Special is an uplifting, candid companion for those in the early stages of navigating a child’s disability. Featuring antidotes to the obsessions at the forefront of a special-needs parent’s mind: Why has this happened to me? Will I ever stop comparing my child to typical children? How will my relationship survive? Should I have another baby? And the big one: What will my future look like? Inspired by Melanie Dimmitt’s own crash-landing into special-needs parenthood, and shaped by her conversations with parents of children with wide-ranging disabilities, alongside specialists and researchers, Special shares real stories and expert guidance to soothe anyone whose life has taken an unexpected turn. Melanie Dimmitt’s debut is a ground-breaking insight into life as a special-needs parent.



“Special is so beautifully written, touching, helpful and insightful. I wish, wish, wish I had it ten years ago! If I had known the joy and happiness being a special-needs mother would bring, my blanket of suffering would have been lifted. It’s going to be a lifesaver for special needs parents.” ONDINE SHERMAN

“Raw, brave and compelling. This book airs a parent's most guilt-riddled thoughts and then turns them on their head.” MIA FREEDMAN

“Bold, honest, sometimes funny and always illuminating without being didactic, Special will shatter your heart and put it back together again. This book will do much good in the world.” LEE KOFMAN

“This exceptional book is a must read for all special-needs parents… This beautifully and skilfully written book shares the raw and honest emotions in raising a child with disability from parents across the globe. Written with humour and a light-hearted approach, Special explores many concepts from diagnosis to relationships and community.” EMMA PRICE, CEO Source Kids

“Melanie captures perspectives of raising a child with different needs like no other book has done before.” HEATHER RENTON, Founder and Executive Office, Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN) Australia

“As a therapist with over 40 years experience it is the first of its kind that I have read. It will make a great addition to the arsenal of tools that we use to help parents though the haze of a new diagnosis.” DEBRA EVANS, Director, Therapies for Kids

“Melanie captures both the high highs and the low lows of raising a child with special needs, in a book that delivers equal doses of relief and hope sandwiched in amongst one, big reality shock. Special is slap-in-the-face honesty at its absolute best – it will open you up to explore all corners of your emotions.” PAUL POZZOBON, Managing Director, NAPA Centre


“Special is an honest, beautifully written, and realistic account of the important issues that preoccupy the minds of families. This incredibly hopeful book combines the experiences of families with the latest evidence in positive psychology into a compelling message. It provides the reassurance and guidance that I needed when I was in this situation almost three decades ago, and so I believe this book is essential for those who have found themselves on this unexpected pathway.” SYLVANA MAHMIC, CEO Plumtree Children’s Services

“Special shares authentic, frank and emotional perspectives that will surely resonate with many new parents to children with disabilities. Beyond the openness and candor, this book builds into a positive, practical and optimistic story of hope and validation that gives the rest of us a glimpse into, as Melanie puts it, ‘the love, joy and total, transformative awesomeness of parenting a child with disability.” JORDAN O’REILLY Co-founder and CEO at Hireup