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Momtistic: Autism, Motherhood, and Discovering Myself in Both
At thirty-five, writer and media veteran Laura Donovan thought she had motherhood figured out—until her two sons were diagnosed with autism and a clinician suggested that she might be autistic too.
In this candid and darkly funny memoir, Donovan chronicles her journey from overwhelmed parent to self-aware advocate, weaving pop culture, humor, and heartbreak into a narrative that redefines what it means to be “different.” From reenacting Elf with her five-year-old to decoding preschool politics in pandemic-era Portland, she learns that the quirks she once tried to outgrow were never flaws—they were family traits.
Momtistic is a love letter to neurodivergent families everywhere and a fresh addition to the conversation about women whose neurodivergence had gone unrecognized for decades—finding a language for who you’ve always been.
In this candid and darkly funny memoir, Donovan chronicles her journey from overwhelmed parent to self-aware advocate, weaving pop culture, humor, and heartbreak into a narrative that redefines what it means to be “different.” From reenacting Elf with her five-year-old to decoding preschool politics in pandemic-era Portland, she learns that the quirks she once tried to outgrow were never flaws—they were family traits.
Momtistic is a love letter to neurodivergent families everywhere and a fresh addition to the conversation about women whose neurodivergence had gone unrecognized for decades—finding a language for who you’ve always been.
290 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2026
About the author
Laura Donovan
1 book59 followersLaura Donovan is the author of MOMTISTIC, a memoir about discovering her autism at age 35 after both her sons were diagnosed. MOMTISTIC will be released by Cynren Press on September 8, 2026, and is currently available for preorder on Cynren's website. A former full-time online media professional, Laura worked for ATTN:, Mic, HelloGiggles, and the TV show Crime Watch Daily with Chris Hansen prior to having children and leaving the workforce in 2018. Her freelance essays have appeared in Romper, SheKnows, and Business Insider. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 23, 2026
ARC REVIEW
This book is both captivating and humorous. As the mother of a child with autism, now an adult, I found the book relatable and enjoyable. Laura demonstrates remarkable strength while using humor to navigate everyday life. Discovering that both children are on the autism spectrum, and subsequently learning of one's own autism diagnosis, is unimaginable. I highly recommend this memoir .
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
This book is both captivating and humorous. As the mother of a child with autism, now an adult, I found the book relatable and enjoyable. Laura demonstrates remarkable strength while using humor to navigate everyday life. Discovering that both children are on the autism spectrum, and subsequently learning of one's own autism diagnosis, is unimaginable. I highly recommend this memoir .
Thanks to Book Sirens for sending me an advanced copy to read and review
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wrote this, so I’m biased. I put my heart and soul into this memoir, which was a lifetime in the making. I hope you love it, and I hope it makes at least one person feel validated and seen.
September 8, 2026
Can you imagine being a new mom in a new town, juggling the chaos of early parenthood, and then discovering not only that both of your children are autistic, but guess what, you are, too? In Momtistic, Laura Donovan turns that moment into a candid, funny, and relatable memoir. Donovan’s balances humor with honesty of neurodivergent family life. She writes with compassion about her sons, herself, and those whose neurodivergence goes unrecognized for decades.
I recommend for anyone who loves a neurodivergent person.
I recommend for anyone who loves a neurodivergent person.
September 16, 2026
MOMTISTIC is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish reading it. I read it in one sitting and I see myself reading it again.
Autism is something that has touched my own family. What makes this book so special is that it isn’t simply a book about autism. It’s about motherhood, identity, self-discovery, and learning to see yourself and the people you love in a different way.
If autism has touched your family or your life in any way, or if you simply love honest, heartfelt stories about being human. I highly recommend reading this book.
Autism is something that has touched my own family. What makes this book so special is that it isn’t simply a book about autism. It’s about motherhood, identity, self-discovery, and learning to see yourself and the people you love in a different way.
If autism has touched your family or your life in any way, or if you simply love honest, heartfelt stories about being human. I highly recommend reading this book.
September 26, 2026
Going into this read as someone who is neither a parent nor has been very personally touched by autism, I was worried I may not be able to get into it. My worries were unfounded, however; I absolutely flew through this book! It flows extremely well and Laura writes in a way that makes me feel personally invested in her and her sons’ stories. If you’re thinking of reading it, definitely give it a go! I’m looking forward to discussing at book club :)
August 24, 2026
As someone who loves (and works with) a lot of autistic individuals, this book was such a special and insightful peak behind the curtain. I laughed, I cried, and I loved every bit of it! The love Laura and deep understanding Laura has for her sweet boys is incredibly beautiful. Thank you for sharing your world and your family with us!
September 19, 2026
So relatable. I find the book warm, insightful and honest. A neurodivergent must-read.
Review of advance copy
Won this on LibraryThing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Momtistic was heartwarming, emotional, funny and relatable. This came at the perfect time in my life to read this, since my son received an official diagnosis for autism this year. I'm still learning about signs of autism, so I found myself moved by so many similarities that had made me feel alone in the early years of motherhood. I have so much empathy and respect for how much she has been through while raising two sons on the spectrum primarily on her own.
In Momtistic, we are introduced to Laura's family with humor when she takes us through her love of the movie Elf. This is just a taste of the many cultural millennial references that she has passed down to her son's. While there are moments of nostalgia, these references also highlight signs of autism as well. Movies like Elf, Dennis the Menace, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Harriet the Spy are just some of the movies that become part of their daily routine. Not only is there nostalgia, but also more recent movies like Wicked and Barbie. You'll also hear mentions of being a hardcore Harry Styles fan.
I love that Laura embraced being a child at heart and not caring anymore about appearing as weird. My message to Laura is this: Weird is cool! I hope you continue to wear all the fun merch and jewelry you can get your hands on.
Momtistic is a fast-paced read that felt like two moms having a heart to heart while our children play. It made me reflect on things my son did when he was younger that I questioned as different, but made excuses for. It helps me reallze that maybe I should seek an evaluation for myself. Laura does a wonderful job encouraging anyone to consider an evaluation and remember that autism is a spectrum.
I highly recommend checking out Laura's debut memoir when it releases September 8th of this year. Thank you so much for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
In Momtistic, we are introduced to Laura's family with humor when she takes us through her love of the movie Elf. This is just a taste of the many cultural millennial references that she has passed down to her son's. While there are moments of nostalgia, these references also highlight signs of autism as well. Movies like Elf, Dennis the Menace, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Harriet the Spy are just some of the movies that become part of their daily routine. Not only is there nostalgia, but also more recent movies like Wicked and Barbie. You'll also hear mentions of being a hardcore Harry Styles fan.
I love that Laura embraced being a child at heart and not caring anymore about appearing as weird. My message to Laura is this: Weird is cool! I hope you continue to wear all the fun merch and jewelry you can get your hands on.
Momtistic is a fast-paced read that felt like two moms having a heart to heart while our children play. It made me reflect on things my son did when he was younger that I questioned as different, but made excuses for. It helps me reallze that maybe I should seek an evaluation for myself. Laura does a wonderful job encouraging anyone to consider an evaluation and remember that autism is a spectrum.
I highly recommend checking out Laura's debut memoir when it releases September 8th of this year. Thank you so much for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Laura was a young mother with a toddler and an infant. She and her husband decided to relocate from busy, sunny, friendly Southern California to the much smaller, gray, misty city of Portland Oregon. She found a very different culture there and a small town vibe, not arms open to the newcomer. During this chaotic time she also became aware that her toddler, though he quickly mastered several flash card packs, was not hitting other developmental markers for his age. Her pediatrician suggested he should be tested for autism. Autism was a concept that she knew nothing about.
Laura donned her Mama Bear persona, and began the journey of understanding autism as well as finding all of the enrichment available for him. During this journey she became aware that her infant, as he grew into toddlerhood also evidenced signs of autism. When the second son was diagnosed the counselor suggested she should be tested. And, yes, in her late thirties, Laura learned she was autistic.
Learning that she is autistic, as well as her boys, is the turning point of this book. On page 136 she says “It took meeting these little boys to truly meet myself.” She grew into a much deeper understanding of herself. Past challenges she experienced became clearer to her. And, I think, she became more understanding with the behavior of her boys.
Laura’s journey continues.. She wears her Mama Bear persona daily. She and her husband continue providing all the enrichment opportunities available for her sons. The couple is also finding opportunities and downtime for themselves.
This book is funny throughout and very raw in places. Laura brings a clear voice to learning about autism as it has affected her family. I found it honest and readable.
Laura donned her Mama Bear persona, and began the journey of understanding autism as well as finding all of the enrichment available for him. During this journey she became aware that her infant, as he grew into toddlerhood also evidenced signs of autism. When the second son was diagnosed the counselor suggested she should be tested. And, yes, in her late thirties, Laura learned she was autistic.
Learning that she is autistic, as well as her boys, is the turning point of this book. On page 136 she says “It took meeting these little boys to truly meet myself.” She grew into a much deeper understanding of herself. Past challenges she experienced became clearer to her. And, I think, she became more understanding with the behavior of her boys.
Laura’s journey continues.. She wears her Mama Bear persona daily. She and her husband continue providing all the enrichment opportunities available for her sons. The couple is also finding opportunities and downtime for themselves.
This book is funny throughout and very raw in places. Laura brings a clear voice to learning about autism as it has affected her family. I found it honest and readable.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Bravo to Laura Donovan for her honesty and courage in writing this memoir. I enjoyed her journey of self-discovery as she explored the world of autism, first in her sons and then in herself.
Laura emerges as a fascinating narrator, analyzing herself with candor and evolving understanding. She describes herself as an uncoordinated nerd as a child, yet we also see how gifted she was, showing a very early talent for writing. We watch as she grapples with new motherhood, the pandemic, a move to a new city and region, and marriage to a hard-working lawyer. We see her defend her children like a mother bear, even when they are behaving unreasonably -- and then discovering what this reveals about herself.
Her book made me ponder whether one or two members of my family are also on the spectrum, given behaviors Laura explains. Since many of my friends have offspring on the spectrum, the book also made me more understanding of the challenges they face.
I'm really glad Laura wrote this book and shared both the struggles and triumphs with readers. I hope she's considering a sequel, as her sons grow older and she explores more aspects of autism from many perspectives.
Thanks to the publisher for an advance review copy.
Laura emerges as a fascinating narrator, analyzing herself with candor and evolving understanding. She describes herself as an uncoordinated nerd as a child, yet we also see how gifted she was, showing a very early talent for writing. We watch as she grapples with new motherhood, the pandemic, a move to a new city and region, and marriage to a hard-working lawyer. We see her defend her children like a mother bear, even when they are behaving unreasonably -- and then discovering what this reveals about herself.
Her book made me ponder whether one or two members of my family are also on the spectrum, given behaviors Laura explains. Since many of my friends have offspring on the spectrum, the book also made me more understanding of the challenges they face.
I'm really glad Laura wrote this book and shared both the struggles and triumphs with readers. I hope she's considering a sequel, as her sons grow older and she explores more aspects of autism from many perspectives.
Thanks to the publisher for an advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
With bravery, compassion, an unwavering sense of self and the perfect balance of humour and pop culture references, Donovan invites readers into both her home and her heart as she explores the experiences of raising two autistic children while coming to understand her own neurodivergence.
Her humour sparkles throughout, often capturing universal experiences with unexpected precision. As she writes, "I feel like coming back to work after having kids is like when someone leaves prison and reenters the general population," a line that is hilarious, sharp, and totally relatable. Yet beneath her humour lies a deeper journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Perhaps the book's most powerful realization is captured in the simple but profound observation: "It took meeting these little boys to truly meet myself."
What emerges is far more than a parenting memoir. Momtistic is a story about belonging, the search for identity in a world that can often feel uncompromising and cold, and the transformative power of understanding ourselves through the people we love.
Momtistic will resonate not only with parents and neurodivergent readers, but with anyone who has ever searched for a place to belong.
Her humour sparkles throughout, often capturing universal experiences with unexpected precision. As she writes, "I feel like coming back to work after having kids is like when someone leaves prison and reenters the general population," a line that is hilarious, sharp, and totally relatable. Yet beneath her humour lies a deeper journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Perhaps the book's most powerful realization is captured in the simple but profound observation: "It took meeting these little boys to truly meet myself."
What emerges is far more than a parenting memoir. Momtistic is a story about belonging, the search for identity in a world that can often feel uncompromising and cold, and the transformative power of understanding ourselves through the people we love.
Momtistic will resonate not only with parents and neurodivergent readers, but with anyone who has ever searched for a place to belong.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reading Momtistic felt like getting a year‑end letter from a friend , the kind where she catches you up on her life with honesty, humor, and the kind of vulnerability only another mom would understand. I vibed with Laura’s story so deeply. She’s an autistic mom raising two autistic boys, and as a mom of a 25‑year‑old autistic daughter, I saw so much of my own journey in hers.
I’m not diagnosed, but I’ve always known I’m somewhere on the spectrum, and this book made me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry right alongside her , especially at the people who judge what they don’t understand.
This book isn’t just a memoir. It’s a mirror for moms like us. It’s a reminder that our stories matter, our kids matter, and the way we love them , fiercely, imperfectly, and with our whole hearts ... is enough.
Momtistic is raw, real, validating, and full of moments that made me stop and breathe because someone finally put into words what it feels like to parent in a world that doesn’t always get it. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
I’m not diagnosed, but I’ve always known I’m somewhere on the spectrum, and this book made me feel seen in a way I didn’t expect. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry right alongside her , especially at the people who judge what they don’t understand.
This book isn’t just a memoir. It’s a mirror for moms like us. It’s a reminder that our stories matter, our kids matter, and the way we love them , fiercely, imperfectly, and with our whole hearts ... is enough.
Momtistic is raw, real, validating, and full of moments that made me stop and breathe because someone finally put into words what it feels like to parent in a world that doesn’t always get it. I’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How I wish I’d had this book when I first got my son’s autism diagnosis four years ago! Laura's writing is honest, funny, and reads like a conversation with a friend, which is exactly the kind of voice I desperately needed back then.
It also speaks so clearly to the experience of receiving a child’s autism diagnosis and then realizing how many of one's own lifelong “quirks” (especially for millennials) were actually something deeper. As Laura notes, there’s something incredibly validating about putting language to a lifetime of feeling like an outsider, and even more so in recognizing autistic traits as strengths and skills, not just challenges. I also really appreciated Laura’s reflections on her own mother’s reaction to her diagnosis, and how complicated it can be for our parents' generation to understand and accept autism.
Last but not least, I loved the way Laura weaves in pop culture references throughout her narration (this Harry Styles fan especially appreciated that touch), which made this extra enjoyable. Overall, this is a must-read for any mom of kids (and newly diagnosed) moms on the spectrum.
It also speaks so clearly to the experience of receiving a child’s autism diagnosis and then realizing how many of one's own lifelong “quirks” (especially for millennials) were actually something deeper. As Laura notes, there’s something incredibly validating about putting language to a lifetime of feeling like an outsider, and even more so in recognizing autistic traits as strengths and skills, not just challenges. I also really appreciated Laura’s reflections on her own mother’s reaction to her diagnosis, and how complicated it can be for our parents' generation to understand and accept autism.
Last but not least, I loved the way Laura weaves in pop culture references throughout her narration (this Harry Styles fan especially appreciated that touch), which made this extra enjoyable. Overall, this is a must-read for any mom of kids (and newly diagnosed) moms on the spectrum.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A must-read book about autism for teachers, therapists, parents and more
Author Laura Donovan provides valuable insight in this heart-warming, brutally honest, and humorous book about her experience raising children with autism and ultimately discovering that she's also on the spectrum. She shares the joys, struggles, and real-world examples about her parenting journey and self-awareness.
If you have a child, relative, or friend on the spectrum -- or might even be there yourself -- this book offers hope and guidance. And if your career involves working with people who have autism, it offers a refreshing perspective on how to engage with them most effectively and embrace their superpowers.
I received an advance copy of the book, and I'm also a relative of Laura. But even if I weren't, I'd recommend Momtistic to anyone interested in learning about neurodiversity. Discover how neurodiverse people and their families can overcome challenges while maximizing the quality of their lives.
Author Laura Donovan provides valuable insight in this heart-warming, brutally honest, and humorous book about her experience raising children with autism and ultimately discovering that she's also on the spectrum. She shares the joys, struggles, and real-world examples about her parenting journey and self-awareness.
If you have a child, relative, or friend on the spectrum -- or might even be there yourself -- this book offers hope and guidance. And if your career involves working with people who have autism, it offers a refreshing perspective on how to engage with them most effectively and embrace their superpowers.
I received an advance copy of the book, and I'm also a relative of Laura. But even if I weren't, I'd recommend Momtistic to anyone interested in learning about neurodiversity. Discover how neurodiverse people and their families can overcome challenges while maximizing the quality of their lives.
Review of advance copy
Momtistic is a fascinating account of one woman’s experience of autism from various perspectives. I enjoyed the writing, the perspective, and opportunity to follow part of Donovan’s journey. This memoir helped me to see neurodivergence in a whole new way. A couple of quotations that resonated and stuck out for me were: “It’s important for us all to understand ourselves, whether in the workplace setting or simply at home” and (a remark from one of Donovan’s son’s classmates) “I want to be his friend. I can tell his brain is different, and that’s OK with me.” Donovan’s personal and family experiences seem to be presented honestly yet with humor, compassion, and openness. This was an enjoyable as well as valuable read. I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With her typical dark humor and self awareness, Laura Donovan has penned a memoir about discovering not just her neurodivergence but herself as she learns to parent her boys on the spectrum. Heartfelt, honest, and laugh-out-loud funny, MOMTISTIC is an engaging memoir that taught me a lot. It’s a must read for parents of kids with autism and all the professionals who work with them, as well as people discovering their autism in adulthood and those who love them. I flew through this book- it was that good!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This short memoir chronicles one mother's journey into understanding her sons' and her own autism. The writing is engaging and the story flows well, although the detailed descriptions of obvious autistic traits that the author details in retrospect create a bit of disconnect when the plot tries to convey the author's struggles to understand why her son even needs to be assessed.
I received an advance reader's edition from publisher.
I received an advance reader's edition from publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was the first "unputdownable" book I've read in a while. It was funny, touching, and I could relate to it in so many ways. The tone reminded me of Jenny Lawson while the style and voice were uniquely the author's own. Highly recommended for parents, anyone with a connection to the autism community, and/or fans of memoirs (or just good books) in general.
Review of advance copy
This is a beautifully written memoir that is easy to read and understand. There are several nuggets and ah-ha moments throughout that resonated with my own childhood and now as a Mom. I plan to purchase when the book is published as I want to share with friends.
I received an advance review copy for free, and this is a voluntary review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and this is a voluntary review.
September 16, 2026
Not everyone understands the challenges of raising children on the spectrum and Laura Donovan's book helps readers to understand the difficult yet rewarding experience. Full of personality and pith, this is a read that all mothers can relate to on some level.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A momtastic, heartfelt journey. The Experience is real, raw, and amazing.
— The Autograph King
— The Autograph King
Review of advance copy
This book is absolutely fantastic! This is such a poignant view of what it means to be a mom and neurospicy in our modern world.
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
A great read! As someone who navigating life as a single mom who is neurospicy with a son who is also on the spectrum, this felt like validation in my journey.
August 17, 2026
Just devoured this in a little over 24 hours. Full disclosure: the author is married to one of my best friends from college, so I’m pretty far from an unbiased reader. Still, I think anyone who comes to this honest, brave memoir with an open heart will fall into the prose the same way I did. The candor with which Laura confronts her memories of childhood, parenting, and everything in between is admirable; the effect this book could have for anyone with neurodivergent friends or loved ones could very well be heroic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
The thing Laura does so well is make her story relatable. I felt I learned more about my neurodiverse child from reading this book than I did from reading a number of books on his exact condition. As Laura's friend, I can also tell you her character is completely authentic. What you see here is actually who Laura is as a person...and I'm here for it.
The thing Laura does so well is make her story relatable. I felt I learned more about my neurodiverse child from reading this book than I did from reading a number of books on his exact condition. As Laura's friend, I can also tell you her character is completely authentic. What you see here is actually who Laura is as a person...and I'm here for it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews