A New Book Bringing Autism Stories to Life
I’m thrilled to share an incredible conversation with three remarkable autism advocates: Adrian Wood of Tales of an Educated Debutante, Kate Swenson from Finding Cooper’s Voice, and Carrie Cariello. We gathered recently to discuss their groundbreaking new book, Autism Out Loud: Life with a Child on the Spectrum from Diagnosis to Young Adulthood, a resource designed to empower, educate, and uplift families navigating life with autism.
Meet the Authors and Their Autism Journeys
Each of these authors brings a unique perspective to the book, shaped by their personal experiences as autism parents.
Kate Swenson: Finding Community Through Advocacy
Kate, whose son Cooper has severe nonverbal autism, shared how her journey began with isolation due to a lack of resources. “There wasn’t much in terms of books, blogs, or support groups,” she explains. This inspired her powerful advocacy through Finding Cooper’s Voice, helping thousands find community and hope.
Carrie Cariello: Navigating Autism Through Young Adulthood
Carrie, author and mother of Jack, emphasizes the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism into adulthood. Jack, now in a residential college program, showcases the diversity of autism experiences. Carrie’s focus on marriage and family dynamics underscores the real-life impact of autism on relationships.
Adrian Wood: Writing to Cope and Build Community
Adrian humorously but candidly spoke of raising her son Amos, who has autism along with a genetic disorder. Initially, she wrote “to save myself,” but soon realized that sharing her experiences helped create a supportive community for other parents navigating similar journeys.
Why Autism Out Loud is a Must-Read
One unique aspect of Autism Out Loud is its relatable format, offering perspectives from each author on critical topics such as:
Grief and Autism: Validating the emotions that come with an autism diagnosis. Many parents struggle with the shift in expectations when they receive a diagnosis, and this book provides honest reflections on processing these emotions while embracing their child’s journey.
Anxiety in Autism: Understanding and addressing anxiety in children and adults. The book highlights the connection between autism and anxiety, offering strategies to recognize and manage it effectively.
Caregiving vs. Motherhood: The lifelong reality of caregiving and its challenges. This section explores the distinction between being a caregiver and a parent, offering insight into the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities that come with raising a child with autism.
Siblings of Children with Autism: Navigating sibling relationships and dynamics. The book includes real stories about how siblings experience growing up alongside a brother or sister with autism, from feelings of responsibility to unique bonds that form over time.
Education and Life Skills: Preparing children for independence and the future. From early intervention to adulthood, Autism Out Loud provides advice on educational choices, job readiness, and fostering independence in a way that aligns with each child’s unique abilities.
Each chapter flows seamlessly, showing how different families experience similar themes while offering unique insights and wisdom. The book also includes heartfelt personal stories, practical advice, and a sense of camaraderie that will make readers feel less alone in their journey. Wherever you are on the autism journey, or if you are a professional, the insight into 3 different worlds is valuable.
