2023 Independent Press Award Winner - MemoirSomewhere out there, on some other timeline, in some other plane of existence, another version of me is living the life I had planned. I picture her to be a peacefully content, self-assured supermom and a bit of a smug know-it-all—very likely an insufferable pain in the ass. I’ll try not to judge her, though, because bless her heart, she means well and doesn’t know any better.Jennifer Rosado approached childbirth the careful way she approached most things in life: with extensive research and thorough planning and preparation. But her expectations of a perfect labor, delivery, and bonding experience with her newborn son immediately collided with reality, and from that point forward her life was never the same. With disarming candor, Rosado tells the story of her son’s challenging childhood years, her own need for control and lifelong battles with anxiety, and the ways that her son’s diagnosis of autism changed her perspective and view of the world.
Rosado beautifully captures the sense of isolation, loss of identity, and yearning for ‘normal,’ while sharing the wisdom she gains from years of experience living a life completely unlike the life she had expected. This engaging memoir is not just about what it’s like to raise a child with autism; it’s about Rosado’s inspiring journey of acceptance, adaptation, and self-discovery in a strange, humbling, enlightening alternate universe.
Praise for My Alternate Universe:
"...Rosado writes with honesty, courage, humor, compassion, and a deep understanding of her son that is instructive for each of us." - Michael D. Powers, PsyD., Executive Director and LP at The Center for Children with Special Needs; Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology, Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine; Author of
Asperger Syndrome and Your Child“...Rosado sets a wonderful pace and rhythm, with interesting literary movement that starts with humor and dynamic episodes that immediately bring the reader in, then moves into calmer, more pensive narrative that brings out the weightiest considerations—revealing strength, growth, maturity, insight, and ultimately acceptance, not with resignation but with hope. A beautiful and inspiring achievement." - Beverly Kennedy, Copy Editor (ret.), University of Hartford
“…a must-read for all providers in the medical and educational communities who strive to understand the considerable impact of these challenges on the family. Rosado also provides hope and support for families looking to find their way on their own personal journeys.” - Kristen Powers, OTD, OTR/L, Author and contributor to several books specializing in autism
“…powerfully yet lyrically draws you in to the often-overlooked world of parents of children with autism.”- Katherine Rieger, Retired Elementary School Principal
“Although special needs parenting can feel overwhelming, My Alternate Universe highlights that it’s also a growing experience unlike any other—one that’s filled with surprises, anxiety, and of course, love.” - Colleen Wright, Freelance journalist, Parent
“...a must-read for all travelers who share the route—family members, friends, medical specialists, educators—as well as for every parent who has ever wondered, ‘How did I get here?’” - Patricia Okrongly, Teacher, Parent
"...filled with wisdom that will help readers deepen their understanding and empathy for individuals with autism and the parents who love them.” - Cindy M. Gilson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Gifted Education, UNC Charlotte ~ College of Education, Dept. of Special Education and Child Development
"...a beautifully crafted and engaging memoir." - Reader Views (5 Star Review)
Jennifer Rosado originally hails from a parallel universe in which she was first a medical laboratory technologist, then an elementary school teacher. She spent her free time swing dancing, reading, watching sci-fi shows, and carefully planning ahead in a desperate attempt to avoid anxiety-provoking situations. Due to a twist of fate (or perhaps a cosmic conspiracy), Jen now resides in this alternate universe with her husband and son and spends her days in anxiety-provoking situations. Although not qualified to discuss the theoretical quantum physics of parallel realities, she has plenty of personal experience in the realms of autism and anxiety. For helpful resources and entertaining blog posts, as well as contact information to inquire about availability for readings, Q and As, and other speaking engagements, please visit her website at jennifer-rosado.com.
