Wired Different: A Mother's Memoir is my memoir about raising my intellectually challenged son, all of the experiences, the joys, the sorrows, the fears, the disappointments, the hope and the let-downs. It is an emotional, raw journey, honest and real. I tell it like it is when it comes to the failures of the system: special education, the medical world and public benefits. I share how having a child with moderate intellectual disabiliity impacts my life and my family's life in both positive and challenging ways. Jeffrey was born in 1994, when the word "retarded" was still used to describe intellectual disabilities and I include a chapter about the use of that word. Jeffrey's high school years were marked by an experience of includsion when he "joined" the football team. It had a great impact on Jeffrey but an even greater impact on the boys on the team.
Jeffrey never received a diagnosis and the effect that had on me and his life is explored. We didn't know the root cause. Was it something I did? Or the doctor did? I had a traumatic delivery with Jeffrey, which is also detailed in the book. Could that have caused a brain injury? Not knowing caused self-doubts and worries beyond the everyday care of my son. Until he reached age 32 and we suddenly received a genetic diagnosis, which turned the world on its head.
Parents with children with disabilities will find my book reassuring. They are not alone on this journey. I've been there and know what they're going through.