An Interview with a Sociopath (Antisocial Personality Disorder and Bipolar)Special Books by Special Kids2024-10-23 | An Interview with a Sociopath (Antisocial Personality Disorder and Bipolar)Living with an Extra Chromosome (Dup15q)Special Books by Special Kids2023-09-21 | Aidan is a nonspeaking teenager with an extra chromosome, a condition known as Dup15q. He loves wrestling with his dad and singing "Old MacDonald" with his mom, while using an iPad to choose which farm animal they sing about. Aidan's parents want others to know that he is the most lovable person they have ever met.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKA Child with Shaken Baby Syndrome (Assaulted as an Infant)Special Books by Special Kids2023-09-14 | Bryce acquired severe shaken baby syndrome when he was violently shaken at three weeks old. He now has many disabilities stemming from this incident. Bryce is now learning how to live with a severe traumatic brain injury with the help of his living adoptive family.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKRaedyns Unique and Fun Life (Pfeiffer Syndrome)Special Books by Special Kids2023-09-11 | Raedyn lives with a facial difference that is caused by Pfeiffer syndrome. His brother, Julian, is his best friend. Julian believes that Raedyn is "just perfect in every way". Together the two are growing up while learning the value of having a brother who will always be there for you.
Follow Raedyn and his family at instagram.com/risewithraedynhayz/?hl=enAn Intellectually Disabled Senior with Dementia (And Her Caregiving Brother)Special Books by Special Kids2023-08-31 | Kay is an intellectually disabled senior who has dementia. Her brother, Gerald, and his wife are her caregivers. Kay and Gerald are the children of migrant workers and traveled from work site to work site while camping out in fields as kids. Gerald noticed during this time that his mother always loved and protected Kay. Now with their mom gone, Gerald considers it a blessing to be able to do the same.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKThe Man with 2 Faces (Life as a Medical Refugee)Special Books by Special Kids2023-08-29 | Tres is the only known living case of diprosopus, a condition that causes a person to have two faces on one body. He and Brandy, his mom, have become medical refugees within the United States. They live in a rural town hundreds of miles away from any loved ones. Tres and Brandy hope to one day return home, but the variance in laws from state to state has forced them to become medical refugees. These two want others to understand that people like Tres deserve a place in this world.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKDisabled and Lonely (Learn How to be Her Friend)Special Books by Special Kids2023-08-24 | Emily is a wheelchair user who relies on technology to communicate. It takes her minutes to type a sentence because of her disability. People often assume she is unable to communicate and walk away while she is typing on her device. This has led her to feel lonely and isolated. Emily wants others to know that her mind is full of complex thoughts, jokes, and ideas. She just hopes others are patient enough to listen.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKThe Love-Filled Life of Lazi (A Kid with Treacher Collins)Special Books by Special Kids2023-08-17 | Lazi is diagnosed with Treacher Collins syndrome. Other children often stare at her, but her sister believes it is because "Lazi is a beautiful queen." Lazi wants the world to know that she can do 10 cartwheels in a row.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKA Happy Kid who Doctors Recommended Terminating (Cornelia de Lange Syndrome)Special Books by Special Kids2023-08-10 | Ezra is diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange syndrome, which causes a mutation in certain genes. Upon learning of his heart defects, professionals recommended that his parents terminate their pregnancy. Ezra is now a happy 3 year old kid who loves to play with his toys and is learning to walk and sign. Ezra's parents want others to know that he is the best thing to ever happen to them.
Connect with this Family at instagram.com/hotheadedsalviLiving with End-Stage Heart and Lung Disease (Finding Joy with a Short Life)Special Books by Special Kids2023-08-07 | Tens is living with end-stage heart and lung disease. At age 8, he has already survived 3 years longer than doctors expected. His family does not know how much longer Tens will live, but they are determined to make sure each day is filled with love and smiles.
Connect with Tens' family at instagram.com/hipsterbaby_pdxDisabled and Abandoned at Birth (Now Hes a Father of 5)Special Books by Special Kids2023-08-03 | Ariel was born disabled and abandoned by his parents after his birth. After spending time in foster care, he was eventually adopted by his grandmother. Now an adult, Ariel is a father of five. He is now focused on shielding his children from the pain he knows too well by providing them with unconditional love and support.
Connect with Ariel at youtube.com/@LimitlessElevationA Deaf Kid with a Rare Syndrome (A Proud ASL User)Special Books by Special Kids2023-07-27 | Laynie is diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, which has caused her to be Deaf. She is a proud American Sign Language user and loves to teach signs to anyone who wants to learn. If Laynie could send one message to the entire world, she would teach everyone how to sign "I love you."
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKAn Autistic Sociopaths Story (A Life with Few Emotions)Special Books by Special Kids2023-07-20 | Cassy is an autistic sociopath who struggles to feel emotions. She believes her diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder developed because she did not receive an autism diagnosis until age 25. This lack of support in her formative years led to abuse and trauma. Cassy wants others to know that the reason she struggles to feel emotions is because she has experienced so much pain.
instagram.com/chocolate_autizzy?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==The Story of 2 Disabled BrothersSpecial Books by Special Kids2023-07-13 | Luke and Matty are disabled brothers who will both always need full-time care. Their parents are learning to balance the responsibility of parenting with the reality of caregiving now that both their children are entering adulthood. This family knows they are unique, but they hope others will take the time to understand their story.
You can follow this family at instagram.com/courageoushumansA Kid with One of the Worlds Rarest Disorders (1 of 4 Known Cases)Special Books by Special Kids2023-06-29 | Kuba has a rare genetic disorder of which there are only 4 known cases in the world. He and his family are learning to live with the uncertainty that comes with such a rare diagnosis. They find comfort in knowing that although Kuba's future is unknown, he will be writing his own story.
patreon.com/SBSKAn Autistic Teen with Albinism (An Adoption Story)Special Books by Special Kids2023-06-22 | Mae Li is an autistic teen with albinism. She spent her first 18 months in an orphanage without much physical contact or human connection. After being adopted, she slowly learned to trust her adoptive parents. Mae Li is now in high school and plans to become a nurse afterwards. She wants others to know that as long as you're doing the best you can that's all that matters.
patreon.com/SBSKA Nonspeaking Adult and her Loving Family (A Rare Brain Malformation)Special Books by Special Kids2023-06-15 | Mireya lives with a rare brain malformation of which there are only about 90 known cases in the world. As a result she is nonspeaking and will always require her parents to serve as caregivers. Mireya's family want others to know that their life may be different, but it is still beautiful.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKConjoined Twins Who Were Separated (A Miraculous Story)Special Books by Special Kids2023-06-08 | Eva and Erika are conjoined twins who were separated at 2 years old. This was a risky procedure but miraculously both girls survived. Now they are both learning to navigate the world individually with the help of prosthetics. Eva and Erika hope others, "Don't call their prosthetics a robot leg, because that's mean!" Instead they want to make friends and share their story.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKAn Autistic Wife with Down Syndrome and Her HusbandSpecial Books by Special Kids2023-06-01 | Charlotte is an autistic person who has Down syndrome. Her husband, Riley, is also autistic. The two plan to one day have a child. They are currently in college so that they can provide their future children with a safe and stable home. Charlotte and Riley describe love as "a feeling of connection even when you are not together, you just feel it in your heart".
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKLiving without Muscle Movement (Myotubular Myopathy)Special Books by Special Kids2023-05-25 | Lucas lives with myotubular myopathy, a condition that leaves his muscles so weak that he can only move a few fingers. He desires connection with other kids, but struggles to create friendships because he cannot do many of the things other teenagers enjoy. Lucas wants others to know that if you want to be his friend just talk to him about his interests, like board games and music.
Check out Lucas' blog at handsomeboywrites.orgA Kid with a Backwards Heart (And a Mom who Fought for His Life)Special Books by Special Kids2023-05-18 | Sebastian was born without part of his 22nd chromosome, a condition known as DiGeorge syndrome. His heart is also backwards, 1 or 3 known cases ever with this anatomy. When he was an infant, doctors did not believe there was anything that could save his life. Sebastian's mom advocated for her son which eventually led to multiple open heart surgeries. Today, Sebastian is a happy 6 year old child. Sebastian's family want others to know that it is important to advocate for kids with disabilities so they can receive the care they deserve.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKLiving with The Happy Syndrome (It Makes You Friendly)Special Books by Special Kids2023-05-16 | Bess is diagnosed with Williams syndrome, a genetic condition that is known for causing a friendly and happy personality. Her favorite thing to do is play “Dinosaurs” with her younger brother as the two stomp and roar together. Bess hopes that everybody in the world is happy and wants others to know if you feel sad you just have to dance to feel happy again.
Follow Bess' Family at instagram.com/gobessgoA Paranoid Schizophrenics Journey to WellnessSpecial Books by Special Kids2023-05-11 | Daniel is a paranoid schizophrenic whose symptoms abruptly started in his early 20s. He began constantly hearing voices that he thought belonged to demons. Daniel also believed he was spied on, sometimes breaking his own walls to search for recording devices. After years of living like this, Daniel realized that he may be schizophrenic and started researching the illness. Today his therapist tells him he is in a "period of wellness". Daniel wants others to know that it is possible to live a happy and fulfilling life with schizophrenia if you are willing to reach out for help.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKA Kid with Skin Growing Too Fast (Harlequin Ichthyosis)Special Books by Special Kids2023-05-04 | Harper is diagnosed with harlequin ichthyosis and her skin grows about 10x faster than normal. Her favorite thing to do is to tell jokes and laugh. Harper wants others to know that to be her friend all you have to do is say "hi".
Follow Harper at instagram.com/harper.incredibleConjoined Twins and Best Friends (The Story of Callie and Carter)Special Books by Special Kids2023-04-27 | Callie and Carter are conjoined twins and best friends. They are normal kids who love video games, makeup, and cupcakes. Their peers sometimes tease the girls by calling them a "spider". Callie and Carter's family wants others to know that they are just typical kids in a unique situation.
Follow Caillie and Carter at instagram.com/callieandcarterbeatoddsA Kid with a Gene Mutation (Fragile X)Special Books by Special Kids2023-04-20 | Elias is diagnosed with a rare gene mutation known as Fragile X. He learns by watching his two older siblings who love spending time with him. Nolan, his older brother, believes the most special thing about Elias is that he is nice.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKTraveling West (Who Wants to Interview?!)Special Books by Special Kids2023-04-11 | Email me at interview@sbsk.org with your story if you would like to interview for SBSK. Please include your city and state in the subject so it is easy for me to organize. Thanks and I look forward to meeting many of you!An Autistic Kid with Cerebral Palsy (Caused by a Common Virus)Special Books by Special Kids2023-04-06 | Jocelyn was diagnosed with congenital CMV shortly after birth. This common virus infected her brain before her immune system developed. As a result, today Jocelyn is diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy, hearing and vision loss. Jocelyn's family wants others to know that congenital CMV exists and it is possible to prevent further damage if diagnosed within the first 6 months.
Support SBSK on Patreon at patreon.com/SBSKBorn Addicted to Opioids (The Forgotten Victims of the Drug Crisis)Special Books by Special Kids2023-03-30 | Liam was born with multiple drugs in his system and quickly went into withdrawal. Today he is diagnosed with autism, anxiety, depression, ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Doctors also found that his brain is malformed. Liam wants others to know that he is trying to control his impulses, but it can be difficult.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSK1 in a Billion Siblings (A Family with 2 Rare De Novo Disorders)Special Books by Special Kids2023-03-23 | Cassius and Harper are siblings with different rare disorders. Both of their conditions have less than a 1 in a million chance of occurring and are de novo. Madison, their older sister, wants others to know that even if something looks different, it can still be incredible.
Support SBSK at patreon.com/SBSKA Boy with Locked-in Syndrome and a Family That Wont QuitSpecial Books by Special Kids2023-03-16 | Talon was resuscitated after his heart stopped while drowning for 10 minutes. Doctors say he now has locked-in syndrome, meaning he is aware of his environment but unable to communicate. Talon's family believes that if they surround him with constant love miracles are possible.
Thank you to everyone who become a patron. We will be able to do this work for many years into the future.We Need Your Help to Save SBSK (Things are Changing)Special Books by Special Kids2023-03-09 | Help ensure SBSK's future at patreon.com/SBSKAn Autistic Man who will Always Need Support and his Loving ParentsSpecial Books by Special Kids2023-03-02 | Darius is an autistic man with high support needs. His parents love him just as he is and are happy to provide him with a loving home for as long as possible. Together the three live a unique life that is filled with laughter and stimming.
SBSK's Socials: http://www.instagram.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids twitter.com/chrisulmer facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkidsA Nonspeaking Child that Loves Connection (Befriending a Kid Without Words)Special Books by Special Kids2023-02-23 | Teddy is believed to be the only person with his combination of rare genetic conditions. He is nonspeaking but likes to make loud sounds. To connect with Teddy I mimicked his sounds and he responded by giving me a hug. Teddy's family wants others to know that he craves human connection, and although he is different, he is also a sweet and loving child.
SBSK's Socials: http://www.instagram.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids twitter.com/chrisulmer facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkidsA Boy Born Without Skin (So They Grew Him Some in a Lab)Special Books by Special Kids2023-02-02 | Ja’Bari was born without skin and was not expected to survive. After beating all odds, he had skin grafts grown for him in a lab. Ja’Bari is now four years old and a bit delayed because he spent his first few years just fighting to live. Ja’Bari’s mom hopes others treat her son like the fun-loving child he is even though he may look and act different.
SBSK's Socials: http://www.instagram.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids twitter.com/chrisulmer facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkidsLiving with PTSD after War (Combat PTSD, Bipolar, and Borderline Personality Disorder)Special Books by Special Kids2023-01-26 | Justin is a veteran diagnosed with combat PTSD, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Living with these mental health disorders has strained many of his personal relationships. Justin is now in therapy with the goal of ending generational trauma and providing his daughter with a happy childhood. He wants others to know that just like going to the doctor for checkups on your body, it's okay to do the same for the mind.
SBSK's Socials: http://www.instagram.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids twitter.com/chrisulmer facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkidsA Teenager with Half a Brain (Life After a Hemispherectomy)Special Books by Special Kids2023-01-12 | Mikisa had half of her brain removed in a procedure known as a hemispherectomy. Following this surgery, she went from having hundreds of seizures a day to being seizure-free. Mikisa is now a teenager who desires independence but struggles to complete many tasks by herself. Her parents want Mikisa to know that she is a valued part of their family, and they consider her a gift.
SBSK's Socials: http://www.instagram.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids twitter.com/chrisulmer facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkidsLiving with Childhood Dementia (Sanfilippo Syndrome)Special Books by Special Kids2023-01-05 | Sadie is diagnosed with a form of childhood dementia known as Sanfilippo syndrome. This rare genetic disorder slowly takes away a child’s ability to walk, talk, and eat. Those with Sanfilippo syndrome have a life expectancy of around 15, so Sadie’s family has decided to surround her with unconditional love and create as many positive memories as possible.
SBSK's Socials: http://www.instagram.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids twitter.com/chrisulmer facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkidsA Kid with a Terminal Disease and the Parents Who Will Love Her Forever (Batten Disease)Special Books by Special Kids2022-12-08 | Ellery is diagnosed with a progressive and terminal disorder known as Batten disease. This deadly disease takes away a child’s ability to walk, talk, speak, and see. As of now Ellery is still able to say a few words like “Mickey” and “Twinkle” but her parents know this will not last forever. Ellery’s mom wants the world to know that they try to focus on the joy but Batten disease is forever destroying a part of their family.
Help Cure Batten Disease at curebatten.org/donateAn Interview with an Autistic AdultSpecial Books by Special Kids2022-12-06 | TJ is autistic and communicates with a combination of assistive technology and orally. She wants others to know that speech does not make a person superior.
SBSK's Socials: http://www.instagram.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids twitter.com/chrisulmer facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkidsLiving with a Rare Childhood Stroke Disease (Moyamoya)Special Books by Special Kids2022-12-01 | Titus survived multiple strokes as an infant that were caused by a rare disease known as Moyamoya. He is now diagnosed with cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia. Titus loves to spend time with his siblings and play ball. His family wants others to know that, "Even if a person requires assistance with all things they can still have a really beautiful and full life."
SBSK's Socials: http://www.instagram.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids twitter.com/chrisulmer facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkidsLiving with Sudden Onset OCD (PANS/PANDAS)Special Books by Special Kids2022-11-29 | David was a happy-go-lucky kid until he woke up one day "feeling possessed". He was suddenly convinced that if he did simple tasks, like use a fork, his loved ones would be harmed. His parents eventually learned that David was experiencing brain inflammation due to a condition known as PANS/PANDAS. David and his family want others to know that PANS/PANDAS is real and it needs more attention.
SBSK's Socials: http://www.instagram.com/specialbooksbyspecialkids twitter.com/chrisulmer facebook.com/specialbooksbyspecialkidsA Kid with Treacher Collins and his Autistic SisterSpecial Books by Special Kids2022-11-22 | William is diagnosed with Treacher Collins syndrome and his sister, Mari, is autistic. They were both adopted at a young age and are now siblings and best friends. Mari translates for her brother when others struggle to understand him. William returns the favor by providing his sister with a sense of calmness and stability. The two plan to support each other throughout life.