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VWU Hosts Book Reading and Signing with Alumna Meghan Ashburn on Autism Advocacy
She and Co-Author Share Personal Journey and Advocacy Insights
University News | October 21, 2023
Òùµ´ÉÙ¸¾ (VWU) proudly welcomed alumna Meghan Ashburn from the Class of 2008 for a book signing event at the Joan P. Brock Room. Alongside co-author Jules Edwards, Meghan presented "I Will Die On This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World.”
The book provides an in-depth look into the often-tense relationship between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Using their personal experiences, Meghan, who is a mother of two autistic sons, and Jules, an autistic parent, detail their initial disagreements and subsequent journey to collaboration. Their combined narrative underscores the importance of understanding, empathy, and collective advocacy.
At the event, Meghan emphasized the duty parents have to educate themselves about the autistic community and to challenge prevalent misconceptions. Jules, drawing from her personal experiences, highlighted the importance of seeing autistic individuals as people first, advocating for genuine communication and understanding.
Attendees at the signing had the chance to hear readings from the book, offering a firsthand look into the authors' experiences and perspectives. The evening was also an opportunity for guests to engage in meaningful conversations with the authors, diving deeper into the book's themes and sharing personal stories.
The event showcased VWU's dedication to promoting critical dialogues and celebrating the contributions of its alumni.