*Gold Medal Winner in the Sexuality / Relationships Category of the 2011 IPPY Awards* * Honorary Mention in the 2010 BOTYA Awards Women's Issues Category * Girls with Asperger's Syndrome are less frequently diagnosed than boys, and even once symptoms have been recognised, help is often not readily available. The image of coping well presented by AS females of any age can often mask difficulties, deficits, challenges, and loneliness. This is a must-have handbook written by an Aspergirl for Aspergirls, young and old. Rudy Simone guides you through every aspect of both personal and professional life, from early recollections of blame, guilt, and savant skills, to friendships, romance and marriage. Employment, career, rituals and routines are also covered, along with depression, meltdowns and being misunderstood. Including the reflections of over thirty-five women diagnosed as on the spectrum, as well as some partners and parents, Rudy identifies recurring struggles and areas where Aspergirls need validation, information and advice. As they recount their stories, anecdotes, and wisdom, she highlights how differences between males and females on the spectrum are mostly a matter of perception, rejecting negative views of Aspergirls and empowering them to lead happy and fulfilled lives. This book will be essential reading for females of any age diagnosed with AS, and those who think they might be on the spectrum. It will also be of interest to partners and loved ones of Aspergirls, and anybody interested either professionally or academically in Asperger's Syndrome.

The new edition of Dyslexia is written for parents of dyslexic children and the professionals who work with them, and provides information on the role parents can play in supporting their dyslexic child. This updated edition contains new material and up-to-date discussions of current research and programs. * Empowers parents by providing them with strategies for dealing with a wide range of concerns including dyspraxia and dyscalculia * New sections cover post-school issues, the emotional needs of young people with dyslexia and information on how parents can help at home * Features information on some of the more popular interventions for dyslexia, and critical evaluations of alternative treatments * Includes first hand accounts of parents hopes, successes and setbacks, and extensive lists of organizations and resources

This book combines moving accounts of the lived experience of dyslexic adults with tips and strategies for surmounting the challenges you or a loved one or family member may face. Drawing on in-depth interviews, Kelli Sandman-Hurley explores common themes such as school experiences; the impact of dyslexia on mental wellbeing; literacy skills; and being a dyslexic parent, perhaps to a child who is also dyslexic. Interviewees share what helped them (or didn't), the strategies they use daily to tackle literacy-based tasks, anxiety and low self-esteem, the advice they would give to the parent of a dyslexic child who is struggling, and reflect on how their experience has impacted their own parenting style. Whether you're dyslexic yourself or supporting someone who is, this book sheds light on an underrepresented topic, providing much-needed guidance and insight around what life is really like for an adult with dyslexia.

Filled with strategies and advice, this empowering guide presents practical ways to improve the mental wellbeing of people on the Autism Spectrum. This helpful guide focusses on the specific difficulties that can arise for people on the autism spectrum who may also experience a mental illness. The book includes information on common mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, as well as strategies for improving sleep patterns and mindfulness. Providing guidance on the benefits and drawbacks of therapy pets, medication, and psychotherapy, the authors offer balanced perspectives on treatment options and introduce self-help strategies tailored to meet your needs and improve your mental wellbeing. A number of short personal narratives from people on the autism spectrum and mental health issues illustrate the text. The book also includes a list of resources, books and organisations that can provide further support and inspiration.

'GORGEOUS, VIVIDLY ALIVE' NEW YORK TIMES 'BOLD, HONEST AND SUPERBLY WELL-WRITTEN' ANDRE ACIMAN, AUTHOR OF CALL ME BY YOUR NAME 'GRACEFUL AND SOUL-BARING' MELANIE REID, THE TIMES 'WHAT A GIFT . . . HAS THE RIGOR AND PRECISION OF JOAN DIDION AND MAGGIE NELSON AND A FORTHRIGHT HUMOR AND NAKED TRUTH ALL OF ITS OWN.' SARAH RUHL, AUTHOR OF SMILE I am in a bar in Brooklyn listening to two men, my friends, discuss whether or not my life was worth living. So begins Chloe Cooper Jones's bold account of moving through the world in a body that looks different than most. Born with a rare congenital condition called sacral agenesis, she must contend not only with her own physical pain, but the emotional discomfort of others. It is only when she unexpectedly becomes a mother that she confronts the demand to live life fully, propelling her on a journey across the globe, reclaiming the spaces she'd been denied, and denied herself. From Roman sculptures to a Beyonce concert, from a tennis tournament to the Cambodian Killing Fields, Jones interrogates the myths of beauty with spiky intelligence, aesthetic philosophy, love and humor, inviting us to find a new way of seeing.

Grateful parents and professionals worldwide have welcomed this essential guide to the highly recommended Floortime approach for treating children with any of the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Now available in paperback, Engaging Autism includes new, exciting information on neuroscience research into the effects of this approach, plus guidance for parents navigating the controversies surrounding the treatment of autism. Unlike approaches that focus on changing specific behaviour, Greenspan's program promotes the building blocks of healthy emotional and behavioural development. He shows that, remarkably, children with ASD do not have a fixed, limited potential, and may often join their peers to lead full, psychologically healthy lives. The Floortime approach can also be applied at any age,including early infancy, when the first signs of risk for ASD may appear,so that preventing the full development of autism becomes a real possibility.

Covering the period from Antiquity to Early Modernity, A Historical Sociology of Disability argues that disabled people have been treated in Western society as good to mistreat and - with the rise of Christianity - good to be good to. It examines the place and role of disabled people in the moral economy of the successive cultures that have constituted 'Western civilisation'. This book is the story of disability as it is imagined and re-imagined through the cultural lens of ableism. It is a story of invalidation; of the material habituations of culture and moral sentiment that paint pictures of disability as 'what not to be'. The author examines the forces of moral regulation that fall violently in behind the dehumanising, ontological fait accompli of disability invalidation, and explores the ways in which the normate community conceived of, narrated and acted in relation to disability. A Historical Sociology of Disability will be of interest to all scholars, students and activists working in the field of Disability Studies, as well as sociology, education, philosophy, theology and history. It will appeal to anyone who is interested in the past, present and future of the 'last civil rights movement'.

Bringing together a collection of narratives from those who are on the autism spectrum whilst also identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and/or asexual (LGBTQIA), this book explores the intersection of the two spectrums as well as the diverse experiences that come with it. By providing knowledge and advice based on in-depth research and personal accounts, the narratives will be immensely valuable to teenagers, adults, partners and families. The authors round these stories with a discussion of themes across narratives, and implications for the issues discussed. In the final chapter, the authors reflect on commonly asked questions from a clinical perspective, bringing in relevant research, as well as sharing best-practice tips and considerations that may be helpful for LGBTQIA and ASD teenagers and adults. These may also be used by family members and clinicians when counselling teenagers and adults on the dual spectrum. With each chapter structured around LGBTQIA and autism spectrum identities, Gender Identity, Sexuality and Autism highlights the fluidity of gender identity, sexual orientation and neurodiversity and provides a space for people to share their individual experiences.

1.6 seconds. That's how long it takes to fall two stories. That's how long it takes for life to change. When Michael Murphy was 21, he fell off a roof at college and landed flat on his back, severing his spine. They say that nobody understands their own traumatic injury just after it happens-but Michael did. Every person falls. They fall short in school, in life, in work, and in love. Their lives sometimes feel punctuated by those downfalls-the rejection letters, the unrequited love, the missed promotions, the life altering traumas. Everyone falls. But then what? When I Fell is a true tale of going from abled, to disabled, to empowered. It combines the story surrounding Michael's recovery with the science of resiliency and thriving-what psychologists are now calling Posttraumatic Growth (PTG)-to teach readers how to hit home runs when life throws them curves. Befitting new mainstream acceptance for disabilities, When I Fell is as much a memoir as it is a message. It features the five principles established by Drs. Tedeschi and Calhoun-the pioneers who coined the phrase in the 1990's-for scientific validation to bring PTG further into the public eye.

This book provides an overview of the innovative, arts-based research method of body mapping and offers a snapshot of the field. The review of body mapping projects by Boydell et al. confirms the potential research and therapeutic benefits associated with body mapping. The book describes a series of body mapping research projects that focus on populations marginalised by disability, mental health status, and other vulnerable identities. Chapters focus on summarising the current state of the art and its application with marginalised groups; analytic strategies for body mapping; highlighting body mapping as a creation and a dissemination process; emerging body mapping techniques including web-based, virtual reality, and wearable technology applications; and measuring the impact of body maps on planning, practice, and behaviour. Contributors and editors include interdisciplinary experts from the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology, and beyond. Offering innovative ways of engaging in body mapping research, which result in real-world impact, this book is an essential resource for postgraduate students and researchers.

The bestselling guide, fully revised and updated, offering practical information and tips to help every child with ADHD succeed

"The ADD/ADHD Checklist" helps parents and teachers to better understand children and teenagers with attention problems and provide the kind of support and intervention that is crucial to kids' success. Presented in a concise, easy-to-read checklist format, the book is packed with practical advice and information on a wide range of topics, including what we do and don't know about ADHD, probable causes, critical elements for school success, the most commonly prescribed medications, what children with ADHD need at home, effective behavioral strategies, how to help kids stay organized, and advocating for an ADHD child.

What would life look like if you measured your success by improvements instead of victories? Nik Nikic shares the incredible story of his son Chris's journey to become the first person with Down syndrome to ever complete an IRONMAN (R) triathlon, inspiring others to achieve their goals by getting 1 percent better every day. From the moment Chris Nikic was born, his parents knew he could achieve anything he set his mind to do. So when he became involved in triathlons with the Special Olympics, his dad, Nik, took on the role of coach and encouraged Chris to aim even higher. Together, they set their sights on making history-Chris becoming the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN (R) triathlon. Written from Chris's father's perspective, Nik shares the 1% Better mindset that has helped Chris achieve many of his goals-and the underlying principles of the 1% Better system can help you pursue and achieve your dreams too! Through Chris and Nik's story, learn the benefits of applying the model to your own life and discover how to: Overcome the mental hurdles of pain Stay motivated using three irrefutable laws of motivation See failures as opportunities for improvement Form a lifelong habit of success You may never be the best. But you can be better than your best when you stop imposing self-limitations and begin the journey to reach your goals-one confident step at a time. Publisher's Note: 1% Better is written in Nik Nikic's voice. Chris and his accomplishments are the focus of 1% Better, and Chris is a coauthor of the book as he was interviewed by his father and the writer.

Written in response to the many requests for a practical and accessible guide to exercise for scoliosis sufferers, Curves, Twists and Bends combines the experience of Annette Wellings, who has major scoliosis, with that of Alan Herdman, the UK's leading Pilates teacher. This clear and concise book explains what scoliosis is, its symptoms, and its physical and psychological impact. It includes a series of Pilates exercises, designed by the authors specifically to promote flexibility, posture and muscle strength in scoliosis sufferers, and also vital information on what exercises to avoid. It offers basic strategies and practical tips for living with the condition, including useful advice on diet, rest, sitting, carrying and how to dress. Written with the full range of scoliosis sufferers in mind, Pilates for Scoliosis emphasises the importance and feasibility of gentle exercise for keeping the body as healthy and flexible as possible. Curves, Twists and Bends: A Practical Guide to Pilates for Scoliosis will be indispensible to individuals with scoliosis and their families as well as to physical therapists, Pilates instructors and other professionals who advise scoliosis patients on exercise and lifestyle options.

Learn how smart people with learning gaps struggle, survive, and achieve
Smart But Stuck, Second Edition is an updated look at how smart people with learning gaps can not only overcome them, but become successful in learning and life. The new edition of this classic explores the emotional aspects of learning disabilities and imprisoned intelligence, showing how and why smart people with learning disabilities are resilient in getting help in order to struggle, survive, and achieve. The book also includes new material on the relationship between learning disabilities and neuroscience and a new foreword by Joseph Palombo, Founding Dean of the Institute for Clinical Social Work in Chicago.
This unique and compelling new version takes into account that the reader may have a learning disability, so it's easy to read and understand. Topics build on each other so the reader's knowledge becomes cumulative without dramatic effect and so emotional, biological, and social issues are easily integrated as the reader learns to turn a learning disability into an advantage.
From the author:
Resilience is the capacity to bounce back; in individuals with LD it's a powerful tool. When people hit the chasm, shame is the outcome. People can withdraw and give up. (Some people take solace in substance abuse to ease the emotional pain.) Others keep trying. In the process of not giving up, people learn to keep hope alive because eventually new opportunities for learning become possible.
Smart But Stuck, Second Edition examines:
* imprisoned intelligence and resilience how does it happen?
* shame and resilience
* discovery and diagnosis
* learning to live with the diagnosis
* new reflections
* resilience and fulfilling potential
* neurocognitive foundations of learning disorders
* self-psychology and imprisoned intelligence
* psychotherapy
* fortitude and flexibility in people with learning disabilities
* and much more

Smart But Stuck, Second Edition is a must-read for people with learning disabilities and their families, psychotherapists, social workers, educators, parents, vocational counselors, and college counselors. Please visit www.smartbutstuck.com for more information.
"

This reassuring guide explains prescribed ADHD medicines for children in clear, everyday language. Based on questions the author has received from countless families in his work as a Consultant Psychiatrist, the expert information in this book answers the most pressing questions a parent will have about ADHD medicines: how they work, what they do, what is available and how to talk about them to your children. This book sheds light on why not all medicines are easily available, the differences between certain medications and their level of effectiveness, all based on scientific evidence. This information will support parents in discussions with medical professionals, explaining the practicalities and demystifying the terminology around medication and treatments. The book also provides insights into the decisions behind prescribing certain medicines and how they should be taken. Armed with this guide, parents - as well as teachers and others working with kids with ADHD - can feel confident and assured when their child is prescribed treatments for ADHD.

Adolescence has been known as the "second crisis" for some families. Successful navigation of this emotionally complex time can be difficult, and for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) the teenage years can be particularly challenging, as there are issues specific to them that have been very sparsely addressed in current resources, such as menstruation, puberty, safety and the complications of girls' friendships due to fears of loneliness and the lack of group inclusion. This book is the first resource for families to provide the key information they need to know to help their daughters ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? and the whole family ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? through adolescence. It puts topics into the context of typical development and addresses core issues of ASDs such as cognition, communication, behavior, sensory sensitivities and social difficulties, and provides information, practical teaching, intervention strategies and resources regarding topics specific to being a teenage girl with ASD.

Diagnosed with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in his teenage years, Harry Thompson looks back with wit and humour at the ups and downs of family and romantic relationships, school, work and mental health, as well as his teenage struggle with drugs and alcohol. By embracing neurodiversity and emphasising that autistic people are not flawed human beings, Thompson demonstrates that some merely need to take the "scenic route" in order to flourish and reach their full potential. The memoir brings to life Harry's past experiences and feelings, from his torrid time at school to the peaceful and meaningful moments when he is alone with a book, writing or creating YouTube videos. Eloquent and insightful, The PDA Paradox will bring readers to shock, laughter and tears through its overwhelming honesty. It is a turbulent memoir, but it ends with hope and a positive outlook to the future.

In Disability Alliances and Allies: Opportunities and Challenges, Allison Carey, Joan Ostrove and Tara Fannon have gathered an interdisciplinary team of leading experts, to offer nuanced analyses of the meaning and practice of being an ally and of building effective alliances that account for the structural, individual, and interpersonal challenges involved in amplifying disabled voices and centering the disability lived experience. The first section of this volume addresses cooperation and conflict in advocacy and activism across social movements, organizations, and institutions. It examines the formation of new alliances, what happens when interests collide, and the social and economic challenges of forming coherent unions. The second section engages issues of agency, autonomy, and identity in interpersonal relationships, highlighting the role of power and status, focusing on alliance dynamics between disabled and non-disabled people. For its breadth and depth of research, this volume of Research in Social Science and Disability is essential reading for researchers and students across the social sciences interested in disability, social movements, activism, and identity.

The first book that explains how to use Social Stories (TM) to support younger adults with autism focuses on some of the most common issues that arise as they enter the adult world. Siobhan Timmins explores the thinking that can lead to particularly problematic situations, and shows how to construct effective stories that can enlarge understanding and reshape thinking to help young adults with autism approach the work in a confident and constructive way. The stories engage with the various stages of applying for a job, adjusting to a work environment, maintaining physical and mental health, and staying safe. Along with the sample stories are explanations of how to create your own story to develop further understanding and draw connections between each story and the issues they explore. From practical skills such as dressing for an interview, to identifying emotions and recognising symptoms of depression, this book takes Social Stories (TM) a major step further and adapts them to the realities of adult life.

Get a fair and balanced perspective on schizophrenia!
Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice is a comprehensive overview of schizophrenia and its treatment from a variety of approaches. The book presents a balanced look at the most influential theoretical perspectives based on empirical research, clinical descriptions, and narrative histories. Dr. Glenn Shean, author of "Schizophrenia: An Introduction to Research and Theory," examines neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental models of brain dysfunction, psychodynamic and family factors, up-to-date pharmacological advances, and successful community programs for discharged patients suffering from this debilitating disorder.
Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice presents a comprehensive review of evidence concerning the epidemiology and course and outcome of schizophrenia based on theoretical groupings and levels of analysis. The book examines the evolution of diagnostic criteria and guidelines, as well as stress-vulnerability and diathesis-stress models, providing critical reviews of biological, genetic, cognitive-behavioral, and phenomenological, approach to understanding and treating schizophrenia.
Topics addressed in Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice include: the history of the concept of schizophrenia the writings of Emil Kraepelin and Eugene Bleuler changes in diagnostic guidelines in the last 50 years General System Theory Perspective diagnostic and statistical manuals Schneider's first rank symptoms and much more! Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: ContemporaryResearch, Theory, and Practice is an essential resource for undergraduate and graduate students working in psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work, and social policy.

Get a fair and balanced perspective on schizophrenia!
Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice is a comprehensive overview of schizophrenia and its treatment from a variety of approaches. The book presents a balanced look at the most influential theoretical perspectives based on empirical research, clinical descriptions, and narrative histories. Dr. Glenn Shean, author of "Schizophrenia: An Introduction to Research and Theory," examines neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental models of brain dysfunction, psychodynamic and family factors, up-to-date pharmacological advances, and successful community programs for discharged patients suffering from this debilitating disorder.
Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice presents a comprehensive review of evidence concerning the epidemiology and course and outcome of schizophrenia based on theoretical groupings and levels of analysis. The book examines the evolution of diagnostic criteria and guidelines, as well as stress-vulnerability and diathesis-stress models, providing critical reviews of biological, genetic, cognitive-behavioral, and phenomenological, approach to understanding and treating schizophrenia.
Topics addressed in Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: Contemporary Research, Theory, and Practice include: the history of the concept of schizophrenia the writings of Emil Kraepelin and Eugene Bleuler changes in diagnostic guidelines in the last 50 years General System Theory Perspective diagnostic and statistical manuals Schneider's first rank symptoms and much more! Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia: ContemporaryResearch, Theory, and Practice is an essential resource for undergraduate and graduate students working in psychology, psychiatry, nursing, social work, and social policy.