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The Autistic Mom – New Book Essential Reading for parents of Autistic Children and Neurodivergent Adults

By November 26, 2024 Article

Immersing readers in her own deeply personal set of circumstances, Jessica Whalley’s The Autistic Mom makes for an unforgettable read and is destined to become a literary lifeline to all those who are supporting neurodivergent children and/or those who have received a diagnosis of ASC/ADHD in adulthood (or feel they need to be assessed).

Courageous and speaking frankly about her own mental health struggles and decision to seek an assessment for herself, the timing of its publication comes at a time when the UK government is under increasing pressure to make improvements for autistic adults and children and those with ADHD.

Bursting with helpful advice and sharing an understanding of the struggles that so many other women are facing (The ADHD Foundation estimates that 50–75% of women in the UK with ADHD are undiagnosed), this generous author offers herself up as a good source of advice and support to other families and adults. And with feedback already confirming that its publication is helping readers beyond the words they are able to convey, if this subject is close to your heart, this is the book to read.

Synopsis:

A very honest account of the author’s experience of being diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at age 38. The difficulties and mental health struggles faced up until this point and the reasons why opting for assessment was chosen.

Following her nonverbal son’s diagnosis at age three, Jessica dedicated her every moment to finding the best support and all of the information possible to help him interact, communicate and live to his full potential. This continues to be a working success however, the stress and anxiety of such pressure and the unknown had a huge effect on her own mental health.

Subsequently, after several difficult years, it was apparent that Jessica herself needed assessment for Autism and was in fact diagnosed with the condition alongside ADHD.

This book details the journey up to this point, looks at her life before having a family and being raised in a different world to what we live in today, whilst being undiagnosed.

The process of adult diagnosis, child diagnosis, advice for parents and other adults alongside positivity and inspiration make this a must read for any parent, any adult struggling with their mental health and anyone who works with children.

Garnering five-star praise from readers, Amazon reviews include:

“I read this book in two days, couldn’t put it down! It will help anyone wanting an insight into ADD, ADHD, autism and all the challenges involved day-to-day for parents, children, family and friends. What Jess has overcome with herself, and her son Jude is overwhelming, what a woman!” – Alex

“If you have been late diagnosed with autism/ADHD or both (like me) and you also have a child on the spectrum (like me) then this is a fantastic personal account of both as well as having really informative advice as well. The author does a great job breaking down the whole process of diagnosis and understanding yourself and the world around you and your relationships when you are a person who has always felt “different” and waited so long to get the reason why. Most women are diagnosed only after we learn everything to help our children, and we have to adapt on both fronts. The community is bigger than we think!” – Sarah

“This book was so insightful regarding neurodiversity. With having family members with Autism and ADHD I found this book very informative. It made me think of ways I could support/help them in ways I had never thought of before. It also made me understand them better, I think it will help so many families reading this due to the nature of the book.” – Tom

Published by UK Book Publishing, The Autistic Mom is available to purchase in paperback (ISBN No: 978-1916572959) priced £13.99 on Amazon

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Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.