Roswell Author Shares Lessons on Disability with Children

Consistent and escalating tantrums weren't exactly a part of the picture perfect family Donnie Kanter Winokur dreamed of when she and her husband, Harvey - a rabbi at Temple Kehillat Chaim - first adopted their son, Iyal, nearly 13 years ago. But a fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) diagnosis brought home new realities, changes and a furry friend named Chancer, who helps them all navigate the often choppy waters of living with disability.

The Winokurs - who recently shared their full inspiring story with the New York Times Magazine - adopted their son, Iyal, and daughter, Morasha, from Russia in 1999. Though they were only two days apart, drastic changes between the children soon became evident. Finally, an FAS diagnosis helped the family come to terms with Iyal's explosive behavior and pushed his parents to search for solutions: they found one in Chancer, a 4 Paws For Ability golden retriever who came to live with them in 2008.

Donnie has written a book for young children called "Nuzzle," about the family's life since Chancer came along, as a way to share the realities of living with FAS and what they've learned through it all.

"'Nuzzle' is the command that Chancer, was taught for behavior disruption," said Donnie, on where the inspiration for the book's title came from. "It describes how a service dog can redirect challenging behaviors in which a child engages. 'Nuzzle' is actually a very significant command because it means that Iyal needs kisses and calming from Chancer."

According to Donnie, "nuzzle" is when Chancer uses his muzzle to break apart Iyal’s crossed arms folded on his chest. Chancer then has access to Iyal’s face which he licks and "kisses."

She said Chancer began to "nuzzle" on his own within the first year when he sensed Iyal needed to be calmed or was especially tense.

Donnie has previously helped her daughter Morasha with her award-winning book "My Invisible World," about living with a disabled sibling, and now targets a new audience by focusing on the family's story as told from Chancer's perspective.

"Children with special needs are often the victims of bullying and teasing because of their vulnerability. It’s important that children who are neurotypical, understand that others with organic or acquired brain injury do not intentionally misbehave. The wiring in their brain is different and a damaged central nervous system can wreak havoc on an individual’s ability to control their emotions and responses to their environment," said Donnie. "We hope this book provides an opportunity for children and parents to talk about all kinds of differences in a supportive manner."

The Chancer Chronicles website even shares related children's activities and curriculum that can be downloaded for free.

To purchase the book, visit The Chancer Chronicles, Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com.