Autism: How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child by Jessie Hewitson - Non Fiction - Paperback

Details
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781398721722
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Age Range: Adult / Parenting (Non-Fiction)

Overview
Autism: How to raise a happy autistic child is the honest, practical parenting guide Jessie Hewitson wishes she had been given when her son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Blending personal experience with expert insight, it reframes autism as a difference rather than a disorder, placing a child's happiness and wellbeing at the very centre of the conversation. Warm, evidence-based and free of jargon, it has become a go-to resource for parents, carers, and teachers seeking clarity, reassurance, and genuinely useful, real-world advice.

About the Book
When Jessie Hewitson's son was diagnosed with autism, she found herself desperate for a book that spoke honestly about what lay ahead — without pity, panic or platitudes. Unable to find it, she wrote it herself. Autism draws on her own family's journey alongside interviews with autistic adults, fellow parents, and leading professionals and academics, including Professor Simon Baron-Cohen and author David Mitchell, to build a rounded, compassionate picture of raising a happy, thriving autistic child. The book moves through diagnosis, communication, education, meltdowns, friendships, and the teenage years, always returning to one central idea: acceptance and adaptation are not resignation, but the foundation of a good life. Rather than a checklist of deficits to fix, Hewitson offers road-tested, family-friendly strategies that respect a child's individuality while giving parents confidence to advocate at school, at home, and in the wider world. It is frank about the challenges — sleepless nights, professional gatekeeping, sibling dynamics — but never loses sight of hope, humour, and everyday family joys. Widely praised by educators, clinicians, and parents alike, it has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted, readable guides to autism parenting published in recent years.

• Written by an award-winning journalist with first-hand experience of autism parenting
• Combines personal insight with expert academic and clinical perspectives
• Practical, road-tested advice for everyday family life
• Reframes autism as difference, not disorder, centring on a child's happiness
• Endorsed by leading autism advocates, authors, and educators
• An essential, reassuring read for parents, carers, and teachers

About the Author
Jessie Hewitson is an award-winning journalist at The Times, where she writes on property and personal finance. Before joining The Times, she worked as a freelance journalist for The Sunday Times and the Telegraph, and edited Tatler magazine's guide to the best doctors. A mother of two, her son is autistic, and it was his diagnosis that inspired her to write Autism — the book she wishes she had been able to read at the very start of their journey together.

Why You'll Love This Book
Honest, warm and deeply practical, this is the guide countless parents turn to first. It replaces fear with understanding, and confusion with real, workable advice — a genuinely essential addition to any family bookshelf.

Please Note: Please note the ISBN and edition cover may vary slightly; this is the current UK edition as shown.