A Richard and Judy Book club selection. In the summer of 1990, Cathy's brother Matty was knocked down by a car on the way home from a night out. It was two weeks before his GCSE results, which turned out to be the best in his school. Sitting by his unconscious body in hospital, holding his hand and watching his heartbeat on the monitors, Cathy and her parents willed him to survive. They did not know then that there are many and various fates worse than death. This is the story of what happened to Cathy and her brother, and the unimaginable decision that she and her parents had to make eight years after the night that changed everything. It's a story for anyone who has ever watched someone suffer or lost someone they loved or lived through a painful time that left them forever changed. Told with boundless warmth and affection, The Last Act of Love by Cathy Rentzenbrink is a heartbreaking yet uplifting testament to a family's survival and the price we pay for love.

The trauma of brain injury affects many people besides the injured one, and this book offers hope to all of them. A guide to psychological recovery after the loss and upheaval that follow such an event, this book is full of new ideas and experience -- something many survivors and their caregivers have run out of. In clear language and with easy-to-follow exercises, the authors lead the reader through the four stages of psychological recovery: becoming more self-aware, recovering emotionally, thinking in new ways, and changing behaviour.

What can I do to help my child with autism grow and learn like other kids? What are the classic characteristics of autism? How can physical therapy or occupational therapy help? Should I give my child medication for her autism? Will my child ever recover from autism?
It is currently estimated that 1 in 150 kids is affected by autism-and that number is increasing at an alarming rate. In a time when parents are overwhelmed by confusing and often conflicting information, The Autism Answer Book is a reassuring, authoritative reference for you and your family. Inside these pages you?ll find clear and confident counsel, and straightforward answers to your most pressing questions.

Written by an experienced writer and teacher, The Autism Answer Book answers your most important questions, including:
--What causes autism?
--How do I explain my child's autism to relatives and extended family?
--How do I deal with my other children's envious feelings because of the extra attention I give my child with autism?
-- What are some early warning signs that a parent should look for?
--Will my child always need care and supervision?
--What makes a professional qualified to make an autism diagnosis?
Written in an easy-to-read question-and-answer format, The Autism Answer Book helps you understand your child and develop a plan to help him succeed.
William Stillman is the author of Autism and the God Connection and The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Asperger's Syndrome, and is a contributor and columnist for the national quarterly magazine The Autism Perspective. His website is www.williamstillman.com and he lives in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

**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.

Haben grew up spending summers with her family in the enchanting Eritrean city of Asmara. There, she discovered courage as she faced off against a bull she couldn't see, and found in herself an abiding strength as she absorbed her parents' harrowing experiences during Eritrea's thirty-year war with Ethiopia. Their refugee story inspired her to embark on a quest for knowledge, traveling the world in search of the secret to belonging. She explored numerous fascinating places, including Mali, where she helped build a school under the scorching Saharan sun. Her many adventures over the years range from the hair-raising to the hilarious. Haben defines disability as an opportunity for innovation. She learned non-visual techniques for everything from dancing salsa to handling an electric saw. She developed a text-to-braille communication system that created an exciting new way to connect with people. Haben pioneered her way through obstacles, graduated from Harvard Law, and now uses her talents to advocate for people with disabilities. HABEN takes readers through a thrilling game of blind hide-and-seek in Louisiana, a treacherous climb up an iceberg in Alaska, and a magical moment with President Obama at The White House. Warm, funny, thoughtful, and uplifting, this captivating memoir is a testament to one woman's determination to find the keys to connection.

Will Attwood was finishing a three-year sentence in prison when he was formally diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome for the first time. After his diagnosis he recognised just how much it had been affecting his life behind bars. This book is a practical advice guide for people with autism who have been sentenced to time in prison. Will shares his first-hand knowledge of what to expect and how to behave within the penal system. He sheds light on topics that are important for people with autism, answering questions such as: How should you act with inmates and guards? How do you avoid trouble? What about a prison's environmental stimuli may cause you anxiety? His thoughtful, measured writing debunks rumours about daily life in prison, and the useful tips and observations he offers will help anyone with autism prepare for the realities of spending time incarcerated, and be enormously helpful to those working with offenders on the autism spectrum.

This is a simple, research-based guide to overcoming attention problems through mindfulness and meditation. The heart of the book is an 8-step programme that teaches simple yet powerful midfulness practices, adapted for those struggling with ADHD.

Communication is one of life's most fundamental joys, yet one often taken for granted until it is lost or fails to develop. Yet for millions of children each year, the skills that encompass communication stall or do not emerge at all. Even a mild disorder or temporary interruption in development can have long-term effects and results in serious and far-reaching deficits that touch every aspect of a child's life. Each year, millions of children and their families join the ranks of those who are navigating a life they never expected, and frequently feel they are unable to take on. While it is critical to address the child's deficits with supports and specific interventions, it is equally important to directly address the impact on the family, from the marital relationship to the well-being of siblings. With a warm and compassionate approach, Suzanne Ducharme provides parents with comprehensive information about speech and language development and the intervention process, but also delves deeply into the fears, concerns, and questions that every parent faces when something goes wrong. She provides families with information and resources, but also support and perspective. Using real stories throughout, Ducharme is able to illustrate the range of difficulties, challenges, and triumphs of families who love and support children with speech and language issues.

'Urgent, compelling and lyrically, luminously beautiful . . . a brilliant, heart-rending read.' Psychologies Magazine Brown constellates the subjects that define her inside and out: a disabled and conspicuous body, a religious conversion, a missing twin, a life in poetry. As she does, she depicts vividly for us not only her own life but a striking array of sites and topics, among them Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and the world's oldest anatomical theater, Eugenics, and Jerry Falwell's Liberty University. Throughout, Brown offers us the gift of her exquisite sentences, woven together in consideration, always, of what it means to be human: flawed, potent, feeling.

Head injury affects approximately 1 in 300 families in England and Wales. It happens 'out of the blue' - without warning and therefore can be a bewildering and frightening experience, and frequently has a dramatic and sometimes devastating effect on the lives of the people involved. The sudden onset and the uncertainty surrounding recovery means that head injury often presents families with a wide array of emotions such as fear, guilt and sadness. With no previous experiences to guide them, people with head injury and their families can feel overwhelmed.
This book begins with essential information about head injury including basic knowledge about the brain and how it is damaged. The book goes on to explore typical problems associated with a head injury and how to cope with specific issues. The third section provides support and guidance about how to deal with the long term consequences of a head injury, including information on where to find further support. Head Injury: The Facts is a family guide to understanding and coping with the practical and emotional problems that head injury brings.

Dr. Bates 1st, Original book in Antique 1920 Print. (Black & White Edition) Includes 1st Edition 'The Cure Of Imperfect Sight By Treatment Without Glasses'. Five editions combined. All of W. H. Bates treatments and Dr. Bates Better Eyesight Magazine 'Page Two' of 132 Issues of his best Natural Eyesight Practices for every eye, vision condition; Myopia, Presbyopia, Astigmatism... Fundamental Treatments, Steps by Dr. Bates & Emily C. A. Lierman, Bates (Dr. Bates assistant, wife). Natural Methods by Bernarr MacFadden. Eyecharts. Ophthalmologist William H. Bates discovered Natural Eyesight Improvement, 'The Bates Method'. He discovered the true function of the eyes (visual system) and applied natural methods, relaxation to return the eyes, eye muscles to normal function for healthy eyes, clear vision. He cured; unclear close and distant vision, astigmatism, crossed/wandering eyes, cataracts, glaucoma & other eye conditions. Natural Eyesight Improvement was practiced years before Dr. Bates discovered it. It is the normal, natural function of the eyes. Dr. Bates book, magazines, method has been hidden from the public by eye doctors, opticians for over 100 years because this method works, is easy, anyone can learn and teach it, including children. It produces healthy eyes, clear vision and frees the patient from the need to purchase eyeglasses, drugs, unnecessary eye surgery. It can reverse, prevent cataracts and other eye conditions Includes 20 Printable, Color PDF E-Books - All of Ophthalmologist Bates, Clark Night's Paperback & Kindle books, All books listed on Dr. Bates Amazon Author's page listed below; + Perfect Sight Without Glasses, 'The Cure of Imperfect Sight by Treatment Without Glasses' by Dr. Bates. Photo Copy of the Original Antique Book Pages with Pictures. (Text version with additional Modern Treatments included.) + Original Antique Better Eyesight Magazine by Ophthalmologist William H. Bates - Photo copy of all his Original Magazine Pages in the 1900's Print. (Unedited, Full Set, 132 Magazine Issues-11 Years-July, 1919 to June, 1930.) Learn a variety of Natural Eyesight Improvement Treatments directly from the Original Eye Doctor that discovered and practiced this effective, safe, natural method + Better Eyesight Magazine by Ophthalmologist William H. Bates - (Unedited, Full Set -132 Magazine Issues - 11 Years-July, 1919 to June, 1930.) Illustrated with 500 Pictures and additional, up to date Modern Natural Eyesight Improvement Training. + Medical Articles by Dr. Bates - with Pictures. + Stories From The Clinic by Emily C. A. Lierman/Bates. (Dr. Bates Clinic Assistant, Wife.) + Use Your Own Eyes & Normal Sight Without Glasses by Dr. William B. MacCracken, M.D. (Trained with Dr. Bates.) + Strengthening The Eyes by Bernarr MacFadden, Dr. Bates - with Pictures & Modern Training. (Trained with Dr. Bates. One of the 1st Physical Fitness Teachers.) + EFT Training Booklet - with Acupressure, Energy balance-strengthening, Positive Emotions, Pictures. +Do It Yourself-Natural Eyesight Improvement-Original and Modern Bates Method. 100+ Color Pictures. Less reading; Easy to learn steps-read the short directions on the pictures to quickly learn, apply a treatment, activity for Fast Vision Improvement. + Clear Close Vision, Reading Fine Print Clear. + Ten Steps For Clear Eyesight +The Basics of Natural Eyesight Improvement. + Astigmatism Removal and other books. + Eyecharts Book with Training-15 Large, Small and Fine Print. Big C, E Charts for Close and Distant Vision, White and Black Letter Charts, Tumbling E Chart, Astigmatism Test and Removal Charts, Eyechart Video Lessons. Pass the driver's license eye exam. + Audio, Videos in Every Chapter - Learn a Treatment, Activity Quick and Easy. 100 Natural Eyesight Improvement Training Videos. See 'William H. Bates Author's Page' for Pictures, Videos, full description of the Paperback and 20 E-books; amazon.com/William-H.-Bates/e/B004H9DOBC/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_

From the moment she first held her new-born son in her arms, Anne Crosby knew something was wrong with him. Although the staff at the London hospital dismissed her response as cruel and unmaternal, her instincts were correct: Matthew had Down syndrome. Struggling with feelings of shock and grief, Crosby determined that she would do whatever she could to help Matthew lead as full a life as possible. This is the moving, candid, insightful, and often surprising account of the life Matthew made with the help of his mother and other caring people. With her painter's eye for the colourful detail and a Dickensian ear for the voices of her characters, Crosby describes Matthew's family and friends, doctors and teachers - a large cast that includes Alice Strong, his Cockney caregiver, the famous child psychologist D W Winnicott, and Princess Anne, a benefactor of MacIntyre, Matthew's boarding school. Crosby evokes the forbidding atmosphere of Normansfield, the residential institution founded by the man who gave his name to Down syndrome; the spacious beauty of Mentmore, the country estate where she often took Matthew for outings; and the touching camaraderie of the hospital ward in which Matthew died of heart failure at twenty-four. In this remarkable memoir, Crosby also explores Matthew's inner life, revealing his playful mimicry and unexpected humour, his outbursts of affection and occasional fits of temper, his gallantry toward his first love, and his disappointment over the loss of his first job. Anne Crosby's portrait of her son gives us an abiding image of Matthew that deepens our understanding of what it means to be human.

'A great and inspiring book from Doncaster's bravest son. Read it in a day' - Jeremy Clarkson 'Ben is the embodiment of positive thinking. What he has achieved, in large part through willpower, is nothing short of miraculous. An inspiration to us all' - Ant Middleton The story of Ben Parkinson MBE, the most injured soldier to have survived Afghanistan --- What were you doing when you were 22? Where were you in the world? What did you want to do with your life? Ben Parkinson was a 6'4" Paratrooper. He was in Afghanistan fighting for his country. He wanted to always be a soldier, to be a father and to get home in one piece. But we don't always get what we want. So the question is: how do we react when that happens? Easy: You find something new to fight for. Ben Parkinson MBE is an inspiration to everyone. He suffered 37 injuries when his Land Rover hit a mine in Helmand in 2006, including brain damage, breaking his back and losing both his legs. This book follows the story of what led him to that moment his life changed forever - and what happened next. Doctors didn't think Ben could survive the trauma - then they didn't think he would wake up, or talk again, or walk again. Time after time, Ben pushed the ceiling on what was possible, going on to carry the Olympic flame in 2012 and receiving an MBE for the enormous feats he has undertaken for charity. What he has achieved in the face of adversity - for others as well as for himself - is nothing short of a miracle. Nerve-wracking, heart-warming and full of classic soldier's humour, Losing the Battle, Winning the War is a book you'll be thinking about long after the last page. 'Ben Parkinson is my hero. His story is one of immeasurable courage and character, a testament to the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit' - Dan Jarvis MP, author of Long Way Home

Rate your pain on a scale of one to ten. What about on a scale of spicy to citrus? Is it more like a lava lamp or a mosaic? Pain, though a universal element of human experience, is dimly understood and sometimes barely managed. Pain Woman Takes Your Keys, and Other Essays from a Nervous System is a collection of literary and experimental essays about living with chronic pain. Sonya Huber moves away from a linear narrative to step through the doorway into pain itself, into that strange, unbounded reality. Although the essays are personal in nature, this collection is not a record of the author's specific condition but an exploration that transcends pain's airless and constraining world and focuses on its edges from wild and widely ranging angles. Huber addresses the nature and experience of invisible disability, including the challenges of gender bias in our health care system, the search for effective treatment options, and the difficulty of articulating chronic pain. She makes pain a lens of inquiry and lyricism, finds its humor and complexity, describes its irascible character, and explores its temperature, taste, and even its beauty.