New Book ‘Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism’
Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism is a new book by Susanna Peace Lovell.
When acclaimed Life Coach Susanna Peace Lovell’s daughter was born, she brought some unexpected challenges, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and myriad food allergies. Looking for resources and support, Susanna struggled to find a map for the road ahead. After more than 17 years of hard work and triumph, this book is that map: the blueprint for special-needs caregivers that she’d wished for back then.
Filled with hard-won insights and practical advice, Your True Self Is Enough follows Susanna’s story from pregnancy through neonatal care through finding the right learning environments and therapeutic plans for her child. Throughout it all, Susanna came to learn that she and her daughter were both on their own journeys in life, and that they were both whole and complete individuals who did not need to be “fixed.” Her work instead was to advocate for her child to be seen for who she is, in all her glory.
Part memoir, part guidebook, Your True Self Is Enough should be considered required reading for all caregivers.
Praise:
“This is a beautifully written and deeply personal memoir. It is also a guidebook for families in the throes of adjusting to the diagnosis, early intervention, and challenges of their young child, while navigating all new systems and providers. Easy to read and full of so much to learn about resources, relationships, and resilience. It’s been said that there’s no instruction manual for raising children—especially unique and neurodivergent ones. This book is a significant and important contribution to the empowerment of parents of these children.” –Ellen K. Reinstein, LCSW Former Director, Current Clinical Consultant & Supervisor, Cheerful Helpers Child & Family Center
“Warm, honest, and compassionate, Your True Self Is Enough is an amazing book that needs to be out there for all the other parents on this journey! Captivating and engaging, it’s like listening to a friend share her story over coffee. The way this story unfolds, with brief ‘truth corners’ throughout, allows the reader to receive helpful tips without judgment or pressure—truly unique in the space of ‘parenting books’ that often leave struggling family members feeling more stressed with long to-do lists and regrets. Lovell shares many real-life, big, heavy, scary challenges in this book that other families may also face, and still leaves the reader feeling optimistic and grateful!” –Kimberli Breen, MS, CAS, MA School Psychologist and National Behavior Change Agent
“This book is glorious! Raw and authentic. Lovell’s willingness to admit those thoughts and fears that we all feel but are ashamed to admit openly and publicly provided me with such a release, while her “Truth Bombs” provide guidance, love, support and tools to help find a way to make the world adjust to us instead of the other way around. Your True Self Is Enough is an important piece of writing that will be so helpful for so many people struggling as parents of special children—because ALL of our children are special. Parents of neurotypical children will get as much out of this as any other parent.” –Brian Altounian Podcast Host, “Just Two Dads”
“Susanna writes beautifully and honestly about her dreams for motherhood, the unexpected realities and how she comes to love herself and her daughter. A powerful book, with practical advice for all parents, and especially those facing unplanned challenges.” –Janet Upjohn, LCSW Executive Director, Cheerful Helpers Child and Family Study Center
About the Author:
Susanna Peace Lovell is an Advocate for Disability Families, Speaker, Autism Expert, Author, Certified Professional Life Coach, and Reiki Practitioner.
Susanna Peace Lovell received her B.A. from UC Berkeley, and is a certified professional life coach and advocate dedicated to the health and wellness of special needs families everywhere. Her own daughter Arizona has multiple challenges and diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and myriad food allergies.
On her journey of navigating through the worry and heartbreak of raising a special needs child Susanna found her true life calling: to help other parents find and realize joy and passion in their own lives. She provides one-on-one coaching, workshops, and support groups for special needs families.
Susanna lives in Los Angeles, CA. Her book Your True Self Is Enough: Lessons Learned on My Journey Parenting a Child with Autism was released in January 2024 and is available for sale on Amazon.
Readers can connect with Susanna on Instagram, Goodreads, and LinkedIn.
To learn more, visit SusannaPeaceLovell.com