I guess this particular chapter of my story started nearly ten years ago when my twins made their grand entrance into the world a couple months earlier than expected. 

Our family nearly doubled in size that day, and we were all thrown into a much different life. I left my career of teaching elementary school, and started a new path, not knowing where it would lead.

When our twins were toddlers, they were identified as Autistic. For the next year or so, we were given all sorts of out-dated misinformation from doctors and therapists. 

We were told that our children lacked empathy, that they were noncompliant, that they probably wouldn't learn basic language.

I describe this introduction to autism in more detail in the book I co-authored with Jules Edwards, I Will Die On This Hill. 

Finding the Autistic community - especially those who are Nonspeaking - completely transformed my outlook on autism.

It took years to unlearn what I was taught about my Autistic children. In an effort to help the next parent out, I started Not an Autism Mom.

Around the same time, I created That Au-Some Book Club. In that group, we learn about autism from Autistic authors and allies. We discuss books and we host epic book club meetings!

Most recently, I've been developing skills related to advocacy work. Partners in Policymaking, a ten month training, was an incredibly fulfilling experience! 

Here's a video of my experience with PiP, if you'd like to learn more about it.

During the 2022 Virginia General Assembly, I practiced my newfound skills, advocating for communication rights in school and lessening restrictions for families. 

Apparently, you win some, you lose some. (You can read more about the loss on my Patreon page). 

But the great news is, our state now allows parents and spouses to be paid as personal care attendants! This will give Virginia families more options when it comes to caring for their children.

I'm not sure what the next chapter of my life will look like, but I'm looking forward to whatever it brings. 

I Will Die On This Hill released in January of 2023. Our book features the work of over a dozen neurodivergent (mostly Autistic) contributors. We hope it will change this world for the better.

As I continue my work, I will never stop learning from the Autistic community, their families, and their allies. 

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

~Meghan

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