Abstract

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.

As a mother diagnosed with autism after the birth of my children myself, I can relate to the anxieties and experiences that Lana has presented in this ground-breaking book on pregnancy and motherhood for women with autism. By sharing her personal journey, along with clear information and tips for medical staff, hopefully this book will help allay some of the fears and answer the many questions that expectant mothers on the autism spectrum will have.
Sarah Hendrickx, author of several books, including Love, Sex and Long-Term Relationships: What People with Asperger Syndrome Really Really Want
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!
Liane Holliday Willey, author of Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Lana Grant is currently researching a BPhil on gender differences in autism at Birmingham University. She has six children and was diagnosed with autism at the age of 38, after the birth of her fifth child. The diagnosis transformed her experience of her sixth pregnancy. Lana is employed by the Birmingham City Council Local Authority Communication Autism Team and is an active advocate for autism, regularly giving talks and writing articles.
In this extremely readable and engaging book, Lana Grant gives graphic details of her pregnancies to illustrate how the challenges are magnified for those with Asperger Syndrome. Even when medical staff knew her diagnosis, this rarely altered their practice. Feeling extremely anxious about much of what was said and done was constant. However, giving birth and caring for her children have been the happiest and most significant parts of her life to date. This is a must read for all medical staff and others in the field of autism.
Dr. Glenys Jones, Chartered Psychologist, Autism Centre for Education and Research, University of Birmingham