The Other Side of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom - Paperback

by Amy J. Brown (Author), Sara Clime (Author), Carrie M. Holt (Author)

Find Hope, Joy, and Community as a Special Needs Mom

For the special needs mom who yearns for community and support on what can be a lonely road, The Other Side of Special reminds you that you are not alone, your best is good enough, and even on the hard days, there are blessings to be had.

As you pour your energy and resources into raising a special child, it's easy to struggle with feelings of isolation, competition, guilt, and overwhelm. Here's the encouragement and practical help to navigate the emotional reality of your situation.

In The Other Side of Special, three mothers raising children with physical, medical, mental, and emotional special needs have joined forces and pooled their experience and expertise to provide such a resource. They take a deep dive into the most common emotions felt by special needs moms. They acknowledge the hard things as those who have been there. They celebrate the unique joys of being a special needs mom. And they offer encouragement for the journey, remaining realistic about the challenges special needs moms will continue to face.

Back Jacket

How to find hope, joy, and community as a special needs mom

As you pour energy, resources, and your very heart into raising a child with special needs, it's common to struggle with feelings of isolation, competition, guilt, and overwhelm. You need hope and help to navigate the emotional reality of your situation from people who understand exactly what you're going through.

In The Other Side of Special, three mothers raising children with physical, medical, mental, and emotional special needs have joined forces and pooled their experience and expertise to provide such a resource. They take a deep dive into the most common emotions you feel, acknowledge the hard things, celebrate the unique joys, and offer encouragement for the journey.

If you're yearning for a companion on what can be a lonely road, The Other Side of Special reminds you that you are not alone, your best is good enough, and even on the hard days, there are blessings to be had.


"For parents who have felt the anguish of raising an out-of-the-box child or one with special needs, this book is a must-read. You will feel seen and held. Highly recommended."--Sally Clarkson, author of many bestselling books and popular podcaster for parenting issues

"As a special needs mom and someone intimately acquainted with the relentlessness of disability, I found the relentless love of Christ within the pages of The Other Side of Special. God has placed this book in your hands to bring you joy!"--Shauna Amick, M.Ed., director of Direct Response and Radio Channel Marketing at Joni and Friends International Disability Center

Author Biography

Amy J. Brown, Sara Clime, and Carrie M. Holt are three mothers who have a combined experience of over thirty years of raising children with physical, medical, mental, and emotional special needs. They are the hosts of the podcast Take Heart Special Moms. Amy is a mentor to special needs moms. Sara is cofounder and codirector of one of the first special needs ministries in mid-Missouri. Carrie regularly speaks at conferences, hospitals, churches, and more about special needs mothering.