Autism, Apples and Kool Aid: A Lifetime of Love and Lessons Living with Autism

by Jen Richcreek Jones

What do you do when you see red Kool-Aid dripping down the freshly painted white walls of your dining room? You cry and cling to the hope that, someday, this will be a funny story to share. You remind yourself you love your children, autism and all.

Jen shares the details of that day and other stories about living with autism. She is completely honest about the difficulties that autism can bring to a family, even as she shares her pride and excitement at everything her children have accomplished. She is a firm believer that laughter is better than tears and always tries to find the humor in life. Some days, that's easier to do than others.

Autism, Apples and Kool-Aid shares the journey of a mom with three children, one typical and two with autism, through the autism diagnosis, IEPs, meltdowns, sensory issues, loneliness, and adulthood. Despite routine being such a crucial part of her kids' lives, no day is ever the same and Jen finds joy in the small victories.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 9, 2024

Reviews

[Lori Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen’s book is a heartfelt look into her experiences with her family, including her two children with autism. Her stories and reflections are a wonderful reflection of her abilities to focus on what is importantly in families, and how she has overcome the “black days” they’ve experienced. Her anecdotes are uplifting while not being toxically positive, and show the day in-day out reality of autism. As a 32 year veteran special education teacher, I will carry the lessons shared into the coming school year.

[Dustin L. Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the author's online content for many years, I was excited to read their book. As an self-advocate I was able to resonate deeply with the experience that all of their family from the author as a 'autism mom' to each of her children to her extended family. Hearing another awesome story from the early days of autism that was very similar yet different in many ways inspired me as an autistic person to never give up hope of what potential opportunites are abundant for all of her chidren and extended family toward their autistic loved ones and sharing the faith connection was something that sets it apart from many other similar stories of love and lessons of autistic families and the challenges faced by the world.

[Terry M. Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, heartfelt thoughts written by a dedicated, selfless mother.

I loved the true to life examples of how autism has helped this mother learn important life lessons. She has gone the extra mile by sharing her thoughts with others. Life can be difficult and the author has done her best to help other parents cope with autism. Great read for anyone who shares their life with autism.

[Charity Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely informative and relatable!

I would recommend this book to everyone!! It is a great resource for not only families that have a loved one with an Autism diagnosis but also for every single person regarding how you treat others. This book shows strength and determination and is a must read!