Navigating the world of autism can feel overwhelming, especially for parents who are just beginning the journey. In this Spotlight Feature on San Antonio Super Moms , we are honored to introduce Linda Ashley , author of Parenting and Autism
Can you share a little about yourself and your journey into writing about parenting and autism?
“I have two children, and three amazing grandsons. I have been an English teacher, worked in outside sales, and spent many years as a secretary/bookkeeper and office administrator. I’ve always enjoyed writing and wished for many years that I could write magazine articles and books. Nothing in my work history prepared me for helping to raise an autistic child.”
What is the title of your book, and what is its core message?
“The book title is Parenting and Autism: A Comprehensive Guide to Recognize Early ASD Symptoms, Overcome Challenges, and Plan for Your Child’s Future.
Who is this book written for?
“This book is written for parents and grandparents, as well as teachers, of children who seem developmentally delayed or have been identified as autistic.”
What makes your book different from other books about autism and parenting?
“Parenting and Autism is a guide for parents to help them navigate identifying developmental delays, getting their child tested, finding the right therapists and specialists, guiding them through the challenges of public, private, or homeschooling, identifying their child’s special gifts, and preparing them for life after high school. Many autism books are about a particular child or studies on particular children. This book can help parents of all children on the spectrum.”
What are some of the biggest challenges parents of children with autism face today?
“Parents with autistic children face many challenges every day. Some of the biggest challenges are getting the initial evaluation and finding the needed specialists and therapists. Navigating the school years and preparing children for life are also huge challenges. Feeling isolated is a major challenge for the main caregiver of autistic children. If the child is severely autistic, the caregiver often has to miss many family activities because the autistic child just can’t handle the crowds or the noise.”
What are 2–3 key takeaways you hope readers walk away with?
“I hope readers of this book have hope for a better future for their children and feel more secure, with a guide to navigating the pitfalls they face daily. I want readers to realize they are not alone and can join organizations and Facebook groups of people facing the same issues they face daily.”
What advice would you give to a mom in San Antonio who just received an autism diagnosis for her child?
“For a mom who has just received a diagnosis of autism for her child, I would say, don’t panic. You are now armed with the most important information you will need to guide your child to their greatest potential. Instead of seeing the diagnosis as a negative, see it as positive information you can use to create a plan for your child’s future.”
Are there any resources, therapies, or support systems you recommend parents look into?
“There are many resources available online and locally. I’ve noted many of them in my book, including Autism Speaks, which is a national organization dedicated to improving the lives of autistic children that has a chapter here in San Antonio. Autism Parenting Magazine is also a wonderful resource filled with helpful information. There are a large number of Facebook groups for moms with autistic children and blogs from autistic parents like My Autism Team. I’ve noted several others in my book, but a quick search for autism Facebook groups or autism blogs will provide a long list of sites you might enjoy visiting. I also suggest that parents of autistic children in Texas join the Navigate Texas website. Through this site, parents can apply for Medicaid waivers and find a wealth of helpful information. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and ABA therapy are all extremely helpful for autistic children.”
What is one thing you wish more people understood about autism?
“I wish more people understood that a diagnosis of autism isn’t the end of a child’s future. It only means the child’s future will take a different path and require more planning, love, and patience. Parents shouldn’t grieve the future they had planned for their children; they need to embrace a different path.”
How can moms take care of themselves while caring for a child with special needs?
“Raising a special needs child is challenging, isolating, and wearing on the mother. It is vital that these moms take the time to care for themselves too. That might mean the mom joins an exercise class, gets a massage once a month, meets friends for lunch – anything that makes her life feel normal. It is important that the mom find a dependable babysitter for her child so she can get away for short periods of time without worrying about her child. Having extended family help out is as important for the mom as it is for the child. Both need a strong support team.”
What gives you hope?
“Hope often comes in very small packages when raising an autistic child. Milestones we take for granted in a neurotypical child might not come until much later in an autistic child. Each small success gives us hope that my grandson will become more independent in the future.”
What message would you like to send directly to moms reading this today?
“I would like to tell all moms reading this article that raising an autistic child is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. You are that child’s hero in every part of their life. You are not alone. There are many other moms and families going through exactly what you are experiencing. Your love for your child is your strength, and you are strong enough to navigate the minefield of challenges successfully. You are a SUPER MOM!!”
Where to Find Linda’s Book
“My books can be found on Amazon , IngramSpark , and the Barnes & Noble online bookstore.”
Click here to buy the book on Amazon.
Connect with Linda
“Readers can connect with me through my website: LindaAshleyAuthor.com or email me at tcipublishing.com . I would love to hear about your experiences and any questions you have. I also have Linda Ashley Author Facebook and Instagram pages. I look forward to hearing from you.”
The journey of parenting a child with autism is not always easy, but it is filled with moments of strength, growth, and deep, unconditional love. Through stories like Linda Ashley’s and resources like Parenting and Autism , families can find guidance, clarity, and the support they need to move forward with confidence.
If you are a mom navigating autism, searching for answers, or simply needing reassurance, know that you are not alone. There is a community here for you, and there are people who understand your journey. At San Antonio Super Moms, our mission is to connect, support, and uplift families by sharing trusted autism resources, real experiences, and voices that matter.
You are doing more than you realize. You are showing up, learning, advocating, and loving in ways that shape your child’s future every single day. And that alone makes you incredibly powerful.
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