A Double Shot of Happiness: Tim Sharp's Extraordinary Journey from Being Diagnosed with Autism to Becoming an Internationally Renowned Artist

by Judy Sharp

The inspirational story of how a boy diagnosed with severe autism went on to become one of Australia's best-known international artists and the creator of Laser Beak Man.

Tim Sharp and his magnificent creation, Laser Beak Man, are now major names in the world of international art. But the journey to this point has been an extraordinary one. When Judy Sharp took her three-year-old son Tim to a paediatric specialist, he was diagnosed with autism so severe that she was told he would never be able to talk or learn to live in a normal household, and that he was incapable of love, even towards his own mother. The advice at the time was that he would be better off in an institution.

Just over twenty years later, Tim's joyful artworks and drawings involving his superhero, Laser Beak Man, have been exhibited around the world. From the Powerhouse in Brisbane to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, some of the world's greatest galleries have showcased Tim and his amazing career. Laser Beak Man's appeal is so widespread it's gone on to inspire, among other things, an eight-part animated children's TV series and a Broadway play in New York.

A Double Shot of Happiness (from the title of one of Tim's favourite artworks) is Judy's beautiful and heartfelt account of Tim's odyssey from that terrible diagnosis to his emergence as an acclaimed artist and a fulfilled, loving and loved young man. It's a story that has involved many hurdles, moments of despair and incredible hard work from Tim, Judy, his brother Sam and all those who have helped them, but that is ultimately moving, inspiring and triumphant.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Biography, Art

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2015

Reviews

[Yuana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For parents of children with autism, all I can say is never lose sight of the person. Not everybody with autism has a creative gift like Tim, but everyone with autism is an individual. Trust that there is something unique in this world that will bring your child happiness and joy" (p.303)

"In my extreme lows, I often received a kind word from someone who probably never realised the impact they were making on our lives. Kind words are a very powerful encouragement and I think we should say them more" (p.304)

Thank you Judy Sharp for sharing your stories with us. A beautifully written book that everyone should read, even if you don't have any children with autism.

[Kirsti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing story, told in such an emotional, honest way that I simply had to read this in one single sitting. My boyfriend even came home and wanted to watch Family Guy, but I had to finish this first. Judy tells not only Tim's story, but the story of their whole family, the long reaching effects they have on other families. Judy offers hope, and understanding, and it was a truly beautiful thing to read.

If you're looking for an excellent biography with real heart, then this is the book for you. Five stars!

[Benjamin McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing much more to say but just an inspiring story of a mother who refused to give up when it felt like the world was against her. Great read

[Natalie Wijeyeratne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring to read. I felt drawn to this book as soon as I saw it. As a teacher I could relate and have read more clinical books on Autism but I loved the humanness of learning abot Tim's story and journey from Judy's perspective. I even got tingles of excitement which doesn't happen to me very often! It even changed how I relate to students so that made me really happy and made it even more invaluable :D

[Rozanna Lilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet book with no literary pretensions. It traces the story of Tim Sharp's rise to prominence as a visual artist and the role of his mother, Judy, as mentor and supporter. Her love and respect for her son's individuality and talent shines out through the book. The story of her emotionally abusive marriage and struggle to establish a safe and independent life for herself and her two sons is the most compelling part of the narrative. The rest is firmly in an ever onward and upward mould in relation to Tim Sharp's developing career. People tend to see these narrative arcs in 1 of 2 ways - on the one hand, disability activists criticise such stories for being part of 'supercrip' tales of overcoming disability; on the other hand, people find the possibility of self-expression and fame for an autistic man inspiring. Whatever way a reader takes it, this book is honest and straightforward. I'm glad I read it.

[Gillian RB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest book about a single mum raising two boys, one of whom is autistic, named Tim. The first few chapters are pretty heartbreaking, hearing how hard it was for Judy to raise Tim. I didn't like the way she referred to autism as locking Tim in, etc. I don't think those kinds of metaphors for autism are helpful. Autism is autism; every journey is unique. Sometimes horrible, sometimes really special and heartwarming. Because of his autism and unique way of interacting with the world, Tim goes on to do great things with his artwork and achieves success. His unique qualities are evident in his artworks' wry sense of humour. I found the book much more enjoyable when Judy began to see the positives in her son and embrace his unique spirit. It made me smile a lot, and I'm glad I read it.

[SWC · Rating 5 out of 5]

A determined mother stands by her son. A feel good story which has perseverance rewarded with success. I find, though, that I would like to know more. I can accept that the second son is well adjusted. Even so I would like to know more about him since his mother obviously needed to spend much time with his brother. I can accept that the father was a controlling person. It intrigues me, though, that the father was still a regular visitor for 15 years after the mother and the children moved out.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of meeting Tim and Judy Sharp and having my book signed at an event in 2019. This was a very inspirational read, I can't imagine having to overcome all the obstacles they did - Judy really does deserve a mother of the year award! I'm a big fan of Tim's art too, he really has an incredible gift.

[Anneliese de Vries · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has experienced a family member with autism will absolutely resonate with Judy's memoir. This is a well written account of a mother's perseverance to overcome the expectations held by her son's diagnosis.

[Corina Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story. It’s heartfelt and reminds you to consider the person, not the disability. I think it’s a very important message everyone should read.

[Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful full of laughs and inspiration I loved reading it so much

[Kara Rowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

[Pam Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, moving, and also funny. Judy has crafted a 'tell it like it really is' memoir of raising her 2 sons as a single mum, and empowering them to lead happy and fulfilled lives. Thank you!!

[Calzean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very up lifting autobiography/biography as Judy Sharp writes about her son Tim, his early life when he was constantly screaming and a slow path to recognise how to help Tim become the person he has become. Judy's strength to help Tim learn to speak, learn boundaries in social situations and then develop into an artist is just awe inspiring. And she did it while struggling to pay bills, raising a second son who was a national-level swimmer, facing great difficulties in finding help and trying to move away from her scary husband.
Tim comes out with humour and his art is brilliant, his views on life and language is a great hoot.
Good on you Judy, Tim and Sam.

[Ann Graham]

A very inspirational story of one woman's battle and determination to make something of the life she and her son have been given. Tim has autism, but his mother Judy has never let that define him and through her love and dedication, Tim has won acclamation both in Australia and world wide for his artwork, he has become a symbol and role model for many with a disability and he has more friends, both famous and not, than anyone I know. And Judy, who was always a force be reckoned with, has emerged as a talented speaker, a true crusader and a wonderful friend to many. Her story is told with honesty, warmth, compassion and fervour. It will touch all who read it.

[Robyn Letourneau · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiring young man
Beautiful story told by the most important person in Tim Sharp's life...his mum
Amazing what this guy has done , how his life has been full of the most extraordinary moments
An artist with the most creative imagination
What he has done so far!
Judy Sharp to me -is such a wonderful human been
Just loved this Memoir

[Emma Crameri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book written with honesty about living with someone with a disability. Judy shows resilience as as single mum looking after two boys and their journey to manhood. The book focuses mostly on Tim and his artwork shines in this story. Highly recommended.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book!

[Iamshadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough parental account of an autistic artist.

[Carmen Grantham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching account from a mother about her autistic son. What a wonderful mother to stick up for her son and not limit him in any respect. Beautifully written.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the story from the mothers perspective, it gave a lot of insight into what it's like to have an autistic child.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than just brilliant - Tim Sharp is!