Read My Books
It Takes a Village: How to Build a Support System For Your Exceptional Needs Family
Raising a child with a developmental disability, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is often overwhelming for parents and caregivers. They need all the help they can get. I know I am one of them.
I am the mother of four children. My youngest has ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder. I know firsthand how isolating parenting a child with special needs can be. It was at one of my lowest points as a mother of a special needs child when I realized that I, my son, and my entire family, desperately needed a support system. So I got to work and made it happen.
You cannot be effective in this unique parenting role without a team of people around you who are as passionate about your child’s success as you are.
Amy Nielsen, It Takes a Village
In my book, I identify 7 important areas that should be included in your support system and offers strategies to strengthen each. My approach will help you build the support system you so desperately need (or strengthen the one you already have) in this special parenting journey.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder
We all know the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. But what you may not know is that this familiar fairytale can also help us understand autism spectrum disorder.
As a mother of a child with ASD, I struggled to find materials to share with my son’s cousins and peers on the complexities of ASD, what to expect, and how to interact and have fun with a person on the spectrum.
So, I created my own!
Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder is a retelling of a beloved classic. In this unique version, Goldilocks exhibits many of the characteristics of a child with autism, such as sensory sensitivities and challenges in understanding social norms.
As an added bonus, this one-of-a-kind story includes an ASD glossary of terms as well as discussion questions. It is perfect for libraries, classrooms, families of children with autism, or readers of all ages who want to learn more about ASD.
While every person’s autism presents differently, Goldilocks’ autism can help the reader understand the autism of someone they know a little better.
Big Abilities 