Time for another book review on the topic of Autism Parenting.
Autism Out Loud
by Kate Swenson, Carrie Cariello, and Adrian Wood
Non-Fiction, Memoir, Autism
Collectively, we have to share our moments of light, our gentle intentions, our radical grace, our reckless mercy, our tender, tender resilience. Because if compassion is the house we build, then storytelling is the key to the front door.
-Autism Out Loud
Autism Out Loud is a memoir with a self-help/how-to element. What makes this book very unique, is that it isn’t coming to you from one author, but three; and it doesn’t just present one take on autism parenting, but three very different ones.
Carrie Cariello (who I’ve reviewed before here) is the author of three previous books on autism, and is a mom to a 19-year-old on the spectrum. Her son Jack was originally diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, (which is now known as Autism Level One), and eventually received the additional diagnoses of Anxiety and OCD. Jack is currently living in a supported community that helps young adults with disabilities earn college credits. Since the publication of this book, Carrie has been appointed to the State Advisory Committee on Education in New Hampshire.
Adrian Wood has a PhD in Educational Research and has contributed to many publications and shows, including The Today Show. Her son Amos is 9. Amos has been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety, and also has a genetic disorder. He requires substantial support, which would likely place him at Autism Level Two. (Though his doctors did not assign him a level.)
Kate Swenson (who I’ve reviewed before here, and you may recognize from this guest post) is the author of one previous book, and the creator of the widely popular autism blog/community Finding Cooper’s Voice. Her son Cooper is 13, and has been diagnosed with Autism Level Three, Dyspraxia, Anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. He is non-speaking, and requires very substantial support, which will need to continue for his entire life.
These three differing perspectives on autism are all considered as these moms speak topically about a number of challenges that affect autism parents. Every chapter is divided into three, allowing each mother to share from her own experience. Topics include diagnosis, anxiety, schooling, siblings, family life, defining success, looking to the future, and more.
All that to say, there is something here for every parent who has an autistic child. Plus, this book gives readers a taste of each authors’ experience and writing style, which could help you choose the author you relate to most when selecting a social media account to follow, or your next read.
Like so many books of this type, the biggest strength of this book is the sense of solidarity it brings. Autism parenting is a unique journey that no amount of advice can prepare you for. You can, however, be encouraged, uplifted, validated, and comforted by the stories of others who have walked in similar shoes. That is what this book does. By sharing how they felt, thought, and persevered, these three authors give you the space to think, feel, and persevere how you need to. This book gives you words for thoughts and feelings that are difficult to express, and the knowledge that you are not alone.
And, like so many books of this type, the biggest weakness of this book is the extent of the advice and how-tos given. There is no roadmap when it comes to autism parenting, and because they know this, these authors refrain from giving very detailed or very specific advice. If that is something you are looking for, you won’t really find it here. This book provides nuggets of wisdom from lessons learned and challenges overcome, but it is not a step-by-step sort of guide.
Quotes from the Authors:
[On Guardianship]
-Carrie Carriello, Autism Out Loud
“My son’s court-appointed attorney suggested I leave the room so they could confer.” Where is this sentence in all the baby books I read? In all the articles I consumed about autism?
Nowhere. This sentence is nowhere.
When you’re a caregiver, tears are a sign of bravery, admitting weakness is a sign of strength, and you know love is the biggest risk you’ll ever take, except being loved.
-Adrian Wood, Autism Out Loud
[Caregiver] It’s a title awarded to the bravest and the strongest and the toughest of mothers–humans tasked with making this world a better place.
The bravest act I have ever had to do is send my most precious, vulnerable treasure into the world and trust it will treat him well and deliver him back to me in one piece.
-Kate Swenson, Autism Out Loud
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