United in Autism: Finding Strength inside the Spectrum - Hardcover

When her daughter, Lizzie, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Julie Hornok jumped into researching and implementing a thirty-hours-a-week home-therapy program. A few years later, as her daughter made good progress, Julie founded the non-profit, United in Autism, which provides pampering events that bring autism moms hope and acceptance. She has published short stories in multiple Chicken Soup for the Soul books and is a 2017 Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition Award Winner. Her work has also appeared in Scary Mommy, Parenting Special Needs Magazine, Autism Parenting Magazine, The Mighty, That's Inappropriate, Finding Cooper's Voice, and many more. Julie is passionate about supporting families with autism and lives in Texas with her husband and three children.

"She (Hornok) interviewed 30 parents of children with autism, based everywhere from Missouri to Singapore...Each piece is concise, thought-provoking, and illustrated with at least one black-and-white family photograph...This book offers both lessons and hope. A well-written and reassuring set of true stories about autism." - Kirkus Reviews

"Autism can be a lonely journey, writes the author, who helps bridge the gap for isolated parents with this offering, which documents her process of implementing an in-home speech, occupational therapy program, applied behavioral analysis, and dietary changes...Those in search of stories of solidarity will find that and more here."- Library Journal

''Julie Hornok does an incredible job of curating the real-life stories of these fascinating children and their parents, and this book will undoubtedly open the eyes and hearts of all who read it'' --Wendy Fournier, President, National Autism Association

'''Wise,' 'authentic,' and 'knowledgeable' can hardly describe this beautiful book. To better understand the inner world of an autistic child brings the reader to action in the outer world. Whether you have an autistic child or not, this author's work is motivating. Readers will thank Julie for bringing forth the voice of silence.'' --Jackie Waldman, Author of the Courage to Give series

''United in Autism provided me with security in accepting my son's autism and, at the same time, not giving up on getting better despite the challenge. Thank you, Julie Hornok, for providing this compilation of stories that give us hope, strength, and peace in autism.'' --MariAnn Gattelaro, MS, CRC, LPC, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor