behind addiction or depression.

Thera-pets is a deck of 64 cute doodles. Each card of positive affirmations offers you a daily moment of joy to escape from the problems so many of us face in this hectic, modern world.

Kids can do amazing things with the right information. Understanding why anxiety feels the way it does and where the physical symptoms come from is a powerful step in turning anxiety around. Anxiety explained, kids empowered. Key themes of: anxiety, self-care and positivity.

Co-written with psychologists and a college student who has experienced anxiety herself, this is a relatable and straightforward guide to managing worry in emerging adulthood.

Inspiration and Motivation for Dreamers, Believers and Achievers

How Journaling Thankfulness for Just 5 Minutes a Day Can Change Your Life

With illustrations throughout, this book is an ideal way to explore anxiety difficulties. It shows family, friends and teachers how they can support someone who experiences anxiety and will be an excellent way to start a conversation about anxiety, in the classroom or at home.

This interactive self-help book is the complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering children to fall asleep and stay asleep - like magic!

We all worry. This write-in book is an unworry toolkit, full of things to calm you down and places to put your worries.

An interactive self-care activity book for children aged 7+ to colour and doodle their way to happiness, calm and confidence.

This mini gift book is filled with quotes celebrating inner strength, belief, and the power of dreaming big!

Daily meditations to help with depression and anxiety. Its messages are equally applicable to adults and children. Anxiety sucks, but you don’t. This book will show you how to get through the worst of it.

An interactive journal full of life hacks, challenges and activities to give kids the confidence to come up with their own plan of action to be the best they can be. Because, with the right mindset, you really CAN do (almost) anything

Easy, quick practices that allow you to harness the power of mindfulness meditation--paying immediate attention to your body and thoughts.

Essential reading for teenagers and the adults who care about them. A fantastically wide-ranging, reassuring, eye-opening and comprehensive look at the stresses many teenagers face, empowering them to take control of their mental health and wellbeing.

A toolbox of helpful techniques-simple breathing exercises, easy meditations, and lots and lots of journal prompts to help you de-stress and live in the moment.

This book teaches teens how to untangle the negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that can trick them into feeling anxious or sad and make it hard to do the things they want to. Through interactive exercises that tackle common issues at home, work, or with friends, this book gives teens the tools they need to deal with anything life throws their way.

Helping young people with anxiety learn to recognise and manage their symptoms, this anxiety survival guide teaches young people aged 10+ how they can overcome their biggest worries.

Covering social issues, independent living, academic challenges, student services and emotional wellbeing, this is the one-stop shop for advice on the transition from school to college or university for autistic students and their parents.

Drawing on in-depth case studies highlighting the need for young people and their families to feel understood and listened to, the authors show how we can empower these young people to reach their full emotional and physical potential.

A source of colorful and creative validation and affirmations for the struggles you face and the feelings of depression that may accompany them.

52 weekly mindfulness tasks to help you practice mindfulness and truly reap the substantial benefits.

A powerful story of friendship, sisters, and forgiveness, Tornado Brain is an achingly honest portrait of a neurodivergent and anxious young girl trying to find space to be herself.

Books about Dyslexia and Dyspraxia

Written by a teenager with dyspraxia, this is a humorous and inspiring practical guide for young adults with dyspraxia and those around them trying to get to grips with the physical, social and psychological chaos caused by developmental co-ordination disorders (DCDs).

With a wealth of practical strategies for teaching and supporting students with dyspraxia aged from 11 years up to college or university level, this book addresses all aspects of learning and ways in which teaching can be tailored to the dyspraxic learner.

This useful, resourceful and practical guide provides those working with dyspraxic and DCD children one hundred ideas of how to support and develop their learning. Lists cover the entire school age range and range from developing fine and gross motor skills to preparing children for their next transition either to the next stage of schooling or for their future careers.

This practical skills guide helps young people with who learn differently including those with dyslexia, DCD/dyspraxia and ADHD, study for their exams.

An emotionally-charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who's ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn't fit in.

A delightfully fun romantic comedy

Books about Mental Health

This positive and insightful guide gives you the tools to build your confidence, eliminate negative feelings and boost happiness in all areas of your life.

A powerful story of an unlikely friendship.

Books about Parenting

Society favours children, and adults, who conform. The notion that our children may be shunned for being different breaks our hearts, but there is plenty we can do to help such children develop into thriving, resilient adults. This book is a celebration of all the unique qualities that those who are different bring to society.

Autism is the book the author wishes she had read when her son was first given the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

It’s time to say NO to trying to fit square-peg kids into rounds holes, and YES to raising them from a place of acceptance and joy.

A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic. Through vivid examples and a refreshingly positive viewpoint, this invaluable guide offers emotional support and proven strategies for handling the toughest times.

Books about PDA

This straightforward guide offers a complete overview of Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA) and gives practical advice for overcoming the difficulties it poses in a wide range of contexts from diagnosis through to adulthood.

A detailed resource for parents and families of children with PDA, along with teachers, SENCO’s and those who work alongside children in the education system.

Meet Issy – an 11-year-old girl with pathological demand avoidance syndrome (PDA), a condition on the autism spectrum. Issy invites readers to learn about PDA from her perspective, helping them to understand how simple, everyday demands can cause her great anxiety and stress. Issy tells readers about all the ways she can be helped and supported by those around her.

An honest and uplifting account provides insight into the challenges of bringing up a child with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).

A groundbreaking approach to understanding and parenting children who respond to routine problems with extreme frustration.

The sequel to the bestselling Can You See Me? Co-written by autistic twelve-year-old Libby Scott, with diary entries based on her own experiences of autism with a demand avoidant profile. Great for reading with friends and family and engaging a wide audience, this book sees autistic protagonist Tally return in another compelling and authentic story of fitting in and being different.

A dystopian novel with a neurodiverse teenage character set, including a lead character Ewan who has a diagnosis of a PDA profile of autism.

The Underdogs of Spitfire’s Rise are falling apart. In the series’ penultimate novel, the remnants of Britain’s last army are called into battle again – this time to avert the violent deaths of tens of thousands of prisoners. The neurodiverse skills and defiant bravery of the Underdogs are pitched against the might of military science and the terrifying Acceleration project.

This debut novel by the parent of a PDA child looks at three main characters, Emily, Jake and six-year-old PDA Alfie. Longlisted for the Guardian's 'Not The Booker' prize!

Book 2 in the Underdogs series. Autism. Dyslexia. Anxiety. A million cloned enemies. The Underdogs have returned. A dystopian novel with a neurodiverse teenage character set, including a lead character Ewan who has a diagnosis of a PDA profile of autism.

Based on diary entries written by eleven-year-old Libby Scott about her own experiences of autism with a demand avoidant profile, this pioneering book, written in collaboration with author Rebecca Westcott, has rave reviews for its realistic portrayal of autism.

Recommended for Teachers

How to implement restorative practices in schools in a way that is also trauma-informed

Autistic teachers and other autistic school professionals share their stories of the challenges and successes of their careers. Contributors challenge assumptions and stereotypes whilst highlighting the unique strengths autistic staff can bring to schools when their own needs are accommodated.

Useful Links

Videos

National Autistic Society- Amazing things happen – Alexander Ameline's film gives an uplifting introduction to autism for young non-autistic audiences
 
Rosie King challenges stereotypes of autistic people
 
Jac den Houting – TEDxMacquarieUniversity – Why everything you know about autism is wrong
 
BBC Newsround – My Autism and Me
A newsround special programme explaining what autism is and helping people to understand what it's like to live with it
 
Tony Attwood – Aspergers in Girls
A lecture by Prof. Tony Attwood
 
University of Kent – Limpsfield Grange School
A video about Limpsfield Grange, the only state run boarding school in Britain specialising in supporting autistic girls.
 
The Donaldson Trust – Walk in My Shoes
Created in partnership with 17 year old Erin Davidson, this animation aims to increase understanding of neurodiversity and reflects Erin’s experiences at the age of 14.
 
BBC iPlayer – Mae's guide to Autism
Fourteen-year-old Mae is fed up with people misunderstanding autism and has created a guide to try and help people understand. 
 
BBC – The Untold – He won't go to school
As children across the country go back to school, will Andrew be persuaded to join them?
 
For educating children aged 6-12 about ADHD 
 
Spectrum – Do all autistic people think the same? – By Jubilee
 
Tess Brooks – Queer and autistic – A brief introduction designed for therapists
 
The DPD Project – Dyspraxia! – Understanding dyspraxia
 
YGender – Trans 101: Neurodiversity – A video about the intersetionality of trans/non-binary with neurodiversity
 
 
Anna Cottrill – Teach Me – A stop motion documentary about school
 
Ted Talk – Women and Autism – Although this talk references high functioning and the intro says 'suffer from' which is not language we support, this is otherwise a useful resource
 
National Autistic Society – Supporting autistic people with their life goals – An interview with Richard Maguire
 
 
National Autistic Society – Too much information and us
 
National Autistic Society – Make it Stop – A video about sensory/information overload
 
National Autistic Society – Autism TMI Virtual Reality Experience – A video created with the help of autistic people to demonstrate how it feels to process too much information
 

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