The Thinking Moms' Revolution: Autism beyond the Spectrum: Inspiring True Stories from Parents Fighting to Rescue Their Children

by Helen Conroy (Compiler), Lisa Joyce Goes (Compiler), Robert W. Sears (Foreword)

The Thinking Moms’ Revolution (TMR) is a group of twenty-three moms (and one awesome dad) from Montana to Malaysia who all have children with developmental disabilities. Initially collaborating online about therapies, biomedical intervention, alternative medicine, special diets, and doctors on the cutting edge of treatment approaches to an array of chronic and developmental disabilities, such as autism, sensory processing disorders, food allergies, ADHD, asthma, and seizures, they've come together into something far more substantial. Suspecting that some of the main causes may be overused medicines, vaccinations, environmental toxins, and processed foods, they began a mission to help reverse the effects. In the process, they became a tight-knit family dedicated to helping their kids shed their diagnoses. 

Here, collected by Helen Conroy and Lisa Joyce Goes, are the stories of their fights to recover their kids from autism and related disorders. With each chapter written by a different TMR member, they share how they discovered each other, what they learned from each other, and why it’s important to have close friends who understand what it's like to parent a child with special needs. You'll read about the their experiences, and learn how their determination and friendships have become a daily motivation for parents worldwide.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Health, Nonfiction, Parenting

336 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Leeann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book.

Autism (and the autism spectrum in general) is not going away in this country. Instead, it is an epidemic and it is going to get worse before it gets better. Families are being destroyed and these Moms (and one Dad) are on the Front Lines, fighting for their child's recovery and blazing a trail for others who come after them.

Pretty much every person who participated in the writing of this book believes that vaccinations affected their child. While this is controversial and discounted by many as a myth, I am not so sure. I believe that vaccinations will ultimately be implicated along with pesticides, GMO foods and other toxins in our environments wreaking havoc on our children. That being said, I do believe that certain vaccines are important- maybe their delivery method needs to be altered. I have vaccinated my children as required but did so more carefully as I became more informed.. spaced vaccines out, delayed them if my child was ill, etc. I have no regrets about this. We also don't get any non-required vaccines like flu shots.

Much to think about in this book. I wish the authors and their families the very best.

[Cora Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

My eyes are wide open after reading this book. My heart goes out to families caring for autism children. I want to tell all young girls about risk of toxins and chemicals. I only seeing the overall health of our children getting worse as time goes on if people aren't educated.

Scary - another book on my 'to read' list is Foodolopy which I think will support theories of thinking moms.

[Michele Renee Renaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend this compilation that covers every aspect of the intricate details involved in having a child with what is touted as "special needs" relative to the very wide spectrum of Autism.

What you will read are stories that although are quite different, are in essence very similar. The pendulum spans everything from the basics of care in the home/family life to the delicate concerns within community. From the start of everyday to the night time, and all the efforts of parents who simply want the best for their children.

When reading about others experiences covering subjects that only those who live it actually understand, this book opens up dialogues, inquiries, and exposes the pressures that exist and pose problems in marriage or partnerships, complications that arise in friendships or extended family relationships, and validates the overall determination of moms who often are the best advocates for their children.

If you have questions about schooling, special education, medical options, diet, or even tried methods in how to help an autistic individual....this book is the go to for your realization that you are not alone, that there are more parts to the spectrum that go unrecognized or are not spoken about, and provides reliable sources.

For anyone who knows and or cares about someone with various forms of Autism, A-typical high functioning, Aspergers, verbal or non verbal, and perhaps even adhd, hsp, or other related conditions. This is a book that shows what it means to unconditionally love, and how unrelenting courage to find the best care and overall development for individuals with Autism.

[Jane Cathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really learn anything new from reading this book . I’ve been reading about autism for a decade and it’s interesting to read the different accounts from the mothers and the dad . I think it’s safe to admit that many toxins in the environment, water , air and pharmaceuticals can disrupt the guts and brains of children . All the accounts mentioned vaccines but only the last mother really stated emphatically that she thought vaccines were the cause of her child’s autism . I imagine they didn’t want to admit to the public that vaccines were the one and only cause . They are looked upon as crazies when they even mention there might be a link . I expected more from this book . It was an easy read , and not very complicated text . It helps bring the realization to the public that autism is not necessarily a gift but quite the struggle for these families .

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great, informative read. I loved reading the personal stories of journeys into, then out of (for many) autism. What amazing women. They inspired me with every word they wrote.
I wish every mom could read this book so that they would learn to trust their intuition and not rely so much on the medical community to determine 'what's right' for their children. Common sense has to come in to play more in our society.
I learned a lot as I read these stories.
I would recommend this book to any parent of young children as you make choices of vaccines, medications, therapies, etc.
Very readable.

[Nel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to rate this high because it is SUCH an important read. Whether you're a first-time parent, a seasoned veteran, whether or not your children have autism, or any other related condition, everyone should be aware of this alarming epidemic. The children in our communities are suffering, and it is up to us as parents to inform ourselves, and advocate for their well-being. For those of us whose children are unaffected, we must be aware of that which is going on around us, and help those parents spread awareness.

The stories are so raw, so inspiring. These parents are paving the way for generations to come. Bravo Thinking Moms (& 1 dad;-))!

[D'et Hoover · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a preschool teacher I found this book a very useful and interesting insight into the lives of families dealing with autism.

[Candi Calderone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life-changing book. Enough said.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

everyone has a different story. I am greatful to these parents who shared their story and helped me to see we are not alone. they gave me some new ideas and hope for the future.