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Autism

How to raise a happy autistic child

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Autism

By: Jessie Hewitson
Narrated by: Lucy Scott
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About this listen

The definitive guide for parents of autisic children, written from the perspective of neurodiversity.

Written by Jessie Hewitson, an award-winning journalist at The Times, Autism is the book she wishes she had read when her son was first given the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

It combines her own experiences with tips from autistic adults, other parents - including author David Mitchell - as well as advice from autism professionals and academics such as Professor Simon Baron-Cohen. Autism looks at the condition as a difference rather than a disorder and includes guidance on:

  • What to do if you think your child is autistic
  • How to understand and support your child at school and at home
  • Mental health and autism
  • The differences between autistic girls and boys

©2018 Jessie Hewitson (P)2018 Orion Publishing Group Limited Children's Health Mental Health Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Health Autism Special Need Learning Disability Autism Parenting

Critic Reviews

"A wise SatNav for what is often a bewildering, or even scary, zone of parenting. The book offers real-world, road-tested, child-first and family-friendly advice; while also highlighting the twin truths that autism is not a tragedy, and that adaptation and acceptance are not resignation." (David Mitchell, best-selling author and co-translator of The Reason I Jump)

"Jessie Hewitson has really hit the mark with this book, giving our history, our diversity, our challenges and our hopes. Autistic people and their families are finally represented." (Carrie Grant)

"Exceptionally useful and informative." (Uta Frith, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Development, UCL)
All stars
Most relevant  
What an excellent start to understanding life with autism. It has been a wonderful introduction and raised many new questions which I can build on. Perspective changing in many ways - what's so good about being neurotypical has really become a big inspiration.

Parent with a new autistic child diagnosis? Start here!

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This book made me feel I’m not alone in my experience. It would have been so great if I had come across it 3 years ago when my son was diagnosed and I was in pieces, thinking the life won’t ever be the same. I was right, it’s not the same, but it’s not tragic, which was what I felt back then. This book would lift me up and give me some perspective back then. Reading it now just makes my heart warm, knowing that more and more people recognise and experience how wonderful autistic people are. It’s not easy to be a parent to an autistic child, mainly because we didn’t expect it and our life is not how we envision it. It takes time to understand the new situation and find yourself within it. It takes time to see that it’s not just a struggle and the rewards are breathtaking at times. It’s just what being a parent is. This book is a great help to get to that stage and is full of helpful advice. I highly recommend it.

Immensely helpful

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