Written in a positive, upbeat, and often humorous style, this book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of issues related to mental retardation. It dispels the many myths regarding what mental retardation is and how it affects the individual's future. It also explores topics related to education, residential programs, vocational options, social skills, trust funds, sexuality, the rights of parents, and numerous other issues that are paramount to raising a happy, healthy child with cognitive difficulties. In addition to supplying hundreds of practical teaching strategies, Mental Retardation Doesn't Mean 'Stupid'! also furnishes readers with scores of useful resources, including websites, professional organizations, and support groups. It is an essential tool for parents, teachers, and other individuals involved in the life of someone is developmentally developed

`Chris Mitchell was 20 when he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Both his academic success and the horrendous bullying he suffered highlight the mixed blessings of mainstream education for a child with Asperger syndrome. While his eventual success is heartwarming, from today's understanding of Asperger, the ignorance and hostility Mitchell faced throughout his early life are shocking' - TES Extra for Special Needs 'This autobiographical account of a young man's discovery that Asperger's syndrome could explain his early problems and provide light at the end of the tunnel, is both insightful and inspiring. Parents of children with Asperger's syndrome and also older "aspies" will profit from Chris's hard won experience' - Dyslexia Contact '[This] is a straightforward read, full of concrete examples of how Asperger's syndrome affects the individual but at the same time acknowledging that every individual is different. Having experienced first-hand the vulnerability of the adolescent with Asperger's syndrome, desperate to make connections with those around him but constantly being knocked back, I was delighted to read about the friendships [Chris Mitchell] eventually establishes when he takes the brave decision to make contacts through the web and sets out on his travels. I would particularly recommend this book to those with little knowledge of Asperger's syndrome, especially for anyone involved in helping those with a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome through further education' - British Journal of Special Education `This book is a 'must-read' for any parents of children with Aspergers syndrome and also older aspies themselves. They will be able to relate to the slightly quirky writing style and profit from Chris's hard won experience. These children are so individualistic and often isolated from like minds, so the book will provide some solace that there are other people like them' - Judith Stansfield, Chair North Richmondshire Community Partnership SEN ICT Consultant NASEN ICT Group BDACC Reviews and Literature Editor `This book shows how one individual with very severe handicaps due to Asperger's Syndrome won through in the end and achieved despite such a poor beginning. This is a book which should be read by anyone who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome or feels he or she might have this condition' - Dr L F Lowenstein, National Association Gifted Children Newsletter 'This is an unusual book in that it is written by a man where most autobiographical books about autism are written by women. It is both very readable and well-written, with a detached an honest account of his childhood, family life and life prior to diagnosis. He gets on well with his family, and they are happy that he has written this book, and happy with the book, despite some implied criticism of how they brought him up. Indeed, it comes across as less aggressive than some accounts, so it is particularly insightful for parents and other empathotypicals who might find more black-and-white descriptions of their mistakes hurtful. As with every book written by someone on the spectrum that I have seen, it is a short book, giving a snapshot of his difficulties and joys before and also after his diagnosis, giving highlights of specific problems and pleasures. Overall I think it would be a good book for someone who recognises himself in the author, or as a starting point for deepening your understanding of your brother, son or friend, or, if you are already interested in this condition, to broaden your understanding of the ways that it present itself' - Asperger United '[A]n especially uplifting read for a young person or adult newly diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrom. It also would help those unfamiliar with Asperger's Syndrome to understand the condition much better' - REACH This gripping and at times astonishing story will be inspirational to all adults either facing Asperger's Syndrome personally or interacting with someone who has been diagnosed. In his own imitable style, Chris Mitchell describes his life before and after diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome. We follow Chris through primary and secondary school, where his lack of social interaction and anger continually land him in trouble, and where he is bullied for being different. Only his excellent memory and specialist interests enable him to continue, and pass his GCSEs and a GNVQ in Media Studies. At university he is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Suddenly his life makes more sense, and his self-awareness means his self-confidence returns, resulting in world travel, a Masters qualification in Information and Library Management and finally, acceptance. Chris Mitchell is a Records Assistant at Durham County Record Office, and also does public speaking on the subject of Asperger's Syndrome.

This book offers a comprehensive overview of clinical, research and personal perspectives on Asperger Syndrome, including contributions from parents and experts in the fields of psychology, social work, psychiatry, genetics, sexology and vocational counselling. It includes first-hand accounts from adults with AS, highlighting their difficulties in areas such as social competence and education. Specialist perspectives on AS, including sexuality and relationships, finding and keeping employment and anxiety and depression are sensitively addressed. The viewpoints of parents explore experiences of parenting AS individuals. These varied approaches to living with AS complement the emerging literature on theory, research and practice in this area. The broad scope of Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome guarantees a wide readership among practitioners, students, parents, young people and adults with AS, educates service providers how to assist people with AS and suggests a model of interdisciplinary collaboration for administrators and funders.

From A Matter of Dignity:

I realized that I needed to learn about the legislative and legal aspects of disability as much as I did about our feelings regarding wholeness, beauty and ugliness, about the state called normalcy, about liberating technologies and therapies, about the role of the disabled in history and literature.

And what could better inform and enlighten me than contact with people who help create access, who elicit change via care, support, teaching, and study as their life’s work?

As it turned out, I have learned from them that, in spite of the American addiction to youthfulness, “normalcy,” virility, activity, and physical beauty, diversity in all its forms provides not only fascination but strength. Diversity tends toward higher forms, uniformity toward dullness and extinction. What could make more sense than to value all that is diverse, unexpected, and exuberantly impure?


From the Hardcover edition.

Combining medical knowledge with sympathetic common sense, this handbook offers help and advice to all parents and carers of children with Down's Syndrome, and shows them how to help their children flourish and reach their full potential The text addresses the questions, practical or otherwise, that parents will often find themselves asking, and also offers information on a wide variety of related issues. These include current medical knowledge about the condition, advice on the special care of babies and young children, education and training and emotional and sexual development.

Everyday Heaven is the much-awaited fourth installment in Donna Williams' series of best-selling autobiographies about her life with autism. A humorous, riveting, roller-coaster of a book, Everyday Heaven covers the monumental nine years from the time Ian left their accidental, 'autistic marriage', to Donna's candid, funny, often bumbling explorations of sexuality and orientation, the challenge of coming to terms with the sudden deaths of those closest to her and finally knowing what life was like without the invisible cage of her 'Exposure Anxiety'. Described as enthralling, deeply moving and gripping, this book will strike a lasting chord not only with autistic readers and professionals seeking to better understand those on the autism spectrum but all of us who simply dream of daring to love deeply, to adventure and to deal triumphantly with the losses along the way.

'Asperger's Syndrome in Young Children is easy to read, with lots of practical ideas and advice, presented in a sympathetic manner. It would be most useful for teachers or professionals who are new to the field or parents who believe their child may be on the Asperger's syndrome spectrum. It is a valuable source of information on strategies for helping young children with Asperger's syndrome to realise their full potential.' - ChildrenNow This landmark book focuses on how AS presents in pre-school children. An essential guide for parents coming to terms with their child's AS diagnosis and for the professionals who work with this age group, it is unique in answering pressing questions specific to younger children. How can parents help their AS child to develop speech and language? What help is available at school and home? When, if at all, should a child be informed about AS? Including a useful summary of early childhood development stages, Leventhal-Belfer and Coe provide a diagnostic model based on assessment of the child in contrast to 'neurotypical' children, considering relationships at home, in school or in care. Their book shows how to develop tailored early intervention strategies and to assist parents, teachers and mental health professionals in making informed decisions to nurture the development of AS children.

For those who want to help somebody with Asperger Syndrome find and keep a satisfying job, this book is a vital tool. Gail Hawkins guides readers through the entire process of gaining employment, from building a supportive team, identifying and addressing workplace challenges, to securing an appropriate position. Including practical tips on topics such as finding potential employers and creating a dazzling resume or CV, this book also offers sensitive advice on assessing when somebody is ready for work, and how, when and where to disclose a disability to an employer. Hawkins' well-tested approach aims to provide all the information needed for a fast, realistic, and successful path to fulfilling employment.

"When I was growing up, I learned that if you were a girl you went to school and college, then you married, became a wife and had a family. . . . When I became disabled, my journey, I was pretty sure, was not going to take me in those directions. What was I supposed to be? What kind of life was I supposed to have?" Once polio had made her a quadriplegic, Cass Irvin didn't know where she fit in or what would become of her. Neither did her parents, teachers, counselors, or rehabilitation therapists. And so began her search for a place to call home. In this memoir, Cass Irvin tells of the remarkable journey that transformed her from a young girl too timid to ask for help to a community activist and writer who speaks forcefully about the needs of people with disabilities. As a young girl she was taken to Warm Springs, Georgia, where she learned about living as a disabled person and found a hero in Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the famously if silently disabled president. Bright and inquisitive, Cass soon began to question the prevailing assumptions of a society that had no place for her and to question her own meekenss. In time, her keen sense of injustice gave her the courage to fight for a college education. That personal victory emboldened her to find the means to live independently, but it also persuaded her that political work is the key to enabling all people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives. This book, then, is testimony to the importance of community building and organizing as well as the story of one woman's struggle for independence.

Martha Kennedy Hartnett is the mother of a child with Asperger's Syndrome who made the courageous choice to homeschool. Emerging from the author's personal experience, this book is a step by step account of successful home education. Choosing Home will take you into the homes of Asperger families as they journey from survival of the playground bully to making it work at home. Hartnett embraces those pertinent questions raised by parents: Will I be limiting my child's emotional and social development? How will I know if my teaching is good enough? What if I can't cope? These questions and many more are answered in this touching and insightful narrative. This is a book of hope and encouragement to all parents with an interest in homeschooling.

The patient is an ascetically pretty 15½-year-old white female. She is intelligent, fearful, extremely anxious, and depressed. Her rage is poorly controlled and inappropriately expressed.
Diagnostic Impression: Program for social recovery in a supportive and structured environment appears favorable.

Life Inside

In 1967, three months before her sixteenth birthday, Mindy Lewis was sent to a state psychiatric hospital by court order. She had been skipping school, smoking pot, and listening to too much Dylan. Her mother, at a loss for what else to do, decided that Mindy remain in state custody until she turned eighteen and became a legal, law-abiding, "healthy" adult.

Life Inside is Mindy's story about her coming-of-age during those tumultuous years. In honest, unflinching prose, she paints a richly textured portrait of her stay on a psychiatric ward -- the close bonds and rivalries among adolescent patients, the politics and routines of institutional life, the extensive use of medication, and the prevalence of life-altering misdiagnoses. But this memoir also takes readers on a journey of recovery as Lewis describes her emergence into adulthood and her struggle to transcend the stigma of institutionalization. Bracingly told, and often terrifying in its truths, Life Inside is a life-affirming memoir that informs as it inspires.

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!

At the age of 14, Lynsey Calderwood suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her physically unmarked but destroyed her memory. Thrust back into an apparently nonsensical world of which she had no recollection. Lynsey spiralled downwards into depression and eating disorders as she became socially ostracized. This is the story, in her own words, of Lynsey's quest to discover her identity, and, eventually, to come to terms with her disability. She faces devastating setbacks and her sense of loss, grief and rage is recalled. Courage and perseverance, coupled with her engaging sense of humour, see her through, and her tale should be an inspiration to anyone who has faced similar obstacles.

Oftentimes parents, caregivers and educators are at a loss about how best to support an individual with autism because they are overwhelmed by "behaviours", inundated with prognoses and clinical jargon, or confused by technical information. This work introduces autism from a non-clinical, humanist perspective emphasizing that we are all more alike than different. Reinforced for the reader is the importance of listening carefully to what people are telling us about valuing differences, personal passions, communication, and holistic wellness.

A little nine-year-old boy looks down at the gymnasium floor. The room is filled with children who like and respect him, but he has no real friends. He can barely name anyone in his class, and has trouble with the simplest things - recognizing people, pretending, and knowing when people are happy or angry or sad. Much of his life has been filled with anxiety. He is out of step with the world, which to him is mostly a whirlwind that must be actively decoded and put into order. And yet he was only one of seven fourth graders in the United States to ace the National Math Olympiad. In fifth grade he finished second in a national math talent search. That boy is autistic. He is also loving, brilliant and resilient. In this book, his father writes about the joys, fears, frustration, exhilaration, and exhaustion involved in raising his son. He writes about the impact on his family, the travails of navigating the educational system, and the lessons he has learned about life, what it means to connect with other people, and how one builds a life that suits oneself. And, oh, yes, math. Lots about math.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or PDD, is the umbrella term used to cover the whole family of autistic spectrum disorders - including autism and Asperger Syndrome. Within this group there is a subgroup called NOS - not otherwise specified - which covers the conditions which do not quite meet the diagnostic criteria for autism or Asperger Syndrome. Because PDD covers such a wide spectrum, it presents very differently from child to child. Written principally for parents, this is a book which explains what it means for your child to be diagnosed with PDD, NOS, autism or Asperger Syndrome, and where you go from there. The authors describe the symptoms of PDD, what a diagnosis means, how a child fits into the diagnostic terminology and the diagnostic procedures involved. They also review associated disorders such as OCD, and discuss the different treatments and therapies available. The book includes frequently-asked questions, as well as the experiences of other parents. It is accessible, informative and supportive, a practical introduction to PDD.

Nicole is 2 years old, and her family, after months of worrying, has just learned she has mental retardation. In a fast-paced, engaging story, mother Sandra Kaufman frankly reveals the feelings of denial, guilt, frustration, and eventual acceptance that result in a determination to help her child live an independent life. This edition, revised on the 10th anniversary of the book's original publication, adds a "progress report" that updates readers on Nicole's adult years and reflects on the revolutionary changes in society's attitudes toward people with disabilities since Nicole's birth. "Retarded Isn't Stupid, Mom " remains a celebration of all that a child can grow to be.

Many people between the ages of 30 and 40 unknowingly begin to develop the first signs of osteoarthritis, which can become a debilitating condition. This guide provides information on evaluating one's own risk of developing osteoarthritis, explains how to prevent its onset, and gives sound guidelines for lessening its effects. Real-life anecdotes and a question-and-answer section are included.

Blind and visually impaired children experience the world in unique ways. To help them learn and develop, parents and teachers need to understand how such children relate to their environment. Felicity Harrison and Mary Crow, who have spent years working with blind children and their families, offer practical strategies for encouraging the blind child's development and interaction with his or her family and school community. The authors begin by discussing the reactions of parents when they learn their child is visually impaired, perhaps even multihandicapped. They go on to provide insights into what it means not to see well and techniques for encouraging the child to use whatever vision he or she may have. They suggest activities that parents or teachers can share with a blind child, from songs, games, and crafts to projects around the house and ways to enjoy a walk together. They discuss the nursery school experience and offer ideas on how to make it enjoyable and rewarding. A final chapter addresses preventive and remedial measures; it focuses on the nonvisual perspective and explains how to perceive things from the blind child's point of view. Parents and preschool teachers of visually impaired children will find this a welcome guide to coping with day-to-day challenges and enhancing the child's education and development.

This book is written by parents, for parents, and offers suggestions in such areas as sleep, feeding, incontinence, play, behavior, growth, siblings, clothing, travel, and more. It addresses the emotional needs and development of child and adult.

The deaf are outsiders in a world largely created and controlled by those who hear. Based on intensive interviewing, observation, and the personal experience of the author (whose parents are deaf), Outsiders in a Hearing World examines the lives of deaf people within a social and historical context. It examines the communities created by deaf people and the identities of their members, and describes and analyzes the everyday interactions between the deaf and the hearing. Drawing on the works concerning other outsiders, this book not only increases our understanding of deafness and the deaf, but of outsiders in general.

Many children spend their entire school lives struggling with their school work. Research has shown that at least 10-15 per cent of children with apparently normal learning ability will have a significant problem with school learning. They may feel that whatever they do it is not good enough - either for their parents, their teachers or indeed themselves. This can often result in feelings of demoralisation, and even alienation from learning and school. This book aims to address these issues and to help parents understand and deal with them. Dyslexia: A Parents' Guide starts by correcting common misconceptions of learning difficulties that are rife in the press and popular literature, and addresses the conflicting approaches and advice from 'experts'. This authoritative guide then moves through diagnosis - with information on dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, discalculia and more - to offering practical and easy tips to enable parents to help their child overcome their learning difficulty. Both authors are practising psychologists with extensive knowledge and experience of children's learning difficulties. They will show parents how to develop a successful approach to assessing and subsequently managing their child's difficulties.

'The first time Shocks saw Amber coming, he lowered his head so she could wrap her arms around his nose. It was as if they understood each other's pain. Like two broken beings, helping each other.' When Shocks the donkey was left for dead on a farm in Ireland, no one ever thought he would make a full recovery. When Amber and her twin sister Hope were born 26 weeks premature, it was Amber who was separated from her family and rushed into theatre for an emergency tracheostomy. Her parents were given the devastating news that she had Cerebral Palsy and would be unlikely to walk or talk. Then Amber met Shocks at the Donkey Sanctuary and their lives were changed for good. This is their touching story of recovery through friendship.

From the time he was three or four years old, John Elder Robison realised that he was different from other people. He was unable to make eye contact or connect with other children, and by the time he was a teenager his odd habits - an inclination to blurt out non-sequiturs, obsessively dismantle radios or dig five-foot holes (and stick his younger brother in them) - had earned him the label 'social deviant'. It didn't help that his mother conversed with light fixtures and his father spent evenings pickling himself in sherry. Look Me in the Eye is his story of growing up with Asperger's syndrome - a form of autism - at a time when the diagnosis simply didn't exist. Along the way it also tells the story of two brothers born eight years apart yet devoted to each other: the author and his younger brother Chris, who would grow up to become bestselling author Augusten Burroughs. This book is a rare fusion of inspiration, dark comedy and insight into the workings of the human mind. For someone who has struggled all his life to connect with other people, Robison proves to be an extraordinary storyteller.