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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs: Stories of Love and Understanding for Those Who Care for Children with Disabilities
'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.
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.
350 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2007
42 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,289 books1,751 followersJack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 8, 2011
I'm not sure how to rate this. It's actually more of a 2.5. It's hard for me to rate this because Who in the world gives a TWO STARS to a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, for heaven's sake!? Chicken Soup for the Soul's are all the same model and format. And they follow that to appeal to a certain audience -- and they have been amazingly successful. I read a few as a teenager myself. So, I guess I knew that coming in, but despite my knowledge of the type of book -- and my predetermined idea that I didn't want to read it...I did -- more for research sake I suppose. To see what's out there, you have to read what's out there...I guess. Perhaps I just need to stop reading books about special needs. Maybe it's all my problem here.
When I read My Baby Rides the Short Bus, I felt it was too hard, too depressing, and too cyncical. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs was just too soft, too fluffy, and too chipper. Again, it follows the Chicken Soup format, so it works. But for me, the short stories of inspiration weren't enough. True, some of the stories were inspiring and uplifting. No question. But I had so many questions that a small page long story couldn't answer.
Overall, inspiring, sure. But as a parent reading it, I felt it was too...happy? Oh, does that sound like I'm a miserable person or what?! As if I like to wallow in my self-pity or something.... Unreal. That's what it was. Because it was almost entirely happy, uplifting, and cheerful, I felt it was a little unreal and didn't give a good picture of the joys of special needs kids -- because afterall, we need to experience sorrow to experience joy. When it was all joy...it just seemed unrealistic. But, one more time, these books never claim to be more than a cheerful ray of sunshine, and if you read it a little here and a little there instead of novel style, it probably has a different effect.
When I read My Baby Rides the Short Bus, I felt it was too hard, too depressing, and too cyncical. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Children with Special Needs was just too soft, too fluffy, and too chipper. Again, it follows the Chicken Soup format, so it works. But for me, the short stories of inspiration weren't enough. True, some of the stories were inspiring and uplifting. No question. But I had so many questions that a small page long story couldn't answer.
Overall, inspiring, sure. But as a parent reading it, I felt it was too...happy? Oh, does that sound like I'm a miserable person or what?! As if I like to wallow in my self-pity or something.... Unreal. That's what it was. Because it was almost entirely happy, uplifting, and cheerful, I felt it was a little unreal and didn't give a good picture of the joys of special needs kids -- because afterall, we need to experience sorrow to experience joy. When it was all joy...it just seemed unrealistic. But, one more time, these books never claim to be more than a cheerful ray of sunshine, and if you read it a little here and a little there instead of novel style, it probably has a different effect.
June 17, 2010
Of all the Chicken Soup for the Soul books that I have read so far this one is perhaps the most heartwarming. These are stories of love and understanding for those that care for children with disabilities. I both have a brother with Down syndrome and teach children with disabilities so I could relate to the stories. I laughed and cried through many of the stories as the writers shared their joys and struggles, pain and laughter of caring for someone with a disabilty.
May 15, 2012
I loved this book and will likely reread it as needed to help us with our daily routine(s) for our son with CP. While knowing that others are suffering is not a positive thing in and of itself, knowing that he is not alone and we are not alone is comforting.
June 17, 2012
I really enjoyed the book, but i wish that there were more stories in there about physically disabled kids.
November 17, 2012
A must-read for any parent or teacher!!
April 16, 2024
First half was amazing. Some good stories in the second half too but mostly kids with Down syndrome wining sporting events and stuff which is great but contributes little to day to day life. A bit of activist parents and writers in the last half too which is a bit annoying for me. Overall, wonderful stories.
June 10, 2021
Sweet and heartfelt, like all the Chicken Soup books. My favorite stories were the limo ride for the special needs class, the disabled sister who became her "normal" sister's caretaker after an accident, Jim skipping class and Seth the Oregon Duck.
December 14, 2021
While working in the special education field, I'm faced with many challenging days. But it's these stories that remind me why I love what I do. It was nice to read about the positives things that children with special needs experience. My heart truly needed to have this reminder.
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October 24, 2019DNF
July 23, 2010
I bought this book hoping to gain some insight into my mom's job, as she teaches students with both behavioral and medical issues, primarily autism. A lot of the stories in here focus on autistic children, which is a sign how prevalent the disorder is in today's world. While I didn't necessarily learn anything that I could pass on to my mom to help her deal with the stresses of her job, I found the stories very heartwarming.
There are definitely good people out there who can see the bright side of a potentially scary situation, dealing with one or more children who require special attention and energy from places you didn't know you had. I admire them all.
There are definitely good people out there who can see the bright side of a potentially scary situation, dealing with one or more children who require special attention and energy from places you didn't know you had. I admire them all.
November 19, 2015
I regret not owning a physical copy of this book as I'd love to set it aflame.
I should have known what I was getting into though, as the series doesn't contain an edition for the disabled soul. Each story is framed from the carer's point of view,with the disabled people framed as either challenges to be overcome or paragons of virtue "blessed" with extraordinary chirpiness or patience or bravery or innocence.
Break out your ablism bingo card and take a shot every time you get a square : you might then be drunk enough to not defenestrate it.
I should have known what I was getting into though, as the series doesn't contain an edition for the disabled soul. Each story is framed from the carer's point of view,with the disabled people framed as either challenges to be overcome or paragons of virtue "blessed" with extraordinary chirpiness or patience or bravery or innocence.
Break out your ablism bingo card and take a shot every time you get a square : you might then be drunk enough to not defenestrate it.
July 13, 2008
I love the Chicken Soup books. Cheesy, I know. They never fail to make me cry and my husband doesn't understand why I would do this to myself. I do not have a special needs child myself, but I have worked with special needs children in the past, my niece has a heart defect and one of my daughter's closest friends has Down Syndrome. I really did enjoy this book. I learned more about autism and cerebral palsy. The stories were incredibly inspiring.
May 13, 2011
It was a wonderfully insightful book with stories of hopes, dreams, accomplishments, and most of all, love and perseverance. I highly recommend the book to everyone, especially those that have SN kids, as to know you are not alone in this "normal" world.
July 30, 2014
It's a Chicken Soup book, and it does its job as a Chicken Soup book - it's uplifting, motivational, heartwarming, etc. Just don't go into it thinking this is the book that will give you perspective on raising a special needs child. It's a tad more complicated than what these guys make it.
August 7, 2011
Heartwarming and inspiring.
June 8, 2012
Encouraging and inspiring stories. A good book to read for those who care for children with special needs.
July 27, 2012
This is a great collection of stories about children with special needs. I really liked this book.
August 16, 2012
Having a nephew with Autism, I enjoyed reading this book and the many stories included. I enjoyed the ability to e-mail some of the authors and personally thank them for their story.
March 17, 2013
full of fun stories of special needs children doing some interesting things guaranteed to make you laugh and smile. Things that parents of special needs children can really relate to.
April 28, 2014
I cried, laughed, and beamed with pride after reading many of these stories. This definitely made me appreciate my students that much more and all of their stories.
August 8, 2012
Loved this book, a couple stories hit close to home <3
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews