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Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose while Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences
Kari's only son Brady was diagnosed with autism in 2014, and ADHD in 2016.
Her journey started with all the pain, uncertainty, and isolation that so many special needs parents encounter, but along the way she found faith, fun, and future hope for her son and family.
Finding KIND is an account of Kari's initial awakening to Brady’s differences, the early years adapting to life as the parent of a neurodiverse child, and finally accepting God’s plan for her life so she could live with joy according to His purpose and promise.
Ultimately, Kari's experiences as a KIND Mom offer practical suggestions for thriving when the best laid plans go awry.
Her journey started with all the pain, uncertainty, and isolation that so many special needs parents encounter, but along the way she found faith, fun, and future hope for her son and family.
Finding KIND is an account of Kari's initial awakening to Brady’s differences, the early years adapting to life as the parent of a neurodiverse child, and finally accepting God’s plan for her life so she could live with joy according to His purpose and promise.
Ultimately, Kari's experiences as a KIND Mom offer practical suggestions for thriving when the best laid plans go awry.
- GenresNonfictionParenting
188 pages, Hardcover
Published October 22, 2024
5 people are currently reading
2258 people want to read
About the author
Kari A. Baker
1 book10 followersKari A. Baker is a former financial services executive and business owner turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is the founder of KIND Families, a community of people who love Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences and is the host of The KIND Families Podcast on Apple and Spotify. Kari became a KIND mom in 2014 when her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age three. She started KIND Families to encourage, support, and inspire others to find God's purpose and promise in KIND-ness. Her first print book, Finding KIND, features a foreword written by Brady.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 20, 2024
Finding Kind by Kari A. Baker - 5 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Favorite Scripture and Quotes:
"As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." - John 9:1-3
"I'm no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God." It gave me hope and exposed the destructive mindset I was in. I had a beautiful, funny, healthy child whose brain worked a little differently. I was not enslaved. I was entrusted. God believed that my son needed to be part of the world, and He picked me to be his Mom. He entrusted me to be his Mom. To what have you been entrusted? What seems like a burden to you today but could be recharacterized as a blessing when you decide you are not a slave to it? The circumstances of your life do not determined your ability to experience joy and fulfillment.....instead of focusing on the circumstance, try to focus on what God is helping you learn or what he is equipping you for. Sometimes, pain has a purpose." - Chapter 7
"My pain was real, but it was also self-induced. I was clinging desperately to my broken plan, unwilling to accept that maybe, just maybe, God's plan was better. I was sacrificing the joy I had in front of me for the bitterness of misplaced entitlement to a life that never belonged to me. I was in chains of my own making, refusing to recognize that what I thought was holding me back was really leading me to a new purpose." - Chapter 7
When I say the Lord put this book in my path, I truly believe He did. When the publisher reached out for me to early review this one, I couldn't say no. It's hard to find many Christian Non-Fiction Autism Mama books out there and this one is one I truly needed. This author wasn't even on my radar. I am so thankful to have read this one as an Autism Mama, I needed it. Kari tells us the story of her journey with her 13 year son Brady, who is autistic. She provides immense encouragement from a place of faith. I smiled, I laughed, I cried. The true relatability I found in her story in my journey with our little man. She gives me hope on the other side of things, where we aren't there yet. Her story gives me a different perspective. She is vulnerable in sharing her story, her mistakes, her grief, her past judgmental moments, her perspective changes and her coming to the Lord is prayer for her family and their journey.
Her story about her son finding his faith in God and his baptism touched me the most (see below quotes).
More favorite part of the book:
"It's ok Mommy. I believe now. God told me it was true."
"What is on paper isn't the final word for God. He can work in us and through us to produce result you could never expect and in places you would never imagine."
"Perhaps most importantly, without autism, Brady wouldn't be Brady. He is fearfully and wonderfully made. He is smart, funny, kind, truthful, faith-filled and fearless. He is exactly the child I prayed for an more. He is a gift to me, and to the world. He was put on this planet for a purpose, so the world could see the works of God through him, just like John 9 promised."
I highly recommend this book to any Mama who is going through anything similar in their own journey. Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Finding Kind releases on October 22nd.
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
Favorite Scripture and Quotes:
"As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." - John 9:1-3
"I'm no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God." It gave me hope and exposed the destructive mindset I was in. I had a beautiful, funny, healthy child whose brain worked a little differently. I was not enslaved. I was entrusted. God believed that my son needed to be part of the world, and He picked me to be his Mom. He entrusted me to be his Mom. To what have you been entrusted? What seems like a burden to you today but could be recharacterized as a blessing when you decide you are not a slave to it? The circumstances of your life do not determined your ability to experience joy and fulfillment.....instead of focusing on the circumstance, try to focus on what God is helping you learn or what he is equipping you for. Sometimes, pain has a purpose." - Chapter 7
"My pain was real, but it was also self-induced. I was clinging desperately to my broken plan, unwilling to accept that maybe, just maybe, God's plan was better. I was sacrificing the joy I had in front of me for the bitterness of misplaced entitlement to a life that never belonged to me. I was in chains of my own making, refusing to recognize that what I thought was holding me back was really leading me to a new purpose." - Chapter 7
When I say the Lord put this book in my path, I truly believe He did. When the publisher reached out for me to early review this one, I couldn't say no. It's hard to find many Christian Non-Fiction Autism Mama books out there and this one is one I truly needed. This author wasn't even on my radar. I am so thankful to have read this one as an Autism Mama, I needed it. Kari tells us the story of her journey with her 13 year son Brady, who is autistic. She provides immense encouragement from a place of faith. I smiled, I laughed, I cried. The true relatability I found in her story in my journey with our little man. She gives me hope on the other side of things, where we aren't there yet. Her story gives me a different perspective. She is vulnerable in sharing her story, her mistakes, her grief, her past judgmental moments, her perspective changes and her coming to the Lord is prayer for her family and their journey.
Her story about her son finding his faith in God and his baptism touched me the most (see below quotes).
More favorite part of the book:
"It's ok Mommy. I believe now. God told me it was true."
"What is on paper isn't the final word for God. He can work in us and through us to produce result you could never expect and in places you would never imagine."
"Perhaps most importantly, without autism, Brady wouldn't be Brady. He is fearfully and wonderfully made. He is smart, funny, kind, truthful, faith-filled and fearless. He is exactly the child I prayed for an more. He is a gift to me, and to the world. He was put on this planet for a purpose, so the world could see the works of God through him, just like John 9 promised."
I highly recommend this book to any Mama who is going through anything similar in their own journey. Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Finding Kind releases on October 22nd.
October 22, 2024
*Finding Kind* by Kari A. Baker is an easy, heartfelt read that explores the emotional complexities of raising a child with disabilities. While the book delves into some heavy topics, I found it resonated deeply with my own journey as a parent of a disabled child. The parts that focused on the challenges and rewards of caregiving helped me feel seen and validated in ways that many books don’t. It was comforting to read someone else’s perspective that mirrored my own experiences.
However, one notable aspect of the book is the author’s strong Christian faith. While Baker mentions that the book is intended for readers of all faiths or none at all, much of her narrative centers on her belief in God and her personal connection to Jesus. As someone who is spiritual but not aligned with any particular religion, I found this aspect of the book somewhat unrelatable and, at times, a bit off-putting. Each chapter includes biblical passages, which may not resonate with readers who do not share the same faith.
Overall, it is a good book, and if you don’t mind religious context or if you are someone who shares Baker’s faith, you’ll likely find Finding Kind to be a comforting and inspiring read.
However, one notable aspect of the book is the author’s strong Christian faith. While Baker mentions that the book is intended for readers of all faiths or none at all, much of her narrative centers on her belief in God and her personal connection to Jesus. As someone who is spiritual but not aligned with any particular religion, I found this aspect of the book somewhat unrelatable and, at times, a bit off-putting. Each chapter includes biblical passages, which may not resonate with readers who do not share the same faith.
Overall, it is a good book, and if you don’t mind religious context or if you are someone who shares Baker’s faith, you’ll likely find Finding Kind to be a comforting and inspiring read.
October 22, 2024
I had the opportunity to read Finding KIND (kids with invisible neurological differences) by Kari A Baker.
I loved the premise of learning to adapt and change your life plan. A lot of parents go into parenthood with a solid plan. I know I went into it saying no screen time, no fast food and no daycare. But as seasoned parents know, nothing in parenthood can be planned to a T and kids will always throw curve balls.
I loved Kari's ability to tell the story of the life of her son and her family. She had her life planned out and it was going according to plan until a diagnosis changed everything. But after getting through the initial haze and learning as she went, her and her husband learned unique ways to help their son adapt and then thrive.
Kari does have a strong faith and there is a portion in every chapter about her coming back to church and how it helped her through the diagnosis and how it's helped her as a parent. As someone who is not overly religious, it wasn't a huge turnoff for the book and I did find it a great read. It will be a great read for families starting off after a diagnosis or parents still working through the haze of the diagnosis.
I loved the premise of learning to adapt and change your life plan. A lot of parents go into parenthood with a solid plan. I know I went into it saying no screen time, no fast food and no daycare. But as seasoned parents know, nothing in parenthood can be planned to a T and kids will always throw curve balls.
I loved Kari's ability to tell the story of the life of her son and her family. She had her life planned out and it was going according to plan until a diagnosis changed everything. But after getting through the initial haze and learning as she went, her and her husband learned unique ways to help their son adapt and then thrive.
Kari does have a strong faith and there is a portion in every chapter about her coming back to church and how it helped her through the diagnosis and how it's helped her as a parent. As someone who is not overly religious, it wasn't a huge turnoff for the book and I did find it a great read. It will be a great read for families starting off after a diagnosis or parents still working through the haze of the diagnosis.
October 22, 2024
If you’re a mom, you should read this book. If you’re a mom with a “Kind” kid, you definitely need to read this book!
Kari’s honesty about her motherhood journey is refreshing and a wonderful reminder that while our plans may not go the way we thought they would, God knows what we need, when we need it.
A wonderful poignant, real story that deserves a place on the top of your bookshelf!
Kari’s honesty about her motherhood journey is refreshing and a wonderful reminder that while our plans may not go the way we thought they would, God knows what we need, when we need it.
A wonderful poignant, real story that deserves a place on the top of your bookshelf!
October 10, 2024
Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is a profound and uplifting read for special education teachers. Baker’s writing is both genuine and heartfelt, offering an honest portrayal of the challenges and triumphs that come with raising and educating a child with autism. The book beautifully captures universal emotions, from the uncertainty of life’s disruptions to the public struggles of parenting a child with unique needs. Baker's reflections leave readers feeling encouraged and hopeful, providing inspiration for educators to stay resilient and compassionate as they guide their students through both academic and personal growth. This memoir resonates with the realities of special education and reminds us that our empathy and commitment can make a lasting impact.
October 28, 2024
This book is the perfect you’re not alone reminder for parents of children on the spectrum.
I related to a lot of what the author has experienced with her son. I learned a lot and unpacked some tools to use with my own son.
Grateful for her inspiration and insights.
I related to a lot of what the author has experienced with her son. I learned a lot and unpacked some tools to use with my own son.
Grateful for her inspiration and insights.
October 23, 2024
"For the first few years after the diagnosis, John and I were swimming in the deep end of autism, but we did our best to make sure it was a private pool. Only our family, a few close friends, and his preschool teachers knew of Brady's actually diagnosis for the first few years."
If you're feeling alone, Kari's book will give you hope and encouragement as you navigate your own parenting journey. And hopefully will also give you the courage to leave your "private pool" and jump in the local community pool with others. This journey is not meant to be alone. I'm so thankful for Kari's (And her son Brady's and husband, John's) vulnerability is sharing their very personal journey. If your child is NOT typical (which seriously how many kids really are) this book is for you. If your kids are typical, this book will give you insight in supporting and loving friends who are parenting kids who are "different," Thank you Kari.
June 19, 2025
A fascinating and heartfelt look into parenting a child with autism. As an ABA provider I see cases like Brady’s every day in a clinical setting. I understand the therapy’s, the OT schedule, speech therapy appointments, and the meltdowns over transitions. However it is rare as a provider to truly see into what toll it takes on family life to parent an autistic child. This book is truly a must read for anyone in the ABA field. Often we focus so much on the child that we forget that it is the parents who are the true champions in autism care. They are the ones getting up at 4 AM to ensure that their child has the care they need. The ones who have to sit in countless IEP meetings, and therapist lobbies praying for any sign of progress. This book is a fantastic reminder of the sacrifices parents make to ensure that their child can finish a race that they started behind their peers in, and what God can do to ensure it happens.
August 28, 2025
I met Kari Baker at The Christian School Conference in February of 2025. We both were vendors for the conference and she gifted me her book.
I was expecting it to be a :how to" for parenting children with autism or a "how to" be kind and supportive to the autism community. While she does discuss the process she and her family walked through, it's for a much broader audience. In her heartfelt stories about her son and her reactions to diagnosis, finding the right schools, working to get it "fixed," to complete and total surrender and transformation, her story is powerful. She speaks to anyone who has walked through hardship and tribulation, to those who have had to live through the unexpected and unplanned. She talks of how she discovered the most unforeseen lessons, blessings, and faith in Jesus throughout difficult situations and circumstances unchosen. This book is crowded with hope and encouragement and I highly recommend it for all these reasons.
I was expecting it to be a :how to" for parenting children with autism or a "how to" be kind and supportive to the autism community. While she does discuss the process she and her family walked through, it's for a much broader audience. In her heartfelt stories about her son and her reactions to diagnosis, finding the right schools, working to get it "fixed," to complete and total surrender and transformation, her story is powerful. She speaks to anyone who has walked through hardship and tribulation, to those who have had to live through the unexpected and unplanned. She talks of how she discovered the most unforeseen lessons, blessings, and faith in Jesus throughout difficult situations and circumstances unchosen. This book is crowded with hope and encouragement and I highly recommend it for all these reasons.
October 29, 2024
Finding Kind made me laugh, cry, smile, and laugh again. As a fellow "Kind" parent, I deeply relate to the author’s protective "Momma Bear" instincts, especially her choice to keep her son’s autism diagnosis private in a world that can be both cruel and judgmental—I did the same. This beautiful book is a testament to faith, hope, love, and family, offering insight into the highs and lows of raising a child with neurological differences. I encourage anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a family to read Finding Kind.
October 27, 2024
A masterful read written with grace, wit, humor, humility and heart! While Finding Kind focuses on a Mother’s journey navigating her son’s autism diagnosis and journey, you do not need to have a KIND child to love and appreciate this book. For anyone that has experienced the ups and downs, the triumphs and defeats, and the laughter and tears that comes with facing unexpected challenges in life, Kari A Baker’s beautiful story will most certainly resonate and inspire!
December 4, 2024
One of the best books on autism that I've read
As an autistic individual raising 3 kids with autism, I related to every word. I found myself laughing, saying, 'YES' out loud. Someone gets it!! As a mom of kids on the spectrum and having it myself, I would highly recommend it!
As an autistic individual raising 3 kids with autism, I related to every word. I found myself laughing, saying, 'YES' out loud. Someone gets it!! As a mom of kids on the spectrum and having it myself, I would highly recommend it!
April 8, 2025
Spot on for anyone who knows a child with autism. Kari is honest in her and her son’s story.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews