Young people come to realize, sometimes painfully early, that it isn't always possible to depend on adults to make sure they are treated safely, fairly, and legally. When teens are faced with situations that are unfair, immoral, illegal, and unjust, they do not need to be victims. They can learn to speak up for themselves effectively to improve their own lives and the lives of others. The skill of self-advocacy rarely comes naturally for teens. Self-Advocacy: The Ultimate Teen Guide offers a set of skills for young people to sort through and acquire and encourages them to speak up about what is bothering them. The book gives them helpful tools they can adapt to deal with adults they must work with and in some cases against in order to come to a solution to their problem. Self-Advocacy provides information teens need to have to advocate for themselves. The introduction and first three chapters explain what self-advocacy is; identify when and why it might be necessary for teens to speak up for themselves; provide a step-by-step guide on how to self-advocate successfully; and offer specific, real-world advice about how to wisely use the power of the media to publicize their cause. Seven issue-specific chapters follow. Each topic is treated in a dignified, organized, and comprehensive way, providing information teens can use and resources they can draw upon. The issues and information in those chapters deal with the real world and don't shy away from the difficulties young people encounter every day, such as personal rights, school issues, learning disabilities, physical disability, sexuality, legal issues, and foster care. Each chapter includes the voices and experiences of teens who have encountered issues and decided to speak up for and get what they need. Teens who learn how to advocate for themselves and then act are not only taking steps to right whatever wrong they have been facing, they are also preparing themselves for a successful adult life.

Exclusively written for teenagers and young adults dealing with a wide variety of learning disabilities-including ADHD and dyslexia-this accessible resource offers the tools for taking a proactive role in identifying, understanding, and overcoming the obstacles facing teens with learning disabilities. Learning Disabilities provides a clear and informative overview of the most common disabilities, appealing to teenagers with its easy-to-read format and positive tips for success.

While not a substitute for professional medical advice, this book is a source of information about common medical conditions that teens often face. The medications that are commonly prescribed for that condition are listed along with a description of how the medication works in the body, the brand name and generic or chemical ingredients for the medication, and the common side effects and possible interactions with food and other drugs. Additionally, strategies for coping with the stigma associated with taking medications for chronic conditions are included. The goal of this book is to inform the teen about the medications, enabling the teen to be an active participant in his or her treatment with medications. For example, a suggested list of questions to ask the doctor or pharmacist is provided. Questions such as "What food, drinks, or other medications should I avoid while taking this medication?" "What do I do if I miss a dose?" "What are the possible side effects, and which side effects should I report and which should I ignore?" "How long before I see positive effects and know that the medication is working?" By thinking about his or her lifestyle, the teen will be alert to anything that could affect the medication and symptoms that signal side effects or possible other problems with the medication. Being well informed and playing an active role in the decision-making process can help teens to feel more in control of their medical conditions. Medication issues such as dealing with several different doctors or specialists, taking several different medications, why not to order medications from another country or from the web, taking medications when pregnant or nursing, donating blood while taking certain medications, driving, and traveling and taking medications are addressed. This useful reference concludes with an example medication diary, encouraging teens to monitor their medications and any side effects; a glossary; a drug list, arranged alphabetically and listing the generic, brand name, type,