In the elegant setting of the Mayor’s Parlour this afternoon, we gathered to celebrate the launch of a remarkable and deeply moving book: Autism, Anorexia and Me, co-authored by 18-year-old Grace Robinson and her mother, Julie Robinson.
The atmosphere was filled with warmth, empathy, and quiet admiration. Though Grace did not speak publicly, her voice—clear, honest, and brave—came through powerfully in her writing. The book tells the story of her experience with autism and anorexia, tracing how the isolation and disruption of the Covid-19 lockdown deeply impacted her mental health. She writes candidly about losing her ability to connect with the things she loved, particularly swimming, which had once helped her regulate her emotions and find calm in the chaos.
Grace’s story is not just one of struggle, but of survival. With unwavering honesty, she recounts the painful descent into anorexia and the long, uncertain path toward recovery. Her resilience shines through each chapter, offering a voice to many young people who may be suffering in silence.
Julie Robinson’s contribution as co-author adds a powerful emotional layer. Writing as a mother of three daughters—one of whom is autistic—Julie offers an intimate look at what it means to love through crisis, to support without always having answers, and to hold space through pain and healing alike. Her words are filled with both vulnerability and strength, reminding us how vital it is to listen, to be present, and to never underestimate the power of empathy.
This launch was more than a literary milestone—it was a celebration of courage, a call to understanding, and a reminder that stories like Grace and Julie’s deserve to be heard.
Autism, Anorexia and Me is now available in print. For more details, please contact us directly.
#SheInspires #GraceAndJulieRobinson #MentalHealthAwareness #AutismAcceptance #HopeAndHealing #BookLaunchBolton
