The Special Needs Parent Handbook: Critical Strategies and Practical Advice to Help You Survive and Thrive

by Jonathan L Singer

Overview

The Special Needs Parent Handbook provides practical advice for any parent of a child with special needs, for caregivers of children with mild learning disorders to those with severe cases of autism, cerebral palsy or other disabilities. Learn more about: * Hiring babysitters and free respite help * Finding the best and kindest doctors * Keeping the family together * Taking care of your health * Strategies for inclusion and recreation * Being a strong advocate for your child * Planning for the future

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781470047214
Publisher:	CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date:	04/13/2012
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	114
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.27(d)

About the Author

Jon Singer would do just about anything for his kids, and especially to make sure his daughter, Rebecca, who has a rare genetic disorder that causes autistic tendencies, gets what she needs to succeed. He'd practically go to the end of the earth if that's what it would take.

In fact, that's just what he did. In the summer of 2002, Jon and his wife, Michey formed an organization called The Drive for Rebecca (Drive4Rebecca. org) to increase awareness of autism and raise desperately needed funds for autism research and education. To raise money for the new organization, Jon and Michey, together with Rebecca; her brother, Sam; their cousin, Evan; and their babysitter, Rachel set out on a cross-country journey that changed their lives.

They drove from New Jersey to Los Angeles in a decorated motor home, staying in hotel rooms that were generously provided free of charge by a leading hotel chain. They organized events at Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats stores in seven cities, with sponsors such as Build-A-Bear Workshop, drawing media coverage from all the major networks. Along the journey they were greeted by friends, family members, Girl Scouts and made many new acquaintances.

They raised nearly $100,000, which they donated to autism research projects and to leading educational programs for kids with autism that use the science of Applied Behavioral Analysis. They ultimately joined forces with five other New Jersey families to start an incredible new school called REED Academy (REEDAcademy.org), where Rebecca could learn and grow to the best of her abilities, and donated funds to support the opening of another school.

Rebecca and twenty other students have been making amazing progress since REED Academy opened in 2003. Because of the miracles that happen every day at REED, several students have graduated and are attending their local elementary schools together with typically developing peers.

Editorial Reviews

A brief, compassionate guide to raising a disabled child. Singer's daughter Rebecca, now 14, was born with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a genetic disorder causing autistic inclinations and requiring constant care. While he candidly admits that the situation for him and his wife has proven "exhausting, overwhelming and impossible at times," the author presents coping mechanisms and proven methods of management that can alleviate stress and promote familial wellness. The impetus for the project came from years of randomly answering special-needs care questions on an online discussion group and on his website, which he saved into book form to "share our life lessons." In 2008, a minor dispute with a local school district compelled the author to release the book and create the unique "Advocacy for All" program, an empowering initiative that helps families find a voice on behalf of their children. Singer writes in an affable, conversational tone, making prickly situations--e.g., insurance claims, negative public perception of disabilities and restroom-assistance issues--much easier to digest. The author also includes practical tips for organizing a child's vital paperwork, sensitivity exercises and sample flyers and letters appealing for community support. Singer is proactive and inclusive and discusses issues concerning necessary quality time and procuring suitable babysitters and medical care, while extolling the importance of familial harmony and open communication, physical, psychological and emotional self-care and estate planning and medical care for the child. The author also urges parents of the disabled to resist the urge to make comparisons with "typically developing kids." All proceeds will benefit Advocacy for All (Drive4Rebecca.org). A deceptively thin, constructive caregiving resource.

Kirkus Reviews