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By Andrea Moriarty

If your child has dyslexia, autism, Down syndrome or any other learning challenge, one thing is certain: he or she will need extra love and support throughout life. It can feel like they are continually measured against standards of what is “normal” and subjected to expectations that are neither helpful nor kind.

In the process of parenting a special needs child, you might find yourself wondering, “What am I going to do with this kid?” The mother of a son with autism, Andrea Moriarty asked that very question. She found a simple yet profoundly life-changing answer: identify your child’s special interest—whether it’s music, Zorba the Greek, or bottle caps. Dive into it wholeheartedly with him or her. Then, leverage that passion into a life of purpose.

About the Author

Andrea Moriarty is the cofounder of the music therapy nonprofit Banding Together and blogs at Autism Unplugged. Her refreshing, spiritual take on both the challenges and triumphs of parenting a differently abled child offers affectionate humor and unending hope.

Moriarty and her husband Jim are the proud adoptive parents of twins, Allie and Reid. Allie currently studies music education and music therapy at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Reid makes music, performs regularly, and hosts his own podcast: Talk Time with Reid Moriarty.

Moriarty lives in Solana Beach, California, where she accumulates books, cooks from scratch, and whistles while she works.