{"product_id":"the-a-word-a-mothers-journey-through-autism-and-love","title":"The a Word: A Mother's Journey Through Autism and Love","description":"\n\u003ctable align=\"center\" border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"2\" cellspacing=\"0\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"productDetailSmallElements\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReview Quotes\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA stunning and truth filled tribute to the beauty of neurodiversity. Tisha Campbell reminds us that our children's journey isn't about being fixed. Their journey is about the power of being seen, loved, and celebrated for exactly who they are. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eGabrielle Union, Actress and New York Times bestselling author of We're Going to Need More Wine\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEqual parts thought provoking and humorous, THE A WORD is a testament to the beauty of motherhood and Tisha is a wonderful example of how to support your child through whatever life brings their way. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eTina Knowles, #1 New York Times bestselling author of MATRIARCH\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eThe A Word\u003c\/i\u003e, Tisha turns her personal trials into a universal mission of hope. She deconstructs the complexities of autism with grace and fierce determination, challenging us all to lead with empathy. This is a vital, soul-stirring read that reminds us that our greatest challenges often birth our greatest purposes. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBlair Underwood, Emmy and Grammy Award Winning Actor and Author of A Soldier's Wife\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading Tisha Campbell's The A Word was a reminder of the challenges and the joys of raising a neurodivergent child. Tisha's storytelling is vulnerable, funny, heartbreaking and cathartic for parents who are going through the same frustrations, self-doubt, guilt and dream reshaping that is done when raising a person who will challenge you, show you humility, patience and understanding. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eMalcolm Lee, Director and Author of The Best Man: Unfinished Business ​​​​​​​\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTisha Campbell is one of the most electrifying women I have ever met. Her authenticity and passion cannot be measured. She has written this book with pure finesse and grace. - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eJenifer Lewis, actress and New York Times bestselling author of Walking in My Joy ​​​​​​​\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher Marketing\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eActress, comedian and mother Tisha Campbell (\u003ci\u003eMartin, My Wife and Kids\u003c\/i\u003e) shares her entertaining, emotional, and sometimes comical journey navigating her son's Autism diagnosis, offering realistic insight and personal stories of the challenges and triumphs that come with raising a child on the spectrum. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis heartfelt and humor-filled memoir takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as Tisha Campbell, actress, mother, activist, shares her journey of raising her son, Xen, who was diagnosed with autism. With raw honesty and a touch of wit, Tisha recounts the challenges, triumphs, and unexpected moments of joy that have defined her family's life. From the initial shock of the diagnosis to navigating the labyrinth of therapies, schools, and societal misconceptions, Tisha's story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTish's quick wit and candid observations bring levity to even the most trying situations. Whether she's recounting her son's uncanny ability to identify Winnie the Pooh characters at five months old or her own misadventures in advocating for his needs, her warmth and humor shine through the story, making it both relatable and uplifting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt its core, this memoir is a love letter to Xen, celebrating his unique spirit and the lessons he has taught his family about patience, acceptance, and the beauty of individuality. It's also a rallying cry for parents, caregivers, and advocates, offering hope and practical insights for navigating the world of autism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its blend of humor, heart, and unflinching honesty, \u003ci\u003eThe A Word\u003c\/i\u003e is a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, love and laughter can light the way. Tisha's journey is not just about overcoming challenges--it's about embracing them and finding joy in the unexpected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContributor Bio:\u003c\/strong\u003eCampbell, Tisha\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTisha Campbell\u003c\/b\u003e began her expansive career at the tender age of three, successfully spanning five decades in all show business genres, including singing, acting, directing, producing, and writing. Campbell just completed filming a movie for the AMC\/ ALBlack network called\u003ci\u003e \"Operation Aunties,\"\u003c\/i\u003e which premiered in August 2025. She will also appear opposite Ethan Hawk and Keith David in the new series called \"The Lowdown,\" which debuts in September 2025. She's also guest-starring with George and Mayan Lopez on NBC's \u003ci\u003e\"Lopez Versus Lopez.\" \u003c\/i\u003eSimultaneously, Tisha is on Showtime Network's \u003ci\u003e\"Uncoupled,\"\u003c\/i\u003e playing opposite Neil Patrick Harris while being featured artist on a sitcom airing on Netflix called \u003ci\u003e\"Act Your Age\" \u003c\/i\u003ewith Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCampbell is best known for her roles opposite Damon Wayans on the ABC hit series \u003ci\u003eMy Wife and Kids \u003c\/i\u003eand as Gina on the iconic, successfully syndicated \u003ci\u003eMartin Show\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003ci\u003e \u003c\/i\u003eBoth of these sensations have earned her a NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series and the BET Comedy Award. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously, Campbell was the leading actress in ABC's \u003ci\u003e\"The Finest,\" \u003c\/i\u003eproduced and directed by Regina King and co-produced by \u003ci\u003eGood Morning America\u003c\/i\u003e's Robin Roberts, and starred alongside Ken Jeong on ABC's comedy, \u003ci\u003eDr. Ken.\u003c\/i\u003e Her other television credits include \u003ci\u003eLast Man Standing\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eOutmatched, Empire, Grey's Anatomy, Rita Rocks, Everybody Hates Chris, Getting Personal, \"Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,\"A Different World, Blossom, Roc, Links, The Sweetest Gift, \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Lemonade Mouth, \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eThe Real Husbands of Hollywood.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the age of sixteen, she made her film debut in the cult classic \u003ci\u003eLittle Shop of Horrors, \u003c\/i\u003eShe has also starred in films including Spike Lee's \u003ci\u003eSchool Daze, House Party\u003c\/i\u003e (I, II, III), \u003ci\u003eAnother 48 Hrs., Homeward Bound, Boomerang, Sprung, \u003c\/i\u003eand in Seth Rogan\u003ci\u003e a\u003c\/i\u003end Craig Robinson's\u003ci\u003e Zack and Miri Make a Porno, \u003c\/i\u003e David Daveed's \u003ci\u003eBlind Spotting, \u003c\/i\u003eand the parody \u003ci\u003e Not Another Church Movie.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn stage, Campbell led the cast of Maurice Sendeck's \u003ci\u003eReally Rosie \u003c\/i\u003eon Broadway when she was eleven. Of her many other plays and musicals, she was also cast in the Debbie Allen\/James Ingram production of \u003ci\u003eBayou Legend.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCampbell can be heard on several animated series and lends her voice to \u003ci\u003eEverybody Still Hates Chris \u003c\/i\u003eand Netflix's \u003ci\u003eGood Times\u003c\/i\u003e and I\u003ci\u003enside Job, \u003c\/i\u003eDC Universe's \u003ci\u003eHarley Quinn, \u003c\/i\u003eand Boomerang's \u003ci\u003eCraig of the Creek.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe has also appeared on many daytime and nighttime talk shows and was a recurring guest host on \u003ci\u003eThe View, The Real, \u003c\/i\u003eand\u003ci\u003e Entertainment Tonight. \u003c\/i\u003eCampbell also co-hosted and co-produced the \u003ci\u003eSoul Train Awards\u003c\/i\u003e with Tichina Arnold. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehind the scenes, Campbell is a producer and writer who co-wrote the movie \u003ci\u003eThe Seat Filler \u003c\/i\u003eand produced the film short\u003ci\u003e A Luv Tale, which garnered numerous awards, \u003c\/i\u003e including the Audience Choice Award at the Black Hollywood Film Festival. Her autism documentary won an award at the Cannes Film Festival. She is excited about her latest venture, writing and producing with her production companies You Go Girl Productions and The Turnpike Alliance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCampbell started her music career as the daughter of two singers who nurtured her love for music. Her first professional gig was a talent contest at the age of five, where she won first prize--a car. Behind the mic again, Campbell surprised her supporters when she released her first single in the summer of 2015. On its first day, \u003ci\u003e Steel Here\"\u003c\/i\u003eaveraged 3,500 hits per hour, making her single the number-one R\u0026amp;B song on SoundCloud. Campbell followed up with her second single, \u003ci\u003e#lazyb*tch. \u003c\/i\u003eFollowing her single in 2018, \u003ci\u003eI Don't Wanna Be Alone, \u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003e22 Summers, \u003c\/i\u003e written and produced by herself, PK, Dani' Wright, and Hookman. She's now finishing up her album with various producers like Dani Wright, Eric Bellinger, Dave Young, Kevin Randolph, PK, and Hookman. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn avid philanthropist, Campbell is currently developing a project to benefit her alma mater, Newark Arts High School. The project will help provide desperately needed supplies to the inner-city school and keep its music program intact. She has worked with Project Angel Food and Diva's Simply Singing. Campbell co-founded Colored My Mind (CMM) with four other mothers of autistic children. CMM benefits families with children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and helps to educate, enlighten, empower, and enable such families to get the resources and support they need. Campbell and CMM spoke to Congress and got the Reauthorization of Autism Bill passed, and her team was able to rewrite the language of the bill so the funds were more evenly dispersed to benefit and include more people of color. Campbell is also currently Lending her time recently to help women who have experienced domestic abuse. And working with DOPE and working alongside Pam Wiley and the Los Angeles Speech and Therapy Center. Currently, Campbell resides in Los Angeles with her two sons, Xen and Ezekiel. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n","brand":"Amistad Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51496123400470,"sku":"9780063446489","price":35.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0857\/9910\/8886\/files\/9780063446489.jpg?v=1783053539","url":"https:\/\/lusper.myshopify.com\/products\/the-a-word-a-mothers-journey-through-autism-and-love","provider":"Lusperbooks","version":"1.0","type":"link"}