All In: a mother's journey through autism | Karina McHardy

A DEEPLY PERSONAL AND UNIVERSALLY RESONANT STORY OF HOW ONE CHILD'S EARLY YEARS TRANSFORMED EVERYTHING HIS MOTHER THOUGHT SHE KNEW - ABOUT SYSTEMS, CARE AND HERSELF.When Karina McHardy's son was diagnosed with severe autism as a toddler, she devoted herself to nurturing his potential. But as it became clear the support he needed didn't exist, she stepped away from the life she knew and began building what he needed to thrive.All In is a raw, compelling account of life with a young neurodivergent child. It explores the cost of seeking meaningful help in under-resourced systems - and the growth that can come from walking a path you never planned for.Written for parents, professionals and allies alike, All In is more than a memoir. It's a clear-eyed call for change.   Contents: PrefaceIntroductionDiagnosisPre-DiagnosisEarly DecisionsGetting StartedWhat WorkedThe Game-changersThe Greatest GiftTesting TaboosFalling ApartCircuit-breakersAngerEmbracing HelpLessons from MumDaycareUnexpected GemsLearningYearning for YesJourney to SchoolLetting GoEpilogueAppendixNotesAcknowledgements

Karina McHardy is a New Zealand health professional and writer with a career spanning clinical care, academia, health strategy and global public health. She has contributed to major initiatives across the national health system and worked internationally with the University of Oxford and the World Health Organization. Karina holds a medical degree from the University of Auckland, a master's in global health and a doctorate from the University of Oxford. Her work has been recognised through national leadership honours and emerging talent awards. A former elite gymnast and classical ballet dancer, she brings creativity, discipline and heart to all she does. Karina now focuses on improving outcomes for neurodiverse children and lives with her husband and young twins.