A pediatric neuropsychologist presents strategies to help parents of special-needs children navigate the emotional challenges they face.
Rita Eichenstein, Ph.D., is a noted psychologist and pediatric neuropsychologist. Renowned in the field of child development and author of the popular blog Positively Atypical! by Dr. Rita Eichenstein, her life's work has been to reach out, support, and counsel atypical children and their parents. She maintains a private practice in Los Angeles, specializing in learning disabilities,attention deficit disorders, autism spectrum, twice exceptional students and giftedness, in children, teens, as well as college students and graduate students. Sought out for her clinical expertise, Dr. Eichenstein speaks at schools, educational and business conferences, has been cited in NYMetroParents Prevention.com, Scholastic.com, SheKnows.com, and Time Magazine, and is a frequent guest on national, local, and syndicated radio programs across the country.
"Though parenting any child can be demanding, pediatric
neuropsychologist Eichenstein understands that particular
challenges face the parents of “atypical” children, identified in
this helpful manual as those who have “developmental,
psychological, or learning disorders” or exhibit problematic
behavior. She explains the neurobiology behind the feelings
commonly experienced by such parents, including loss, denial,
anger, bargaining, and depression, illustrated with relatable
stories of the families with whom she’s worked. Eichenstein
strongly counsels readers to trust the experts when it comes to
diagnoses, remediation, and treatment. For her part, she offers
therapeutic tools derived from cognitive psychology and her own
long practice. She also addresses a range of pediatric disorders,
including ADHD, autism, intellectual disability, and OCD. Her tone
throughout maintains the “patient, positive, and optimistic
outlook” that she wants to help parents cultivate. Indeed, any
parent might benefit from the techniques outlined here. Sage and
consistently reassuring, Eichenstein’s manual is a self-help book
of the best kind, a road map for an emotionally fraught journey
that illustrates how parenting itself can become an avenue for
personal growth."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review
"A superb book. Chock full of arresting insights as well as warmth
and wisdom."
—Edward Hallowell, M.D., author of The Childhood Roots of Adult
Happiness
“Full of relatable stories and accessible grounding
science, Not What I Expected offers parents validation,
empathy, and practical tools. A deeply personal read, readers
may feel as if they're sitting with Dr. Eichenstein, who is all at
once understanding them, challenging them, and leading them to
acceptance and empowerment in their roles as parents.”
—Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of the NY Times bestselling
books The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama
Discipline
“At last, a book that speaks directly to parents of children who
are atypical, as well as to their teachers. Easily digestible and
offering insight, support, warmth, and a touch of humor, Not What I
Expected will enhance your parenting toolbox and enrich your
parenting life.”
--Betsy Brown Braun, MA, Child Development and Behavior
Specialist, and bestselling author of Just Tell Me What to Say and
You’re Not the Boss of Me
“A gem of a book. Dr. Rita Eichenstein has written with remarkable
insight and compassion about the rarely focused on problems of the
parents and family members of learning disabled or atypical
children. A must-read for practitioners as well as parents.”
—Marion Solomon, Ph.D., author of Lean On Me and The Wonder Of We
In A Culture Of Me
“With an enormous amount of experience, and mastery of the atypical
brain, Dr. Eichenstein provides a road map for understanding and
thriving alongside your atypical child. Not What I Expected is a
must-have for any parent who has an atypical child and/or a
professional who works with special needs families.”
—Dr. Charles Sophy, Psychiatrist and Medical Director for the
County of Los Angeles Department of Children and Family
Services
“Clear, practical and filled with hope, the ideas and practices in
this book offer a science-based common sense approach that any
parent or practitioner working with an atypical child will be
benefit from. What better gift can we give these children!"
—Elisha Goldstein, PhD, author of Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming
depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
“Where other resources are content to focus on a child's condition,
Not What I Expected takes the critical next step in guiding parents
through these difficult times. And it does this brilliantly,
combining clinical rigor with a deep empathy for every member of
the family and each one's special challenges. The result is a
book that is an indispensable partner for parenting the atypical
child and helping families live full, loving lives together.”
—Michelle Miller, M.D., Pediatric Cardiologist, Associate
Professor of Medicine, Florida State University School of
Medicine
“An excellent guide that off ers a well-rounded approach and hold s
a treasury of great information.”
—Lance Steinberg, MD, assistant clinical professor of UCLA (Geff
en) NPI and pediatric/adolescent psychopharmacologist
“This is a wonderful, well-written book that helps parents of
atypical children deal with the wide range of emotions such a
parenting journey brings. Ultimately, the book guides parents
toward greater self-awareness, mindfulness, and compassion for
self and their unique child.”
—Lidia Zylowska, MD, psychiatrist, cofounder of the UCLA Mindful
Awareness Research Center, and author of Th e Mindfulness
Prescription for Adult ADHD
“This is the go-to book for all who are raising atypical children.
The genius of the book lies in its relatable vignettes struck
through with unique insight and incomparable warmth. Dr.
Eichenstein’s experience-based understanding and empathic lens
off er all of us parents hope!”
—Jan Goldstein, bestselling author and award-winning educator
“I urge any parent who is struggling with an atypical child to pick
up Not What I Expected. You’ll be fortified to savor the rewards,
and sustained to withstand the challenges, in dealing with your
surprising,unexpected child.”
--Zoë Kessler, B.A., B.Ed., author of ADHD According to Zoë: The
Real Deal on Relationships, Finding Your Focus & Finding Your
Keys
“There's a lot of useful information here and a clear intention to
acknowledge parents' struggles… compassionate advice for parents of
atypical children.”
– Kirkus Reviews
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