Great introduction to autism for parents. I learned so much that I could relate to and recognised a few more of my son’s traits. The content was concise and I have picked up some great tips to reduce conflict and meltdowns within our family. The narrator was very clear and spoke with a pleasant and warming tone.

Ausome Parenting by Natalie Loveson
(Narrated by Irinka Reade)

An informative, structured and educated book talking about taking care of autistic kids. From different perspective, the experience and journey that the author shared, it provides a more confident mind to parents. Also, the author has included a few red flags and suggestions in several situations.

Easy three to four read. The narrator used a good speed and tone for audience easier to follow.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my copy.

Pub date: Jun 15, 2024

As a mom of two autistic kiddos who started our autism journey 12 years ago, this would have been a perfect guide! This was a short, concise, and informative book containing helpful tips and facts regarding everything autism. I loved the praise and references to the tv shows 'Atypical' and 'Parenthood' as those are two of my favorite shows, which I believe depict and portray autism most realistically.

I definitely recommend this to any parent, guardian, or even extended family members just starting their journey into the autism world!

"If you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism."

"This is a forever journey."

Thank you, NetGalley, Natalie Loveson, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author of this title for allowing me to access this audiobook.

Review

A good introduction to parents who are new to the world of parenting a child with additional needs, especially those who know nothing about Autism and what it brings along the way.

As a parent of a child with Autism, this was a really good read/listen. However for me personally, I have a slight advantage when it comes to the subject as I have been professionally trained in childcare and have a quote the awareness of the spectrum so unfortunately the information didn't add too much to my understanding, but it does not take away from the fact that its a really great read and very fascinating when it comes to statistics and detailed explanations for those who seek them.

In my opinion this is a book that should be given or suggested to many parents when their child is newly diagnosed. It is a very scary world to to enter into when that initial diagnosis is given, in my experience when my child was diagnosed with ASD I was given a few website links and then I was sent on my way only to wait for another review appointment in a year's time (which didn't happen as they were constantly cancelled and pushed back). Had I been advised to read a book like this, the whole experience might have been a little less daunting for myself and my child.

I would highly recommend Ausome Parenting to others!

Ausome Parenting covers how to advocate for your child in a way that makes your child understand that they are loved and that your child has unique strengths and capabilities and is not less. It’s hard to be a parent today. It’s even harder when your child has extraordinary needs. I have 2 kids ASD level 3, SPD and severe language delays. Every day is an uphill battle of making sure I have met both of their needs and their sisters needs.

This book made me feel less alone. This book has armed me with things I didn’t know and helped me to correlate my thoughts in how best to approach each day anew.

I highly recommend all her books if you have a child on the spectrum or if you are an educator. In fact if you have any child in your life on the spectrum, you should take a listen. More people advocating for acceptance for people who struggle to advocate for themselves is always a beautiful thing.

5 stars. Thank you to @netgalley

Full disclosure, I did not finish this book. I feel like this is geared toward parents of newly diagnosed autistic children and those seeking answers about their growing concerns. I have a 13 year old who was diagnosed a decade ago. I love learning and reading about autism and how I can be a better mom for him so I was excited to dive into this. I was hoping this book would provide additional insight to my existing knowledge but I don’t think I’m the target audience and that’s totally okay. NetGalley forces me to leave a star rating in order to leave feedback so I’m giving this a “middle of the road” 3 stars for fairness to avoid skewing one way or the other with 1 or 5 stars.

Side note/tangent: I was immediately turned off by the repeated use of the word “normal” as a synonym for neurotypical children very early on in the book. What is “normal” anyway? Everyone is unique. I’m sure it isn’t her intention but comparing children on the spectrum to “normal” children makes me feel like the author is insinuating there is a negative connotation toward neurodiverse individuals. In my experience, most parents, healthcare professionals, and educators avoid use of the word “normal”. Like the author, I too am a nurse. All education points us to avoid use of the word “normal” unless there are clearly defined parameters which makes her use of the word more disappointing.

📖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪 📖
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Ausome Parenting
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Non Fiction
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Audiobook

I am a recently diagnosed autistic adult and found this a really helpful and interesting read. Me and my husband are wanting children and one of the worries I’ve had recently is the awareness of the genetic element of ASD and ADHD and how might I raise and help a child understand something I’m trying to come to terms with myself.

The chapters were short and full of really useful information. I particularly liked the debunking ‘facts’ about autism. The author is really key about each person is different as while I’ve heard the term it’s a spectrum before hearing all the different examples and powerful stories has been really empowering!