The Autism Friendly Guide to Pregnancy Birth and the Fourth Trimester By Aimee Grant (author)
Review By: Kizzy Lynch – Independent Midwifery Consultant and Disability Advocate
Jessica Kingsley publishers
343pp
£19.99
Hardback or paperback
ISBN number 978-1-83997-860-9
The book is clearly structured, with helpful subheadings, symbols, images, and well-designed tables that make it easy to navigate. I particularly valued the strong user involvement where parents with autism share their experiences of pregnancy, alongside links to the Autistic Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond project. The inclusion of linked videos, accessible via YouTube, creates an immersive and genuinely neurodivergent-friendly resource that centres readers’ needs.
The language balances professional terminology (e.g. “abdominal”) with accessible terms (e.g. “tummy”), ensuring clarity without being patronising. Despite the depth of information, the logical flow and clear signposting allow for a “dip in, dip out” approach, reducing overwhelm.
Practical elements stand out, reflective questions that can be taken to midwifery or obstetric appointments, example scripts (such as how to call about reduced fetal movements), and region-specific links for England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Canada, and New Zealand. References are provided on the same page as the evidence cited, making sources easy to access.
Overall, this is an autism-friendly guide for pregnancy, birth, and the fourth trimester. Its blend of lived experience, video content, and accessible evidence feels both appropriate and empowering. I would highly recommend it not only to expectant parents but also to student midwives and practising midwives seeking to better understand and support neurodivergent people during pregnancy and birth.