Life as a Spectrum Mom: The Ups, Downs, and Upside Downs of Parenting Autistic Kids

The Spectrum Mom, Book 1

By: Karen Pellett

Narrated by: Sara K. Sheckells

Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

From candy explosions and safety spaces to patience pills and mattress slides, autism turns normal on its head and stomps on it for good measure. For this family and their three autistic children, life is chaotic but glorious. Experience everyday life from the perspective of a spectrum mom and defy the label as only an exceptional family can.

©201 Karen Pellett (P)2017 Karen Pellett

Love the Spectrum Mom Life

As a fellow spectrum mom, I find it refreshing to hear story's that I can relate to. It's always nice to know your not alone. Real life situations where diet, therapy and overall parenting methods aren't mentioned constantly. Every child is different. Hearing a mom openly talk about every day situations without sugarcoating it is great. I absolutely love it!

A must read for parents of autistic children

This book relates the experience of a mum of three children with special needs, each one within a different part of the spectrum: ADHD, Autism, and Asperger Syndrome. This is not a how-to nor a guide about how to cope with kids with these issues. As Karen Pellet explains, each case is different from the others, so what helps with one does not necessarily have to help with others.

The book is a collection of anecdotes propitiated by this singular family, but what Pellet wants to transmit is that everything is possible, even in the most difficult of situations. The key factors are: being able to count with great professionals to get a correct diagnose, having people around to assist in case of need, and having a positive frame of mind.

The stories are endearing, but I noticed some repetitions. Some of them could perfectly happen within a ‘regular’ family, but I understand that these situations just get multiplied here.

I know food is a complicated subject when dealing with these situations, since I have a nephew with autism, but I have also read reports where it is mentioned that trying to eat healthy helps with some of the symptoms related to these conditions, as well as with the parent’s problems. Karen suffers from migraines and her husband has fibromyalgia. I have my own load of autoimmune diseases and the fatigue, mental fog, and migraines have improved with a diet change.

I want also to mention that the plural for octopus is octopuses, not octopi, since the -i termination designing plural is just for Latin words, and octopus derives from Greek.

Sarah K. Sheckells got in Karen’s shoes and delivered a heartfelt speech like if she were telling her own story. Her diction is clear and she transmitted well. What I noticed where changes in the audio edits between paragraphs, which was a bit distracting.

I would absolutely recommend this book to any parent of a special child or to anyone who would like to get a better understanding about how life under these conditions.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Life as a spectrum mom

This was an interesting point of view on the autistic spectrum.I had no idea there were so many diagnosis out there!I found the authors take on her life very positive and uplifting.It was a nice change as I have worked with autistic adults who have not been raised in such a positive setting.Sara K. Sheckles was a very good narrator.I was provided this book for review by the author,narrator or publisher.

Upbeat and Inspirational!

I absolutely love this book. I love this family and I love this mom. She is the mother of three Spectrum children, and an amazing woman. It really takes someone special to raise a child with special needs, and Karen and her husband have three. This glimpse in to their lives is so inspiring.

This book is so well done. The author/mom offers many great tips for all parents - letting your kids be who they are, picking your battles, and applying lots of fun and laughter to the raising of your children.

I listened to the audible version of this book and Sara K. Sheckells did such a fantastic job. She is upbeat, and really seems to have a good feel for the author, her family, and the subject matter. She was a delight to listen to.

Hits home with other spectrum parents

Within the first chapter of this book I was listening with tears steaming down my face, because I identified so clearly with the author's situation and parenting ordeals. This was a wonderful read, not only to understand more about how complex it is to be a spectrum parent, but that we are not alone. There is support and understanding out there - and the authors story helped me to understand some things about my own children. Also, very engagingly read by the narrator. I found myself driving the long way a lot to listen to more. Would definitely recommend for all - not just other spectrum parents. Having this perspective and insight benefits and enriches everyone.

Huge relief

I can’t tell you how many times during this book I was able to breathe a little easier after hearing stories and feelings that I could personally relate to. The humor amongst the chaos was something that I am absolutely able to attest to and I believe a little bit more able to laugh about now. Such a great find for autism moms,and dads too, in need of some comfort in our own worlds!!!!

Autism

Any additional comments?

A book that lets the moms of autistic kids know that that aren't so alone in this big world. Well written, funny, and heart-felt. Can't wait to see what comes next in the series!

AWESOME

A must read for everyone out there, parent or not . My best wishes and thank you very much for this book.