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. 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. -- adapted from Amazon.com. "In this book, autistic people of diverse racial, ethnic, educational, socioeconomic, and gender backgrounds talk about not just what we wish our own parents had known when we were growing up, but what we most want all parents to know about raising autistic kids today"-- Provided by publisher.

"Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network"-- title page.

Foreword /Jess Wilson -- Early memories, childhood, and education. Acknowledge vulnerability; presume competence / B. Martin Allen -- It's us against the world, kid / Brigid Rankowski -- What autistic girls wish their parents knew about friendship / Jane Strauss -- What your daughter deserves: love, safety, and the truth / Kassiane Asasumasu -- What I wish you knew / Katie Levin -- Change the world, not your child / Lei Wiley-Mydske -- Empathy and non-verbal cues / Dusya Lyubovskaya -- The first time I heard of autism / Anonymous -- What I wish my parents knew about being their autistic daughter / Heidi Wangelin -- A particular way of being / Karen Lean -- Acceptance and adaptation. A daughter's journey: lessons, honesty, and love / Jennifer St. Jude -- Still your child / Ondrea Marisa Robinson -- Perfect in an imperfect world / Haley Moss -- Who gets to be diagnosed? and who does it serve? / Victoria M. Rodríguez-Roldán -- Unconventional / Amythest Schaber -- I wish I wasn't so hard on myself back then / Kayla Smith -- Ten things I wish my parents had known when I was growing up / Amelia "Mel" Evelyn Voicy Baggs -- I am an autistic woman / Amy Sequenzia -- The view from outside the window / HW -- Finding me: the journey to acceptance / Morénike Giwa Onaiwu -- Autism, self-acceptance, and hope / Lynne Soraya -- Intersectional identity and finding community. Keep her safe; let her fly free / Maxfield Sparrow -- Tell me I'm autistic / Anonymous -- Autism, sensory experiences, and family culture / Mallory Cruz -- Safe harbors in a difficult world / Kayla Rodriguez -- Give your daughters autistic community / Jean Winegardner -- A parents' guide to being transgender and autistic / Alexandra Forshaw -- On surviving loneliness and isolation, and learning to live with loss / Lydia X. Z. Brown -- There's a place / Emily Paige Ballou -- Conclusion / Beth Ryan.