This book has attitude. In contrast to other guides that warn special needs parents about the many things their children will never accomplish or become, under the professional guise of not giving families false hope, this book  challenges families and professionals to raise, not lower, the bar -- to help children with special needs reach their full potential through a motivational how-to approach that gets results. This is good news for the nearly 8.5 million American children and young adults who are in wheelchairs, have some level of mental retardation, have autism, hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, ADHD, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, emotional disorders, dyslexia, learning disabilities, and other problems. Focusing on changes in language, expectations, and communications, this book provides detailed guidance in how to let go of the perfect baby dream, deal with grief, but also avoid the no-false-hope syndrome, recognition the importance of early intervention services, and avoid the use of limiting and outdated labels.It includes the author's  new "Special Needs Bill of Rights", and, focuses on a format of personal stories, specific resources,  with special tips and guidelines on working with professionals, creating an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), understanding the law, addressing workplace, college, and career needs, understanding inclusion, assessment, and transition, working with crucial new technology. The author also addresses the impact of special need kids on the family, including self-care for marriages, the role of grandparents, the needs of siblings, leisure time and traveling -- all in a "can do" encouraging and inspiring style.