Becoming a Seriously Happy Special Needs Mom: 21 Steps to Finding Your Happy Place

I remember the day the elementary school psychologist told me that my daughter scored low on a variety of assessment tests. The same week, I became fixated on my daughter's differences (in first grade, no less!) during a classroom event where parents were invited to hear students' poems. After the event, I found myself walking around Walmart in tears when a mom who was at the same classroom event to hear her exceptional son present, spotted me. She tried to make me feel better but the pity I felt from her was palpable. It was at that moment that Linda Bennett's book would have been invaluable to me. Though it wasn't written all those years ago, it should have been, but no one ever thought about this side of special needs parenting. I would have read it after every IEP and team meeting throughout my daughter's schooling. (She's almost 18 now, doing exceptionally well and off to college soon!) If I had this book back then, it would have helped me keep my sanity when I found myself sinking into despair over having a child with special needs. The book would have been on my bedside table and probably very dog-eared. Today's moms of special needs kids are extremely lucky to have access to this unique book. I urge anyone with a new diagnosis for their child, or who has struggled with trying to find happiness in spite of a child's diagnosis, or if you know anyone who is dealing with these issues, get this book now. The author's wisdom, experience and insights will bring you relief and make a huge difference in your life and in your happiness.

I have never related to a book more than I did with this one. Its like she took the thoughts right out of my head. I am an ASD mom and I am currently struggling with a lot of the things she discussed in the book. She made me realize everything I am feeling and thinking is NORMAL. I have had such a sigh of relief reading this book. 100% recommend !

Excellent book on a big subject. Although I don't have a special needs child, Ms. Bennett's clear and incisive writing really got my attention and I felt this book was as much a meditation on compassion and awareness as it was a guidebook for moms with special needs children. She writes with a sensitivity that I think really illustrates the complexities of navigating the system but also talks about the joy that can be found in that challenge. Taking care of ones mental and physical health to provide adequate care for your child must be a priority, and Ms. Bennett gives some excellent advice on how to achieve this (ex. Life Lesson #13: You are a priority.) Ms. Bennet speaks directly to the Moms and I think to anyone who knows a special needs parent. It's a good read and great insight. I highly recommend "Becoming a Seriously Happy Special Needs Mom."

Great read if you are the mom of an ASD child.

Becoming a Seriously Happy Special Needs Mom book was incredible! I always thought my daughter's development was behind, but her ped doctor just told me that every child develops different. My daughter's daycare called state to get her evaluated. After all the evaluations I was told that she was special needs and was going to be in ESE. I looked at my daughter in fear of the unknown world that we were about to face together. I felt like a failure.I would have loved to have this book in the very beginning of me and my daughter's journey. I love the life lessons in the book, esp the stress and tension. The book offers a lot and it's an easy read. I would recommend this book to every exceptional mom.

Such a helpful book! Linda Bennett, a definitive authority on this subject, offers no-nonsense and reassuring advice on how to manage emotions and daily relationships as a special needs Mom, including marital and self-care. One of my favorite quotes from Bennett, "Start with yourself. Work on being the best person you can be. Invest in and love yourself. Build a strong foundation that will take you into the future. Remember you’re in a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself space and time for your journey. You and your family will evolve over time." These kind words of reassurance are in each of her 21 practical steps that help ease, sort out and demystify the path of a special needs parent.

I absolutely love this book! Its fairly short but manages to cover a vast variety of topics. It gets down to the good the great, the bad and the ugly! I will be recommending this book to all my friends and family!

For young Mum's, when it comes to raising a child with special needs, there are no maps, no guidebooks, no Doc Spock. This book comes from a very special young mother who confronts and transcends the daily challenges of raising her boy, now a robust thirty-something year old man, who has learning disabilities. Through it all, Linda reminds the reader of the power of faith, of all things good - a timely message - even for those who are not parents! Highly recommended.