Author Chat: Alumna Shares Her Journey With a Child With Autism

Meredith alumna Adrian Harrold Wood, ’96, returned to campus on May 1 for an author chat hosted by the Alumnae Association. She and one of her co-authors shared their new book Autism Out Loud.

Wood started to share her journey with her son, who is on the autism spectrum, years ago through her blog, Tales of the Educated Debutante, to help others who had a child with an autism diagnosis. She partnered with Swenson, of “Finding Cooper’s Voice,” and Carrie Cariello, of “What Color is Monday?”, to write this book about their experiences and what they have learned having three children with different autism profiles. 

The three authors have recently been traveling the country to promote their book. Wood wanted to make a stop at Meredith College, a place she says shaped the person she is today.

“Meredith was a real jumping off point for me academically. I had a lot of support from professors. This was a place where I really felt supported, and it was the first place I felt like I was motivated to be successful,” said Wood. “ I don’t think any of those professors are still at Meredith, but I’m here because of them.” 

Hilary Allen, director of the alumnae association, was the moderator of the author talk. The discussion included how the three authors came together to write the book, how they decided on the title, how different their sons’ autism diagnoses are, and how they have navigated their lives with their children. 

Before the talk, Wood and Swenson signed copies of their book for the audience. Many of the 150 people in attendance not only bought a book for the authors to sign, but also purchased an extra book at a discounted rate that will be donated to Project Enlightenment. The authors have supported a local charity at each stop in their book tour. 

Learn more about the book, Autism Out Loud, and follow Wood on her blog.