From Here to Maternity pregnancy and motherhood on the Autism Spectrum

Already the mother of five children, Lana Grant's late diagnosis of autism at age 38 transformed her experience of her sixth pregnancy. Based on her own experiences of the challenges and joys of pregnancy and motherhood, this witty, entertaining read provides insight into the unique challenges encountered by mothers on the spectrum and provides tips and strategies for understanding and overcoming them. From physical and emotional changes, through to changes of routine and a lack of sleep, Lana Grant explains what women on the spectrum should expect in pregnancy and motherhood, as well as preparing them for the inevitable unexpected! Her stories of learning to make allowances for her feelings and her witty anecdotes offer support and a like-minded voice to women on the spectrum. She discusses everything from learning to understand the language used by medical professionals, who to tell what and when, and the dangers of over-sharing, through to sensory challenges during and after delivery, what to expect from staff in the hospital, and the social challenges of interacting with other mums before and after the birth.The first book on this important topic of pregnancy and motherhood on the autism spectrum, From Here to Maternity provides much needed support, insight and understanding for women on the spectrum, their family and friends, and the professionals working with them during and after pregnancy.

About me. 2. The first trimester. 3. The second trimester. 4. The third trimester. 5. Labour and birth. Appendices.

Happily ignoring the too common notion that women with an ASD cannot or should not have children, Lana Grant gives us From Here to Maternity, the baby book bible for those of us on the spectrum. Her language use can be taken literally, her explanations are visual enough to contemplate, and the extra tidbits of information not typically contained in everyday pregnancy books make this book a welcome addition to our female autism community and to any other woman who struggles with literalness, sensory integration, inflexibility, and/or perseverations. Truth be told, it's actually a really good read for anyone planning to have kids!

By Lana Grant
Imprint: JESSICA KINGSLEY PUBLISHERS
Release Date: May 14, 2015
Format: PAPERBACK
Dimensions: 216 x 136 mm
Weight: 260 g
Pages: 200