For parents of children with Asperger Syndrome ordinary parenting just doesn't always do it - AS kids need a different approach. Brenda is mother to thirteen-year-old Kenneth, author of Asperger Syndrome, the Universe and Everything, and since his diagnosis at the age of eight she has gathered together the parenting ideas and tips that have had a positive effect on Kenneth's life. Brenda discusses parents' reaction to their child's AS and gives advice on how better to understand 'Planet Asperger'. This book helps parents to respond positively to the challenge of AS and find the 'treasure' in their child's way of being.

Chris and Gisela have been partners for twelve years. Four years ago Chris was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. For Chris, this was an explanation of why he had always regarded himself as 'socially handicapped'. For Gisela, it meant coming to terms with a marriage in which there would never be an intuitive understanding despite Chris's good intentions. For the couple it was the beginning of a long and still unfinished process of learning to live with a disability regarded by some as incompatible with marriage.

This little book does exactly what it sets out to do. It spells out all you need to know about different methods and strategies for treating dyslexia. So, if you want to know more about the many approaches to helping someone with dyslexia, then read this book. At the end of the day, you will be better informed to choose a way to suit your child. It is encouraging to read her list of famous people with dyslexia. It includes Hans Christian Anderson, Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, Jeremy Irons, Jackie Stewart and Richard Branson. They haven't done too badly, have they?' - www.family2000.org.uk 'This readable and useful little book has been written by a mother of two dyslexic sons. She writes about the hard road she travelled to find help and support for them. The book covers most of the questions that the parents of a dyslexic child would want answered, but it is just as useful to professionals who have a dyslexic child in their classroom or setting. The importance of early identification is stressed and the author provides useful information about tests which can be administered to children as young as four years old. There are informative chapters about the various successful techniques and strategies for working with dyslexic children, ranging from the well-publicised rose-coloured spectacles to the part played by a special diet.' - Nursery World Over the years, many quick fix approaches to cure dyslexia have been developed and used. These 'miracle cures' have offered hope to many parents who are left disillusioned by the school system and health service. With no other way to turn, many parents spend more and more money on special glasses, vitamins, exercises and specialist advice, but do they actually work? Written by a parent of two dyslexic sons, who herself searched for anything that would 'cure' them, this new book is a practical guide to dyslexia's many 'miracle cures'. Practical Strategies for Living with Dyslexia suggests that early identification of this condition may be the key. Dyslexia is often not diagnosed until children have started school, yet testing is now available from the age of four-and-a-half. On top of this many dyslexics also have eye and ear problems that go undetected, which further exacerbates the problem. Looking at the possible remedies available, such as tinted glasses, nutritional supplements and exercising, and considering the benefits of early identification of dyslexia, this book will be an essential practical resource for both the parents of, and the professionals who work, with people with dyslexia.

Given the daily challenges of raising a child with autism, it's easy for parents to lose sight of themselves, for their marriages to weaken or fall apart, and for their overall quality of life to plummet. Studies indicate high rates of depression among autism mums and that their depression does not usually subside with the passage of time. Susan Senator interweaves her own experiences raising an autistic child with the voices of parents, researchers, and professionals in the field to offer guidance and encouragement: Parents can take care of themselves while taking care of their children. Parents and families can have good lives even if their children aren't 'cured'. "The Autism Mom's Survival Guide" is unique among books about autism in that it is not primarily about how to parent an autistic child. Instead, it is written for the challenged parents themselves, understanding them to be individuals who need to find fun, happiness, validation, and fulfillment now - in the midst of struggle and hardship - in order to be healthy and whole. Topics include strategies for: handling feelings of despair and hopelessness, caring for your marriage, finding a good balance between accepting your child and seeking new treatments, understanding the challenges of autistic adolescence, and looking toward your child's adulthood.

Providing expert yet accessible guidance to parents of young autistic people who are going to college, this book helps parents support their child from application through to graduation. Covering social issues, independent living, academic challenges, student services and emotional wellbeing, this is the one-stop shop for advice on the transition from school to college or university. The book examines the skills that students need to live and function at college, and the skills parents need to let their teens navigate college without a parent as intermediary. It offers ways to combat common problems that affect the mental health of people on the spectrum, such as keeping up with homework, fast-paced classes, and complex social expectations. This book is for any parent considering college as an option for their child, disability service providers in colleges and for autistic students themselves.

Having a child who suddenly develops PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep), PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or related conditions such as encephalitis can be a daunting challenge for parents. This clear guide explains the symptoms and diagnosis of PANDAS and PANS, with treatment options and recommended strategies for supporting children at home, at school, and in community settings. The book covers key symptoms including OCD, tics, anxiety, sensory issues and personality changes, with practical advice on medical management, nutrition, lifestyle, and addressing social and behavioural needs. Each chapter also includes handy sidebars with key information to remember, and action steps for overcoming challenges, managing relapse, family self-care and providing children with the best possible support.

No alternative to glasses or contact lenses? Improve your vision by looking at the psychology behind the process of seeing! We do not only see through our eyes but with our whole being: What appears in our vision is translated through the knowledge of our brain into what and how clearly we actually see it. This knowledge of our world and how we stand in it is the reality we create ourselvesa reality we are able to change if we choose to.

Why do I have to go to school before the show that I am watching is over? Why do I have to wear shoes and a jacket when I go outside? Rules like these can be really frustrating - but they don't have to be! Why do I have to? looks at a set of everyday situations that provide challenges for children at home, with their friends, and at school. Laurie Leventhal-Belfer empathizes with children's wish to do things their way, explains clearly why their way does not work, and provides a list of practical suggestions for how to cope with these challenges and avoid feelings of frustration. This is the ideal book for children who have difficulty coping with the expectations of daily living, as well as for their parents and the professionals who work with them.

As an educational advocate, Rebecca Moyes knows that many parents struggle with designing an individualized education program (IEP) that addresses the special needs of their child. This book demystifies special education laws so parents can understand their legal rights and the rights of their children, including the development of 504 Service Agreements, getting the most out of IEPs, and more. Written especially for those dealing with autism and Asperger's Syndrome, this book also tackles important issues that will come up during your child's early school experience, such as developing social skills, addressing challenging behaviors, encouraging self-esteem, and dealing with teasing and bullying. Make school a positive experience for your child!

Yoga therapy is gaining rapid recognition as a form of treatment that can improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children with a variety of complex needs. This book contains a specially-designed yoga program for use with children of all abilities, and provides both parents and professionals with the knowledge they need to carry out the therapy themselves. The program consists of a series of postures, each of which is explained and accompanied by an illustration. The postures are designed to help children understand and use their bodies, and work towards positive changes such as realigning the spine, encouraging eye-contact, and promoting calm and steady breathing. Consideration is given to creating the right setting for carrying out the therapy, assessing an individual child's particular needs, and making the sessions fun using games and props. Sections on yoga therapy for specific conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy are included, and the book concludes with child and parent reports on how the program has worked for them, and a list of useful contacts and resources. This practical book is a must for parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals, and anybody else who wants to help a child to develop through enjoyable and therapeutic yoga sessions.

Written for busy foster carers and adoptive parents, this book provides a concise introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and how to support a child with a diagnosis. It emphasises the common strengths children with ASD have, as well as offering strategies for any behavioural issues that are likely to arise, highlighting how these can be exacerbated by the care system and adoption process. The first part of the book looks at the different aspects of autism and the challenges it can pose for children and parents, providing strategies for managing difficulties at home and at school, using social stories, and reducing sensory input in a child's environment. The second part looks at issues that arise for fostered or adopted children, including placement transitions, contact, and explaining the past. It concludes with helping parents to think about self-care.

What if the things people need to know about autism is not the information they're getting? Combining myth-busting advice with personal experience, this book from the mother of autistic twins shares simple strategies to build children's confidence, communication, and independence. From sharing the joy of yodelling around shops at the weekend, to finding creative ways to communicate with both her verbal and her non-verbal sons, Debby Elley gives practical and fun tips for everyday living and shows that being autistic is just another way of being. Both witty and candid, the book discusses labels, meltdowns, acceptance, happiness and much more.

Adults with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) or a suspected diagnosis often have hidden needs that go unmet by public services. This book describes and analyses the Kent ASC enablement approach, a short-term intervention led by occupational therapy to promote people with ASC becoming more self-aware and self-sufficient outside of public services. Designed to teach adults with ASC strategies for controlling their sensory, motor-processing and social-communication needs and preferences, this person-centred approach gives them greater self-management over their lives. The book also provides an overview of a range of both professional and self-help tools and technologies which can be used by adults with ASC to increase independence and wellbeing. Case-studies demonstrate the transformative effects of enablement on daily life for adults with ASC. The book also provides recommendation for building on the enablement approach.

Drawing extensively on personal experiences, this important volume looks at sexuality and relationships in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, painting a genuine picture of the range of sexualities and relationships people want. Honest and reflective, it shows how sexuality has been managed and controlled in different countries. It explores a range of issues such as rights, resilience, protection, sexual oppression and the lack of privacy for those living in care institutions. Co-edited and with contributions by people with intellectual disabilities and allies, this unique book offers an authentic account of the challenges people face and what society needs to do to respect people's rights. Providing insight into a morally, ethically and legally complex area, this book will be essential reading for people with intellectual disabilities, their advocates, families and supporters; social care managers, social workers, and other professionals working in the field as well as academic researchers and students.

More than 180 million Americans have a problem with their vision. Most believe there's not much they can do on their own to change how much (or how little) they see. Now there is hope. In the past decade, an overwhelming number of clinical studies have shown that eating specific nutrients can help maintain vision well into old age, alleviate eye conditions, and even reverse the progress of diseases. In this book, top ophthalmologist Dr. Neal Adams uses clear, accessible language to translate research from hundreds of clinical studies in ophthalmology and nutrition to show how we can restore and maintain eyesight by changing our diet. The solution is simple: just naturally grown foods, with nutrients clinically proven to target the components of the eye affected by disease and/or age. The book explains how the eye functions and what nutrients influence these physiological processes, and includes tailored, easy-to-understand instruction on which foods and nutrients will target the reader's specific concerns. Particularly helpful for the 150 million Americans who visit their eye doctors annually as well as the 95 percent of Americans over 40 at risk for future vision loss.

Surely my way is not always wrong, just because it's different from other people's ways? I mean everyone's way is weird to someone... In her 24 years Emma has experienced a lot, and much of this has been coloured by her autism and social anxiety. Funny and self-aware, this collection of Emma's diary entries capture her hidden thoughts and insightful explanations as to why the world can be such a puzzling place. Wry observations on social rules, friendships, relationships, and facing changes give compelling insight into how Emma confronts challenges, and her determination to live life to the fullest. Helpful advice at the end of each entry also give practical strategies for coping with common issues.

" This book is an extremely easy read - no jargon or ambiguous clinical terms. It serves as an informative tool, by creating awareness through first hand accounts, which could be used by both sufferers and professionals." - Anxious Times `It is a highly readable book based largely on the experiences of the author...I would highly recommend it to all emetophobes. Equally, I would recommend it to friends and family of sufferers because it will help non-sufferers understand why emets act in the way we do and, via fascinating insights into how our minds work, why we find certain situations very difficult to cope with.' -www.gut-reaction.freeserve.co.uk, June 2007 Emetophobia, the extreme fear of vomiting, can affect just about every aspect of sufferer's life, from everyday considerations (`what food will be "safe" for me to eat?') to matters that involve making huge, potentially devastating decisions (`I can't have this baby, I can't face morning sickness'). Nicolette Heaton-Harris has first-hand experience of the phobia and its effects. She suggests strategies for coping with the high levels of anxiety that are intrinsic to the phobia, as well as pre-empting and avoiding anxiety attacks. The experiences of fellow sufferers of all ages, male and female, are shared throughout the book and a list of useful organisations providing further information and support services is also included. Living with Emetophobia is a must-have for anyone suffering from emetophobia, anyone living with an emetophobic as well as professionals treating or supporting people with emetophobia.