The A Word
A Mother's Journey Through Autism and Love
Will be published approx. on 5. November 2026
Book
Hardback
352 pages
978-0-06-344648-9 (ISBN)
Description
Actress, comedian and mother Tisha Campbell (Martin, My Wife and Kids) 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.
This 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.
Tish'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.
At 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.
With its blend of humor, heart, and unflinching honesty, The A Word 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.
This 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.
Tish'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.
At 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.
With its blend of humor, heart, and unflinching honesty, The A Word 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.
Reviews / Votes
A 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. - Gabrielle Union, Actress and New York Times bestselling author of We're Going to Need More WineEqual 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. - Tina Knowles, #1 New York Times bestselling author of MATRIARCH
In The A Word, 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. - Blair Underwood, Emmy and Grammy Award Winning Actor and Author of A Soldier's Wife
Reading 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. - Malcolm Lee, Director and Author of The Best Man: Unfinished Business ???????
Tisha 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. - Jenifer Lewis, actress and New York Times bestselling author of Walking in My Joy ???????
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
644 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-06-344648-9 (9780063446489)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
approx. 09/2026
HarperCollins
€20.42
Not yet available
Person
Tisha Campbell 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 "Operation Aunties," 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 "Lopez Versus Lopez." Simultaneously, Tisha is on Showtime Network's "Uncoupled," playing opposite Neil Patrick Harris while being featured artist on a sitcom airing on Netflix called "Act Your Age" with Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown.
Campbell is best known for her roles opposite Damon Wayans on the ABC hit series My Wife and Kids and as Gina on the iconic, successfully syndicated Martin Show. Both of these sensations have earned her a NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series and the BET Comedy Award.
Previously, Campbell was the leading actress in ABC's "The Finest," produced and directed by Regina King and co-produced by Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, and starred alongside Ken Jeong on ABC's comedy, Dr. Ken. Her other television credits include Last Man Standing, Outmatched, 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, and Lemonade Mouth, and The Real Husbands of Hollywood.
At the age of sixteen, she made her film debut in the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors, She has also starred in films including Spike Lee's School Daze, House Party (I, II, III), Another 48 Hrs., Homeward Bound, Boomerang, Sprung, and in Seth Rogan and Craig Robinson's Zack and Miri Make a Porno, David Daveed's Blind Spotting, and the parody Not Another Church Movie.
On stage, Campbell led the cast of Maurice Sendeck's Really Rosie on Broadway when she was eleven. Of her many other plays and musicals, she was also cast in the Debbie Allen/James Ingram production of Bayou Legend.
Campbell can be heard on several animated series and lends her voice to Everybody Still Hates Chris and Netflix's Good Times and Inside Job, DC Universe's Harley Quinn, and Boomerang's Craig of the Creek.
She has also appeared on many daytime and nighttime talk shows and was a recurring guest host on The View, The Real, and Entertainment Tonight. Campbell also co-hosted and co-produced the Soul Train Awards with Tichina Arnold.
Behind the scenes, Campbell is a producer and writer who co-wrote the movie The Seat Filler and produced the film short A Luv Tale, which garnered numerous awards, 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.
Campbell 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, Steel Here"averaged 3,500 hits per hour, making her single the number-one R&B song on SoundCloud. Campbell followed up with her second single, #lazyb*tch. Following her single in 2018, I Don't Wanna Be Alone, and 22 Summers, 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.
An 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.
Campbell is best known for her roles opposite Damon Wayans on the ABC hit series My Wife and Kids and as Gina on the iconic, successfully syndicated Martin Show. Both of these sensations have earned her a NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series and the BET Comedy Award.
Previously, Campbell was the leading actress in ABC's "The Finest," produced and directed by Regina King and co-produced by Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, and starred alongside Ken Jeong on ABC's comedy, Dr. Ken. Her other television credits include Last Man Standing, Outmatched, 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, and Lemonade Mouth, and The Real Husbands of Hollywood.
At the age of sixteen, she made her film debut in the cult classic Little Shop of Horrors, She has also starred in films including Spike Lee's School Daze, House Party (I, II, III), Another 48 Hrs., Homeward Bound, Boomerang, Sprung, and in Seth Rogan and Craig Robinson's Zack and Miri Make a Porno, David Daveed's Blind Spotting, and the parody Not Another Church Movie.
On stage, Campbell led the cast of Maurice Sendeck's Really Rosie on Broadway when she was eleven. Of her many other plays and musicals, she was also cast in the Debbie Allen/James Ingram production of Bayou Legend.
Campbell can be heard on several animated series and lends her voice to Everybody Still Hates Chris and Netflix's Good Times and Inside Job, DC Universe's Harley Quinn, and Boomerang's Craig of the Creek.
She has also appeared on many daytime and nighttime talk shows and was a recurring guest host on The View, The Real, and Entertainment Tonight. Campbell also co-hosted and co-produced the Soul Train Awards with Tichina Arnold.
Behind the scenes, Campbell is a producer and writer who co-wrote the movie The Seat Filler and produced the film short A Luv Tale, which garnered numerous awards, 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.
Campbell 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, Steel Here"averaged 3,500 hits per hour, making her single the number-one R&B song on SoundCloud. Campbell followed up with her second single, #lazyb*tch. Following her single in 2018, I Don't Wanna Be Alone, and 22 Summers, 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.
An 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.