Differently Wired: A Parent's Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope

by Deborah Reber

Overview

It’s time to say no to trying to fit square-peg kids into round holes, and yes to raising them from a place of acceptance and joy.

A how-to, a manifesto, and a wise and reassuring companion for parents of neuroatypical children, who often feel that they have no place to turn, Differently Wired offers 18 paradigm-shifting ideas—what the author calls “tilts”—that will change everything, including how to Get Out of Isolation and Connect, how to Help Your Kids Embrace Self-Discovery, and how to Show Up and Live in the Present. And through theses “tilts,” how to stay open, pay attention, and become an exceptional parent to your exceptional child.
 
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781523506316
Publisher:	Workman Publishing Company
Publication date:	01/21/2020
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	296
Sales rank:	279,352
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Deborah Reber is a bestselling author, certified life coach, and speaker who has spent the past fifteen years writing inspiring books for women and teens. However, raising a twice-exceptional son and experiencing the heartaches, headaches, confusion, and unexpected gifts that are typical for parents raising these exceptional kids sparked a transformation in her passion and led to a conscious shift from the realm of teen advocacy to the world of supporting the millions of parents who are raising unique kids. She is building a community of supportive parents of neurodiverse children through TiLT Parenting—a website, podcast, and social media community. She lives in New Jersey.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS
 
Introduction
PART ONE: A RALLYING CRY
Chapter 1: An Unmarked Path
Chapter 2: The New Normal
Chapter 3: Square Pegs in Round Holes
Chapter 4: What’s Keeping Us Stuck
Chapter 5: It’s Time for Something New
 
PART TWO: HOW EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE
Tilt 1: Question Everything You Thought You Knew About Parenting
Tilt 2: Get Out of Isolation and Connect
Tilt 3: Let Go of What Others Think
Tilt 4: Stop Fighting Who Your Child Is and Lean In
Tilt 5: Parent From a Place of Possibility Instead of Fear
Tilt 6: Let Your Child Be on Their Own Time Line
Tilt 7: Become Fluent in Your Child’s Language
Tilt 8: Create a World Where Your Child Can Feel Secure
Tilt 9: Give (Loud and Unapologetic) Voice to Your Reality
Tilt 10: Practice Relentless Self-Care
Tilt 11: Let Go of Your Impossible Expectations for Who You “Should” Be as a Parent
Tilt 12: Make a Ruckus When You Need To
Tilt 13: Align with Your Partner
Tilt 14: Find Your People (and Ditch the Rest)
Tilt 15: Recognize How Your Energy Affects Your Child
Tilt 16: Show Up and Live in the Present
Tilt 17: Help Your Kids Embrace Self-Discovery
Tilt 18: If It Doesn’t Exist, Create It
Epilogue: Join the Revolution
Acknowledgments
Selected Sources
Favorite Resources
Book Club Discussion Questions
Index
 

Editorial Reviews

"In this generous and urgent book, Deborah lets the light in. She helps parents see that they're not alone, and even better, delivers a positive action plan that will change lives." 
—Seth Godin, author of Linchpin  

"Raising a 'differently wired' kid can feel like venturing out in unfamiliar territory without a map or a guide. Deborah Reber is the friend you need to navigate this terrain—not just offering practical tips for parenting kids with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other conditions, but helping you think about your child's atypical mind in ways that will enable you to help them unlock their unique potential. This is a bracingly honest, beautifully written, and quietly groundbreaking book." 
—Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity 
“Differently Wired will help parents of children who think differently to accept their child for who they are and facilitate their successful development.  
—Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and The Autistic Brain
 
"A valuable resource for parents, teachers, and family members of exceptional children of all types.” –Library Journal
“Differently Wired offers an insightful, compassionate framework for empowering parents to rethink how they view neurodiverse learners. Building on the premise that we should celebrate our children’s uniqueness instead of apologizing for it, Deborah Reber provides real tools and practical advice for parents to confidently support their child’s journey, not only at school but also at home and in life.”
—Amanda Morin, writer/expert at Understood and author of The Everything Parent's Guide to Special Education
"Differently Wired is a comprehensive and practical approach to parenting a unique and complex population of children. Twice-exceptional children present parents with a plethora of challenges (and joys) which the author addresses with gusto. There are other titles written on this topic, but this in particular packs significant punch and is a 'must read' for all parents raising children with multiple exceptionalities."
—Dr. Michael Postma, EdD, Executive Director of SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted)
"Deborah Reber approaches the subject of raising a neurodiverse child with the diligence and depth of an investigative reporter and the passion (and compassion) of a parent-advocate, which she definitely is. This book offers parents a treasure trove of practical advice to help them advocate and navigate their personal journeys with their differently wired kids along the often challenging road less traveled.”
—Tom Ropelewski, filmmaker, 2e: Twice Exceptional and 2e2: Teaching the Twice Exceptional
 
"Differently Wired is one mother’s clarion call for moving to action, based on a deep understanding of children who are neurodiverse, and therefore, who think, learn, and at times, behave differently. Debbie Reber provides practical advice on a broad range of topics that will be a treasure trove for parents who are desperately seeking guidance in understanding and best supporting their neurodiverse child. This is a wonderfully engaging and much needed book that I will enthusiastically recommend to so many parents and professionals I meet on a regular basis." 
—Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP, author of Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism

From the Publisher