Mother of special-needs child ‘Embracing Possibilities’, sharing the knowledge

“HAVE YOU ever received the heart-wrenching diagnosis of a special-need for your child? Do you find yourself in tears, overwhelmed by the complexities of navigating the world of special-needs parenting?” Vanesia Bowden asks in a blurb at the back of her 2024 book, Embracing Possibilities: Nurturing Children with Special Needs.

“Your tears are not in vain; they are a testament to your boundless love and unwavering commitment. This journey can be challenging, and it’s easy to feel lost in the whirlwind of emotion and responsibilities.”

The essence of this 14-chapter, 170-page paperback is to help parents and caregivers of special-needs children to find their path out of the “whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities”, she being a mother of a special-need child herself.

In Chapter 1, Grieving and Embracing the Spectrum of Emotions, Bowden says, “Being a woman who feels deeply, I found myself caught up in a whirlwind of emotions. I found myself in tears countless days, and those tears rocked me to bed. I felt a deep sense of grief and struggled to reconcile my reality. I traced my steps back to pre-pregnancy and pregnancy to see where I went wrong.”

Bowden is yet to find evidence of any wrongdoing committed from her end, but she has certainly learned how to deal with her reality, and wants to use her experience, embedded in the book to teach parents and caregivers how to cope with and manage their individual situation.

“In these pages, we embark on a shared expedition of courage, understanding and growth. This book is a compass, guiding us through the terrains of mindset and skillset, of challenges and celebrations. It is a tribute to the power of our love and acknowledgement of the remarkable potential within every child. Together, we will explore the art of embracing what is, finding beauty in every moment, and nurturing the seeds of all possibilities,” she says in the introduction.

“In the chapters that follow, we will delve into the depths of mindset, the intricacies of skillset, and the boundless potential that resides within our children. Together, let us embark on this odyssey, embracing the journey with unwavering love, boundless hope, under a steadfast commitment to nurturing the extraordinary in every child.”

Some of the chapters include: Holistic Approach to Building a Strong Foundation, Unlocking Your Child’s Skills, Practical Strategies for Daily Life, Navigating Legal and Financial Aspects, Tools for Empowerment, Nurturing Faith and Resilience, and Nourishment and Medication for Your Child’s Health.

“As a special needs parenting coach, and a bestselling author, I have dedicated my career to helping parents navigate this often-overwhelming journey. Through my book, Embracing Possibilities: Nurturing Children with Special Needs, and my coaching programmes, I provide parents with practical strategies to: understand their child’s diagnosis and take confident next steps, access essential resources to support their child’s learning and development; advocate effectively within schools and communities to create inclusive environments,” Bowden told Family and Religion.

“Too many parents feel lost when their child is diagnosed. I know this firsthand because I’ve walked that road. And for some, the fear of seeking an assessment keeps them in limbo, unsure of what to do next. This feature would provide actionable insights for families facing similar challenges. With growing conversations around inclusive education, neurodiversity, and disability advocacy, this topic is more relevant than ever.”

Vanesia Bowden is a disability-inclusive pharmacist, special needs parenting coach, best-selling author, corporate trainer, educator and board-certified cognitive specialist. She has been a pharmacist for over 13 years, and has been teaching since she was in high school. She has a passion for health and education, and a special interest in disabilities and special needs from she was a youngster.

“Today, I am seen as an expert in this space, but that wasn’t always the case. The learning curve was challenging, overwhelming, and, at times, lonely. Thankfully, I found my way, and now, with the deep conviction that supporting families affected by autism, ADHD, dyslexia, disability, and special needs is part of my life’s purpose, I share my story, not just as an advocate, but as a fellow special needs mom,” she said.

In Chapter 11, Self-care for Caregivers, Bowden notes, among other things, “Amidst the responsibilities and demands of caregiving, it is crucial to remember that your well-being is the cornerstone upon which everything else rests. This chapter is an exploration of self-care, a sanctuary where caregivers can replenish, recharge, and find solace. By prioritising your well-being, you fortify yourself to continue nurturing the lives of those you hold dear.”