Autism Adulthood

One of the biggest fears of parents with children with autism is their looming adulthood and all that it entails. In this Second Edition of her lauded book Autism Adulthood, Susan Senator further tackles the challenges of adult life on the autism spectrum on the more severe end of the spectrum – those who cannot communicate for themselves, honestly discussing the complex decisions that await all parents and caregivers. To help parents find the guidance they need to provide fruitful lives for their autistic loved ones’ and the support they themselves need, Senator shares her own family’s personal story about her son, Nat, and his struggles and triumphs as an adult with severe autism.

Autism Adulthood features interviews with parents, caregivers, researchers, and professionals. Each vignette reveals firsthand a family’s needs and goals—the circumstances, thought processes, and unique solutions. Sharing the wisdom that emerges from parents’ and self-advocates’ experiences, Senator adds her own observations and conclusions based on her long-term familiarity and understanding of autism. Told in Senator’s trademark warm, approachable style, Autism Adulthood, Second Edition paints a vivid and thought-provoking picture of many people grappling with grown-up, real-life autism. Senator’s is the only book of its kind, as real families share their stories and their creative solutions.

Susan Senator is a writer, activist, and the mother of three boys. Her books include Making Peace with Autism and The Autism Mom’s Survival Guide. Her adult son, Nat, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, and she has been advocating for people with autism ever since. She lives in Brookline, Massachusetts.

“Senator hits the nail on the head once again . . . This is a must-read for any parent with a child on the autism spectrum as well as care¬givers, siblings, and extended family.” – Library Journal (starred review)

"As an emotional resource, Senator's book is excellent." —Kirkus, for Autism Adulthood

"In this book, like her others, the wonderful Susan Senator gives voice to those who are too often voiceless -- folks with ASD who seek what they deserve -- lives of purpose and possibilities."—Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author of Life Animated, A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes and Autism.

“In her frank and deeply touching new book, Susan Senator faces the big issues—housing, employment, relationships with siblings, finding trustworthy caregivers—head-on, and offers practical strategies for giving young autistic people the best chance to lead happy and secure lives, mapping a pathway to the future. She offers a blueprint for a world in which people at every point on the spectrum are treated as fellow citizens who deserve respect and the ability to make choices.” —Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

"There is a huge need for books to help individuals with autism make the transition to adulthood. Autism is a wide spectrum, ranging from a brilliant Aspergers at a technology company to an adult who cannot dress himself. These individuals need very different services. Susan Senator describes successful journeys, as well as her own with her son Nat. I highly recommend Autism Adulthood for parents and teachers who are guiding individuals in the middle range within the broad autism spectrum." —Temple Grandin, author of The Autistic Brain, and Thinking in Pictures

"Autism Adulthood is a book I will be recommending to every autism parent I know. Senator is as warm as she is wise, as thoughtful as she is knowledgeable, as compassionate as she is informative. Her rallying cry of “All we can do is love each other” will resound in any parent’s heart. Senator loves fiercely—which means she does everything she can to ensure the best life and future for her adult child with autism. This book will inspire the rest of us to do the same for ours."—Claire LaZebnik, co-author of Overcoming Autism, with Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel

"From the introduction, Autism Adulthood: Strategies and Insights for a Fulfilling Life will bring you to that dark place parents of young adults with autism fear. But just as quickly, Susan offers practical advice through story-telling and concise, how-to strategies that will leave you feeling optimistic, hopeful and back in control—all any of us can ask for. A thoroughly readable and important book."—Arthur Fleischmann, Author of Carly's Voice: Breaking Through Autism

"Many readers will find comfort in her advice and helpful concluding list of resources." —Booklist