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  • Published: 27 May 2015
  • ISBN: 9780399171765
  • Imprint: Tarcher
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 272
  • RRP: $38.00

Not What I Expected

Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children



As diagnosis rates continue to rise for autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other developmental differences, parents face a maze of medical, psychological, and educational choices and a great deal of emotional stress. Although there are many books that address children's learning or behavior problems and advise parents what they can do to help their kids, there are no books that explain what the parents are going through - and how they can cope with their own emotional upheaval for their own sake, and for the wellbeing of the whole family.

With compassion, clarity, and an emphasis on practical solutions, Dr. Rita Eichenstein walks readers through the five stages of acceptance (similar to the stages of grief, but modified for parents of special-needs kids). Using vivid anecdotes and suggestions, she helps readers understand their own emotional experience, nurture themselves in addition to their kids, identify and address relationship wounds including tension in a marriage and struggles with children (special-needs and neurotypical), and embrace their child with acceptance, compassion and joy.

Finalist for a Books for a Better Life Award

A pediatric neuropsychologist presents strategies to help parents of special-needs children navigate the emotional challenges they face.

As diagnosis rates continue to rise for autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and other developmental differences, parents face a maze of medical, psychological, and educational choices – and a great deal of emotional stress. Many books address children’s learning or behavior problems and advise parents what they can do to help their kids, but until Not What I Expected: Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children there were no books that explain what the parents are going through - and how they can cope with their own emotional upheaval – for their own sake, and for the wellbeing of the whole family.
 
With compassion, clarity, and an emphasis on practical solutions, Dr. Rita Eichenstein's Not What I Expected: Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children walks readers through the five stages of acceptance (similar to the stages of grief, but modified for parents of special-needs kids). Using vivid anecdotes and suggestions, she helps readers understand their own emotional experience, nurture themselves in addition to their kids, identify and address relationship wounds including tension in a marriage and struggles with children (special-needs and neurotypical), and embrace their child with acceptance, compassion and joy.

  • Published: 27 May 2015
  • ISBN: 9780399171765
  • Imprint: Tarcher
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 272
  • RRP: $38.00

Praise for Not What I Expected

"A superb book. Chock full of arresting insights as well as warmth and wisdom."
--Edward Hallowell, M.D., author of The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness

"A gem of a book. Dr. Rita Eichenstein has written with remarkable insight and compassion about the rarely focused on problems of the parents and family members of learning disabled or atypical children. A must-read for practitioners as well as parents."
--Marion Solomon, Ph.D., author of Lean On Me and The Wonder Of We In A Culture Of Me

"With an enormous amount of experience, and mastery of the atypical brain, Dr. Eichenstein provides a road map for understanding and thriving alongside your atypical child. Not What I Expected is a must-have for any parent who has an atypical child and/or a professional who works with special needs families."
--Dr. Charles Sophy, Psychiatrist and Medical Director for the County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services

"Clear, practical and filled with hope, the ideas and practices in this book offer a science-based common sense approach that any parent or practitioner working with an atypical child will be benefit from. What better gift can we give these children!"
--Elisha Goldstein, PhD, author of Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

"At last, a book that speaks directly to parents of children who are atypical, as well as to their teachers. Easily digestible and offering insight, support, warmth, and a touch of humor, Not What I Expected will enhance your parenting toolbox and enrich your parenting life."
--Betsy Brown Braun, MA, Child Development and Behavior Specialist, and bestselling author of Just Tell Me What to Say and You're Not the Boss of Me

"Where other resources are content to focus on a child's condition, Not What I Expected takes the critical next step in guiding parents through these difficult times. And it does this brilliantly, combining clinical rigor with a deep empathy for every member of the family and each one's special challenges. The result is a book that is an indispensable partner for parenting the atypical child and helping families live full, loving lives together."
--Michelle Miller, M.D., Pediatric Cardiologist, Associate Professor of Medicine, Florida State University School of Medicine

"I urge any parent who is struggling with an atypical child to pick up Not What I Expected. You'll be fortified to savor the rewards, and sustained to withstand the challenges, in dealing with your surprising,unexpected child."
--Zoë Kessler, B.A., B.Ed., author of ADHD According to Zoë: The Real Deal on Relationships, Finding Your Focus & Finding Your Keys

"There's a lot of useful information here and a clear intention to acknowledge parents' struggles... compassionate advice for parents of atypical children."
Kirkus Reviews