Editorial Review
'These powerful heart-rending stories are filled with honesty, humor, hope and offer inspiration to parents, teachers, and anyone else who cares for children with special needs. By embracing the magnificence, inner peace, and beauty each child possess, our own attitudes are shifted from despair to promise.'
—Gerold G Jampolsky, M.D., Founder of International Center of Attitudinal Healing, Sausalito , California
Raising a child with special needs is a lifelong commitment that is as unique as each person who embarks on it. Written by a variety of authors who share in this distinctive relationship, Chicken Soup for the Soul Children with Special Needs offers a glimpse into the lives of others who are on a similar path.
These stories provide insight, comfort, and connection with others who have walked this powerful and transformational journey. The authors of these candid stories relate their own experiences of adjusting, reaching out, and flourishing and share their universal worries, their tears, and the laughter that come with this extraordinary relationship. Most important, through these stories, you will be guided with the wisdom of fellow parents, caregivers, and those with special needs to help you be the very best parent or caregiver you can be.
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Customer Reviews
Actually disappointed in this book as a whole 
2008-02-21
I was so excited to get this book right when it was released but was generally disappointed in it. There were many VERY good stories that I absolutely loved, but overall there was something about it that lacked the really personal connection and everyday stories. I found myself skipping over stories and still never finished the book to the end. I have 2 kids with special needs one with Down syndrome and one currently undergoing testing for Autism, and I SO desperately wanted to Love this book.
I guess I expected it to be written from a Caregivers perspective (parents, grandparents, teachers, etc). When it seemed like more than half of the contributers have already had their stories published by Chicken Soup books or other big name publications, not just your average person. And I caught the names of 2 contributers in this book that each have 2 of their stories in this special needs edition. (many already published in MANY other Chicken soup books)
To me it almost feels like the creators of Chicken Soup sent out a staff email asking for any stories involving a person with special needs... I remember reading one story written about a typical person's high school days and her encounter with a girl with special needs and what she wishes she would have talked to her. Nothing about reaching out to her and building a friendship, even if years later. As a parent, I would have loved to read about how this person affected a persons life, not how she felt guilty about being afraid of a disabilty (that's exactly why I want to shelter my children)- Didn't leave a warm and fuzzy feeling. But I guess her article was accepted because her career happens to center on people with disabilites???
I know there are millions of people out there that could contribute more personally touching stories. I just wanted more "average people" doing great things stories. Just by compararing random biograpies of the stories I wanted more people like the contributor Chynna Tamara Laird- average mom advocating for her child. In the bio of contributer S. Thompson it states "she has had stories in 10 Chicken soup books" and her job is writing, not advocating for disabilities or living it first hand.
It does have some great stories, but I just couldn't relate to the book overall and I expected to not want to put it down. I felt like I would read 2 good stories then 2 stories that lacked connection.... SORRY... I really wish I could Love it.
Everything & everyone connects 
2008-02-20
I was so excited to receive this book. I read it cover to cover in 3 days. The stories are all very good. They help "connect" anyone who knows or cares for a child with "special needs". I would see little glimpses of my 8 year old son in different stories and if not the "same" I could relate to the situations and the emotions. On those really rough days, it helps to know that there are others out there that know just how you feel. It gives the inspiration to keep going. "Special Needs" kids definately are SPECIAL.........they help us to remember what is important. Thank you for this collection of stories.
Inspirational 2008-02-08
Wonderful book! I love that the beginning starts with the story Welcome to Holland. I have a daughter with special needs and reading Welcome to Holland expresses what having a child with special needs can be like. My daughter is such a beautiful blessing to our family and a spot of sunshine to all who meet her. You could be having the worst day and a smile from her will turn you around. You can't help but smile back.
I would recommend this to anyone who has a child with special needs no matter what the age. It will inspire you. To any one who knows someone,is friends with someone,loves someone or cares for someone with special needs you will be inspired and touched reading the wonderful stories.
Warm and Uplifting 
2007-11-14
A warm and genuine compilation of inspiring stories from those that have walked the walk...sure to bring a smile to anyone who has worked with children with disabilities, and a tear to those who are just starting on this journey.
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation receives a share of the proceeds from this book~what's not to like?
Comforting and inspiring! 2007-11-04
A wonderful book, often funny, always comforting in that I was reassured we WILL get through this (whatever the "this" is at any given moment!!) A great book for anyone who KNOWS someone with a special-needs child, to have a better understanding of where our time and energy can go.
An Inspiring and Uplifting Book! 2007-10-15
'These powerful heart-rending stories are filled with honesty, humor, hope and offer inspiration to parents, teachers, and anyone else who cares for children with special needs. By embracing the magnificence, inner peace, and beauty each child possess, our own attitudes are shifted from despair to promise.'
—Gerold G Jampolsky, M.D., Founder of International Center of Attitudinal Healing, Sausalito , California
Raising a child with special needs is a lifelong commitment that is as unique as each person who embarks on it. Written by a variety of authors who share in this distinctive relationship, Chicken Soup for the Soul Children with Special Needs offers a glimpse into the lives of others who are on a similar path.
These stories provide insight, comfort, and connection with others who have walked this powerful and transformational journey. The authors of these candid stories relate their own experiences of adjusting, reaching out, and flourishing and share their universal worries, their tears, and the laughter that come with this extraordinary relationship. Most important, through these stories, you will be guided with the wisdom of fellow parents, caregivers, and those with special needs to help you be the very best parent or caregiver you can be.
very enlightening read 2007-10-10
I have always thought that parents and individials dealing with children with "special needs",must themselves be special.This book only reenforces that, in my opinion.
This book is filled with stories telling of the challenges and strength and the rewards that are realized on a daily basis, not only for those who are challenged but for those involved with them.
I have learned so much from this book . The people portrayed in this book are "truly special". I do admire them.
Autism and Swimming 2007-10-04
A worthy book for many reasons. A compendium of support, emotional and otherwise. Make sure to read "Swimming With John" by Michele Iallonardi, a pitch-perfect rendition of why good teachers for kids with autism are so vital.
Very touching 2007-10-04
I have a special needs child and it is nice to know we are not alone on somethings and feelings. Four of my other friends bought the book too.
The book that touch my heart 2007-10-03
The stories in this book really touch my heart and allow me to understand children with special needs.
