Swinging from the Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey Through Autism

by Sandy Hartranft

Our book can only be purchased on our website. Just copy this ( benergy1 swinging-from-the-chandelier) or search our title online to find our book!

The day I found Ben swinging from the chandelier, I knew two things - being his mom was going to be a wild ride, and if I ever decided to write a book about it, I had my title. This book started as a way to cope, a reminder to breathe as I raised three boys, including Ben, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. It tells our story - from experiencing the complex emotions of fear and guilt at hearing the diagnosis, to fighting tooth-and-nail with the school district to get Ben the services he needed. Our journey isn't over yet, but my once-nonverbal, illiterate son is now a public speaker. And this is the story of how - against all odds - he learned to read and write, learned to drive, and eventually got a job. It's the story of how he was voted homecoming king by his high school of 3,000, and how he continued to exceed all our expectations for him.

256 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2022

About the author

Sandy AKA Ben's mom is the wife of one and mother of three wonderful men. In her debut book she shares the highs and lows of raising a special needs child. Sandy is also and RN and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist at the very hospital that diagnosed Ben so many years ago.

I have been working on this book for over 10 years. When I first started, it was a way for me to document events, feelings, successes, and missteps while raising our son, Ben, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age two. Over time, I realized that the stories of other parents helped me on my own journey, so I hoped my book might do the same for someone else.

Reviews

[Ruth Filer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about one mom’s journey through autism was so readable I could not stop until I finished it. I know well Ben about whom the story is told and in a word this book is about HOPE. Ben is an exuberant, healthy, handsome, sociable young man I am proud to call friend and the book conveys the process that made him who he is. There is also a section written by Ben himself and Dad gives his perspective too.
If you have a family member who has autism or if you want to get an inside view of the family struggle this book will not disappoint.
Reading this will make you more aware of ways to encourage your friends ( and I suspect we.ALL QUALIFY) who face this challenge day after day.
Just get this book, read it and pass it on. You will not regret it.

[Judy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest family's struggle with their son's autism diagnosis and what they did and or went through to do the best for Ben! Their honesty, their heartbreak, their frustration, their laughter, their joy, how this affected their other children and their entire family, all rolled up into one amazing book and journey. We know it wasn't easy for them, their faith was tested over and over as well as their patience, anger, grief, unbelief, frustration - the whole gambit if emotions. Yet, in Christ, they pressed on! Thank you Sandy, Glenn and your entire family for sharing your life with Autism and Ben! ♥️

[Dan Theman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! really like how it was designed. People don't think about that so much. It looks great though. Keep in mind the only place to get it is the benergy1.com website. That can be a bit frustrating, but its nice to see some people avoiding amazon books due to their poor print quality. A great story all about finding joy in the midst of it all.

[Susan Schulken · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Ben (the person the book is about) and always wondered how his parents got him from non-verbal to where he is today (giving presentations). This book explains the complicated system of getting the right help for your child and what a parent goes through to get it. Along with facts about autism, there are funny stories and sad stories. If you want to see the autism journey through a parent's eyes, read this book.

[John Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have heard many of the stories of Ben, saw most of the videos, witnessed some of the events myself, but to read the detail of all the ways Ben has developed and the incredible persistence of Sandy and Glenn, I laughed and even shed a few tears reading about all the lives touched and changed forever, including me. Could not be prouder of Ben, my sister Sandy, my brother in law Glenn, and my other nephews Dan and Glenn. Loved reading every detail

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book took me on an emotional journey of grief, hope, encouragement, and inspiration. A must read book for any parent.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like sitting down with Sandy, the author, as she shares her frustrations, trials, progress and triumphs in raising Ben, her son on the spectrum. You will cry, you will laugh, you will become frustrated, you will sigh, you will be inspired, and finally, you will rejoice with her as she takes you along this journey with her and her family. And the journey continues!
This book is for anyone who has or loves a child on the spectrum, and for anyone who knows or interacts someone on the spectrum. That includes every one of us! You won’t regret this read!

[Amber Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know Ben from Dorney Park. I have followed him for years on social media and knew bits and pieces of his life. It was such a pleasure reading Sandy’s words and experiences. Benergy is contagious and you can’t help but smile when you hear what new accomplishment he achieved or what goal he is striving to meet. Keep chasing those dreams Ben! You are an inspiration to so many people.

[Carol Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for moms who have children with autism. I have known this family since Ben was born and I have been an eye witness to some of the stories.
To all moms….take time to document events, anecdotes and medical information

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you laugh and cry. It’s well written and I couldn’t put it down. I ordered a second book for a friend who’s granddaughter has autism. It’s about struggles, hopes and dreams. I’m lucky enough to have met Ben at Dorney park. What an awesome, caring and remarkable person!!

[Steve Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most inspirational and educational books I've ever read. I learned so much about the challenges and joys of growing up with autism or parenting a child with autism. The chapters are engaging, interesting, and always end with some practical words of advice or wisdom that come from the author's own journey that others in similar situations might benefit from. This book should be in every school library across our land and made available to parents of children with autism or any other special needs.

[Phyllis Breard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading this book. This book has so many adjectives to describe it, inspiring, encouraging, insightful, educational and many more. The true story of Ben Hartranft and autism. I have known Ben for several years and I am proud to call him my friend. I did not know him when he was young child and all he achieved through persistence and courage. I have learned so much about him and his family. I loved the book and wish there were more pages. Looking forward to Ben's next chapter.
#SFTCbook. Can't wait for the movie!!!

[Susan R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent depiction of what a mom and a family experienced and continues to experience with their son Ben. Not having a close family member with autism, this was an informative read as I begin working with the special needs community and I appreciate the honesty and transparency that Sandy shares with her audience. After you read the book, make sure to meet The “Benergy” Ben and you will be amazed!

[Megan Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written book that explains a mothers journey having a son on the Autism Spectrum who became a public speaker. Ben came to present at my school last year and inspired me to read the book! The story connected to my own life as having a sister with Autism as well as being an autistic support teacher for 4 years. The connections felt like they were real life! If you have a chance to hear Ben speak or read the book do it because you won’t be disappointed!

[Karen Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Swinging From the Chandelier as a gift. It’s the first nonfiction book I’ve flown through. The story of Ben and his amazing family is an entertaining, educational, and inspiring read for everyone—not just those with a loved one on the spectrum. If you’re ready to have your heart touched and your spirit lifted, READ THIS BOOK.

[Tammarah H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God for people like Sandy Hartranft!
I recently learned my daughter was on the spectrum and this book has served as both therapy and inspiration!
I laughed, cried, and was motivated in one sitting.
This book is truly a gem for anyone with a child or loved one on the spectrum.
It’s a must read !

[Jaclyn N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! I could not put it down I read it in a day the stories were very touching. As a fellow parent of a child with autism I found this book to be encouraging and inspirational, as it gave us hope for our child’s future.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a beautiful story about Sandy's and Ben's journey. Having an 8-year-old autistic son, I was able to relate And it gives me hope for his future. Thank you so much to Sandy for sharing her story. Very inspirational read!

[Teresa Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for those whose lives are touched by autism. I had the pleasure of meeting Ben and his mom at a conference. Ben was our keynote speaker. He was so inspirational. He is an amazing advocate for autism awareness with a message of inclusive, kindness and fulfilling dreams.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Ben and his mom through my sister who has special needs. I truly enjoyed this personal account of Ben’s challenges and growth through all the special people who advocated for him.