PhD Rita Eichenstein

Those of us with special needs children will often tell you that it is a blessing, a gift, and an unexpected surprise, but in reality it is a quiet struggle. It is deep well of emotions that holds love, anger, rage, acceptance, faith, hope, and sadness. As a parent to three special needs children I can honestly say that my well of emotions is rather deep. With the support of family, a psychiatrist, and the school system; I have worked through my emotions and have come to love and watch my children thrive. However, like so many parents of special needs children, I have lost a marriage that was partly due to my children’s disability. Only one of us was able to handle the challenges of our children’s disability and it is because of my impending divorce that I picked up this book. I wish I had discovered this book much earlier. Unlike most information that is published about special needs children, this book is written with the parents in mind. It is a guide that discusses the stages of grief, stress, hardships, and relationship turmoil; that can occur while raising a child with disabilities. The author goes into great details on how parents can work together to prevent divorce and burnout with one another.

I have to say this is one of the best special needs resource books that I have read in a very long time. I am so sad that I did not read it a while ago, but it everything happens for a reason. Like so many couples, my marriage had a spouse that was angry about having disabled children and could not cope with the issues that arose with it. This manual would have been helpful for us and would have been brought up with our family psychiatrist, but part of me believes it still would not have changed his mind. Having three special needs children opens the world to many new people. Individuals that do not judge others based on color, size, or intellect. I have met so many beautiful people and enjoy being active in the community. However, I have learned to balance managing my children’s needs and finding time for myself. This book reminds parents to take time out of each day for yourself. Don’t lose your identity or your marriage. Take time for your partner and have a hobby. If you don’t have fun occasionally you will find yourself alone or hating your partner for their lack of help. This book is a great start at reminding parents at how to be themselves again.… (meer)