Joanne Elaine

Footsteps of Two

Never Give Up: One Mum’s Journey
Twins on the Autism Spectrum

About the Book

There are times when the path you thought you were travelling in your life becomes unclear.

You feel challenged, overwhelmed and out of control.

Not everything goes the way we plan or want it to.

In this must-read book, Joanne Elaine shares her journey and the life-altering moment when her twins, Zalie and Flynn, were diagnosed with autism. Joanne shares the challenges she faced following the unexpected double diagnosis in her honest, heartfelt account of what life has been like since – without hiding any of the raw emotions of denial, blame and guilt she encountered along the way.

Through the challenges, Joanne shares hope that things will be OK. You will discover how to develop a never-give-up attitude, even in moments of difficulty and self-doubt. The lessons shared will enable you to find inner strength even on the darkest days.

Footsteps of Two is a personal story of two children whose lives were turned upside down and how having the right understanding and support made such a difference.

An inspirational read for anyone who wants to smile.

A must read for everyone affected by autism.

Testimonials

What a privilege it was to be a part of the very beginning of this Journey. Jo has a lot of energy and has put this energy to good use always, at the heart of all decisions was the best interests of not only Zalie and Flynn but also the whole family. Jo leaves no stone unturned in her efforts to support her kids to be all that they can be - two lucky beings to be so loved unconditionally and celebrated for their differences!! Jo is one of the most researched families that I have met in all my 30 years in the field of Autism. She uses the knowledge gained to be fully informed when making decisions and many of those have been tough ones to make that required her to be selfless in putting aside her own dreams and wishes for her children to ensure that they each had their moments to shine. A book that will inspire many a parent to keep fighting, to wipe away those tears and use that anger and frustration as momentum to support their kids to be the best that they can be. Autism does not define who you are!

Footsteps of Two is wonderful and honest journey that provides an insight to one families experience with autism, that is both relatable and unique.

An open and honest account of one Mother's journey, navigating nearly two decades of current ASD best practice, with a passionate commitment to securing her children a place in a society where inclusiveness equates to conscious connectedness

Those people who know Jo will say that she has so much energy and is on the go non-stop. She is a powerhouse with a big heart and a ‘never give up’ attitude that has made such a difference in the lives of her twins, Zalie and Flynn. When both were diagnosed with autism, Joanne realised she would be taking a different road, one with many curves and detours and a few bumps along the way. Joanne’s personal story of motherhood is a testament to her ability to always look on the bright side, while navigating through the challenges of getting the right support for both the twins health and different educational needs. The reader will find this book uplifting as she tells her story about a mum who used her intuition to get an early diagnosis and how meeting the right people to help mentor and support the twins on their journey has led to their personal success. Congratulations.

Contact Joanne

About the Author

Joanne is a devoted mother of four who lives in the leafy suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.
Her professional life spanned more than twenty years across a range of dynamic industries, where she worked as an Executive Assistant and Auditor.

When she became a mum, Joanne transitioned into part‑time roles, embracing the balance between career and family life.

With her youngest child just two years old, Joanne returned to study at RMIT and later found her passion working with children with disabilities — first in pre‑school, then in primary and secondary settings as her own children grew. These experiences, combined with the rhythm of a busy household, shaped her deep empathy, resilience, and understanding of families navigating complex journeys.

A long‑held dream of writing a book slowly took shape over the years. Footsteps of Two is the heartfelt result — an honest, courageous insight into life as a mother of twins with Autism. It is a story of stepping into the unknown, discovering inner strength, and refusing to give up, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Mother to Bryce, Zalie, Flynn and Anaye, Joanne hopes her story offers comfort, clarity, and connection to others walking a similar road.

Since its release, Footsteps of Two has proudly achieved Amazon Best Seller status.

Beyond writing, Joanne enjoys public speaking, healthy living, home renovating, travel, and supporting Zalie in her Art and Jewellery pursuits.

Joanne is currently working on her second book.

After recently presenting at APAC — the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in Perth — Joanne continues to welcome invitations to speak and share her journey.

Joanne can be contacted through this webpage or on Instagram at @joanne.elaine_author.

Zalie Copeland

Zalie is an autistic artist with a passion for colour. Art for Zalie is creative communication.

When the verbal word can be a challenge, sharing your thoughts on paper, canvas, sculpture or jewellery design, can engage people to listen visually and appreciate what is being said through design.

Zalie has been exhibiting and selling her art since she was 8 years old, with her first major exhibition being held at Latrobe University, Melbourne in 2015 when she was just 12 years old.

In 2019 Zalie and her art were profiled in a book produced in America, titled: “Art Without Boundaries’.

In 2023, Zalie began creating her jewellery, and selling it, with the assistance from Joanne, at market stalls.

Through popularity and request, in 2024 Zalie launched her jewellery for purchase online, via her website art-byzalie.shop.

Follow Art-by Zalie on Instagram art_by_zalie_ and Facebook art-by Zalie.

Please take a moment to look at Zalie’s designs and follow her on social media.

Zalie's Art

Zalie’s Art, along with other autistic artists from around the world, can be viewed in Art Without Boundaries-Living on the Spectrum.

Available through Lulu Press.