‘Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences’
Finding KIND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences is a new book by Kari A. Baker (published by Blue Hat Publishing, October 22, 2024).
“When an earthquake occurs, the tectonic plates shift far beneath the surface, and they never go back to where they started.”
Kari Baker always loved a good plan. But when her only son Brady was diagnosed with autism in 2014 and ADHD in 2016, her plans for a typical parenting experience were shaken to the core. Her journey started with all the pain, uncertainty, and isolation that so many special needs parents encounter, but along the way she found faith, community, and joy in surrendering to God’s design.
Finding KIND is an account of Kari’s initial awakening to Brady’s neurological differences, the early years adapting to life as an autism mom, and later accepting and appreciating Brady for exactly who God made him to be.
Ultimately, Kari’s experiences as a KIND Mom offer practical suggestions for thriving when the best laid plans go awry. Anyone who knows and loves a kid with invisible neurological differences or who is exploring faith in the midst of life’s challenges will find hope and encouragement in Kari’s story.
Finding Kind is available in hardback at https://findingkind.myshopify.com/ and on Amazon as an ebook.
“As a developmental pediatrician, I often wonder how parents of children with autism and other disabilities cope. And would I ever be able to rise to that challenge? Kari Baker shares some of her life secrets in this gem of a book. It is an ode to the impact of positive, mindful and persistent parenting of exceptional individuals. Certainly germane to parents of children with autism, but in reality, a lesson for the rest of us.” —Raun Melmed, MD, Co-founder and Medical Director of Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center and Director of Cortica Scottsdale, and Author of “Autism and the Extended Family: A Guide for Those Who Know and Love Someone with Autism” and “Autism Parent Handbook: Starting with the End Goal in Mind”
“Baker’s writing is genuine and heartfelt; readers who are searching for their own spiritual connections will appreciate the “long, winding road” of her path. Readers of any faith will identify with Baker’s honest descriptions of universal experiences like having a “perfectly good life plan” derailed by reality, the first difficult months of motherhood, and the feeling of being both “exposed and unseen at the same time” with a child having a public meltdown… A moving chronicle of raising a child with autism and a faith story that will have a wide appeal.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This memoir is a heartfelt and honest depiction of one woman’s journey after her son is diagnosed with autism… Her words leave readers feeling encouraged, valued, and hopeful.” —Haley Koth, The US Review of Books
About the Author:
Kari A. Baker is a Christian mom, author, speaker, and podcaster. She is an avid blogger on the topics of faith, special needs parenting, and finding your purpose.
She founded KIND Families, a community of people who love Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences. The KIND Community is for parents, caregivers, friends and advocates of kids whose brains work differently than their peers, but have no outwardly visible disability. She is also the host of the The KIND Families Podcast.
Kari became a KIND mom in 2014 when her son Brady was diagnosed with autism at age three.
She and her husband, John, live in Scottsdale with their son Brady and their hound dog, Princess Leia.
To learn more, visit https://kariabaker.com/ or connect with Kari on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.