ADVANCE PRAISE FOR
Not What I Expected
A superb book. Chock-full of arresting insights as well as warmth and wisdom.
Edward Hallowell, MD, author of The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness
Full of relatable stories and accessible grounding science, Not What I Expected offers parents validation, empathy, and practical tools. A deeply personal read. Readers may feel as if theyre sitting with Dr. Eichenstein, who is all at once understanding them, challenging them, and leading them to acceptance and empowerment in their roles as parents.
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, coauthor of the New York Times bestselling books The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline
At last, a book that speaks directly to parents of children who are atypical, as well as to their teachers. Easily digestible and offering insight, support, warmth, and a touch of humor, Not What I Expected will enhance your parenting toolbox and enrich your parenting life.
Betsy Brown Braun, MA, child development and behavior specialist, and bestselling author of Just Tell Me What to Say and Youre Not the Boss of Me
A gem of a book. Dr. Rita Eichenstein has written with remarkable insight and compassion about the rarely focused on problems of the parents and family members of learning disabled or atypical children. A must-read for practitioners as well as parents.
Marion Solomon, PhD, author of Lean on Me and The Wonder of We in a Culture of Me
Clear, practical, and filled with hope, the ideas and practices in this book offer a science-based common-sense approach that any parent or practitioner working with an atypical child will be benefit from. What better gift can we give these children!
Elisha Goldstein, PhD, author of Uncovering Happiness and The Now Effect
With an enormous amount of experience, and mastery of the atypical brain, Dr. Eichenstein provides a road map for understanding and thriving alongside your atypical child. Not What I Expected is a must-have for any parent who has an atypical child and/or any professional who works with special needs families.
Dr. Charles Sophy, psychiatrist and medical director for the County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services
Where other resources are content to focus on a childs condition, Not What I Expected takes the critical next step in guiding parents through these difficult times. And it does this brilliantly, combining clinical rigor with a deep empathy for every member of the family and each ones special challenges. The result is a book that is an indispensable partner for parenting the atypical child and helping families live full, loving lives together.
Michelle Miller, MD, pediatric cardiologist and associate professor of medicine at the Florida State University School of Medicine
An excellent guide that offers a well-rounded approach and holds a treasury of great information.
Lance Steinberg, MD, assistant clinical professor of UCLA (Geffen) NPI and pediatric/adolescent psychopharmacologist
This is a wonderful, well-written book that helps parents of atypical children deal with the wide range of emotions such a parenting journey brings. Ultimately, the book guides parents toward greater self-awareness, mindfulness, and compassion for self and their unique child.
Lidia Zylowska, MD, psychiatrist, cofounder of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, and author of The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD
This is the go-to book for all who are raising atypical children. The genius of the book lies in its relatable vignettes struck through with unique insight and incomparable warmth. Dr. Eichensteins experience-based understanding and empathic lens offer all of us parents hope!
Jan Goldstein, bestselling author and award-winning educator
I urge any parent who is struggling with an atypical child to pick up Not What I Expected. Youll be fortified to savor the rewards, and sustained to withstand the challenges, in dealing with your surprising, unexpected child.
Zo Kessler, BA, BEd, author of ADHD According to Zo
A PERIGEE BOOK
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NOT WHAT I EXPECTED
Copyright 2015 by Rita Eichenstein
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ISBN: 978-0-698-16975-3
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First edition: April 2015
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To Izzy, who is the inspiration of all good things
To David and Erin, Josh, and Deanie, who have been my greatest teachers and spiritual guides
And to Carly June, who will lead us all
CONTENTS
FOREWORD
T he journey from infancy to adulthood is both promising and perilousa path best navigated with the informed and loving support of parents and other caregivers along the way. As such an important figure in your childs growth, how can you best be informed and prepared to optimize the support and guidance you give? And when things dont go as planned, when a child has an unanticipated difference in how they think, feel, or behavewhen they are not typicalhow can you be as strong and knowledgeable as possible in order to offer the best support you can? When things get tough, how can you remain a wellspring of love for your child? Our own resistance, confusion, and disappointment, and sometimes our embarrassment and shame when we compare our family to the experiences of others, can create stress and may distance any of us, at least at first, from being present for our child in the most supportive ways we can.