Rating: 
Summary: Good research, but not enough personal experience
Review: As a mother of a child with multiple disabilities, I don't feel that Ms. Lavin has enough personal experience with raising a disabled child to emotionally connect with the reader and provided needed information. She is the mother of a daughter with a cleft lip/palate, which in and of itself is indeed a difficult experience, but one which I don't consider to be a disability. Her child can have surgery and wear makeup; my child is severely disabled and will be for life. Raising a special-needs child requires an emotional connection to others in the same situation- sort of a "been there, done that, say-no-more" attitude. I didn't feel any sort of empathy in her writing.
However, she did to her homework by speaking to many parents. I did benefit somewhat from the chapter regarding financial decisions and wills/trusts.
All in all, I would advise other parents looking for guidance to save your valuable time and pass this book by.
Rating: 
Summary: Praise
Review: As a teacher, I have encountered children with disabilities. This book has given me a clearer insight into the problems confronting parents with children with disabilities. Virginia Schultheis
Rating: 
Summary: This is the best book I've seen on coping with disability.
Review: Dear Amazon: I am not the parent of a disabled child, but I know all of the issues that parents face first-hand, because I grew up with a mentally handicapped sister. This is the first book which I have seen which discusses all the issues -- the strain on marriages, the difficulties siblings have when their brother or sister has special needs, what to expect from the schools and social workers, etc. I gave the book to my mother and she keeps re-reading it. It is practical, but inspirational, too. There are chapters about how one must reconcile what has happened, and how so many of us have a tendency to blame God or feel sorry for ourselves. Right now, I am dealing with how to help an adult sister find good housing and a job. This book is something I pick up if I feel frustrated -- because it provides a real glimpe into how others solve similar problems The definition of "disability" is broad in the book. That's why someone with a child who has slight learning disabilites would find it useful, as well as a parent or family member with a child with cancer. Any medical or even emotional problem can be tackled better with a read. I recommend it highly. --
Rating:
Summary: Great Resource!!
Review: Finding a book like Ms. Lavin's has made such a difference. It is filled with wonderful pieces of advice that make it seem somehow manageable to cope when at times it seems so hard. This book offers helpful and practical strategies on dealing with self esteem, grief, anger, choosing a therapist and many other issues that arise. The book is easy to read for parents and professionals both and is sure to be of value in any home.
Rating:
Summary: A Wise Guide for Trying Times
Review: It's devastating to find out that your child is less than perfect. While there are many books that guide a parent on the science of a disability, Ms. Lavin compassionately addresses the emotional aspects of a child's disability and its effect on parents, siblings and extended family. What I liked most was Ms. Lavin's writing style: clear, focused and human. I felt like I was having a conversation with someone who'd been there. The book is loaded with practical information, as well as true stories of people and families who thrive in spite of disabilities.
Rating:
Summary: For the parent and the Expert
Review: Ms. Lavin brings together several levels. She bases her insight on professional knowledge while passing it along to the concerned parent and or layman in concise and clearly written prose. This book should also be useful to the professional -- social worker, psycho-therapist, etc -- by raising their consciousness of what are the concerns of the special family dealing with their special child. Ms. Lavin also weaves her own experience into the discussion without intruding into the conceptual flow.
Rating:
Summary: Something For Everyone
Review: Our non-profit birth defect foundation deals with individuals of all ages who have learning disabilities, facial differences, medical concerns and host of other issues. This book contains insight on every aspect of life with a special needs child. I found the easy to read, outline at the end of each chapter to be particularly helpful. Insightful and informational while not being a "heavy read"!
Rating:
Summary: Something For Everyone
Review: Our non-profit birth defect foundation deals with individuals of all ages who have learning disabilities, facial differences, medical concerns and host of other issues. This book contains insight on every aspect of life with a special needs child. I found the easy to read, outline at the end of each chapter to be particularly helpful. Insightful and informational while not being a "heavy read"!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book for Parents
Review: Parents, especially with autistic youngsters, need this book. It provides comforting and reassuring information to parents who are often confused and angry after a severe diagnosis. I also had a chance to interview Judith on my radio show on Newsradio 1330-WHBL in Sheboygan. She is a very articulate and talented advovate for parents. Thank you for writing this book, it will do a lot of good in the world!! Sincerely, Jeffrey McAndrew
Author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"
Rating:
Summary: Great Book for Parents
Review: Parents, especially with autistic youngsters, need this book. It provides comforting and reassuring information to parents who are often confused and angry after a severe diagnosis. I also had a chance to interview Judith on my radio show on Newsradio 1330-WHBL in Sheboygan. She is a very articulate and talented advovate for parents. Thank you for writing this book, it will do a lot of good in the world!! Sincerely, Jeffrey McAndrew
Author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"
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