A Life Suspended: A Mother and Son's Story of Autism Extinction Bursts and Living a Resilient Life

Nicole Hendrick Donovan a mother of four couldnt have prepared for the events that led to her sons removal from the public-school system. Behavioral spikes depression and anxiety were only symptoms of an underlying diagnosis which had gone untreated for years. On a sunny afternoon Jack eloped from first grade creating chaos and leaving a trail of injured staff in his wake. Within the pages of her memoir Donovan describes the path to her sons autism diagnosis and her journey to acceptance and unconditional love not only for Jack but also for herself. In the familys dedication to get to the bottom of their sons issues they enlist a group of professionals to help understand Jacks educational rights his academic needs and to aid in the creation of therapeutic supports. After becoming completely enmeshed in Jacks well-being Nicole loses herself in the process. She soon realizes her resentments at a failed system and the continuous fear around Jacks future are sparking a series of panic attacks which prompts her to look deeper within herself for answers. As Nicole surrenders to the ebb and flow of life she opens her heart and sees what truly matters.