Sincerely, Your Autistic Child: What People on the Autism Spectrum Wish Their Parents Knew About Growing Up, Acceptance, and

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 503 ratings

Price: 15.75

Last update: 12-18-2024


About this item

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.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Amanda*C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable book!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2024
    As parents who just stepped onto this rollercoaster ride of having a newly diagnosed kiddo on the spectrum, this book has been a godsend. It's like having a conversation with those a step or two ahead on the same journey, giving us the real lowdown about what to expect, and not from a clinical standpoint, but straight from the horse's mouth—people on the spectrum, themselves.

    The letters and stories in this book pull back the curtain on the lived experiences of autistic individuals, offering insights that we never would've come across in your standard-issue pamphlet from the pediatrician's office. It's packed with honesty—some stories tug at the heartstrings, others hit you with the hard truths, and some even sprinkle in a bit of humor. And let me tell you, humor becomes a precious commodity when you're knee-deep in figuring out IEPs, therapies, and all the emotions that tag along with an autism diagnosis.

    If you're looking for clinical jargon and cold, hard facts, this isn't it. But if you want to know what's going on in the minds of autistic kids as they grow up, the battles they fight, the victories they savor, and the world as they experience it, then you've got to read this book. It opens up perspectives on acceptance, identity, and the idea that being different isn't a drawback—it's a superpower if embraced and understood.

    And acceptance? That's the big one. This book isn't about “fixing” our kids; it's about understanding them and reshaping our own perspectives to uplift and support their unique selves. It’s about learning to champion their differences, not stifle them.

    Reading this book felt like having a long, heartfelt chat with friends who get it—friends who tell you what you need to hear, not necessarily what you want to hear. The kind of friends who remind you that this journey, while tough, is also filled with moments of joy, pride, and unparalleled love.

    So, to any parent out there facing a new autism diagnosis for their child, grab a copy of "Sincerely, Your Autistic Child." Sit down with it when the house is quiet, the kids are asleep, and let these voices help guide you towards a better understanding of your little one's world. It's an eye-opener and a companion wrapped into one. And isn't that what we all need when facing the beautiful, intricate puzzle that is autism?
  • lestorey
    5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT set of essays by actually autistic writers! including trans and non-binary AFAB
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2022
    Very glad for this second edition from the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network -- new title and intentional broadening from "girls and women" to more inclusive representation of assigned-female-at-birth transwomen and non-binary people. While I initially didn't think the point of view from an autistic child to their parent(s) / caretaker(s) would be of much value to me as an adult, I have found the resources provided by the publishing non-profit to be very helpful and I am always interested in autistic voices! The authors / contributors reflect a variety of intersectional identities, which provide insights for those of us who are not in a specific space (e.g., race, generation, etc) and strong moments of "I FEEL SEEN!" where I read a similar experience or wish. There is one essay by an allistic person -- a parent of an autistic person -- which I'm sure helps to frame the content for parents / caretakers of autistic people and I found to be a pretty comfortable read (versus so much other "autism mom" content I've seen online).

    I recommend using the table of contents as a cue for what set of essays / which titles you would like to read -- I did not read cover-to-cover (skipped over the childhood ones) when I received the book, but chose titles which resonated for me in the moment. I've gone back to reread all of them, as the essays were all so excellent -- truly a difference to read / experience another autist's work.
  • Erika Malinoski
    5.0 out of 5 stars A particularly critical read for mothers of Autistic children of any gender
    Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2023
    Some reviewers have mentioned that this volume only has stories from Autistic girls and nonbinary people, but if you’re wondering how to support your Autistic son, don’t skip this book! First off, just because an issue arises most acutely for gender marginalized people (e.g. vulnerability to abuse) doesn’t mean it won’t affect boys, too. Your child’s experience will be unique to them, but starting with the perspectives in this book is very valuable.

    The other reason moms in particular need to read this is because Autism has a hereditary component and girls and women are frequently undiagnosed. YOU may find that the stories in this book are eerily familiar and give you a new perspective on your own life. Even if you yourself aren’t Autistic, the writers’ observations on the way disability and sexism interact also share helpful insights on sexism. While I would like to also at some point read similar stories from boys, the focus of this book allows both common themes and diversity of experience to emerge that would be lost in a volume where a few token girls or nonbinary people had to represent their entire group. It is a very helpful book to read.
  • Irina
    4.0 out of 5 stars Could be more broadened in point of views
    Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
    I wish it also had male points of view, as I have son and the books is mainly listing the female experience. Next time please be all inclusive, the boy’s perspective could be very valuable for parents too.
  • Samantha
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
    This book is great. My 4 year old son just got diagnosed and I have been desperately trying to find resources. I loved that each chapter was written by someone who is autistic. It gave a great perspective, and insight from people who are actually autistic, not people with their phd who are coming from a medical perspective.

    One of the chapters has a list of things broken down with helpful tips. It's addressed for girls, but I actually typed it up to be genderless [referring to kids as kids, they] and am going to be giving it to my family and son's teachers to help. Absolutely great information.

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