Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins: A Joyful Memoir of a Mother Raising a Son with Down Syndrome

When Patti Smith’s first child was born with Down syndrome, her world shifted overnight. What began as fear and uncertainty became a lifelong education in love, patience, and the power of perspective. Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins is the heartwarming true story of how one remarkable son became his mother’s greatest teacher.

Told through 24 unforgettable “lessons,” this deeply moving narrative reveals how life’s biggest challenges can become our most profound teachers. From moments of heartbreak to bursts of humor and joy, Patti shares how her son Christopher—affectionately known as “Professor Higgins”—transformed her understanding of success, purpose, and unconditional love.

More than a parenting guide, this is an invitation to see the beauty in imperfection and the grace in letting go. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or anyone seeking inspiration in the face of life’s detours, Unexpected Lessons from Professor Higgins will lift your heart, open your mind, and remind you that the unexpected may be your greatest gift.

This book addresses the emotional exhaustion and self-doubt many parents experience when facing unexpected life challenges—particularly raising a child with unique needs. It gently replaces fear, guilt, and the need for control with peace, perspective, and self-compassion.

This inspirational memoir is a celebration of resilience, joy, and the limitless lessons love can teach.

"Rather than counsel intended for parents of children with intellectual disabilities, this book is a must read for all parents who are open to receiving wisdom from unexpected teachers, including our children." Dorothy Allred Solomon, PhD, award-winning author

"Unexpected Lessons From Professor Higgins is an inspirational memoir that follows a mother-and-son journey through the trials and joys of life with Down syndrome. Author Patti Smith lovingly and honestly reveals the lessons gleaned from forty-plus years of caring for (and being cared for by) her son, Christopher, whose diagnosis of Down syndrome as a baby at first tilted her world off-axis-only to reveal itself, as the years went by, to be the thing that actually set her worldview at the exact right angle. Through chapters that relate hilarious, poignant, and sometimes even heartbreaking stories, Patti shows readers that challenges are made to be overcome, expectations are made to be surpassed, love is made to be unconditional, and sometimes, you just have to give in and acknowledge that Chris is the star of the show." Ginni Smith, author and editor with Kevin Anderson & Associates

"This book is a beacon of hope and inspiration, urging readers to embrace the unknown, to find joy in the simplest moments, and understand true acceptance." Sadie Blalscucci, author and media consultant.