Different

The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and the Mom Who Loved Him

By: Sally Clarkson, Nathan Clarkson

Narrated by: Nathan Clarkson, Rudy Sanda, Virginia Wolf

Length: 6 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Nathan was different and Sally knew it. From his early childhood, Nathan was bursting with creativity and uncontainable energy, struggling not only with learning issues but also with anxiety and OCD. He saw the world through his own unique lens - one that often caused him to be labeled as "bad", "troubled", or someone in need of "fixing". Bravely choosing to listen to her motherly intuition rather than the loud voices of the world, Sally dared to believe that Nathan's differences could be part of an intentional design from a loving Creator with a plan for his life. She trusted that the things that made him different were the very things that could make him great.

Join Sally and Nathan as they share their stories from a personal perspective as mother and son. If you are in need of help and hope in your own journey with an outside-the-box child, or if you're an adult trying to make sense of your differences, you'll find deep insight, resonance, and encouragement in this book. Dare to love and nurture the "different" one in your life.

©2016 Sally Clarkson and Nathan Clarkson (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Reading the unique perspectives of both mother and child is powerful. Moreover, the love that flows throughout this book makes even the most difficult experiences hope-filled and encouraging. I cannot recommend Different enough!" (Shawna Wingert, author of Everyday Autism)

A healing balm to this momma

This book was a much needed encouragement to me a momma of two. One of which has epilepsy and, as a result of the epilepsy and medications, has a slow processing issue. He struggles with many things that others his age don’t always understand and many things brought on by the medications he has to take to slow down the almost daily seizures. I was able to relate with both Sally and Nathan on a personal level, sometimes bringing me to tears. Even though the diagnosis is different the feelings and struggles are very much the same. Thank you for bearing your personal struggles to encourage and minister to others!!!

Communist Poland?

Poland was never Communist but Socialist . Big difference. That threw me off and I lost interest.

"Wow! Thank you Jesus"

That was the first phrase I uttered out loud within the first several minutes of this book! I am only 4 chapters into this book and I do not want to put it down. I find myself laughing with hearing Nathan's thoughts as he replays memories as if I hear our own son's voice saying it. He shows a different side that we hadn't realized was going on from his perspective that our son likely feels but cannot express yet. The love for God and his unique purpose that Sally & Clay cultured in Nathan is what we strive for in our own children but can quickly get lost in the daily struggles of special children. I'm excited to finish this and have already started implementing some strategies that helped this family. I feel renewed joy and peace looking at our "different" son with new eyes. I'm sure I will be reading this now than once as we walk this special journey and would suggest this to any other parent who may feel exasperated and benefit from the reminder of how special each of us are made in the perfection of our Creator.

Too much about God and religion

I was searching for help and stories about other people’s experiences with OCD but this book focuses on God and how God helped the family through this. When the mom spoke I felt like I was in church listening to a sermon. I appreciated Nathan’s story but not enough of his story came through with all this praying to God and God will love you no matter what, etc etc. Not at all what I was hoping for.

Very Encouraging

I love that Nathan read his side of the story. I love knowing that I’m not alone and kids aren’t easy, and just their honesty throughout the entire book.

I Was Able to Relate to Nathan Too

I listened to this book as a special needs mom. I didn't think this book would relate to me too. I also was a special needs child. The book made me feel that my disability is gift and not a burden or an excuse. I so thankful for people like Sally and Nathan. We need more "Sally's" and "Nathan" in this world.

For All Nonstandard Learners and those who love tbrm

I love the honesty and openness of these two! What a gift to all of us who learn and process in ways that are easily misunderstood. And what a gift to all parents who want to cultivate the hearts of their children to help them grow and thrive!

Love this!

As a mother of three, one being special needs, this book was a great glimpse of our daily life. Thank you for being transparent and sharing some of the struggles both parents and the child go through when learning how to life and accommodate for the “D”s (disorders/disabilities). Thank you!

EXACTLY what my mama heart needed

Sally and Nathan are my son (11) and I. He too, is "Different" and our family struggles every single day. I've read so many books and prayed so many prayers. I've yet to find a helpful self-help book, with their long to-do lists and what- never-to-do lists, charts, points systems and journaling...I'm exhausted enough just trying to get my 2 very Different and very opposite children up and ready in the morning. This book is Different. I wish everyone would read (listen to) it so they could better understand and be a bit more compassionate to those around them who may look "normal" but have very real, deep, daily struggles. God doesn't make mistakes. But we sure do. Thank you so much Nathan and Sally for sharing your private lives. It is healing to my heart to know that I'm not alone, especially as a Believer in Christ. My kids are not my own and I can't fit them into "my box". God has His own plan for their lives and I'll do better to trust in Him.

What an encouragement!

This so encouraged my heart and the journey we are facing as a family. I enjoyed listening to their stories and their wisdom gained from it. Thank you for sharing your story!

good reminder

loved this book it reminds u that all the little things u do for ur children will not be wasted

Too much religion

The story itself are important for us that need someone to relate to. But it felt like I was not included due to the hard hard HARD push on the religious parts. As my beliefs do not align with theirs, it feels like I am not part of a secret club that supports similar people. Truly, it made me feel more different then before reading the book.
Important story but the authors should take in consideration that the heavy heavy religious parts severely limit the amount of people that can relate.

Adhd

My daughter is 8 and awaiting diagnosis for adhd. I found this book open my eyes to her qualities and dreams, rather than focusing on what she finds hard. Thanks you.

made me feel less alone <3

lovely, honest and insightful book. I thought it was very effective hearing both nathan and his mothers account and experience of Nathan's challenges growing up and in the end I felt inspired and proud of them both x

Not for me

This book pushes very strong Christian beliefs on the reader. Would not recommend reading as any form of self help or self exploration due to this, and definitely wouldn't recommend to anyone vulnerable or impressionable. The book wasn't what it said on the tin, it gave an interesting outlook and good advice at points, it's great that they've done it, I just wish the biblical content had been omitted

my point of view

in the sample I sounded very interesting as I have both dyslexia and mild ocd. as I found Nathins side interesting (I'de liked more) I struggled to listen to his mom as it was alot of Christian stuff & conflicting herself.
but thanks for sharing your story.