Sincerely, Your Autistic Child

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network presents a collection of essays written by autistic adults to guide parents raising neurodivergent children. Instead of clinical observations, the contributors provide firsthand accounts of growing up in a world designed for the neurotypical. The text focuses on specific topics like sensory processing, the harms of forced social masking, and the importance of bodily autonomy. Authors explain the difference between compliance and true communication, urging parents to move away from behavioral therapies that prioritize looking "normal" and instead support their child's actual needs.

This book is for parents and caregivers who want to understand their child’s internal experience rather than just managing their outward behavior. It serves readers who seek to build a relationship based on trust rather than control. Readers walk away with practical strategies for creating an inclusive home environment and advocating for their child in school settings. It provides the perspective needed to transition from a medicalized view of autism to one that embraces neurodiversity and long-term mental health.