EMBRACING THE CHALLENGES, CONTENDING FOR THEIR DESTINY The stats are changing. It's no longer just the rare family who has a child with autism, ADHD, Tourette's syndrome, or other brain chemistry concerns. As parents raising children with these or other hidden disabilities, we need compassionate voices who can listen and help us with the practical issues: fighting despair, judgment, and educational hurdles; deciding about medications; handling the labeling; and negotiating the responses of schools and the church. Perhaps most importantly, we need assurances that our children will be okay and that we will survive and even thrive spiritually as we grapple with the daily challenges. We are contending for their destiny as well as ours. Melanie Boudreau is a graduate of the University of Texas, School of Allied Health, with a degree in Medical Technology. The mother of one child who is neurotypical and two with neuropsychiatric disorders, Melanie uses her education to interact with specialists and research interventions for her children. She works as Team Director for Apostolic Intercessors Network, a Christian business that links professional level intercessors and spiritual warfare strategists with individuals, families, and workplace leaders around the globe.

When it comes to parenting a child with a hidden disability, everyone seems to have an opinion. Here, Naomi Simmons writes from experience, offering new solutions for when conventional parenting strategies just don't work. Whether it be autism, ADHD, OCD, a mood or anxiety disorder with or without a diagnosis, if you have a child with any hidden disability, this is the book for you. Naomi Simmons is a parent of children with a range of hidden disabilities. She provides candid guidance on how best to support children in this situation - dealing with meltdowns, school avoidance, self-harm, anxiety and depression - and shares the experiences of others who really do 'get it'. Addressing common concerns and hurdles, this book helps you respond to your child's needs and challenges while developing their unique strengths and talents.

Raising a child with a disability can often be more isolating and frustrating than any parent ever imagines. Finally, here is a book that honestly describes the inner needs and range of issues parents with disabled children face. Changed by a Child invites parents to take a moment for themselves. Each of the brief readings offers comfort and hope as they capture the unique challenges and joys of raising a disabled child.

From the creative mind of rising star Mike Boldt comes a hilarious and original tale about overcoming back-to-school jitters, making new friends, and taking things in stride. Anya wakes up to discover that she has grown a tiger tail. Yes, a striped tiger tail. It also happens to be the first day of school. What will the other kids think? Are girls with tiger tails even allowed to go to school?! Anya is about to find out.

No-nonsense, sanity-saving insights from the Washington Post on Parenting columnist--for anyone who's drowning in parental pressure and advice that doesn't work. Ever feel overwhelmed by the stress and perfectionism of our overparenting culture--and at the same time, still look for solutions to ease the struggles of everyday family life? Parenting coach and Washington Post columnist Meghan Leahy feels your pain. Like her clients and readers, she grew weary of the endless "shoulds" of modern parenting--along with the simplistic rules and advice that often hurt more than help. Filled with insights based on child development and hard-won lessons in the trenches, this honest guide presents a new approach, offering permission to practice imperfect parenting with a strong dose of common sense, empathy, and laughter. You'll gain perspective on trusting your gut, picking your battles, and when to question what's "normal" (as opposed to what works best for your child). Forget impossible standards and dogma, and serving organic salmon to four-year-olds. Forget helicopters, tiger moms, and being "mindful" in the middle of a meltdown (your child's or your own). Instead, discover relatable insights for staying connected to your child and true to the parent you want to be (and already are).

A mother describes the difficult task of coping with a handicapped child as their family moved from grief to acceptance.