We Need to Talk About Autism and Parent-Carer Blame
A resource for parent-carers of autistic young people and associated professionals
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Parents of autistic children are often subject to scrutiny of their parenting strategies. At best this can be exhausting and intrusive; at worst it can lead to formal accusations of harm. The consequence is a society where autistic families are unable to access the correct services for their children, increasing risk of family burnout and breakdown.
Based on the author's lived experience, this book looks at the different ways blame can manifest and how parents can manage these moments. It identifies when and why professionals may incorrectly raise safeguarding concerns without understanding the context of neurodivergence and how professional practice can be improved.
Based on the author's lived experience, this book looks at the different ways blame can manifest and how parents can manage these moments. It identifies when and why professionals may incorrectly raise safeguarding concerns without understanding the context of neurodivergence and how professional practice can be improved.
- Published: Mar 19 2026
- Pages: 192
- ISBN: 9781805012153
Press Reviews
- Danielle Jata-Hall, PDA Parenting
A must-read for parents and professionals - powerful, validating and deeply informed. Blends academic insight with lived experience to create a compassionate, practical resource I'll be returning to and sharing widely.
- Ritu Kiran, Founder & CEO, Aubilities; Author of Autism Parents’ Club
Powerful, necessary, and deeply validating - Running shines a light on how systemic misunderstanding harms autistic families and calls for true accountability and compassion. Drawing from my own lived experience, this book echoed parts of my journey; a must-read for every professional and parent seeking real understanding.
- Carrie Grant MBE, Broadcaster, Author, SEND campaigner, and National Autistic Society Ambassador
Every SEND professional needs to read this book. Every SEND parent who has ever been blamed and shamed, this book will let you know you are not alone.
- Penny Chapman, Neurodiversity Advocate & Trainer | Lived Experience Voice on Parental Blame and Neuro-Affirming Practice
A vital and courageous book that blends rigorous data with deeply human storytelling. Alice Running exposes the systemic failures that have left so many autistic families misunderstood, misjudged, and unsupported - and she does so with empathy, evidence, and lived truth. This is more than a book; it's a mirror for professionals to reflect on bias and practice, and a lifeline for parents seeking understanding, validation, and hope. Essential reading for anyone working in education, social care, or health - and for every parent who has ever felt isolated in the fight to be heard.
- Penny Chapman, Neurodiversity Advocate & Trainer | Lived Experience Voice on Parental Blame and Neuro-Affirming Practice
A powerful and essential read that balances lived experience with hard data. Alice Running exposes why systems keep failing autistic families - and what needs to change. A lifeline for parents seeking understanding and a wake-up call for professionals to reflect on bias, practice, and accountability.
- Melea Press, PhD, Associate Professor and Inclusion Activist, University of Glasgow
This is essential reading for anyone engaging with neurodivergent kids. Parents will find an antidote to the years of loneliness and gaslighting. Professionals will gain difficult insight into how their assumptions, coupled with their power, leads to parent blame and a cascade of harmful outcomes for children and families.