New Book Love In The Age of Autism Navigating a Joyful and Romantic Marriage in the Face of Adversity
Dear readers, I'm so happy to tell you about the DEBUT of a new book called "Love in the Age of Autism Navigating a Joyful and Romantic Marriage in the Face of Adversity." No, not this Age of Autism, but the life so many of us lead. And written by the most amazing family. Gayle, Jonathan and Jennifer have contributed to AofA over the years. Gayle passed away in 2022. We all deserve love, joy and the security of partnership, even as we devote our lives to our children, whether married or not.
Gayle DeLong was an Associate Professor of International Business and Finance at Baruch College CUNY. Jonathan Rose is the William R. Kenan Professor of History at Drew University. Together they raised two autistic daughters, Jennifer and Flora.
Jonathan emailed me yesterday to say both Flora and Jennifer are doing well in their living situations.
Leave a comment and email me [email protected], we have 5 copies to give away!
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Love in the Age of Autism: Navigating a Joyful and Romantic Marriage in the Face of Adversity
Gayle DeLong was a well-known activist in the autism community, the ‘Warrior Mom’ of two autistic daughters. She worked closely with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on vaccine injury issues. This book is a record (based largely on her diaries) of her happy marriage to Jonathan Rose. Love in the Age of Autism does not sugarcoat the stresses and heartbreak of raising autistic children: it is more honest about that than most other books on the subject. But it is also an inspiring love story, which can help autism parents find profound joys in spite of all the pains. It offers practical advice and models for sharing the burdens and pleasures of life, based on a strong sense of family values. This book frankly (and with an earthy sense of humour) illustrates how autism parents can continue to enjoy passionate, monogamous physical love – and it explains how to provide sex education for autistic girls. The tale that Gayle and Jonathan tell is intensely romantic and life-affirming.
Eager to read this book. The title - age of autism- is very much to the point as indeed we know (and don't know) much more today than even 10 years ago. This happens not only thanks to medical research but also thanks to the coming out of personal stories of parents determined to enlarge the understanding as well as to find beauty and happiness for and in their children's autism. Brigitte (mother of one adult autist asperger young man)
Posted by: Brigitte Ouvry-Vial | June 22, 2025 at 02:57 AM
I had Dr. Jonathan Rose as a professor and was lucky, later in life, to call him a friend. I had the pleasure of meeting and interacting with his family and can attest that Gayle was a beautiful force of nature! The girls have their parents positive attitude and outlook on life. So proud of this family.
Posted by: Nicole Yanoso | June 21, 2025 at 04:06 PM
Jonathan is my cousin. Living out of state, I never spent much time around Gayle or their daughters. I am looking forward to reading the book and getting to know Gayle through her diaries.
Posted by: JoAnn Hart | June 18, 2025 at 12:05 PM
I look forward to reading this book. I have been friends with this family for over 17 years. We met at swim class for our autistic children. Every New Years Eve, Gayle and Johnathan hosted a party for many families and their special needs children. Gayle is missed by all.
Posted by: CAROL Morales-Ward | June 16, 2025 at 07:27 PM
I haven't yet seen the book, but I've known and admired the Family Rose for many years. I look forward to meeting them in Gayle's living memoir.
Posted by: Ezra Greenspan | June 16, 2025 at 06:15 PM
I can’t wait to read this book, I knew Gayle and found her to be warm and loving. I’m sure her inner thoughts on life will no doubt reflect her gentle nature.
Posted by: Valerae Hurley | June 16, 2025 at 06:12 PM
I have an advanced review copy of the book. I’ve long admired Jonathan Rose. I’ve found it very raw and real and moving. Sad. Also inspiring. Excited that you’re giving five copies away!
Posted by: Jennifer Margulis | June 10, 2025 at 09:47 AM