The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child with a Disability, Revised Edition

By Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D.

Not just another resource on parenting. More than a book on autism. This important book is a must-have guide for any parent of a child with a disability as well as anyone who works with or cares for those families. Special Children, Challenged Parents shares the unique perspective of a father of a son with autism, with additional reflection from his perspective as a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with families of children with disabilities.

This moving book illustrates the impact that a child's disability has on the entire family. It is a valuable aid to parents dealing with fear, guilt, shame, sibling rivalry, marital strain, and other challenges. Though the author's personal experience is with autism, this book will be a valuable resource for families of children with a wide range of disabilities. Readers learn about resources, such as support groups, for working through complex emotions and about techniques for communicating effectively with professionals.

Special Children, Challenged Parents addresses issues of bonding between parent and child and presents strategies for dealing with challenging behavior. Additional chapters are devoted to special issues for the family of a child with a disability, including the relationship between the parents, the effect on siblings, and the needs of fathers, who the author feels often require special support to express and deal with their emotions in the challenging role of parent to a child with special needs. This book provides a unique and touching look at parenting and disability.

About the Author
Foreword James May
Acknowledgments
Prologue A Letter to My Son

1. A Father is Born: My Story
2. Feeling the Impact: Lost Dreams and Growth
3. The Other Side of Sorrow: Working Through the Grief
4. Day by Day: Tuning in to Your Special Child
5. How to Stop Spinning: Understanding and Guiding Your Child's Behavior
6. A Circle of Fathers: Big Boys Don't Cry
7. Keeping the Boat Afloat: The Couple's Journey
8. Differing Views of the Mountain: Understanding How Siblings Respond to Disability
9. The Trouble with Elephants: Finding and Building Circles of Support
10. A Perilous Partnership: Parents and Professionals
11. When the Miracle Never Comes: Revisiting the Past and Looking to the Future

Epilogue Letters to My Son
Bibliography
Books for Children
Resources for Families
Index