Pieces That Fit

About the Book

Pieces That Fit is a powerful story based on one woman’s struggle to raise an autistic child. Karen’s raw, emotional candor will move you throughout your reading experience. Karen began this journey during Autism Awareness month in April 2014, when she wrote a post a day for thirty days. She received so much love, support, and encouragement from those posts that she is now sharing her journey, hoping to reach a bigger audience so that others may have a better understanding of their own journey and struggles. She hopes this book will be a message of hope to others who have struggled or are struggling with this puzzling diagnosis. The book begins with Karen meeting her husband, Jim, in 1990 and moves on to the birth of their son, Chandler, who is afflicted with Asperger’s syndrome. Karen describes in detail her frustrations, anger, and bitterness through the ordeal of having Chandler diagnosed. She takes her readers through difficult situations, tantrums, and tears in a uniquely honest and moving way. From frustrating meetings with teachers to even worse day-care experiences, you will find yourself rooting for this boy and his family to succeed. In between, Karen and Jim have another child, Braeden, who couldn’t be more different than his big brother, and new challenges begin to emerge. With a new brother, however, successes begin to mount for Chandler. Finally, Karen brings us a message of hope as Chandler grows up and learns to live with the autistic traits that are uniquely his. As Chandler finally begins to succeed in school and in life, you will be cheering and fist-pumping in support of him.

About the Author

Karen has been a primary school teacher for the past twenty-four years and considers herself a champion for children. Having raised an autistic child for the past eighteen years, she has developed the patience and understanding to nurture children. She is a strong advocate for all children, both special needs and neurotypical, and continues to strive to foster a positive, caring, and fun environment for all children to succeed in. Her father was in education, and she followed in his footsteps. He often joked that “this is evidence insanity runs in families,” but it seemed natural for her to take that path, and she did so happily. Her dedication to her family, her school, and, most important, her students has provided for a very rewarding life, both professionally and personally. She knows there will always be challenges along the way in education, in her classroom, and with Chandler, but her experience has allowed her to overcome anxiety, fear, and trepidation and to move forward positively. Karen was born and raised in southern Maine and continues to live there, near the coast. She remains active in her community as she feels that all families need a helping hand at one point or another. She values her family, her friends, her job, and her two dogs.