In seinem Element

Living with a Disabled Child: A Mother's Diary

For Birgit Kubik and her husband, everything changes after the birth of their son. Their son Max needs surgery at just three weeks old, followed by many medical interventions. It soon becomes clear: Max is disabled. Later, there are names for it: developmental delay, atypical autism, compulsive behaviors, ADHD. For the family, life with Max is challenging and full of surprises. Initially, Max doesn’t speak at all, but once he learns to, he floods his environment with questions. Max doesn’t learn to read, but his precise internal sense of time and his astonishing memory make him the "calendar" for school, therapy centers, and at home. In the middle of a supermarket or elsewhere, Max approaches strangers, touches them, or gives them compliments. What surprises his mother time and again is that many find his energetic approach refreshing.

In a diary format, the author, a married mother of two, describes the family life from Max's birth to his coming of age. She mentions joyful moments in family life and milestones in Max's development. However, she does not shy away from stating that the constant need to be available is exhausting: Max cannot be alone, his questions demand answers, and therapy sessions, school meetings, and doctor appointments follow one after another. Fortunately, the family’s social network is strong, and Kubik has learned to "switch," meaning she consciously enjoys her precious free time.

Tip: An authentic first-hand account. Inspiring for relatives of disabled children. Helpful for those caring for children with special needs.