What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? What does a diagnosis of ASD mean for the child and for you? How can you learn to fully understand behaviours common to ASD and help the child grow and prosper? This short introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone encountering ASD for the first time. The book covers all of the essential information needed to ground an understanding of the condition and offers effective practical strategies for assisting children who are living with ASD. It advocates putting aside conventional thinking and considering things from a different perspective - the way that the child with ASD sees the world. This concise and straight-talking guide to ASD will ensure parents, carers, teachers and other professionals feel confident, informed and able to cope with the road ahead.

Teenagers and older children on the autism spectrum are, like everyone else, surrounded by complex social codes and rules that govern everyday interaction, but have much more difficulty in interpreting them. Reading cues such as sarcasm, idioms and body language often presents an impossible challenge, but this book of realistic and thought-provoking stories provides much needed help. Written with both parent and teen in mind, every story outlines a real-life situation that young people on the autism spectrum are likely to encounter. Each story is followed by questions such as 'what else might he have done?', 'how do you think she felt?' and 'why do you think they were upset?' along with practical tips for parents on how to initiate constructive discussions. As teens consider these questions with adults, they will begin to be able to put themselves into someone else's shoes and think about how their actions and behaviour may affect those around them. This process will equip them to transfer this invaluable understanding and confidence to other everyday life situations. Packed with 60 stories exploring real-life situations, this book will be an essential tool for parents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone else wishing to enable young people on the autism spectrum to acquire great social skills.

God's Immeasurable Grace. It's the most important ingredient for the perfect love story. Tragic circumstances often stretch relationships to their breaking point. But God's grace is always more than enough. For Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada, enduring quadriplegia, chronic pain, cancer, and depression only made their love more vibrant through thirty years of marriage. Discover a bond that has seen the worst and claimed the best. With sixteen pages of photos, peek into Joni and Ken's challenges firsthand. Discover God's immeasurable grace along the way, as their story inspires and enriches your own relationships. A love untold. Until now. Ken underestimated the challenges of marrying a woman with quadriplegia. Even the honeymoon wasn't easy. Through their years together, Ken becomes increasingly overwhelmed by the unceasing demands of caring for a woman with chronic, extreme, nightmarish pain. He sinks into depression. Though living under the same roof, they drift apart. In the midst of their deepest struggles with depression and pain, Ken and Joni return to the one true answer to their struggles. One that is far from a denial of Joni's diagnosis or thoughts of how wonderful a quick exit to heaven would be. In their darkest hour, Ken and Joni encounter a heavenly visitation that changes their lives--and maybe yours too--forever.

In this updated edition, Olga Bogdashina provides a theoretical foundation for understanding communication and language impairments specific to autism. She explores the effects of different perceptual and cognitive styles on the communication and language development of autistic children. She also stresses the importance of identifying each individual's nonverbal language - which can be visual, tactile, kinaesthetic, auditory, olfactory or gustatory - to establish verbal communication. Reflecting recent research and changes in terminology, the book explains why some approaches may work for some autistic children but not for others, and the 'What They Say' sections allow the reader to see through the eyes of autistic individuals and understand their language differences first-hand. 'What We Can Do to Help' sections throughout the book give practical recommendations for helping autistic individuals use their natural mechanisms to learn and develop social and communicative skills. The final chapters are devoted to assessment and intervention issues with recommendations for selecting appropriate methods and techniques to enhance communication, based on the specific mode of communication a person uses.

A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome presents an empowering, practical approach to helping people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to succeed at college, at work, at home and in life. The authors highlight how treating AS as a `problem' is unproductive, and advocate a solution focused approach which recognizes and uses the strengths of people with AS to foster mutual respect and understanding. Drawing on both their personal experience and knowledge of counselling, the authors use anecdotes and stories to show how people with AS cope in day-to-day situations. They also illustrate how effective communication and understanding of a person's needs and goals are key to improving daily life for people with AS. The final section of the book comprises practical worksheets and resources to help people with AS to recognize their achievements and work towards their goals. This book will be of interest to people who are affected by AS, their families, and the people who work with them.

Drawing on rich empirical work emerging from core conflict regions within the island nation of Sri Lanka, this book illustrates the critical role that women with disabilities play in post-armed conflict rebuilding and development. This pathbreaking book shows the critical role that women with disabilities play in post-armed conflict rebuilding and development. Through offering a rare yet important insight into the processes of gendered-disability advocacy activation within the post-conflict environment, it provides a unique counter narrative to the powerful images, symbols and discourses that too frequently perpetuate disabled women's so-called need for paternalistic forms of care. Rather than being the mere recipients of aid and help, the narratives of women with disabilities reveal the generative praxis of social solidarity and cohesion, progressed via their nascent collective practices of gendered-disability advocacy. It will be of interest to academics and students working in the fields of disability studies, gender studies, post-conflict studies, peace studies and social work.

Organisation and Everyday Life with Dyslexia and other SpLDs is the second book in the series Living Confidently with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs). This book is about the wide impacts of dyslexia/ SpLD on everyday life. All dyslexic/ SpLD people live with the possibility that their mind will function in a dyslexic/ SpLD way at any moment, regardless of strategies that they have acquired or developed. Even people with many strategies can suddenly find themselves struggling with their dyslexia/ SpLD again. This book is adressed to dyslexic/ spld readers. Organisation is promoted as a tool to minimise the effets of dyselxia /spLD. The book covers: * situations that might disrupt organisation * a systematic approach to organisation * everyday life, study peripherals and employment. It has many life stories to help readers recognise the impacts of their own dyslexia/ SpLD. Dyslexic/ SpLDs have the potential to offer skills and alternative approaches to tasks. Often, the solutions that they devise for themselves are very useful to the non-dyslexic/ SpLD people around them, which can enhance their self-confidence. When organisation suits the individual with SpLD innate intelligence and potential can be realised.

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.

This collection of illustrated portraits celebrates the lives of influential neurodivergent figures who have achieved amazing things in recent times. Showcasing these 30 incredible people, the extraordinary stories in this book show that the things they've achieved, created and inspired they did not despite being different but because they are different. From politicians, activists and journalists to YouTubers, DJs and poets, this book highlights a wide range of exciting career paths for neurodivergent readers.

Have you ever been told you are chatty or fidgety at school? Do you have a constantly whirring mind? Do you 'tune out' and daydream or find it hard to pay attention? ADHD can impact your life in many ways. This positive, self-affirming guide will increase your knowledge about ADHD and empower you in your daily life. The chapters are full of tips, tricks and life hacks so you can better manage your time, harness your creativity, energy and enthusiasm, and make more time for fun! Reflection activities and quizzes will help you better understand yourself and learn strategies on how to manage the intense emotions of rejection sensitivity. You'll learn the fundamentals of great self-care and how to look forward to life beyond school. Learn how ADHD brains work, and tricky concepts like executive functioning. Quick chapter summaries let you pick which sections are most relevant to you right now, and the strategies and visuals are designed for ADHD brains and can be used with support from parents, mentors or teachers. The Teenage Girl's Guide to Living Well with ADHD gives you all you need to build on your strengths and overcome challenges to fully embrace who you are and live your best life.

""In his book "Understanding Dyslexia" Denis Lawrence leaves no stone unturned. This up-to-date book provides a comprehensive account of all aspects of dyslexia. The author's knowledge, experience and empathy is evident and the book can be recommended for all who want a simple account of the nature and consequences of dyslexia."
Professor Maggie Snowling, University of York, UK

" This book is] a very readable introduction and guide covering theories of dyslexia and important areas of practical importance to those living with dyslexia or providing support for them."
J.B.Thomas, Loughborough University, UK"

Dyslexia affects at least ten per cent of children and is the most common special educational need that teachers encounter. However, the characteristics of dyslexia can mean that it is often confused with other learning difficulties.

Whether you are a teacher or a parent, this easy-to-read book helps you to understand what is meant by 'dyslexia', providing clear guidance for identifying the signs and outlining practical strategies for helping and supporting dyslexic children.

As well as examining current popular definitions of dyslexia, the book offers a fresh definition, based on current research. Each chapter helps you to understand the unique challenges faced by dyslexic children in their learning of literacy skills and shows that the combined efforts of parents and teachers really can make a difference.

Key features include: Coverage of the most popular methods used in the assessment of dyslexia Strategies and techniques to help dyslexic children develop their literacy skills at school and at home A focus on how to enhance and maintain self-esteem in dyslexic children A look at other specific learning difficulties that overlap or can be confused with dyslexia Discussion of society's attitude towards dyslexia and the need for further understanding of the concept "Understanding Dyslexia" is valuable reading for trainee and practising teachers, SENCOs and parents.

Telling your child about their autism diagnosis can be daunting. Will they be better off for knowing? What's the right way to tell them? Should you inform anyone else too? As a mother of two children on the spectrum, with over ten years' experience as a psychologist specialising in childhood autism, Raelene Dundon has all the tips you'll need. In this concise book, she sets out case studies, examples and resources that will equip you to make your own informed choices and help your whole family to live well with autism. Part One provides ways to tell children of different ages and development levels about their diagnosis, including photocopiable and downloadable worksheets designed to help diagnosed children understand autism, and gives advice on what to do if they react in a negative or unexpected way to the news. Part Two explores the pros and cons of sharing the diagnosis with others, including family, friends, school staff and your child's classmates, and guides you through what to do if others don't understand or accept the diagnosis.

When in 1996, Patricia Stacey gave birth to her second child, a baby boy, she quickly noticed an emptiness in his gaze - a vacant quality that emphasized her sense that he was ill at ease in his own body. By the time Walker was five months old, his gaze was obsessively directed towards windows - light had become his true north.;Despite the reassurance of many health professionals that Walker was fine, during the weeks and months that followed the family continued to question the experts, who finally arrived at a diagnosis of "sensory integration problems"; a term inextricably linked with autism.;Refusing to accept that this diagnosis would lead to the finality of an autistic disorder, the family dedicated four years to incessantly drawing Walker away from the sirens that seemed to call him inwards, using the latest play-based techniques. Progress was often painfully gradual, and yet sometimes they made astonishing leaps on the back of seemingly bizarre treatments like simply rubbing the roof of Walker's mouth.;Not only a story of Walker's development, "The Boy Who Loved Windows" also follows his parents' journey of understanding and coming to terms with Walker's difficulties.; In 20

Embodying Youth: Exploring Youth Ministry and Disability seeks to help close the gap between disability theology and youth ministry education. What is youth ministry? And who is it for? Christian youth workers and ministers in the West have been answering these questions either implicitly or explicitly for decades. The ways we answer these questions, and the ways in which we go about answering them, have huge implications with regards to the faithfulness and effectiveness of the church's ministry with young people. These questions have not always been pursued with the experience of disability in mind. In fact, it is often excluded, not only from the academic field but from the church's practice of youth ministry as well. In this book, scholars and youth workers seek to attend to the questions of youth ministry by putting the experience of disability at the forefront, with hope not only that the church might include young people with disabilities, but also that our very understanding of what youth ministry is, and who youth ministry is for might be transformed, for the sake of the gospel. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Disability & Religion.

Most people with Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD) or Asperger Syndrome (AS) are underemployed. This book sets out to change this. With practical and technical advice on everything from job hunting to interview techniques, from 'fitting in' in the workplace to whether or not to disclose a diagnosis, this book guides people with NLD or AS successfully through the employment mine field. There is also information for employers, agencies and careers counsellors on AS and NLD as 'invisible' disabilities, including an analysis of the typical strengths of somebody with NLD or AS, and how to use these positively in the workplace. Practical information and lists of career resources are supported by numerous case studies to inspire and advise. An essential resource for people with NLD or AS seeking or in employment and their existing or potential employers.

Young people with autism can be particularly susceptible to setbacks, often leading to depression and a sense of hopelessness. Using Social Stories (TM), this book introduces a different way of looking at common life setbacks, and offer tools to overcome these obstacles, build resilience and develop coping strategies for the future. Based on Carol Gray's highly effective Social Stories (TM) model, this new guide shows how to help individuals with autism deal with challenges specific to them, and how to bounce back from the negative experiences that they encounter. This book is an invaluable guide for learning to create personalised Social Stories (TM) that can be used to develop resilience in people with autism and help them to cope better with adversity.

This book is a composition of powerful, poignant and perceptive poems that depict life on the autism spectrum. Written by a young person with High Functioning Autism, the poems reflect on her school and college years, capturing sadness at being marginalised as well as appreciation for the people who supported her. The poems provide important insights on the difficulties that people on the autism spectrum face, including deep anxiety and developing social relationships. Although 1 in 100 people have this condition, as it affects everyone differently, it is often misunderstood and ignored. Lauren's book adds to the calls for perception of autism to be widened, encouraging a positive and informed attitude towards those with this complex condition. Author Bio: Lauren lives in North Somerset and has a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism. She recently completed a degree in Special Education and founded an autism company supporting young people on the spectrum, their parents, and professionals. In her spare time, I enjoy baking, travelling, and going hiking. As a young person with autism, Lauren has faced misunderstandings and adversity, particularly during mainstream education. Writing poetry was a strategy she used to channel her anxieties and frustrations as well as to communicate her gratitude towards those who supported her. Writing helped to build Lauren's confidence and resilience and enabled her to find her voice.

A beautifully designed book (packed with photos) full of wise words and encouragement from successful dyslexics working in comedy, architecture, law, fashion and many other amazing (and achievable!) careers. Honest about the challenges of dyslexia (like problems or embarrassment at school), while showing how its strengths can be used to your advantage (for example how visualising and big picture thinking can make you shine at work), this is a book of colourful conversations with creative, motivated and successful people who are brilliant at what they do, and who achieve incredible things because of their dyslexia. There is also a section from people working to support people with dyslexia, who have researched the subject or work directly helping dyslexics on a day to day basis, who they share their top tips and advice gleaned from their years of experience. Read on to gain encouragement and inspiration in your own careers!

Tools for Disabled People from a Disabled PersonLauren "Lolo'' Spencer provides a candid and real inside look into the life of being a disabled person. This disability advocate embarks on the importance of visibility for the disabled community because representation matters! Words from someone doing the work. Lolo Spencer gained popularity as a YouTube personality. On her platform, Sitting Pretty, she encourages viewers to achieve their dreams through making strong choices. Lolo shares how she navigates daily life with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). You are more than your limits. Choosing to see herself as more than a wheelchair handicapped disabled person, Lolo chooses to live a bold and courageous life now because representation matters. She created this intersectional guide to provide tools for disabled people to thrive in personal growth, independence, and community building. Add this guide to your list of inclusion books! Inside, you'll find: An intersectional guide on how to grow personally and professionally Tools for disabled people to live a full life despite limitations and expectations Words from the inspiring Lauren "Lolo" Spencer, your favorite disability advocate If you're looking for gifts for disabled people to get encouraged like Disability Visibility, Demystifying Disability, or Rolling Warrior, you'll love Rolling Pretty.

With the help of this handy guide, you can bring tried and tested occupational therapy activities into your home and encourage your child to succeed with everyday tasks while having fun in the process. This expanded edition of the award-winning book includes new advice on toilet training, coping with changes in routine, repetitive behaviors, self-regulation and much more. The simple explanations and easy exercises will soon make daily activities enjoyable and productive.

Potty training a child with developmental disorders can be a real challenge, and sometimes the extra difficulties make you feel as though you've tried everything, and failed. In this book, Brenda Batts shows how you can overcome problems, big and small, and provides tried and tested methods that really work, tailored to each individual child. Bursting with ideas on how to see past conventional strategies and adapt toilet training to suit your child, this book outlines methods that have helped even the most despairing of parents and caregivers. Examples of success stories range from two-year-olds to adults aged 20, and show that no matter how difficult it may seem, a little creativity and adaptation can get anyone toilet trained, however many previous attempts have failed. The program itself is supported by plenty of helpful hints and tips, as Brenda covers all you need to get your child past the diaper stage and help them to achieve a big step towards independence. This book is a must for anybody looking to toilet train someone with developmental disorders.

Toilet training can be a battleground for parents and children. In this book-the only one on the market dealing with the specific issues involved in toilet training children with autism-Maria Wheeler offers a detailed roadmap for success, based on over twenty years of experience. Easy-to-read bulleted lists offer over 200 do's and don'ts presented, along with more than fifty real-life examples. Learn, among other things, how to gauge "readiness," overcome fear of the bathroom, teach how to use toilet paper, flush and wash up, and deal with toileting in unfamiliar environments. A life preserver for parents and reluctant children! Helpful chapters include: The Importance of Toilet Training Determining Readiness Developing a Toileting Routine Communicating the Need to Use the Toilet Toileting in Unfamiliar Environments Nighttime Training Common Problems (and Solutions) Associated with Toilet Training Persons with Autism