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Forever Boy: A Mother's Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy
With her popular blog, Finding Cooper's Voice, Kate Swenson has provided hope and comfort for hundreds of thousands of parents of children with Autism. Now, Kate shares her inspiring story in this powerful memoir about motherhood and unconditional love
When Kate Swenson's son Cooper was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism, her world stopped. She had always dreamed of having the perfect family life. She hadn't signed up for life as a mother raising a child with a disability.
At first, Kate experienced the grief of broken dreams. Then she felt the frustration and exhaustion of having to fight for your child in a world that is stacked against them. But through hard work, resilience and personal growth, she would come to learn that Cooper wasn't the one who needed to change. She was. And it was this transformation that led Kate to acceptance-and ultimately joy. In Forever Boy, Kate shares her inspiring journey with honesty and compassion, offering solace and hope to others on this path and illuminating the strength and perseverance of mothers.
When Kate Swenson's son Cooper was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism, her world stopped. She had always dreamed of having the perfect family life. She hadn't signed up for life as a mother raising a child with a disability.
At first, Kate experienced the grief of broken dreams. Then she felt the frustration and exhaustion of having to fight for your child in a world that is stacked against them. But through hard work, resilience and personal growth, she would come to learn that Cooper wasn't the one who needed to change. She was. And it was this transformation that led Kate to acceptance-and ultimately joy. In Forever Boy, Kate shares her inspiring journey with honesty and compassion, offering solace and hope to others on this path and illuminating the strength and perseverance of mothers.
Editorial Reviews
"Until the late twentieth century, autism was hidden in plain sight. Now it's a public health priority and focus of extensive research. However, it remains a black box. While we wait for answers, extraordinary people like Kate Swenson, through their dedicated and resourceful efforts have taken it upon themselves to create a nurturing environment in which children like Cooper can grow and thrive. Forever Boy will be an inspiration to all who face the challenge of caring for special needs children." -Dr. Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Lawrence C. Kolb Professor and Chairman of Psychiatry, Columbia University
"Forever Boy is a candid journey through the beauty and battles of having a child with autism. Kate blends wit and wisdom in an unapologetic account of marriage, motherhood and unconditional love. She captures the struggles, expectations and reality all parents face while advocating for their children. It's a story of unexpected loss; enduring hope and most importantly, newfound understanding. It should be mandatory reading for teachers or for anyone who has children or is thinking of having children." –Colin Balfe, founder of Love What Matters
"Kate Swenson has pulled the curtain back to show first-hand the challenges of life with a child with severe autism. For those who are in the dark about the disability, or know little about it, her story will be an eye opener." -Valerie Gilpeer, co-author of I Have Been Buried Under Years of Dust
"This wise, inspiring book will appeal to not only parents of children with autism, but anyone interested in stories about the selflessness and endurance of maternal love. A candid and hopeful addition to the personal literature on pediatric autism." -Kirkus Reviews
"Forever Boy is a candid journey through the beauty and battles of having a child with autism. Kate blends wit and wisdom in an unapologetic account of marriage, motherhood and unconditional love. She captures the struggles, expectations and reality all parents face while advocating for their children. It's a story of unexpected loss; enduring hope and most importantly, newfound understanding. It should be mandatory reading for teachers or for anyone who has children or is thinking of having children." –Colin Balfe, founder of Love What Matters
"Kate Swenson has pulled the curtain back to show first-hand the challenges of life with a child with severe autism. For those who are in the dark about the disability, or know little about it, her story will be an eye opener." -Valerie Gilpeer, co-author of I Have Been Buried Under Years of Dust
"This wise, inspiring book will appeal to not only parents of children with autism, but anyone interested in stories about the selflessness and endurance of maternal love. A candid and hopeful addition to the personal literature on pediatric autism." -Kirkus Reviews
Readers Top Reviews
stacietCarol D
I am a grandma, raising 2 grandsons. The older one is Autistic. Their Dad is my son. Finding Kate opened not just a window into the world of Autism. It opened all the windows and doors and paved the way for better days for my grandson. All of a sudden, I was not alone in fighting teachers, doctors and judgmental, nosey people in Walmart etc. It wasn't just me and my son sitting in the parking lot of Jack in the Box in Houston, crying - after dropping our little man off at a residential treatment center at 3:00 AM. Now, I had TOOLS. I could go in a meeting and TELL THEM what he needed and how to treat him. And I had a "tribe" I could talk to any time of the day and night. This Autism affects the whole family. Kate is "there". She shares it all. Some I can relate to; some I ask questions. And sometimes I OFFER experiences where something worked or didn't work. Kate and Jamie are godsends in our home. Except that she won't put those babies on a plane to Texas (to me). I don't get that. hahaha ~~ GET THIS BOOK and experience family (not just Autism) Go to FindingCoopersVoice on FB and become a supporter for even MORE in depth discussions. Prepare to fall in love.
Jennifer stacie
Kate is a voice for all of us Moms with kids on the autism spectrum. Thank you for putting into words all the feelings. Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand autism through the eyes of a Mama.
PamelaJennifer
I’m a few chapters in and the tears are flowing. So well written. Kate is sharing all of the hard but I also know from following her that she will soon share the road to acceptance and I cannot wait to hear it from her own mouth ( I have the audiobook). Well done Kate.
PamelaJenni
This book is a raw and honest look into one woman’s journey of motherhood. No one plans for autism, or special needs, when you’re pregnant. Not typically. But as parents, we do our best to care for our children. That’s exactly what Kate (the author) does, it’s just 100x more difficult. She learns the world isn’t accustomed to children like her oldest son, but there is still plenty of joy to be found. Just a little different than what she planned!
Bethany Leavitt
This book sends such a beautiful message of hope to so many families who need it!!
