Synopsis
No matter who we are or where we come from, autism has taken us on a common journey. Our faith has given us a common hope. We are different - black, white, male, female - but we all have children with autism. These are our stories: our struggles, our failures and triumphs, our parenting, our faith and a bit of everything in between. Along the way we realized we are not alone. Our lives, though not the ones we imagined, have given us new purpose and meaning. Our children have something unique and beautiful to offer the world. And to us.From creating a new normal for the holidays to re-thinking sibling relationships, from asking "why?!" to how to cope moving forward, Life on the Spectrum faces the reality of living with and loving our autistic children from a perspective of faith. Each chapter begins with a Scripture that has become dear to us, shares our stories, exploring how God's truth can actually be lived out in the messiness of our lives on the spectrum, and ends with questions designed to help us reflect, rethink, and ultimately grow closer to Christ. Come on this journey with us. Be encouraged. You aren't alone either.Life on the Spectrum is a masterpiece! If you are feeling stressed out, stuck, or frustrated with the daily demands and difficulties of raising a child on the Autism Spectrum, this is a MUST READ! These stories are real and raw, written with unabashed honesty and unashamed human fragility. Every page offers a new, hope-filled perspective that will keep you moving forward. You will find refreshment…a renewed sense of peace and purpose as you care for those struggling with spectrum disorders. Each chapter ends with thought provoking questions, leading you to find God’s help and hope as you lean into His sovereign care. More than anything, you will feel understood because these folks have been exactly where you are today. COLLEEN SWINDOLL-THOMPSONMother of an adult with autism and other disabling conditionsDirector of Reframing Ministries, Insight for Living
About the Author
Deborah and Michael Abbs live in Batavia, Illinois, with their two sons, Brandon, and Luke who has autism, plus a crazy English bulldog named Crystal. Deb is a freelance blogger, as well as a disability ministry coordinator for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in Illinois and Indiana. Her writing has been featured in several magazines and she contributes to Key Ministry’s blog. Mike is a lieutenant in the Aurora, Illinois police department. Kelli Ra Anderson is a freelance journalist, speaker, author of Divine Duct Tape and award-winning blogger whose articles on faith, autism, marriage and parenting have appeared in Christianity Today’s Leadership Journal, Today’s Christian Woman, and Focus on the Family. Kelli and her husband Adrian live in the far western suburbs of Chicago and have three children, two with special needs. Kevin O’Brien is an ordained minister, writer and Bible Brand Manager at Tyndale House Publishers where he develops and markets Bibles. Several articles have appeared in The Way, the iShine Bible, and the Illustrated Study Bible. Kevin lives in the far western suburbs of Chicago with his wife Loretta, three children, a dog, and a cat. He would prefer to spend his time reading, writing, woodworking and watching the Chicago Blackhawks. Kathleen Deyer Bolduc is the author of four books about faith and autism. Kathy’s son, Joel, who has autism, has been the inspiration behind her writing/speaking ministry for twenty-five years. She and her husband run Cloudland, a contemplative retreat center in southwest Ohio. Rick and Michele Bovell are parents to five adult and teenage sons, including two on the autism spectrum. Rick is an IT professional, an ordained preacher and has served for years in church leadership. Currently, Rick and Michele minister in local group homes, sharing Christ's love with adults with intellectual disabilities. Barbara K. Dittrich is mother of three children, all of whom have a variety of chronic illnesses or special needs. Barbara founded Snappin' Ministries in 2002 (now merged with Key Ministry) and she led her team in developing an innovative parent mentor curriculum. She lives with her husband of over 25 years in Southeastern Wisconsin, writes and speaks nationwide.
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