Join parent and advocate, Kate Swenson, as she reflects back on her family’s journey through an autism diagnosis, early intervention and transition to school services, and the emotional toll these processes can take on a family. In this presentation, she will discuss the transformation she made as not only a parent, but as a person, and the support that parents need from professionals, family members, and those within their community to help their family adjust to this new chapter of life. 

Thursday, November 3

The Hub Auditorium at the old Perham High School

200 5th St. SE, Perham

With her popular blog, Finding Cooper’s Voice, bestselling author Kate Swenson has provided hope and comfort for hundreds of thousands of parents of children with autism. 

When Kate Swenson’s son, Cooper, was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism, her world stopped. She had always dreamed of having the perfect family life. She hadn’t signed up for life as a mother raising a child with a disability. 

At first, Kate experienced the grief of broken dreams. Then she felt the frustration and exhaustion of having to fight for your child in a world that is stacked against them. But through hard work, resilience, and personal growth, she would come to learn that Cooper wasn’t the one who needed to change. She was. And it was this transformation that led Kate to acceptance–and ultimately, joy. 

In her USA Today bestselling book, Forever boy, Kate shares her inspiring journey with honesty and compassion, offering solace and hope to others on this path and illuminating the strength and perseverance of mothers.