Differently Wired A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope

It’s time to say no to trying to fit square-peg kids into round holes, and yes to raising them from a place of acceptance and joy.

A how-to, a manifesto, and a wise and reassuring companion for parents of neuroatypical children, who often feel that they have no place to turn, Differently Wired offers 18 paradigm-shifting ideas—what the author calls “tilts”—that will change everything, including how to Get Out of Isolation and Connect, how to Help Your Kids Embrace Self-Discovery, and how to Show Up and Live in the Present. And through theses “tilts,” how to stay open, pay attention, and become an exceptional parent to your exceptional child.
 
 

Deborah Reber is a bestselling author, certified life coach, and speaker who has spent the past fifteen years writing inspiring books for women and teens. However, raising a twice-exceptional son and experiencing the heartaches, headaches, confusion, and unexpected gifts that are typical for parents raising these exceptional kids sparked a transformation in her passion and led to a conscious shift from the realm of teen advocacy to the world of supporting the millions of parents who are raising unique kids. She is building a community of supportive parents of neurodiverse children through TiLT Parenting—a website, podcast, and social media community. She lives in New Jersey.

CONTENTS
 
Introduction
PART ONE: A RALLYING CRY
Chapter 1: An Unmarked Path
Chapter 2: The New Normal
Chapter 3: Square Pegs in Round Holes
Chapter 4: What’s Keeping Us Stuck
Chapter 5: It’s Time for Something New
 
PART TWO: HOW EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE
Tilt 1: Question Everything You Thought You Knew About Parenting
Tilt 2: Get Out of Isolation and Connect
Tilt 3: Let Go of What Others Think
Tilt 4: Stop Fighting Who Your Child Is and Lean In
Tilt 5: Parent From a Place of Possibility Instead of Fear
Tilt 6: Let Your Child Be on Their Own Time Line
Tilt 7: Become Fluent in Your Child’s Language
Tilt 8: Create a World Where Your Child Can Feel Secure
Tilt 9: Give (Loud and Unapologetic) Voice to Your Reality
Tilt 10: Practice Relentless Self-Care
Tilt 11: Let Go of Your Impossible Expectations for Who You “Should” Be as a Parent
Tilt 12: Make a Ruckus When You Need To
Tilt 13: Align with Your Partner
Tilt 14: Find Your People (and Ditch the Rest)
Tilt 15: Recognize How Your Energy Affects Your Child
Tilt 16: Show Up and Live in the Present
Tilt 17: Help Your Kids Embrace Self-Discovery
Tilt 18: If It Doesn’t Exist, Create It
Epilogue: Join the Revolution
Acknowledgments
Selected Sources
Favorite Resources
Book Club Discussion Questions
Index