This book looks at what it feels like to be an autistic parent, offering valuable insights, knowledge and wisdom on parenting autistic and non-autistic children. Three mothers reflect on their experiences of growing up as undiagnosed autistics, venturing into and embracing motherhood, and connecting with their children in a unique and powerful way.
They offer advice on overcoming the challenges of parenting when you are autistic, such as socialising with other parents or sensory issues that come with excessive touch. Reflecting on their own experiences, they also emphasize the positives of being an autistic parent to an autistic child, such as understanding of why their child is struggling or the open-mindedness that can come from not being constrained by societal norms. They also explain how out-of-the-box thinking leads to creative parenting of non-autistic children, forming strong and loving bonds.
Full of wit and warm advice, this book empowers autistic parents and reassures them that autism is a strength in raising their children with love, knowledge and experience, while also giving non-autistic parents and professionals a fresh perspective on helping autistic children to thrive.
Author Bio:
Lisa, an autistic adult diagnosed late in life, has become an advocate for other autistic adults who have had similar experiences. She has started a conversation with several non-profit organizations in the US to help enhance the suicide prevention and postvention resources to be a better fit for autistic adults, as well as, to spread awareness of the resources available to the autism community.
Review:
“What are the experiences of mothers who have autism? We can now read about those experiences and recognize the qualities of mothers on the spectrum and the challenges that they face. The personal disclosures, insights and advice will be of great benefit to women on the spectrum, their families and professionals.” – Tony Attwood, Adjunct Professor, Griffith University, Australia
”Autistic parents peer through a unique looking glass when they raise their family. Consequently, there will be many moments when self-doubt, family, friends and people in authority challenge the autistic’s ability to parent successfully. This book comes to the rescue with clearly outlined and pragmatic suggestions for parenting and the definitive reminder that people with autism can, and do, parent beautifully well. “ – Liane Holliday Willey, EdD author of Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger’s Syndrome and Safety Skills for Asperger Women: How to Save a Perfectly Good Female Life
”A book of deep parental wisdom. Although it will be a powerful source of support for autistic mothers everywhere, this touching and intelligent collection of insights carries equal value for those of us parents who don’t have the advantage of experiencing autism first hand. Through them, we can learn what it means to truly respect the needs of our autistic children, unencumbered by societal expectations. In this valuable, original book, written by three mothers who grew up as undiagnosed autistics .The authors take turns to explore how so many autistic qualities can be positives when parenting, particularly children who are on the spectrum but also those that are neurotypical. They also explore the challenges. An uplifting, thoughtful and encouraging book.” – Debby Elley, author of 15 Things They Forgot to Tell You About Autism.
