About this item
AUTHORS’ DISCLAIMER:We are not in any way experts on parenting children with disabilities. Our goal is simply to share strategies that have worked for each of us in the event it may help those in a similar situation. If you’re different from us (i.e., you are bright or of the perfect persuasion), we advise you not to try the following at home. On a “perfection-preoccupied planet,” sisters Gina and Patty dare to speak up about the frustrations, sadness, and stigmas they face as parents of children with disabilities (one with Asperger’s syndrome, the other with bipolar disorder). This refreshingly frank book, which will alternately make you want to tear your hair out and laugh your head off, should be required reading for parents of disabled children.
About the Author
I'm Patty Konjoian, the smarter, older (though I prefer to say "more mature") sister. I'm a Family Partner for Northeast Behavioral Health, as well as an award-winning freelance videographer. I'm also the mother of three wonderful, but, blissfully imperfect children, one of whom was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 11. While there was nothing humorous with watching Jennifer struggle, I did often joke that some of the things we had to go through were humorous. For example, I was sure I had a promising career as an Emergency Room critic, who could rate the E.R.'s based on the magazine quality, vending machine selections, and colorfulness of staff scrubs. When my daughter was struggling in her younger years, I felt overwhelmed, frustrated, and scared. Today, my daughter is doing amazingly well and attending college. Through our book and speaking, I am able to share her message of hope.
