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The ultimate survival guide for parents and educators navigating the muddy waters of raising children with behavioral differences. Marianne Russo, the creator of The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Talk Radio Network, takes readers
from that first step of accepting a child's diagnosis, understanding your new reality and the true meaning of advocacy, empowerment and hope
The Life Unexpected is the ultimate survival guide for parents and educators navigating the muddy waters of raising or educating children with special needs.
Marianne Russo, the creator of The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Talk Radio Network, takes readers from that first step of accepting the reality of your new life to the true meaning of advocacy, empowerment and hope.
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The chapters are weaved with touching, personal and sometimes funny accounts of her journey raising two daughters with uniquely different special needs blended with quotes and advice from the world renowned experts she has interviewed on her radio show.
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Whether you are just starting out on this incredible journey or have been traveling the unpredictable terrain of special needs parenting for a while, Marianne empowers and inspires readers with her messages of compassionate parenting for children and teens with behavioral issues, learning the language of positives and the importance of looking at your child with a whole new set of eyes. Understanding what makes these kids incredibly challenging can also give parents insight into what makes them brilliantly unique.
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Once dubbed “The Parents Advocate” Marianne also reminds us not to lose sight of the person behind the parent. So moms, dig out those high heels, dads go catch a baseball game and learn to not only survive but enjoy YOUR life unexpected.
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The Life Unexpected brings a new perspective and understanding to these bright and often times challenging kids and their incredible warrior parents.
To Know the road ahead ask those coming back – Chinese Proverb
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Marianne Russo, President and Founder of The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Talk Radio Network, President Marianne Russo Public Relations.
In 2009, Marianne launched The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Talk Radio Network to a largely underserved audience. Based out of New York, The Coffee Klatch soon became a staple in the special needs community bringing excellence in broadcasting to hundreds of thousands of listeners worldwide. A respected and proven leader with key relationships and expertise that grew her radio network into an international force.
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Today, The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Talk Radio Network is widely known and recognized for its in depth and comprehensive interviews. With over one million listeners, Marianne connects the special needs community by bringing cutting edge research and "out of the box" thinking from world renowned experts in the field of child mental health. Marianne has developed relationships with some of the most respected and sought after child and adolescent experts and children’s foundations in the world. She has brought hundreds of thousands of professionals, parents and educators together through her interviews and is bringing them together once more in her book – The Life Unexpected.
AUTHOR
ABOUT
CONTRIBUTORS
PROLOGUE
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CHAPTER 1
ACCEPTANCE
CHAPTER 2
DIGGING OUT OF THE TRENCHES
Isolation and despair
Sense of Self
It's not all in their heads
Trust
Landmines
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CHAPTER 3
UNDERSTANDING AND SURVIVING YOUR DEFIANT CHILD OR TEEN
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CHAPTER 4
WALKING ON EGGSHELLS
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CHAPTER 5
STAND UP TO CONFORMITY TO GET A DIFFERENTIATED EDUCATION
School Phobia and School Refusal
The Freight Train
Sidebars, Side Effects and Settings
Fear, As Core Emotion
Open Letter
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CHAPTER 6
YOUR NEW CAREER MEDICAL HISTORIAN AND PROFESSIONAL ROLLERCOASTER RIDER
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CHAPTER 7
THE WONDER AND MARVEL OF DIFFERENT
The Palette
CHAPTER 8
TWO STEPS FORWARD ONE STEP BACK STILL GETS YOU AHEAD
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CHAPTER 9
EXPECTATIONS, WHO ARE THEY FOR?
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CHAPTER 10
THE HIGH COST OF A QUICK FIX FOR KIDS WITH BEHAVIORAL ISSUES
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CHAPTER 11
THE PERSON BEHIND THE PARENT
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CHAPTER 12
THE PROMISE