Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports

Okay, full disclosure: I know Kelley Coleman. I met her because our kids were in preschool together. From the day I first encountered her, I have been struck by her compassionate radical honesty, as well as her enthusiasm and joy. She is optimistic in the face of adversity *without* toxic positivity. She truly wants to make the world a better and more welcoming place for everyone, and I could not be more thrilled that her book makes it possible for people who don't even know her personally to benefit from her wealth of experience and knowledge.In terms of the book itself, I especially appreciate the organization of the sections and the organization within each section. It is totally possible to jump straight to the section of the book that one is most concerned/curious about, but it is also easy to read through the entire book without getting overwhelmed (and that is saying something, given the subject matter).I am so glad this book exists.

I so wish that this book had existed when my son was first diagnosed. It’s like having a best friend with a fantastic sense of humor(bc that’s how you get through this) who holds your hand and tells you that it’s going to be okay and she knows because she has walked in your shoes. This book is the ultimate guidebook to navigate getting your child all the resources they need and how best to advocate for your child. She knows that getting your child the help they need, so that you can focus on being the best possible parent to your child, is what really matters. Kelley does this with humor, compassion and pragmatism. A strong recommend!

This is one of those books that EVERY parent and person who works with disabled individuals should have available to them. It is insightful and full of so much-needed information. The format is such that you don't have to sit and read the entire book to get guidance and answers to questions on navigating the systems life styles and systems that are meant to help people with disabilities. This is the book I wish I had when our loved one was much younger, but am so thankful to have it now as we continue to navigate this life. Ms. Coleman is candid and brings honesty and humor by sharing personal experiences and anecdotes. I just love this book and am so thankful to have it now. I plan to gift this to many others.

This is the book I wished we had at the start our our daughter's Rett syndrome diagnosis.One in 10 parents will get a call from their child's pediatrician confirming some type of disability - physical, behavioral, mental health, or a chronic illness. As the new normal sets in, they will encounter a mountain of stuff on their to do list from filing out-of-network insurance claims, hiring caregivers, choosing therapists, coordinating with doctors, negotiating with regional centers, filing due process with school districts, hiring lawyers, and when all of that is sorted out, they will likely want to learn how to make the world better for their child. They will want to be an advocate in some way for their child's community.This is the playbook for ALL of it.Experienced parents will also find this book chock full of useful information, links, and life hacks. I was flipping through Chapter nine last night and learned about ABLE accounts which I had never heard of before.Unlike most disability resources, this book is optimistic, reassuring, and entertaining. It's a gift for parents who want to spend less time with to-do lists and more time with their kids. Kudos to the author!

Kelley Coleman manages to deliver an incredibly important resource - providing help and hope - with a sense of realism and a sense of humor. After reading just the first chapter you will know that you are in good hands - and, in fact, will feel like you’ve just been given the hug you needed so now you can get to work. This book is accessible, comprehensive, and practical (templates!), and it’s packed with so much love! Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child is a true gift.

I'm so happy my friend recommended this book to me. This would have taken me years to put all of these resources together. This was an easy, fun read that got me asking questions that I didn't realize I needed to ask. All parents on this journey - as well as all doctor's offices, schools, and social workers - need this resource. I especially appreciated the chapter about insurance and government benefits, and how I had never really understood how to deal with my insurance plan before. It's practical and personal, and felt like a huge relief as soon as I started reading. So happy to have found this.

Imagine you have a really well informed friend who you know and trust with everything. Now imagine that friend breaking down how to navigate the complex and twisty roads the autism journey comes with. They smooth everything out making it clear, they balance explanations out with humor, and when they're done you feel like a mountain has been lifted off. This is the friend. This book.And to top it off, its a book you don't want to put down because you relate to it so well. Its addicting.This book is waaaaaaaay overdue and if I could I would put it in a time capsule and send it back to myself when I first began making my way through these incomprehensible, unclear and unpredictable waters.Do yourself a favor and read this.

This book is a great resource for families starting out with a new diagnosis. Each chapter touches base on different areas of life you'll encounter as a parent of a disabled child. Chapter 3 on therapies was especially helpful for new families because Kelley Coleman discusses different therapy options. Chapter 6 and 7 are very helpful for families with children going into school or starting off with an IEP.Each chapter offered helpful questions to ask yourself, as well as helpful advice from experts in the field. I highly recommended this book to any family starting out or families still struggling to navigate the system. Its a great starting point and brief read that will help start you on the right path of advocating for your child.