This book talks about the way that autistic adults and parents of autistic children clash when it comes to discussing support for the autistic community. I thought it was a great topic for a book.

I really liked how they talked about the medical model involving treating autism like it needs to be cured versus the social model where they believe accommodations must be made to help support an autistic person’s needs. It was important for them to also mention how medical professionals and others often make decisions for autistic people without their input or consent. They talk about the American linear worldview/the colonial-capitalist worldview on how “if you are disabled, then your work is devalued, and you are denied power.” This is unfortunately a very accurate summary of society’s undervaluing of the disabled community.

I also appreciated the way they covered conflict between autistic adults and parents of autistic children; like they said, both groups have the best intentions despite the frequent conflicts. It’s important to be empathetic and take in what is being said, and to give constructive advice without attacking either party.

I also thought it was helpful for them to discuss the way that the “standard” for autism diagnosis is based on white boys and should not be because autism isn’t “one size fits all.” The sections on intersectionality were great additions, and the parts about the autistic community’s safety crisis were horrifying but enlightening. It was also awful reading the necessary truth about the billion dollar industry behind trying to cure autistic people by taking advantage of desperate parents.

What I didn’t love was how they frequently would mention something and instead of really elaborating on it, they’d say to do your own research to find out more. I’m not saying we shouldn’t do that research, but at least give some more information for context based on what they’ve been saying. Also, I took issue with the frequent “there will be more on this in Chapter X.” If you mention something there and then, I think it breaks up the flow of the book to wait to discuss that issue later on. Some of it also got a bit repetitive at times.

Overall I think it’s a good resource for the most part. I liked how they included a bibliography at the end of some chapters (plus the end of the book). The last chapter on how to get involved was another good resource for those in the community.

I read this as a special educator for over 16 years. I think it gives an interesting perspective for families, educators, and community partners. Speaking for myself I get tunnel vision towards my goals but this book was thought provoking and now has me thinking of the bigger picture

This is a book that the autistic community has needed for many years. There are multiple reasons why I will be recommending it. It's written in plain language, it's broken down in sections that can be read individually or as part of the big idea. This makes it more accessible. Even though there is a lot of information supported by academic research, it's not an academic text. It was written for the community and it will greatly benefit us. This doesn't mean it is not relevant for professionals. This book is just as valuable for any professional working with the autistic population. Having just finished an interprofessional fellowship in neurodevelopmental disabilities, I really hope all of my colleagues will read it because I can't think of one who will not benefit from the knowledge.

It's the perspectives of a non autistic parent of autistic children and an autistic adult who is also a parent of autistic children. They are open and honest about where they started and how their understanding developed. They are realistic about the conflicts, and they offer real advice on how to navigate community interactions. There are a lot of fantastic resources listed at the end of each chapter, and each includes a contribution by a self advocate, some of whom are writers I already knew of, and including autistic BIPOC and non speaking/AAC using self advocates.

And yes, they also talk about race and disability. What does race have to do with disability? Well, a lot, it turns out. A person's experience of disability is so thoroughly shaped by their racial background and that of other marginalized identities that you cannot separate them. There is not a much literature that addresses this well.

There are other important ideas that are not mentioned in a lot of books about autism, such as the different models of disability, the stereotyping in the medical community and overall culture, the concept of presumed competence, the dignity of risk and likely others.

I was provided an advance copy and this is my honest review. My paper copy is already preordered.

5/5 stars

An incredibly necessary book about bridging the gap between allistic parents and autistic adults. I'm an autistic adult and tend to avoid discourse on autism online, but even I am aware of the hostility between these groups.

This animosity has even entered the real world with autistic spaces that firmly divide autistic adults from families with autistic children. I live in the UK, and when I tried getting in touch with my local branch of the National Autistic Society, I was sent a private message by the organiser to enter the adult group (that had 12 followers as opposed to the 1k+ on the mainstream group). I thought it was because families more generally stay away from people they're not related to, but now I realise it was likely because of negative feelings.

Megah and Jules joined forces as parents of autistic children, one autistic and one allistic, to simmer down (but not avoid!) conflict into something that can be productive for both groups. I loved reading about their experiences and those of others, and the book is very insightful about what Americans (US) go through when their child is diagnosed as autistic. ABA therapy is not that strong in the UK, and generally, our healthcare is quite different, but I still spotted some similarities (like the segregation in education).
I also appreciated the stress on intersectionality because the classic autistic type (white, male, affluent, into trains - basically Sheldon) is far removed from most autistics, and I'm glad the book called out the unfair treatment of AFAB, non-binary, and BIPOC autistic people.

Something that could be improved would be the inclusion of a glossary so that people can keep up with the terms used in autistic discourse. I would also include terms such as 'social/financial' capital in there because someone who's not versed in sociology may not understand what the authors mean by that. I appreciated the point about capitalism conditioning us to value productivity and how it affects the perception of high-needs people as worthless; some may not connect it to capitalism because it may seem too Radical, but it is correct and in need of being mentioned!

Most of all, I loved the sections written by other people on the autism spectrum! I was very emotional when I got to the poem about Mikey, and it made me reflect on how the ugly parts of the autistic experience (murder, suicides) are often avoided as an attempt to de-escalate conflict. They are painful but necessary to mention when advocating for autistics because people must face up to the harsh reality of autistic people's threats.

I've previously read NeuroTribes and learnt about allistic parents there, so I already had a degree of sympathy for them, but I still enjoyed reading this.

Every parent of an autistic child needs to read this, and anyone who is autistic themselves should too. Ditto for people who are clinicians, specialists, teachers, and support staff.

Autistic people will feel affirmed and seen and parents and professionals will receive many anwers to burning questions or learn new helpful information.

This book centers autistic adults and our knowledge while showing empathy and compassion to parents of autistic children wanting to learn more.

It's intersectional, inclusive, Neurodiversity affirming, and leaves NO ONE in our community behind. Phenomenal. 5 stars.

Jen Smits, Contributer, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism

This is the kind of book I couldn't put down once I started.
During the years following my own autism diagnosis I often walked against a wall when it came to Autism Moms™. Why didn't they listen to autistic adults? Why did they keep bringing their children to ABA while they were told repeatedly that it is torture to autistic children? etc. This book adresses this communication gap in a wonderful way, making it a must read for both the mothers of autistic children and autistic adults.
The only real downside to this book I see is the fangirling over Why I Jump (See my own review on the book here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2974704414). While I see how this book changed the way Meghan looked to learning from autistics, and it is wonderful that it did, I do not think this is a book that should be read by everyone. As my own review states, it is too generalizing. I am fine not going back to the prehistoric watery mess, thanks.

There are a lot of books about Autism, but I Will Die on This Hill is one of the most unique books I've read so far, and I truly believe this book could be life changing for many people. It is written in a conversational style, with love, passion, humility and a true desire to see a better world for all Autistic and disabled people.

What Meghan and Jules have set out to do, is try and bridge the gap between Autistic people and non-Autistic parents of Autistic children. I think everybody who's been on the internet in any Autism related space has witnessed, or been part of, the frequent divide between these two 'hills'. But, the point of this book is that everyone has the same root goal, which is a better life for Autistic children. Now, the idea of what a 'better life' IS, often becomes the root of the argument, but this book brings in ideas, resources and plausible solutions on how we can all better connect and work together on a shared goal.

I am going to be honest, this book is going to make various people feel uncomfortable. Because, you have to be willing to challenge your bias and your ego, and put those things aside. Even though I've been learning for years now, regarding Autism and being a better communicator, this book still provided me with valuable reminders and additional tips on how to better 'bridge the gap'. Being a late identified Autistic parent, like Jules, I often feel like I'm in the middle and sometimes not seen by either side. I feel like the mission of this book is something we need more than anything else. Because, when we stand together, we have a much better chance to making long lasting change.

This book made me cry. A lot. But, it made me cry, because I felt so seen. And, it made me cry, because I hurt for all the Autistic people who aren't given a fair chance in life by a narrow minded society, and the fight that Autistic, and other disabled folks, face every single day. And, if you're a parent who has been given limited information by doctors who refuse to challenge their bias, you are going to read things that make you say OUCH, because we know you love your child, but even when we love our children; we don't always make the right choices. Facing our well intentioned mistakes is painful, and that's okay to admit, but the important thing is being able to sit with our discomfort and grow from it.

There is absolutely wonderful selection of guest essays in the book from a variety of Autistic advocates. While most Autistic people tend to have SOME shared traits, not all Autistic people are the same. Just like all other humans! To this day, in the year 2022, there are still so many stereotypes that center around the white, cis-male viewpoint. Listening to the words of BIPOC, trans, nonspeaking and other multi-marginalized Autistic advocates is key in making sure we truly lift ALL Autistic people, and NOT just those with specific privileges. If we aren't working to lift those who need the most support, then we aren't truly seeking equity.

Who should read this book? Well, everyone, in my opinion! But, certainly the parents of Autistic children, and Autistic adults who want to help better the lives of Autistic children. Teachers should read this book. Grandparents should read this book. Your neighbor down the street should read this book. Anybody who wants an honest, loving, REAL glimpse into trying to work TOGETHER to better this world for Autistic people.. should read this book.

Thanks to the authors and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This book talks about autism from a myriad of perspectives: autistic people, non-autistic parents of autistic people, autistic parents of autistic people, etc. There are also many other autistic people who contribute chapters to this book as well.

One of the most important messages of I Will Die On This Hill is that no one person is infallible or knows everything in the world. That’s a really important point when it comes to the autistic and autism community. This book helps with seeing both perspectives, from parents of autistic children to autistic adults who try to help parents.

I think the biggest theme of all that runs throughout this book is what misinformation can do to parents of autistic people, and autistic people themselves. This book shows very clearly how much pressure parents are under in general, and adding two tons of misinformation about autism on top of that [have you googled “autism” lately?] makes it impossible to figure out how to successfully support an autistic person, or even yourself. It’s about autism professionals’ dismissal of the innate instincts of parents to protect their kids from trauma. It’s about how parents’ concerns and gut feelings are dismissed because professionals continue to push the “gold standard treatment” of forcing autistic kids to mask and hide their distress. It’s about the continual dismissal of parents even when they are armed with information about co-occurring conditions and other supports their autistic kid may need.

I think the objective at the very core of this book is to let everyone know that we are all human beings who have all made mistakes before, who are all trying to do their best for themselves and others. That professionals are not infallible, and that even misinformation can lead an autistic parent of autistic kids to spout ableist ideas without realizing any of it. We are in a racist, sexist, patriarchal white supremacist system, and existing within that system affects us all. This book does a very good job of tying all of these ideas together.

The authors give a glimpse of parents who love their child, who are desperate to support them in any way they can, and who don’t have the information or the resources they need to do that. There is a sea of misinformation on autism, and both parents of autistic kids and autistic people themselves are drowning in it. It’s really refreshing to see personal experiences not just from parents of autistic kids, but autistic parents of autistic kids, who are centered in this book, and how misinformation also harms autistic parents and their autistic kids. Unfortunately, there are very few resources for autistic parents and how to navigate getting supports for their kid.

There is also the perspective of autistic adults, trauma, and making life better for future generations of autistic people. Jules Edwards mentions hating incremental change and talks about what incremental change looks like as an autistic advocate. Personally, as someone who got a lot of disagreement after publicly posting about what happened on Color the Spectrum (where a lot of things happened behind the scenes that I couldn’t talk about for many important reasons), I absolutely understand this perspective. A lot of other autistic advocates and I brought about change which involved a large organization awarding $1 million to autistic-led organizations, and even more important than that, actual autistic adult representation that millions of people watched. That still feels incremental to me, but in the grand scheme of our community, I found it to be a big win considering what we’re up against.

At the same time, so many autistic people were not happy with this strategy, and I want to reiterate that I wasn’t happy either. In fact, I don’t think any of us were. It was simply the only way, we believed, to create some sort of progress within our community. In fact, I could say it made most of our lives miserable for a month. It’s honestly not something I ever want to experience again. Incremental change isn’t fun or exciting – it’s often tedious and frustrating. This book does a good job of explaining that.

This book also explains how autistic adults may feel when interacting with misinformed and defensive parents. You know, trying to make change hurts. It hurts to witness the dehumanization of autistic people. It hurts to see parents and caregivers abusing their children to try to “cure” them. Autistic advocacy is not sunshine and roses – it is constantly being reminded of what position you are in in this world, that people would rather you not exist at all than to exist in this world as how you actually are – autistic. It’s absorbing the pain, isolation, gaslighting, and othering from the stories that other autistic people tell you about their lives. It is trying to make peace with how wrong the world is while making just a dot of change here or there, when you know that’s not going to be enough. It is difficult watching parents be preyed on by biomedical companies and ABA therapists, only spurred on by the love for their kid, not realizing the trauma that person will have to comes to terms with 20 years later – trauma that I’ve seen first hand in other autistic adults.

This book helps reconcile a lot of these feelings I have about where I am and what I’m doing. It really lays out these ideas clearly for parents who may be just starting to learn about autism, who may have just gotten an autism diagnosis for their kid, and who may not know they are autistic themselves.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand how misinformation can separate groups within the autism community. I hope by reading this book, they realize that what we all need to fight is misinformation about autistic people and the system that we live in.

I will warn you that it’s not an easy read. Note that the authors do say up front that you may want to throw this book across the room while you’re reading it, and I think they’re right about that. I would say that it’s still very much worth the read. Read at your own pace and your own time, mull things over and then come back to it, or write notes while you’re reading it. It will make you a better parent and/or a better advocate – whether autistic or not.

“Meeting our children where they are doesn’t mean giving up on them. It means seeing them as a whole person, broadening their access to communication, helping them figuring out their unique learning styles, helping them figuring out their sensory profile, and putting accommodations in place. When we work with our children instead of against them, instead of trying to fix them, we end up with happier children. And that is a goal worth striving for.” - Meghan Ashburn, I Will Die On This Hill

Racism And Misandry Deeply Mar Otherwise Interesting Concept. The idea behind this book - that a neurotypical Autism Mom and an #ActuallyAutistic mom of Autistic kids get together and have a constructive discussion - is fascinating because of how rarely Autism Moms in particular are willing to bridge that gap. And to be clear, there is a lot of good information here, and in the notes at the end of each chapter, two books I've previously reviewed - <a href="https://bookanon.com/2021/03/14/bookreview-were-not-broken-by-eric-garcia/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Eric Garcia's We're Not Broken</a> and <a href="https://bookanon.com/2019/03/16/bookreview-neurotribes-by-steve-silberman/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Steven Silberman's Neurotribes</a> - are both recommended. Unfortunately the good information is deeply marred by the authors' misandry and racism against anything white and/ or male - even while male Autistics! Indeed, in naming all kinds of other autism advocacy organizations, the authors fail to mention one of the biggest and most successful in the US - the <a href="https://autisticadvocacy.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Autism Self Advocacy Network</a>. And in marginalizing and delegitimizing both the successes and the struggles of white and/ or male Autistics, the author actively denigrate the admittedly largest section of known or even suspected Autistics. All while claiming to try to "bridge the gap" in speaking about Autism from both Autistic and neurotypical perspectives. Ultimately your own view of this book will come down to how much you agree with the authors' own blatant bigotries. Though again, there are at least some discussions here genuinely worthy of wading through their mire to see and examine. Indeed, just enough to elevate them to more than the few flakes here or there of my dreaded "gold mine" status - though only just. Two stars deducted for racism and sexism, and the third star is deducted for the lack of intellectual rigor in having a bibliography that even accounting for the recommended resources sections at the end of each chapter still barely accounts for 10% or so of the text (just 4% at the end of the overall narrative where the bibliography is normally found), which is about half to one third of the more standard bibliography of better documented texts in my extensive experience with even months-early advance reader copies. Recommended, if barely.

as an allistic person, I wasn't even remotely aware of all the troubles that autistic people and parents face, mostly because of our ablesitic society. I learned so many things with this book and I most certainly will seek out more information about the autistic world.
I also learned many tragic facts, the passages about abuse, suicide and filicide especially broke my heart. these issues are not even nearly talked about enough.
I believe that this book does a great job on helping entering the autistic world, giving information in a simple and direct way, without judging or sounding condescending.
it's a 5 out of 5 in my book.
Huge thanks to Meghan Ashburn, Jules Edwards and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for this opportunity to read the advance copy of this book on NetGalley.