As a parent, a teacher and an Aspie herself, Jennifer O'Toole provides the definitive insider's view of Asperger syndrome. She shows how to help children on the spectrum by understanding how they think and by exploiting their special interests to promote learning. Her strategies work because she thinks like the children that she teaches. This exciting book is full of effective and fun ways of engaging with children with Asperger syndrome. Jennifer explains how theory of mind difficulties create the need for concrete forms of communication, and provides original methods to inspire imagination through sensorial experiences. In particular she reveals the untapped power of special interests, showing how to harness these interests to encourage academic, social and emotional growth. Affirming that different doesn't mean defective, this book offers the insight and guidance that parents, educators, and other professionals need to connect with the Asperkids in their life and get them excited about learning.

Being autistic, you might come across more challenges than others around you, such as dealing with ableism, discrimination in employment or difficulties in your relationships. Learning to successfully self-advocate will help you to build confidence, strengthen your relationships and ensure your needs are met. Written by two autistic activists, this book will give you the tools and strategies to advocate for yourself in any situation. It covers specific scenarios including work, school, and family and relationships, as well as looking at advocacy for the wider community, whether that's through social media, presentations or writing. Additionally, the book provides advice on building independence, developing your skills, standing up for others and resolving conflict. The authors also explore the overall impact of self-advocacy in all areas of your life, building a sense of confidence, resilience and control. Drawing on the authors' extensive experience, this book will help you to successfully prioritise your needs and rights, challenge what is unfair or unjust and make your voice heard.

Entertainers Roy and Dale Evans Rogers were thrilled when their little daughter Robin was born. But their excitement turned to concern when they were informed that Robin was born with Down's Syndrome and advised to "put her away." The Rogers ignored such talk and instead kept Robin, and she graced their home for two and a half years. Though Robin's time on earth was short, she changed her parents' lives and even made life better for other children born with special needs in the years to come.
Angel Unaware is Robin's account of her life as she looks down from heaven. As she speaks to God about the mission of love she just completed on earth, the reader sees how she brought her parents closer to God and encouraged them to help other children in need.
This book, which changed the way America treated children with special needs, is now available to a new generation. It is the perfect gift for parents of special needs children, parents grieving the death of a child, or anyone whose life has been touched by a special child.

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.
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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.

An early gem from the creator of the Kurt Wallander series, charting the life of a principled man through tragedy, heartbreak, true love and the battle for a nation's soul. "A very engaging portrait . . . There is a powerful lack of sentimentality to the telling of the story [and] a lovely and genuinely moving love story at the heart of the book." Liam Heylin, Irish Examiner At 3 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon in 1911, Oskar Johansson is caught in a blast in an industrial accident. The local newspaper reports him dead, but they are mistaken. Because Oskar Johansson is a born survivor. Though crippled, Oskar finds the strength to go on living and working. The Rock Blaster charts his long professional life - his hopes and dreams, sorrows and joys. His relationship with the woman whose love saved him, with the labour movement that gave him a cause to believe in, and with his children, who do not share his ideals. Henning Mankell's first published novel is steeped in the burning desire for social justice that informed his bestselling crime novels. Remarkably assured for a debut, it is written with scalpel-like precision, at once poetic and insightful in its depiction of a true working-class hero. Translated from the Swedish by George Goulding

*Strong potential: early intervention is critical for kids with autism. *Provides easy-to-learn, playful ways for parents to help their toddlers and preschoolers. *Based on the authors' Early Start program, shown by research to improve communication, behavior, and IQ. *Early Start is one of the few validated programs for young children with ASD-and the only one for toddlers. *Doable strategies fit easily into family routines and are compatible with any type of treatment.

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.

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.

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.

Murphys Don't Quit is a story of hope and resilience as one family rallies together during a tragedy. Colleen Murphys' daughter, Lauren, suffered severe brain damage after a tragic accident. Lauren remained in the hospital unidentified for several hours, she was not expected to survive. This story is a raw, honest account of the pitfalls and challenges a family faces while navigating life through brain injury. Murphys Don't Quit shows how one family combined a never-give-up attitude with faith, hope, and love. Throughout the chapters, readers see not just the highs, but the heartbreaking lows. Due to the family's Irish wit, humor often diffuses the devastating subject matter. Through the many grueling hours of therapy and by visiting specialists all over the country, Lauren was able to find her way back to a life filled with purpose and is now a highly sought after inspirational public speaker.

**NOW WITH AN AFTERWORD AND ADVICE FOR A NEW MOTHER** 'A powerful, moving and inspiring story - it opens up a whole new world of understanding.' Esther Freud 'This is wonderful. I urge you to read it. It is life enhancing and I defy you not to fall in love with Ben!' Natasha Poliszczuk, Books Editor, YOU Magazine 'An honest and unflinching account of Jessica's journey as the mother of a child born with complex needs. Essential reading... and a source of solace for those who may find themselves on a similar path.' Leah Hazard, author of Hard Pushed: A Midwife's Story 'Jessica's beautiful words gave me a deeper understanding about embracing disability. I am inspired and will be recommending this book to parents as a testament to following your parenting instincts.' Arabella Carter-Johnson, author of Iris Grace 'A gripping and vital insight into the lives of families trying to thrive in bureaucratic systems that all too often add to the challenges of providing disabled children with basic care and human rights. Impossible to put down.' Hannah Barham-Brown, deputy leader of the Women's Equality Party 'Rooted in love and is a moving story about the transformative power of adapting, practically and emotionally to changing circumstances. As a disabled adult, it was a joy to join the parent of a disabled child as they embrace Disability Culture and allyship.' Jess Thom, Touretteshero 'A courageous, heartrending story of grief, love and ultimately hope.' The Sun, 5 star review *** Jessica thought she was prepared for the experience of motherhood. Armed with advice from friends and family, parenting books and antenatal classes, she felt ready. After giving birth, she found herself facing a different, more uncertain reality. Her son, Ben, was fighting to stay alive. Jessica shares her journey raising Ben. His disability means he will never be able to move or communicate without assistance. Jessica has to learn how to feed Ben when he can't eat, wrestle with red tape to secure his education and defend his basic rights in the face of discrimination. But the act of reading to Ben enriches both their lives and brings them joy. As Ben begins to thrive, alongside his two younger siblings, Jessica finds that caring for a child with unique needs teaches her about appreciating difference and doing things your own way. This uplifting story is about the power of family love, finding inner strength and, above all, hope.

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.

After Stroke: Enhancing Quality of Life brings together an extraordinary selection of advice, practical survivor techniques, information about resources, and personal stories of triumph. It is designed to help those who have experienced a stroke attain the highest quality of life possible, under their new physical restrictions.Recuperating from a stroke is an arduous process that has only just begun when the survivor is released from the hospital. This book shows anyone interested how to create an effective climate for healing and how to help the survivor realize his/her fullest recovery potential. It offers varied perspectives of everyone involved with a stroke: the patient, the family, and friends as well as the team of specialized physicians, nurses, psychologists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, and diverse therapists.Through its interesting and varied essays, After Stroke: Enhancing the Quality of Life offers the reader a clearer understanding of the injuries that the body as well as the mind have sustained. This anthology is carefully designed to present enhanced perspectives into all aspects of the healing and recovery processes that follow the personal tragedy of a stroke.

Comprised of the accounts of twelve heterosexual couples in which the man is on the Autism Spectrum, this book invites both partners to discuss their own perspectives of different key issues, including anxiety, empathy, employment and socialising. Autism expert Tony Attwood contributes a commentary and a question and answer section for each of the twelve accounts. The first book of its kind to provide perspectives from both sides of a relationship on a variety of different topics, Neurodiverse Relationships is the perfect companion for couples in neurodiverse relationships who are trying to understand one another better.

For people with ASDs, depression is common, and has particular features and causes. This outstanding book provides a comprehensive review of these aspects, and an effective self-help guide for anyone with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affected by depression. Written by the leading experts in the field, the book explains and describes depression, the forms it can take, and how it looks and feels for a person on the autism spectrum. The authors draw on the latest thinking and research to suggest strategies for coping with the effects of depression and provide a complete step-by-step CBT self-help programme, designed specifically for individuals with ASDs. The programme helps increase self-awareness, including identifying personal triggers, and provides the tools to combat depression.

* This anthology has been curated by a seasoned playwright, academic, director and actor who has lived experience of being deaf. * Would be recommended reading in deaf studies and deaf culture courses across the world. * This book is the first anthology of its kind.

Why is Autism Spectrum Disorder so misunderstood in girls and women and why do so many go under the radar without the support that they need? This practical guide explains the unique issues that affect females with autism and provides tools and strategies that girls, women and their families can use in day-to-day life. Following the story of Alison, a girl diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, through both childhood and adulthood, we get an inside view of the challenges that girls and women with autism face. Straightforward information and advice is provided on key topics including: * social skills and communication * how to overcome bullying * sensory issues and food sensitivity * the need for routine * perceptions of gender * and physiological changes. Essential reading for parents of daughters on the spectrum, as well as girls and women who carry the diagnosis themselves.

Meet Mallory Weggemann: a Paralympic gold-medalist, world champion swimmer, ESPY winner, and NBC Sports commentator whose extraordinary story will give you the encouragement you need to rise up to meet any challenge you face in life. On January 21, 2008, a routine medical procedure left Mallory paralyzed from her waist down. Less than two years later, Mallory had broken eight world records, and by the 2012 Paralympic Games, she held fifteen world records and thirty-four American records. Two years after that, a devastating fall severely damaged her left arm. But despite all of the hardships that Mallory faced, she was sure about one thing: she refused to give up. After two reconstructive surgeries and extended rehab, she won two gold medals and a silver medal at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships. And even better, she found confidence, independence, and persevering love. She even walked down the aisle on her wedding day against all odds. Mallory's extraordinary resilience and uncompromising commitment to excellence are rooted in her resolve, her faith, and her sheer grit. In Limitless, Mallory shares the lessons she learned by pushing past every obstacle and expectation that stood in her way, teaching you how to: redefine your limits remember that healing is not chronological be willing to fail lean on your community embrace your comeback write your own ending Mallory's story reminds us that we can handle whatever challenges, labels, or difficulties we face in life, and we can do it on our own terms. Because when we refuse to accept every boundary that hems us in--physical, emotional, or societal--we become limitless.

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.

Covering everything from recognising symptoms and obtaining initial diagnosis to living with the condition on a daily basis, this complete guide to living with and managing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Hypermobility Type - formerly known as Type III) has been revised and fully-updated in this accessible new edition. The author, who has the condition, looks at how it affects children and adolescents and explores pain management, pregnancy, physical and psychological aspects, and how it widely affects dancers and other performance artists. New material includes: changes in terminology information on how osteopathy and nutrition can help psychological approaches beyond CBT how to deal with professionals what to expect from support groups and rehabilitation programmes This new edition will be a must for anybody who suffers, or suspects they might be suffering from, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Hypermobility Type) and provides everything needed to enjoy a fulfilling life with this complex condition. It will also be of interest to their families and friends, and professionals working with Hypermobility Type EDS.