The Bond Between Us: A mother’s journey raising two neurodivergent hearts
Raising extraordinary children takes extraordinary love.
What if the greatest challenge you faced wasn’t a race against time, but a test of the limits of your heart?
In this deeply personal memoir, Erica Lee shares her journey of raising two neurodivergent children - one battling fragile health, the other navigating silent internal storms. Their struggles demanded fierce devotion, but they also became the catalyst for Erica’s own transformation.
As she fought for her children’s needs, she found herself fighting for her own - rising from depression, rebuilding her identity, and training for an Ironman as an act of self-reclamation.
Both heart-wrenching and uplifting, The Bond Between Us is a celebration of resilience, quiet victories, and the extraordinary strength that grows when love and self-care finally meet.
The Bond Between Us will be released 22 September 2026. Pre-order now to receive your copy at least two weeks before the release date.
September 2026
What People Are Saying About “The Bond Between Us”
“I really enjoyed the way Lee described situations, perspectives, and revelations. Autistic children need love and acceptance for who they are, not who you want them to be. This is a story of mutual love between a mother and her two autistic children, including moments of compassion, confusion, and celebration. Parents and professionals will appreciate accompanying Erica as she discovers autism within her family and as her evolving understanding of autism unfolds.”
— Tony Attwood, clinical psychologist and one of the world’s leading experts in autism
“The author’s insights into both sons and daughters diagnosed on the autism spectrum is a rare and sorely needed resource for both parents and professionals alike. This valuable account of the personal journey they are all on is powerful because it manages to be both honest about the realities, and also hopeful, incredibly informative and celebratory at the same time. This is exactly what is needed for parents on the same journey – an honest account that is neuro-informed and demonstrating a full understanding of the human nervous system and trauma informed practices – seen through the eyes of a mother with a profound love and inspiring dedication to her children. In all honesty this is more than a book – it’s a gift to all those walking the same journey.”
— Nathan Wallis, neuroscience educator for parents
“Erica Lee’s incredible, heartfelt and inspiring memoir is a powerful testament to the power of resilience, patience, vulnerability and love. Prepared to be moved and uplifted as you turn every page.”
— Chrissie Wellington OBE, four times Ironman Triathlon World Champion
Photo by Michael Bailey, Hyperfocus ImagesErica Lee is a Western Australian writer whose work explores the fierce, tender, and transformative realities of motherhood. Her debut memoir, The Bond Between Us, offers a powerful and deeply personal account of raising two neurodiverse children while rediscovering her own identity through endurance sport.
With a background in health and physical education, Erica has spent years teaching, mentoring, and creating inclusive spaces for young people. Outside the classroom, she is a committed endurance athlete and competed for Australia at the Age Group World Triathlon Championships in 2025 - an experience that continues to inform her understanding of resilience, discipline, and possibility.
Erica lives near the coast with her husband and children, who inspire much of her writing. When she’s not working on her next project, she can be found running along the beach path, swimming in the ocean, or bouncing on the backyard trampoline with her children.
Beyond the Bio
Favourite meal
Anything someone else has cooked. Thai food, a good steak, or chicken — I’m not fussy when I’m not the one in the kitchen.
Favourite way to move
Running along the beach path with headphones in and an audiobook playing. Swimming — in the ocean or a pool — comes a close second.
Least favourite thing
Sitting still for too long. Writing a book was… an adjustment.
Best way to reset
Looking at the ocean. The sound of waves crashing against the shore settles my nervous system like nothing else.
What I’m most proud of
My children — and the love I give them. I may not be a perfect mum, but I love them with my whole heart.
Something that surprises people
I’m a teacher… and I still get nervous speaking in front of a room.
A small joy
Anything that puts a smile on my children’s faces.
What I believe deeply
That love is powerful, movement is healing, and no one should have to carry hard things alone.
Why I write
To make sense of what we carry — and to remind other people they’re not alone in it.