Overview

Nicole Hendrick Donovan, a mother of four, couldn't have prepared for the events that led to her son's removal from the public-school system. Behavioral spikes, depression, and anxiety were only symptoms of an underlying diagnosis, which had gone untreated for years. On a sunny afternoon, Jack eloped from first grade, creating chaos and leaving a trail of injured staff in his wake. Within the pages of her memoir, Donovan describes the path to her son's autism diagnosis and her journey to acceptance and unconditional love, not only for Jack, but also for herself. In the family's dedication to get to the bottom of their son's issues, they enlist a group of professionals to help understand Jack's educational rights, his academic needs and to aid in the creation of therapeutic supports. After becoming completely enmeshed in Jack's well-being, Nicole loses herself in the process. She soon realizes her resentments at a failed system and the continuous fear around Jack's future are sparking a series of panic attacks, which prompts her to look deeper within herself for answers. As Nicole surrenders to the ebb and flow of life, she opens her heart and sees what truly matters.

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9781734628609

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Reviews

A Life Suspended is a guide that will help mothers of children with autism, or a severe disability, navigate their complex emotions. Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures Stories such as the one told in A Life Suspended are what good movies are made of. It has heart and soul while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Sherianna Boyle, author of Emotional Detox While this book is about motherhood, education and navigating many of life's challenges and inequities, it's actually a deep reflection on our interconnectedness and humanity. Nicole courageously walks us through her journey of advocacy with humor, love and grace. She brings a vulnerability and strength that is more than just inspiration and education - though there's plenty of both - it's a story of becoming. Janell Burley Hofmann, Author of iRules, International Speaker, Facilitator and Consultant, Mother of 5 This book is raw, vulnerable and relatable. Donovan's use of descriptive language invites you into their unique world of autism. By telling her story she gives parents hope, and helps others understand the complexities families face in navigating the special education system. As a parent, an educator and special education advocate, this book is an essential read for any parent of a child learns differently. Tricia Moore, Educational Advocate, Mother of two Just as Temple Grandin provided us insight into living in a world as a person with autism, Nicole Donovan is now lending voice to families that have children with autism. In A Life Suspended, Ms. Donovan has given a gracious and generous invitation to experience the joys and heartache captured in this brilliant snapshot of her family album. As educators, as well as clinicians, we would be remiss not to accept her invitation and use it as an opportunity to gain insight from a family perspective. This should be required reading for all those entering the field. Jack's story is a reminder to all who work with children in schools that we have a responsibility to be honest and forthcoming in our observations. Our words and actions devoid of empathy and compassion leave long lasting imprints. As Ms. Donovan so poignantly captures in her story, whatever we do and whatever we say, every student is someone's child and deserve to be treated as such. Thank you for sharing your journey as a parent and Jack's journey as your son. Debra Edgren, M. Ed., C.A.G.S., School Psychologist

"""A Life Suspended is a guide that will help mothers of children with autism, or a severe disability, navigate their complex emotions."" Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures ""Stories such as the one told in A Life Suspended are what good movies are made of. It has heart and soul while keeping you on the edge of your seat."" Sherianna Boyle, author of Emotional Detox ""While this book is about motherhood, education and navigating many of life's challenges and inequities, it's actually a deep reflection on our interconnectedness and humanity. Nicole courageously walks us through her journey of advocacy with humor, love and grace. She brings a vulnerability and strength that is more than just inspiration and education - though there's plenty of both - it's a story of becoming."" Janell Burley Hofmann, Author of iRules, International Speaker, Facilitator and Consultant, Mother of 5 ""This book is raw, vulnerable and relatable. Donovan's use of descriptive language invites you into their unique world of autism. By telling her story she gives parents hope, and helps others understand the complexities families face in navigating the special education system. As a parent, an educator and special education advocate, this book is an essential read for any parent of a child learns differently."" Tricia Moore, Educational Advocate, Mother of two ""Just as Temple Grandin provided us insight into living in a world as a person with autism, Nicole Donovan is now lending voice to families that have children with autism. In A Life Suspended, Ms. Donovan has given a gracious and generous invitation to experience the joys and heartache captured in this brilliant snapshot of her family album. As educators, as well as clinicians, we would be remiss not to accept her invitation and use it as an opportunity to gain insight from a family perspective."" ""This should be required reading for all those entering the field. Jack's story is a reminder to all who work with children in schools that we have a responsibility to be honest and forthcoming in our observations. Our words and actions devoid of empathy and compassion leave long lasting imprints. As Ms. Donovan so poignantly captures in her story, whatever we do and whatever we say, every student is someone's child and deserve to be treated as such. Thank you for sharing your journey as a parent and Jack's journey as your son."" Debra Edgren, M. Ed., C.A.G.S., School Psychologist"

Stories such as the one told in A Life Suspended are what good movies are made of. It has heart and soul while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Sherianna Boyle, author of Emotional Detox While this book is about motherhood, education and navigating many of life's challenges and inequities, it's actually a deep reflection on our interconnectedness and humanity. Nicole courageously walks us through her journey of advocacy with humor, love and grace. She brings a vulnerability and strength that is more than just inspiration and education - though there's plenty of both - it's a story of becoming. Janell Burley Hofmann, Author of iRules, International Speaker, Facilitator and Consultant, Mother of 5 This book is raw, vulnerable and relatable. Donovan's use of descriptive language invites you into their unique world of autism. By telling her story she gives parents hope, and helps others understand the complexities families face in navigating the special education system. As a parent, an educator and special education advocate, this book is an essential read for any parent of a child learns differently. Tricia Moore, Educational Advocate, Mother of two Just as Temple Grandin provided us insight into living in a world as a person with autism, Nicole Donovan is now lending voice to families that have children with autism. In A Life Suspended, Ms. Donovan has given a gracious and generous invitation to experience the joys and heartache captured in this brilliant snapshot of her family album. As educators, as well as clinicians, we would be remiss not to accept her invitation and use it as an opportunity to gain insight from a family perspective. This should be required reading for all those entering the field. Jack's story is a reminder to all who work with children in schools that we have a responsibility to be honest and forthcoming in our observations. Our words and actions devoid of empathy and compassion leave long lasting imprints. As Ms. Donovan so poignantly captures in her story, whatever we do and whatever we say, every student is someone's child and deserve to be treated as such. Thank you for sharing your journey as a parent and Jack's journey as your son. Debra Edgren, M. Ed., C.A.G.S., School Psychologist

Author Information

Nicole Hendrick Donovan is an author, reflective storyteller, spiritual seeker, energy healer and workshop facilitator. Nicole is a former Montessori educator who has worked with a variety of students with various needs. After her son's autism diagnosis, she became an ABA therapist and worked directly with children and families in the autism community. In 2017 Nicole shifted her focus to her memoir, A Life Suspended, a Mother and Son's Story of Autism, Extinction Bursts and Living a Resilient Life, as well as writing for her blog. Within the pages of her memoir, Donovan describes the path to her son's autism diagnosis and her journey to acceptance and unconditional love, not only for Jack, but also for herself. Whether it is through her memoir, workshops or on her blog, Donovan's vulnerable storytelling cultivates compassion and understanding, opening a door where acceptance and empathy expand. As an extension of her offerings, she is the curator of Rose Ray Healing Arts, a line of essential oil products and energy alignment services. www.nhdwrites.com

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