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A Pair of Miracles
When Karla Akins hoped that her autistic sons could learn to read and function independently, doctors warned her that those expectations would never be met. She set out to prove that, despite those warnings, all things are possible through God.
Laced with humor and compassion, A Pair of Miracles is the heartwarming story of her journey rearing adopted twin sons, each diagnosed with autism and fetal alcohol disorder. This is more than a moving biography from a mom on the front lines, however. It is a powerful tool, full of practical help for parents, educators, and church members working with children who have intellectual disabilities, speech impairments, and other limitations on the autism spectrum. It is also a challenge to the church to welcome and celebrate all the members of their congregation, no matter their abilities.
Thanks to Karla's determination, faith, and unconditional love--and contrary to the doctors' predictions--her adult twins are now able to function independently in many ways. They help their dad install pools, do carpentry work, and serve in the church as ushers, sound engineers, and children's ministry workers.
For parents seeking hope, answers, and peace, Karla leads the way to all three down a path she's already been.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2017
4 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Karla Akins
23 books51 followersKarla grew up in Wichita, Kansas with a bookish set of parents and a typewriter. She is the mother of five, including three children with disabilities. She teaches 4th grade and has a BA in Special Education.
When she's not writing and teaching she enjoys riding her motorcycle and looking for treasure.
When she's not writing and teaching she enjoys riding her motorcycle and looking for treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 18, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Kregel Book Tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Although this book is marketed as a memoir of the mother of adopted autistic twins, this is a far more complicated book than first meets the eye. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it should be recognized. The author assumes through the course of the book that the reading audience is made up of people like her, parents of children with autism. In my case, although I write about autism and related disorders from time to time [1], I have no autistic children, or any other children for that matter. Even so, I found much to appreciate in this book, particularly the author's balance in dealing with the question of how to raise children to be as independent as possible, and to demand that those around her helping her children be filled with the same sense of optimism that she herself is. The book is therefore of interest to a wider audience than the author aims at, and that is something for which the author can be very pleased.
In terms of the contents and structure of this book, this is a memoir with a twist, or perhaps a few twists. The overall flow of the book is chronological in nature, presenting the author's background, her fertility problems that led her to adopt, and her wrestling with the demands of special needs children as well as being a pastor's wife with her own budding ministry. Throughout the book we read a lot about the problems verbalizing the author's children has, as well as their complex suite of problems resulting in part from fetal alcohol syndrome. A substantial amount of the book is taken up with the author's interest in helping to aid the education of autistic children whether they end up in public schools, private schools, or are home-schooled. And although the author attempts to keep a charitable mood towards educational and health professionals, there is a great deal in this book that shows the author's frequent frustration with schools and doctor's offices and the fact that parents are not viewed with respect as being experts on the well-being of their children. Despite the author's conscious efforts to be kind, this irritation shows up over and over again.
Ultimately, this book is going to be of most interest to those who either have high-functioning autism themselves or have people with autism in their family or immediate circle. This book does not shy away from controversy, whether it is showing an open-mind to thoughts that the rapid increase of vaccinations for children could be having serious effects on mental health, or whether it is providing a large amount of material for home teaching strategies and occupational therapy as well as rewards and reinforcement, fidget toys, a functional skills checklist, and further resources for readers. Throughout the book the author shows herself to be grateful to those who provided her with help in some fashion, and she recognizes that even more than is usually the case, successfully raising children like her twin boys requires a great deal of help from a larger circle of helpers. Those who have children with autism and are looking for encouragement as well as practical advice on how to best rear and educate their children will find much to offer here, and as such this book is warmly recommended, although for a somewhat niche audience.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
Although this book is marketed as a memoir of the mother of adopted autistic twins, this is a far more complicated book than first meets the eye. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it should be recognized. The author assumes through the course of the book that the reading audience is made up of people like her, parents of children with autism. In my case, although I write about autism and related disorders from time to time [1], I have no autistic children, or any other children for that matter. Even so, I found much to appreciate in this book, particularly the author's balance in dealing with the question of how to raise children to be as independent as possible, and to demand that those around her helping her children be filled with the same sense of optimism that she herself is. The book is therefore of interest to a wider audience than the author aims at, and that is something for which the author can be very pleased.
In terms of the contents and structure of this book, this is a memoir with a twist, or perhaps a few twists. The overall flow of the book is chronological in nature, presenting the author's background, her fertility problems that led her to adopt, and her wrestling with the demands of special needs children as well as being a pastor's wife with her own budding ministry. Throughout the book we read a lot about the problems verbalizing the author's children has, as well as their complex suite of problems resulting in part from fetal alcohol syndrome. A substantial amount of the book is taken up with the author's interest in helping to aid the education of autistic children whether they end up in public schools, private schools, or are home-schooled. And although the author attempts to keep a charitable mood towards educational and health professionals, there is a great deal in this book that shows the author's frequent frustration with schools and doctor's offices and the fact that parents are not viewed with respect as being experts on the well-being of their children. Despite the author's conscious efforts to be kind, this irritation shows up over and over again.
Ultimately, this book is going to be of most interest to those who either have high-functioning autism themselves or have people with autism in their family or immediate circle. This book does not shy away from controversy, whether it is showing an open-mind to thoughts that the rapid increase of vaccinations for children could be having serious effects on mental health, or whether it is providing a large amount of material for home teaching strategies and occupational therapy as well as rewards and reinforcement, fidget toys, a functional skills checklist, and further resources for readers. Throughout the book the author shows herself to be grateful to those who provided her with help in some fashion, and she recognizes that even more than is usually the case, successfully raising children like her twin boys requires a great deal of help from a larger circle of helpers. Those who have children with autism and are looking for encouragement as well as practical advice on how to best rear and educate their children will find much to offer here, and as such this book is warmly recommended, although for a somewhat niche audience.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
July 25, 2017
A Pair of Miracles A story of autism, faith, and determined parenting by Karla Akins addresses the challenges and blessings the author and her husband experienced raising their two autistic sons. This well written biographical narrative will keep you turning the pages, growing fond of the boys, and admiring the parent's optimistic grit. And it is a testimony of what is possible with an enduring faith in God’s provision.
Karla Akins offers many tools and resources for parents raising any special needs children. A Pair of Miracles is packed full of practical as well as the spiritual wisdom that’s helpful for raising ALL children. Karla's sons are proof of God's provision.
Karla Akins offers many tools and resources for parents raising any special needs children. A Pair of Miracles is packed full of practical as well as the spiritual wisdom that’s helpful for raising ALL children. Karla's sons are proof of God's provision.
September 5, 2017
Akins and her husband adopted twins that they later found had developmental issues. The boys were on the fetal alcohol disorder spectrum and were finally diagnosed with autism. More disorders were diagnosed later, such as apraxia of speech. This was in 1998 when awareness of the autism disorder was just beginning. There was little was known about it and there were no support groups.
Akins reveals her own feelings and struggles, knowing that they had adopted children with disabilities. She writes about what it meant to trust God, to believe that He was good and would sustain her. She writes about understanding the spiritual battle involved.
I appreciated Akins helping me understand autism. She included suggestions for someone like me helping and supporting families with autism. She wrote of wading through the “cures” and controversial treatments people suggested. There are good ideas for how churches can support families with disorders too.
For those with autism in the family, she writes about navigating the educational system when those with disabilities were mainstreamed. She shares tips on interacting with experts. She has suggestions for dealing with the sensory cravings, the use of medications, working with medical staff, and more.
I recommend this book to family members of those with autism. I also recommend this book to readers in general. A 2007 study showed autism to be the fastest-growing developmental disability. (46) If you want to understand the disability or learn how to help and encourage those dealing with it, this book will give you good insight.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Akins reveals her own feelings and struggles, knowing that they had adopted children with disabilities. She writes about what it meant to trust God, to believe that He was good and would sustain her. She writes about understanding the spiritual battle involved.
I appreciated Akins helping me understand autism. She included suggestions for someone like me helping and supporting families with autism. She wrote of wading through the “cures” and controversial treatments people suggested. There are good ideas for how churches can support families with disorders too.
For those with autism in the family, she writes about navigating the educational system when those with disabilities were mainstreamed. She shares tips on interacting with experts. She has suggestions for dealing with the sensory cravings, the use of medications, working with medical staff, and more.
I recommend this book to family members of those with autism. I also recommend this book to readers in general. A 2007 study showed autism to be the fastest-growing developmental disability. (46) If you want to understand the disability or learn how to help and encourage those dealing with it, this book will give you good insight.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 16, 2020
This is an excellent book! I would definitely recommend it. I definitely have a greater understanding of autism, and of the unique and difficult challenges involved for autistic persons and their families. The author gives a lot of specific tools and lists a lot of resources that can be used. Reading this book has also encouraged me to be more aware of autism and not be so quick to judge what I don't understand when I see children/parents not behaving in a way that I think is appropriate, but instead to find ways to encourage. Churches, too, need to be more aware and active on this front. I also really appreciated all of the Scripture references listed and the Biblical counsel given. The author definitely shows faith in action, and God's faithfulness and provision for His people. In fact, the chapters entitled "Sea of Grief" and "God is Up to Something Good" give such good, practical, and biblical advice that can be used by all of us whenever we are dealing with difficult things in our lives, be it physical, emotional, mental, etc. Thanks to Karla Akins for sharing her story with us!
July 6, 2017
I've had the privilege of knowing the author for over 18 years, I was able to see many of the events chronicled in this book in near real time, and at the same time I was raising a son (now 18) in the Autism Spectrum.
Karla has done a magnificent job in breaking down the roller coaster that is to be responsible for raising a child in the ASD. And she did it with twins! It is a very painful read because many of her experiences are identical to ours and many times one would rather forget. This is a very important piece of work and I am hoping that new parents that have just received an ASD diagnosis would at least find some comfort in reading how it isn't all hopeless.
This book is also a painful reminder of how uneven the special education system is implemented across this country. Karla went through an incredible amount of trouble just navigating through the IEP process, while for us the process was extremely smooth. And I still hear from other people even in my state going through all sorts of grief just trying to get basic eligibility established, they can't even get an IEP.
If you are a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum or have one in your near family and/your acquaintances circle, this book will allow you to take a different look at autism than what you are usually seeing from the medical profession and from the fringe that is using Autism as a way to gain visibility for their own nefarious purposes.
Karla has done a magnificent job in breaking down the roller coaster that is to be responsible for raising a child in the ASD. And she did it with twins! It is a very painful read because many of her experiences are identical to ours and many times one would rather forget. This is a very important piece of work and I am hoping that new parents that have just received an ASD diagnosis would at least find some comfort in reading how it isn't all hopeless.
This book is also a painful reminder of how uneven the special education system is implemented across this country. Karla went through an incredible amount of trouble just navigating through the IEP process, while for us the process was extremely smooth. And I still hear from other people even in my state going through all sorts of grief just trying to get basic eligibility established, they can't even get an IEP.
If you are a parent of a child on the Autism Spectrum or have one in your near family and/your acquaintances circle, this book will allow you to take a different look at autism than what you are usually seeing from the medical profession and from the fringe that is using Autism as a way to gain visibility for their own nefarious purposes.
October 30, 2018
This is an excellent book for anyone to read, to understand the world of autism. It is an outstanding book for parents and professionals working with someone with autism. This book adds understanding, comfort, faith and suggestions. I will highly recommend this book to others. It is very practical, as a pastor's wife talks about her fun to frustrating experiences in raising her twin boys with the autism diagnosis. I really appreciate how she "gets" her sons and has taken the time to show how valuable and loved her sons are, views the general public need to learn and appreciate.
August 8, 2017
Thanks Kregel for the opportunity to review another book. As a trained elementary teacher with a heart for special needs kids. This book interested me immensely. I'm also a twin, so I love to learn about other twins.
This book is written by an adoptive mother and pastor's wife, and she is a follower of Christ who knows that God will bless her and her family and will faithfully provide the help needed.
This book covers a few different dimensions:
1) It defines autism, shares strategies for navigating school, medical, and other services.
2) It shares personal challenges, struggles, prayers, stories, and successes.
3) It's a spiritual tool kit (as the back cover states.) This, to me, was the most impressive aspect. The first chapters are about self care- recognizing the grief and God's goodness in all things. The author successfully shares how her faith impacted her parenting, how God provided for their needs, and she shares scriptures and thoughts that are encouraging and help ground other people (parents, teachers, helpers,...) who work with kids who are challenged.
4) It offers practical tips that would apply to any parent of a special needs child. She uses section headers within chapters, bulleted lists, and italics very well to make it simple to read, easy to find what you need, in a short amount of time. But her tips are quality, and very valid, and helpful. Especially for an overwhelmed parent new to this frontier and feeling lost or hopeless. Many tips might seem obvious to some, but when you are in the role of parent/guardian/protector for a child who cannot communicate easily or at all, it's easy to forget where to start. (i.e. showering is part of her school routine, as it's not natural or easy for her boys.).
5) Appendixes- these are very helpful, all in one place, and essential for newbies to autism. Occupational Therapy (including tantrum or meltdown chart), Reinforcers/Rewards for school/home, Fidget toys, Functional Skills Checklist, Further Resources (books and websites). These are AWESOME and tried and true.
This book is easy to read and follow, but is a wealth of knowledge and encouragement. It's so easy to find technical books that can loose a parent, and it's getting easier to find spiritual support as a parent of special needs, but to find one that includes both is a rare jewel.
I knew about autism, I've sat at IEP meetings as a parent and as a teacher, I've taught new teachers how to manage behavior in a classroom. This book does it's job well, and was a great review for me to skim parts, and really read parts. But as a parent of a child with different special needs, I found the spiritual principles integrated in her advice- were spot on... represent your child with humble boldness, know you aren't alone, Jesus is there providing an advocate. I also liked her explanations of how to be an 'intense' parent who has high standards for those who interact with her children, but how to identify the right type of people to add to the support team.
It's my joy to read. It's my pleasure to review books. It's a blessing when I enjoy them and find them easy to recommend, but I'm allowed to share my thoughts honestly. Thank you Kregel for an excellent resource I can eagerly recommend to those who need it.
This book is written by an adoptive mother and pastor's wife, and she is a follower of Christ who knows that God will bless her and her family and will faithfully provide the help needed.
This book covers a few different dimensions:
1) It defines autism, shares strategies for navigating school, medical, and other services.
2) It shares personal challenges, struggles, prayers, stories, and successes.
3) It's a spiritual tool kit (as the back cover states.) This, to me, was the most impressive aspect. The first chapters are about self care- recognizing the grief and God's goodness in all things. The author successfully shares how her faith impacted her parenting, how God provided for their needs, and she shares scriptures and thoughts that are encouraging and help ground other people (parents, teachers, helpers,...) who work with kids who are challenged.
4) It offers practical tips that would apply to any parent of a special needs child. She uses section headers within chapters, bulleted lists, and italics very well to make it simple to read, easy to find what you need, in a short amount of time. But her tips are quality, and very valid, and helpful. Especially for an overwhelmed parent new to this frontier and feeling lost or hopeless. Many tips might seem obvious to some, but when you are in the role of parent/guardian/protector for a child who cannot communicate easily or at all, it's easy to forget where to start. (i.e. showering is part of her school routine, as it's not natural or easy for her boys.).
5) Appendixes- these are very helpful, all in one place, and essential for newbies to autism. Occupational Therapy (including tantrum or meltdown chart), Reinforcers/Rewards for school/home, Fidget toys, Functional Skills Checklist, Further Resources (books and websites). These are AWESOME and tried and true.
This book is easy to read and follow, but is a wealth of knowledge and encouragement. It's so easy to find technical books that can loose a parent, and it's getting easier to find spiritual support as a parent of special needs, but to find one that includes both is a rare jewel.
I knew about autism, I've sat at IEP meetings as a parent and as a teacher, I've taught new teachers how to manage behavior in a classroom. This book does it's job well, and was a great review for me to skim parts, and really read parts. But as a parent of a child with different special needs, I found the spiritual principles integrated in her advice- were spot on... represent your child with humble boldness, know you aren't alone, Jesus is there providing an advocate. I also liked her explanations of how to be an 'intense' parent who has high standards for those who interact with her children, but how to identify the right type of people to add to the support team.
It's my joy to read. It's my pleasure to review books. It's a blessing when I enjoy them and find them easy to recommend, but I'm allowed to share my thoughts honestly. Thank you Kregel for an excellent resource I can eagerly recommend to those who need it.
September 5, 2017
Imagine adopting twin boys out of foster care. Quite a project to take on, huh? Now, imagine that those boys have a whole host of problems, the scope of which doesn’t become clear to you until a few years pass. You learn that the boys have autism. They don’t talk, and they frequently hit and bite you. Many mornings, you enter their room to find them covered with their own feces — and they smear these on the walls, too.
This is the situation Karla Akins faced with twin boys Isaiah and Isaac. She talks about the various things she’s tried with her boys in “A Pair of Miracles.”
I have to say that this book was quite a bit different from what I was expecting. Given the title and the photo of the boys on the cover, I thought that this would be more of a story of the family’s life as they raised the boys. There is some of that, but really this book is more (in my opinion) a handbook of things that were helpful to Karla in working with her boys. If you know anyone raising kids with autism, or if you are doing this yourself, this would be a good book to have.
I had a lot of empathy and sympathy too for Karla as I read of her experiences. She mentions taking the boys to a pediatrician (who was filling in for their regular one). He told her that he saved preemies’ lives every day, “But sitting here observing these guys, sometimes I wonder if I’m doing the right thing.” You can imagine how a mom would feel, hearing that! She also mentions frustrations with the school system, and the way teachers often seemed to have agendas that differed from her goals for her boys. Having been a teacher myself, I can imagine this would happen frequently. Karla ended up home-schooling her boys for several years, and even starting a small school herself.
Karla also mentions reading in a professional journal that mothers of children with autism experience chronic stress levels similar to those of combat soldiers. Having experience with autism myself, I believe this. It’s brutal. The author mentions a mantra she repeats over and over during times of stress: “Praise the Lord, for his mercy endureth forever.”
I was really impressed by Karla’s attitude toward helping her boys. They have made huge strides, and I kept thinking often how blessed they were to have ended up with her for a mom. Karla, whose husband is a pastor, mentions many Bible verses that have helped her over the years. She also notes that “we can give the yoke of autism to the Lord,” and mentions that autism is temporary, but those with it will live eternally. It’s all in your perspective … and in her case, it’s a good one.
Akins mentions some ways churches can help families with special needs kids, both to give families a break and to help the special needs members feel like part of the congregation. I recommend this book for anyone who deals with someone on the autism spectrum. And those numbers are growing rapidly.
This is the situation Karla Akins faced with twin boys Isaiah and Isaac. She talks about the various things she’s tried with her boys in “A Pair of Miracles.”
I have to say that this book was quite a bit different from what I was expecting. Given the title and the photo of the boys on the cover, I thought that this would be more of a story of the family’s life as they raised the boys. There is some of that, but really this book is more (in my opinion) a handbook of things that were helpful to Karla in working with her boys. If you know anyone raising kids with autism, or if you are doing this yourself, this would be a good book to have.
I had a lot of empathy and sympathy too for Karla as I read of her experiences. She mentions taking the boys to a pediatrician (who was filling in for their regular one). He told her that he saved preemies’ lives every day, “But sitting here observing these guys, sometimes I wonder if I’m doing the right thing.” You can imagine how a mom would feel, hearing that! She also mentions frustrations with the school system, and the way teachers often seemed to have agendas that differed from her goals for her boys. Having been a teacher myself, I can imagine this would happen frequently. Karla ended up home-schooling her boys for several years, and even starting a small school herself.
Karla also mentions reading in a professional journal that mothers of children with autism experience chronic stress levels similar to those of combat soldiers. Having experience with autism myself, I believe this. It’s brutal. The author mentions a mantra she repeats over and over during times of stress: “Praise the Lord, for his mercy endureth forever.”
I was really impressed by Karla’s attitude toward helping her boys. They have made huge strides, and I kept thinking often how blessed they were to have ended up with her for a mom. Karla, whose husband is a pastor, mentions many Bible verses that have helped her over the years. She also notes that “we can give the yoke of autism to the Lord,” and mentions that autism is temporary, but those with it will live eternally. It’s all in your perspective … and in her case, it’s a good one.
Akins mentions some ways churches can help families with special needs kids, both to give families a break and to help the special needs members feel like part of the congregation. I recommend this book for anyone who deals with someone on the autism spectrum. And those numbers are growing rapidly.
September 7, 2017
When life doesn’t turn out as we expect we have two choices, we can turn our backs to God or we can turn to him and ask him for the grace and courage to bring us through the difficulties. “A Pair of Miracles” by Karla Akins is the story of a woman how has put her life completely in God’s hands.
After becoming foster parents to a set of premature twin boys with fetal alcohol damage, life would never be the same for this pastor’s wife.
Within days of the babies entering Karla Akins home the world of her family revolved around the twins. The boys were hard to feed as infants and they developed into biting toddlers. At the age of eight they were not toilet trained and were non-verbal. What could be wrong?
By the age of four the twins had not reached any of the normal mile stones. In 1998 Autism was not well known. Visits to many doctors laid the blame for the very disruptive behaviour of the twins to incorrect parenting. Since the Atkins had adopted they were at a loss, then came the diagnosis of Autism. Anger, frustrations and helplessness shook Karla to the core. She was offered many suggestions to deal with the twins. “Give up,” she was told. “Send one of the back,” was another suggestion. What could she do?
Here is where determination, education and faith in God is displayed in Karla Akins. She became an advocate for her twin boys in school, in Church and in public. It wasn’t an easy task as society felt that she should just give up.
Karla found her strength in prayer and in Bible verses. They were her anchor in the day to day struggle to help the twins. Karla recruited helpers and they were trained to work with the twins. Teachers were directed and educated in how to help and work with those with Autism. She spent endless hours of searching for ideas to engage the twins in day to day activities.
I’m not sure if this is a book about a set of twins with autism or the determination of a well educated Christian woman. Missing for me was how the older children in the Akins household felt about and dealt with the behaviour of the twins. How did they feel about the time their mother spent devoted to the twins?
If there is a downside to the reader it is trying to keep up with Karla who has a sharp mind and boundless energy and patience. She seems like a superhero that the average person couldn’t keep up with.
In general this book directs the reader back to the Lord and his constant care for us, his people. The appendix has many helpful ideas not only for families living with Autism but for every family. Many of the suggestions are things that all of us can incorporate into our daily lives.
“A Pair of Miracles” both frustrated me and inspired. Karla is an amazing woman, with an amazing heart and gift of amazing parenting.
I received a complimentary copy of “A Pair of Miracles” from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.
After becoming foster parents to a set of premature twin boys with fetal alcohol damage, life would never be the same for this pastor’s wife.
Within days of the babies entering Karla Akins home the world of her family revolved around the twins. The boys were hard to feed as infants and they developed into biting toddlers. At the age of eight they were not toilet trained and were non-verbal. What could be wrong?
By the age of four the twins had not reached any of the normal mile stones. In 1998 Autism was not well known. Visits to many doctors laid the blame for the very disruptive behaviour of the twins to incorrect parenting. Since the Atkins had adopted they were at a loss, then came the diagnosis of Autism. Anger, frustrations and helplessness shook Karla to the core. She was offered many suggestions to deal with the twins. “Give up,” she was told. “Send one of the back,” was another suggestion. What could she do?
Here is where determination, education and faith in God is displayed in Karla Akins. She became an advocate for her twin boys in school, in Church and in public. It wasn’t an easy task as society felt that she should just give up.
Karla found her strength in prayer and in Bible verses. They were her anchor in the day to day struggle to help the twins. Karla recruited helpers and they were trained to work with the twins. Teachers were directed and educated in how to help and work with those with Autism. She spent endless hours of searching for ideas to engage the twins in day to day activities.
I’m not sure if this is a book about a set of twins with autism or the determination of a well educated Christian woman. Missing for me was how the older children in the Akins household felt about and dealt with the behaviour of the twins. How did they feel about the time their mother spent devoted to the twins?
If there is a downside to the reader it is trying to keep up with Karla who has a sharp mind and boundless energy and patience. She seems like a superhero that the average person couldn’t keep up with.
In general this book directs the reader back to the Lord and his constant care for us, his people. The appendix has many helpful ideas not only for families living with Autism but for every family. Many of the suggestions are things that all of us can incorporate into our daily lives.
“A Pair of Miracles” both frustrated me and inspired. Karla is an amazing woman, with an amazing heart and gift of amazing parenting.
I received a complimentary copy of “A Pair of Miracles” from Kregel Publishing in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.
August 12, 2017
I wish I had had this wonderful book when my daughter was a baby.
Karla Akins book tells the story of how she raised two adopted twin boys who both had autism in addition to other issues. It’s the inspiring story of how two babies who bit, screamed, kicked, and showed no interest in toys, food, or potty training became kind-hearted, service-oriented, fully-functioning adults. It’s a toolbox full of practical helps and spiritual truths. Karla shares her journey of educating, socially acclimating, and surviving two little boys whose nervous systems were scrambled by autism. Even though it is specifically about autism, the sections about partnering with God in parenting are alone worth the read. My daughter didn’t have autism, but the sections on maneuvering the maze of the medical profession, educational bureaucracy, and well-meaning but ignorant bystanders would have helped tremendously.
Many books written for the parents of special needs children contain valuable resources about facing the daunting medical, educational, and social needs of a child with a disability. But Karla goes the extra mile. She shares how to cope spiritually; how to accept your child’s diagnosis, pray about EVERYTHING, seek help, answer those who oppose or criticize your parenting, and how to utterly depend on God. She reassures parents that none of us are alone in our struggle to overcome the daily overwhelming feelings. Karla even includes a chapter on how the church can develop a ministry to the special needs child—and it’s not quite what you would expect! The book concludes with nearly 40 pages of appendices, including teaching strategy tips, list of fidget toys, functional skills checklist, and a book list.
“A Pair Of Miracles” beautifully weaves the story of these two young autistic men with practical help, spiritual advice, hope, and encouragement to stay the course. It’s a book not just for parents. Anyone in church ministry, anyone who knows a family with an autistic child will benefit from this amazing, well thought-out book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Karla Akins book tells the story of how she raised two adopted twin boys who both had autism in addition to other issues. It’s the inspiring story of how two babies who bit, screamed, kicked, and showed no interest in toys, food, or potty training became kind-hearted, service-oriented, fully-functioning adults. It’s a toolbox full of practical helps and spiritual truths. Karla shares her journey of educating, socially acclimating, and surviving two little boys whose nervous systems were scrambled by autism. Even though it is specifically about autism, the sections about partnering with God in parenting are alone worth the read. My daughter didn’t have autism, but the sections on maneuvering the maze of the medical profession, educational bureaucracy, and well-meaning but ignorant bystanders would have helped tremendously.
Many books written for the parents of special needs children contain valuable resources about facing the daunting medical, educational, and social needs of a child with a disability. But Karla goes the extra mile. She shares how to cope spiritually; how to accept your child’s diagnosis, pray about EVERYTHING, seek help, answer those who oppose or criticize your parenting, and how to utterly depend on God. She reassures parents that none of us are alone in our struggle to overcome the daily overwhelming feelings. Karla even includes a chapter on how the church can develop a ministry to the special needs child—and it’s not quite what you would expect! The book concludes with nearly 40 pages of appendices, including teaching strategy tips, list of fidget toys, functional skills checklist, and a book list.
“A Pair Of Miracles” beautifully weaves the story of these two young autistic men with practical help, spiritual advice, hope, and encouragement to stay the course. It’s a book not just for parents. Anyone in church ministry, anyone who knows a family with an autistic child will benefit from this amazing, well thought-out book.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 12, 2017
If you are the parent of a child with autism, or work with children on the autistic spectrum, this is a book you need to check out. I wish this resource had been around when I taught special education!
Karla’s book combines a little bit of everything: humor, hope, practical advice, and encouragement. She does a fabulous job of educating the reader, as well as addressing ways for the church to be more inclusive of those with autism. She addresses the challenges parents face in a variety of situations, including home and school. Instead of seeing things through the eyes of a medical professional, this book is written from the heart of a mother. A wide variety of topics are covered, from a basic definition of autism to engaging in the community. A number of wonderful resources are included, too, such as websites, books, functional skills checklists, and teaching tips for various behaviors. This is a well-rounded resource, written in everyday language, for parents and professionals.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Karla’s book combines a little bit of everything: humor, hope, practical advice, and encouragement. She does a fabulous job of educating the reader, as well as addressing ways for the church to be more inclusive of those with autism. She addresses the challenges parents face in a variety of situations, including home and school. Instead of seeing things through the eyes of a medical professional, this book is written from the heart of a mother. A wide variety of topics are covered, from a basic definition of autism to engaging in the community. A number of wonderful resources are included, too, such as websites, books, functional skills checklists, and teaching tips for various behaviors. This is a well-rounded resource, written in everyday language, for parents and professionals.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
March 28, 2024
I do recommend this book - but let me explain. Based on the cover and book description, I thought it was a memoir. But it’s not. The first few chapters read like a memoir, but then it changes into a handbook for raising kids with autism. There is so much helpful content for families with autistic kids! There is also some good content for Christians who don’t have autistic children, but who can better understand and help those who do. But if you don’t have autistic kids, you’ll end up skipping certain portions that are detailed and specific for parents. So, for families with autistic kids, this is a fabulous resource with practical tools from someone who has lived it all. For the rest of us, there is a lot we can learn as well. Just don’t expect this book to be a memoir or autobiography.
December 8, 2017
Pair of Miracles is a book every parent with a child with Autism, and even parents who don't have children with Autism, should read. While I do not have any children or grandchildren with Autism, it was still enlightening. Karla Akins tells a beautiful story of her family's ups and downs and how God brought them through. The book reads almost like a Bible study or devotional entertained with the story of the twins. I have personally met these wonderful boys and they truly are a pair of miracles. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to understand Autism just a bit better.
September 12, 2017
If your child has Autism, is on the spectrum or has a disability of any kind, this book is for you. A devoted mom shares what she did to raise her severely Autistic twins. Bible verses and encouragement. Being that her husband is in ministry, she started a program at their church. It allowed for kids, with severe disabilities, to participate and feel welcomed. I could have used this book several years ago. Would highly recommend!
August 12, 2019
Incredible story. So much helpful information and a different way to see autism and its wonders.
March 30, 2022
Superb book and Resource, about Mom and family adopting twin boy infants with Autism. Highly recommend this book. Honest book of the struggles and victories. Mom, homeschooling, Pastor husband and other children in home, never giving up on the twins. From non-verbal early years to compassionate young men who are able to communicate and learning more each day in a loving environment filled with faith, prayer and encouragement. I won this e-book from Goodreads and the Author Karla Atkins.
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