Sincerely, Your Autistic Child

What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and Identity

By: Emily Paige Ballou, Sharon daVanport, Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network

Narrated by: Stephanie Mounce

Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

A diverse collection of autistic voices that highlights how parents can avoid common mistakes and misconceptions, and make their child feel truly accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are.

Most resources available for parents come from psychologists, educators, and doctors, offering parents a narrow and technical approach to autism. Sincerely, Your Autistic Child represents an authentic resource for parents written by autistic people themselves.

From childhood and education to culture, gender identity, and sexuality, this anthology tackles the everyday joys and challenges of growing up while honestly addressing the emotional needs, sensitivity, and vibrancy of autistic kids, youth, and young adults. Contributors reflect on what they have learned while growing up on the autism spectrum and how parents can avoid common mistakes and overcome challenges while raising their child.

Part memoir, part guide, and part love letter, Sincerely, Your Autistic Child is an indispensable collection that invites parents and allies into the unique and often unheard experiences of autistic children and teens.

©2021 Autistic Women and Nonbinary Network (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“This book is absolutely required reading for parents, educators, and caregivers who interact with anyone on the autism spectrum.” (Library Journal, starred review)

“Sincerely, Your Autistic Child is an essential anthology edited and written by Autistic people. Parents and Autistic children need to know the wisdom of Autistic adults who show that infinite futures are possible. I can’t wait to share and recommend this book - what a gift.” (Alice Wong, editor of Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century)

“Autism is no one thing, and there are so many experiences that have never been shared. This book is a great start to showing the diversity that lives on the spectrum. Anybody who thinks differently, and anybody who loves someone who thinks differently, will find this collection invaluable.” (Hannah Gadsby, writer and comedian)

Enlightening stories from autistic adults - recommend!

I enjoyed this book. It contains enlightening stories written by autistic adults. I have a 5 year old autistic daughter and really enjoyed hearing experiences from other autistic individuals. I recommend this to anyone.

Eye opening

While this opened my eyes to how people with Autism feel and think and what they need. I also found it a little conflicting on how to help. One writer spoke about not using therapy or using labels another spoke on some therapy helps and talking about the types of Autism your child might have openly beneficial.

Loved it!

I loved it! it was eye opening, relatable and well read. It changed my perspective definitely. I hope more people can read o listen to this.

easy listen, fantastic perspective.

this helped me reaffirm my very late self diagnosis and have a lot of hope for my autistic child as we navigate which resources to utilize. thank you to the authors, if they ever see this.

What I wish my parents knew…

I was not diagnosed until my 30s. Instead my parents would tell me I’m crazy, “bi-polar”, lazy, too sensitive. I was autistic and never got the support I needed. This book was everything I needed them to know. That all parents need to hear.

Grab the tissue box and really listen.

Thank you and must read.

Beautiful collection of lived experiences. I am thankful for all those that shared their experiences for us. Highly recommend!

Newly diagnosed

I really appreciate how everyone who played a part in this book can help other parents learn how we can help support our children better.

I needed this book

i learned a lot from this book. it is an emotional rollercoaster. if you want to learn more about autism this is a good place to start

A must for parents of autistic kids

Loved it! honest stories and experiences valuable for parents of both autistic boys and girls.

Wonderful

As an autistic adult, it’s difficult to find accurate, positive representations of ourselves in the media, and this book is an amazing compilation of various autistic voices and experiences. Highly recommend!