A Life Suspended: A Mother and Son's Story of Autism, Extinction Bursts, and Living a Resilient Life

by Nicole Donovan

Nicole Hendrick Donovan, a mother of four, couldn’t have prepared for the events that led to her son’s removal from the public-school system. Behavioral spikes, depression, and anxiety were only symptoms of an underlying diagnosis, which had gone untreated for years. On a sunny afternoon, Jack eloped from first grade, creating chaos and leaving a trail of injured staff in his wake. Within the pages of her memoir, Donovan describes the path to her son’s autism diagnosis and her journey to acceptance and unconditional love, not only for Jack, but also for herself.

In the family’s dedication to get to the bottom of their son’s issues, they enlist a group of professionals to help understand Jack’s educational rights, his academic needs and to aid in the creation of therapeutic supports. After becoming completely enmeshed in Jack’s well-being, Nicole loses herself in the process. She soon realizes her resentments at a failed system and the continuous fear around Jack’s future are sparking a series of panic attacks, which prompts her to look deeper within herself for answers. As Nicole surrenders to the ebb and flow of life, she opens her heart and sees what truly matters.

267 pages, Paperback

Published June 29, 2020

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fabulous! I recommend it to EVERYONE! It is an incredible story of a family’s faith and love during the struggles & obstacles they faced raising their autistic child. It makes you want to stand up and cheer for this family & all they fought to achieve for their son. At times shocking & heartbreaking, it is equally uplifting and hopeful. Even if you don’t have a child with autism, you will relate to Nicole’s story of a mother’s love, drive, determination and sheer will. If only there were more than 5 stars!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant, heart-breaking and hopeful.

[Katri Mullaly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading "A Life Suspended" written by my dear friend, Nicole Hendrick Donovan. I cried and I laughed - I felt all the emotions she brings to every sentence and every chapter. My heart is so full of admiration and love for Nicole. Her message with this book will affect anyone who reads it - even women who don't have children. The courage and love she brings forth is indescribable.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole Donovan, a wife and a mother of four boys, one of which has autism. Her incredible story of resiliance against a public school system that continued to misdiagnose her son is heroic.

A Life Suspended is not only a story about her son with autism, it's a journey of self-discovery. Nicole had to put her life on hold to care for her son, only to realize in order to care for Jack, she also had to take care of herself.

Jack's stories made me laugh and cry, just like any other child. There are good days and there are bad days. Jack's success lives when there is structure and a plan for everyone to follow. It's about a family learning to communicate with one another and being on the same page.

For people with family members on the spectrum, read this book for comfort and guidancance. But more importantly, read this if you're unfamiliar with the autism spectrum. It will encourage you to leave your judgement aside and realize that every child has their own individual journey in life.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest, eye-opening story about a mother-son relationship. I learned so much about high-functioning autism and the challenges that go along with this invisible disability. The diagnosis alone takes many months, involving lots of appointments and analysis and perseverance. Being a mother is one of the most difficult jobs out there, and having a child with a disability makes it even more challenging. Having a support system and people who understand is key. I had a hard time putting this book down. Thank you, Nicole, for signing my copy. xoxo

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully and honestly written! As an educator I highly recommend it for parents and other educators. It gave me such insight to what parents face when walking with their children on their ASD journey. Having known Jack in his early years this book also made me smile in parts. He is an incredible young man and I loved his ever curious side. Thank you Nicole for sharing your journey.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and made me cry, but more importantly it made me love, understand and appreciate the challenging and special relationship Jack had with his brothers, father and especially with his mother. The mother- son relationship is truly symbiotic. This book is a must read for educators, education majors, and parents of children diagnosed with ASD.

[Mary Petiet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for families finding their way through autism. In telling her family story Donovan gives voice to the challenges of living with autism at home while navigating the school system to finally emerge happy, whole, and hopeful. An inspiring story.

[Mrs. Pava · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful book filled with the fear and uncertainty that many parents face when trying to help their child thrive. This family showed an exceptional amount of grace and diligence getting their son what he needed. Their challenges were intense and sadly, common. Inspirational.