Parenting a child with autism can feel very lonely. The challenge to help your child fit in can turn into a marathon undertaking, as author Sophie Walker learned when her daughter, Grace was diagnosed with Asperger’s.
Walker’s world unraveled. She neglected her own physical and mental well-being. She thought if she could get stuff out of her head and into some cohesive thoughts on a page, then she could figure out what to do next. So she started blogging as a way to share her feelings and to see if there were other people who have been through this and could offer advice. The blog took off and she eventually turned it into a book, Grace, Under Pressure: A Girl with Asperger’s and Her Marathon Mom
In this YouTube interview, Walker explains how writing her book helped her daughter find self-esteem by embracing her autism. Through running, Walker ultimately found the strength to battle for Grace’s education, happiness, and future, as well as the inner strength to overcome her own frustration and depression.
