Changed by a Child: Companion Notes for Parents of a Child with a Disability

by Barbara Gill

Raising a child with a disability can often be more isolating and frustrating than any parent ever imagines. Finally, here is a book that honestly describes the inner needs and range of issues parents with disabled children face. Changed by a Child invites parents to take a moment for themselves. Each of the brief readings offers comfort and hope as they capture the unique challenges and joys of raising a disabled child.

Genres: Self Help, Parenting, Nonfiction, Memoir

336 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 1997

Reviews

[Jody Gelb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me to live when we were raising our daughter who was severely disabled as a result of a catastrophic birth injury.
This book changed me.
I wish I could speak with the woman who wrote it and tell her how much this book helped me through some of the darkest times.
This is the book that I always recommended to families that were dealing with a difficult diagnosis for their beloved child.
This book is filled with wisdom and love and hope and also the reality that many of us faced of the early death of our children.

[Julie Jurrians · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got me through many difficult years while raising a son with special needs. I think the book is still relevant today. I highly, highly recommend it.

[JANEY MCGEARY · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this tremendously helpful. Although I don't have a child with disabilities, this gave me more insight into what these parents truly face, the enormity of it. Highly recommended for parents and for those who are privilieged to work work with children with disabilities.

[Bookfanatic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about the challenges as well as the gifts that come from raising a child with significant special needs. This is not a depressing book. You'll smile, laugh and yes, be moved. The author just has such a way with words. She can distill complex ideas into simple prose. I have a child with such special needs, so this book really spoke to me. I liked it so much I bought a copy to share with a good friend who also has a son with special needs. Highly recommended for parents of children with Down's Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other conditions.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not every passage spoke to me but I did find this to be overall pretty comforting. There were moments while reading that it felt like the author was in my head, writing my experience. This kind of thing helps ground me when I most need it and I will likely come back and read passages from this as Meredith continues to grow up.

[Kay Mcaloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and would highly recommend it for parents of children with a disability. Thank you to the author and all the parents that shared their stories and experiences. I have so many pages with highlights and post it flags! I know I will refer to this book for many years to come!

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this book. It is an easy to read book with short sections on issues dealing with raising a special needs child. Very inspirational.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Should be on the bedside table of every parent of a child who has a disability.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for parents of disabled children.

[Joanne]

good