"Specific learning disability" is by far the largest category of conditions served in special education. Unfortunately, few parents (and educators) truly understand what a learning disability is. Many erroneously believe it is a politically correct term for mildly mentally retarded or dull normal. Further, while most laypeople have heard of dyslexia, rarely do they know about other types of learning disabilities, such as dysnomia or dyscalculia. In addition to explaining what learning disabilities are and how they should be diagnosed, Learning Disabilities: What Are They? also explores the many different types of learning disabilities that affect children and adults today. Moreover, it presents a host of strategies and resources that can show parents and teachers how to help children succeed. Easy to read and informative, this book is essential for any parent or teacher who has a child with a learning disability.

Few parents and educators understand special education_its terms, philosophies, and process. This easy-to-read book contains a step-by-step discussion of the special education process and has hundreds of additional resources for parents including professional organizations, support groups, and useful websites. It will help parents and students minimize the inevitable anxiety associated with enrolling in a special education program. They will also gain insight into the legal rights and responsibilities associated with having a child in special education and learn how to develop effective educational plans and strategies for building effective educational teams along with basic information regarding common disabilities. Primarily written for family members of children with disabilities, this book will also be useful for educators who are unfamiliar with special education as well as special educators who are new to the field.

Educating students with disabilities is a team process. By federal law, parents must be involved in the development of their child's educational plan. Unfortunately, few parents (or regular educators) understand special education_its terms, philosophies, and processes. This book explains, in layperson terms, what special education is and how to make the special education process more successful for everyone involved. Chapters cover history and legalities of preparing children with disabilities for life, transition of families, preparation for employment, residential living, community adjustment, recreation, interpersonal relationships, life-long learning, and developing educational plans. Hundreds of additional resources for parents of children with disabilities including lists of professional organizations, useful websites, support groups, and other books for further learning on special education are also provided. While intended for parents and family members of children with disabilities, it will also be of interest to educators who are unfamiliar with special education as well as special educators who are new to the field.

Despite new research and increased public awareness, autism is still looked at in a negative light. Most books on the subject perpetuate this notion by saying that autism is bad or needs to be overcome, rather than highlighting the positive--for instance, many people with autism graduate from college, attain exciting careers, and lead happy, fulfilling lives. Making Autism a Gift emphasizes these positive realities and tears down the wall of isolation associated with this disorder. With information from hundreds of up-to-date sources, this practical book looks at the effects of autism on the individual and provides strategies parents can use to help their autistic children at home and beyond.

'Specific learning disability' is by far the largest category of conditions served in special education. Unfortunately, few parents (and educators) truly understand what a learning disability is. Many erroneously believe it is a politically correct term for mildly mentally retarded or dull normal. Further, while most laypeople have heard of dyslexia, rarely do they know about other types of learning disabilities, such as dysnomia or dyscalculia. In addition to explaining what learning disabilities are and how they should be diagnosed, Learning Disabilities: What Are They? also explores the many different types of learning disabilities that affect children and adults today. Moreover, it presents a host of strategies and resources that can show parents and teachers how to help children succeed. Easy to read and informative, this book is essential for any parent or teacher who has a child with a learning disability.

Written in a positive, upbeat, and often humorous style, this book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of issues related to mental retardation. It dispels the many myths regarding what mental retardation is and how it affects the individual's future. It also explores topics related to education, residential programs, vocational options, social skills, trust funds, sexuality, the rights of parents, and numerous other issues that are paramount to raising a happy, healthy child with cognitive difficulties. In addition to supplying hundreds of practical teaching strategies, Mental Retardation Doesn't Mean 'Stupid'! also furnishes readers with scores of useful resources, including websites, professional organizations, and support groups. It is an essential tool for parents, teachers, and other individuals involved in the life of someone is developmentally developed