Autism – Julie Hornok

When Julie Hornok’s daughter, Lizzie, was diagnosed at the age of two, she was extremely limited by autism. She had no language, no understanding of danger, threw hours-long tantrums, engaged in repetitive and self-injurious behaviors, and would not respond to her name. Slowly, step-by-step, through over a decade and a half of therapy, Lizzie is now thriving in the midst of autism.

At twenty two years old, Lizzie lives independently at college, drives, and enjoys participating in a sorority. Most importantly, Lizzie enthusiastically engages with family and friends and strives to better the world with her different thinking.

With Lizzie’s permission, Julie advocates for families living with autism by sharing the hilarious, hard, and heartwarming moments inside their journey. Their story brings hope to parents with kids on the spectrum and inspiration to anyone who has ever felt life has given them more than they can handle.

United in Autism: Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum

The book, United in Autism: Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum, brings together thirty inspiring and heartfelt stories from parents raising children from all places on the spectrum and from all corners of the world. These mothers and fathers have experienced some of the worst of what this disorder can do, but in seeking help, they found it…and more. Now they pay it forward, by sharing their accounts and giving back to the autism community. United in Autism: Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum (Foreword written by Dr. Temple Grandin) offers understanding, comfort and hope as well as global allies and strength to those who feel alone.

Buy Now

Buy Now on Amazon

“Julie Hornok knows how to draw readers in, capture their hearts, and leave them inspired. I have had the privilege of publishing Julie’s work in the autism community for many years and have witnessed the incredible difference her articles and blogs have made in the lives of thousands of families in more than 180 countries. Julie writes with a depth of honesty and passion that is hard to come by.”

Kent Potter

Founder and CEO of AutismSpot

“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. One mom told her son, “You may have autism, but autism doesn’t have you.” 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

““Wise,” “authentic,” and “knowledgeable” can hardly describe this beautiful book. To “listen” to parents from around the world describe their children, the conditions and attitudes toward autism in their countries, and their actions to improve lives is breathtaking. 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 Hornok for bringing forth the voice of silence.”

Jackie Waldman

Author of the Courage to Give series

“United in Autism: Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum is a look into the lives of families around the globe sharing the experience of living with autism. 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 at National Autism Association

“Special Needs Book Review Recommends United in Autism. These touching stories ring true. Parents parenting an autistic child will find glimpses of their own family situations. They will know they are not alone, they will be motivated to continue supporting their autistic child/children because many of these stories finish on a positive note.”

Special Needs Book Review

“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

“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

“United in Autism will give peace, hope, encouragement, and courage to all the parents who are dealing with autistic kids. The stories give them a peek into the lives of thirty moms and dads around the world who are facing the same issues. The stories are short, honest and comforting, and they will help parents who have autistic children feel less isolated. The stories are heartwarming and will change the lives of many readers, giving them strength to tackle autism with a positive mindset. The author shares her personal story and experience too, and her motivating words will definitely help many parents to find strength inside the spectrum.”

Readers' Favorite Book Review