Special Needs Children Books

Mother Warriors: A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds

Jenny McCarthy

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 57 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Stories of hope and recovery from a nation of parents of autistic children, by the high-profile, bestselling author of Louder Than Words.

When Jenny McCarthy published Louder Than Words, the story of her successful efforts to save her son, Evan, from autism, the response was tremendous. It hit #3 on the New York Times bestseller list; and Jenny and Evan were featured on the covers of several magazines, including People. But what she hadn’t anticipated was the overwhelming response from other parents of autistic children, who sought her out to share their stories.

No two autistic children heal in exactly the same way. And in her new book, Jenny expands her message to share recovery stories from parents across the country. Mother Warriors, shows how each parent fought to find her own child’s perfect “remedy of interventions” and teaches parents how to navigate safely through the many autism therapies.

Along the way, Jenny shares her own journey as an autism advocate and mother as well as the progress of her son, Evan. Emotional and genuinely practical, Mother Warriors will inspire a generation of parents with hope.

Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism

Jenny McCarthy

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 265 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Jenny Frakking McCarthy wrote a Frakking Book on Frakking Autism 2 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I'm not going to spend a lot of time on this review, so in short, here are the two things that hack the rating down for me from 3.5 to 2:

* Repeated use of the F word in conversation is semi-acceptable among those you know well, but repeated use in a book on Mothering and Autism is an indicator of crudeness. There is no need to drag the culture down any further than necessary, particularly in a book on Autism and a Mother's love. (I was in the military and I can swear with the best of them, thank you.)
* Jenny McCarthy seems to think that ONLY mother's care about children with autism. Listen Blondie, just because your husband couldn't take it, and the ladies at the UCLA medical center hung out there all day long, doesn't mean that most Men don't take an active role in caring for their children's autism. I'm the one that does the majority of the active work for my son, and I take great offense at the remarks about men not being involved.

As for the rest of it? It's always enlightening to hear about another parent's struggles with Autism, but her son's condition is certainly out of the norm for most kids on the spectrum, both in terms of the original symptoms appearing after massive seizures and in the amount of money she was able to plow into treatment. I'm glad her son is doing better, but a lot of the material in this book simply isn't useful for the average parent.

Editorial Review:

The New York Times bestseller that is an inspiring “story of hope” (People) for parents of autistic children

One morning Jenny McCarthy was having a cup of coffee when she sensed something was wrong. She ran into her two-year-old son Evan’s room and found him having a seizure. Doctor after doctor misdiagnosed Evan until—after many harrowing, life-threatening episodes—one good doctor discovered that Evan is autistic.

With a foreword from Dr. David Feinberg, medical director of the Resnick Neuro-psychiatric Hospital at UCLA, and an introduction by Jerry J. Kartzinel, a top pediatric autism specialist, Louder Than Words follows Jenny as she discovered an intense combination of behavioral therapy, diet, and supplements that became the key to saving Evan from autism. Her story sheds much-needed light on autism through her own heartbreak, struggle, and ultimately hopeful example of how a parent can shape a child’s life and happiness.

Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 6 Types of ADD

Daniel G. Amen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 108 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Hard, visual data make a compelling case for the existence of attention deficit disorder (ADD) in this pioneering work by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. Using a nuclear medicine technique called "single photon emission computed tomography" (SPECT)--a controversial step, according to some of his peers--Dr. Amen scans patients' brains to identify various abnormalities. From more than 8,000 such studies and more than 12,000 patient evaluations, Dr. Amen concludes that six--not the formerly presumed two--different types of ADD exist. This book encompasses the full spectrum of Dr. Amen's work: from symptom identification to clinical evaluation, to diet and medication recommendations, to everyday strategies for living with ADD (whether the reader is a parent of an ADD child, or has been diagnosed with the disease.)

No stranger to the skepticism surrounding this topic, Dr. Amen begins with a list of dead-on myths (including "ADD is overdiagnosed") and surprising facts ("Many people with ADD are never hyperactive"). From this intriguing beginning flows a highly readable chapter on the signs and manifestations of ADD in all ages. Dr. Amen's full description of SPECT imaging includes multiple brain scan photos that nicely support his theories. But the most satisfying element of this well-researched presentation occurs in the final half of the book; here, Amen thoroughly explores the biological (diet, exercise, medication), psychological (from personal coaching to psychotherapy), and social support (parenting and school strategies) needed to heal each type of ADD. This book will prove a valuable tool for parents, adult sufferers, and medical professionals seeking practical support for managing this increasingly recognized condition. --Liane Thomas

Raising Your Spirited Child Rev Ed: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent, and Energetic

Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 27 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Now in a NEW UPDATED version, Kurcinka offers parents the most up–to–date research, effective strategies and real life stories for:

•Managing intensity – not just the kids, but parents too

•Getting the sleep every family needs and deserves,

•Choosing their battles

•Helping children to hear their instructions

•Assisting children in getting along with siblings and peers, and

•Being successful in school and at home.

Spirited children possess traits we value in adults, yet find challenging in children. Studies now show that these children are "wired" to be more reactive to the world around them. The solution, rather than medication or punishment, is understanding temperament and working with it. Kurcinka in a supportive, warm style is able to reveal to parents how to do it, often leading them to ask, "How did she get into my home?" Winner of the Parents' Choice Award, voted one of the top twenty books for parents, and a "real life saver" for parents, this updated version is eagerly awaited by parents and professionals.

The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder

Carol Stock Kranowitz

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Very Helpful 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Contains many practical and easy activities that are fun for any child, not just "out of sync." Tried several already and found my grandson loved the originality and the use of everyday objects as situations for play.

A must have for parents of children w/autism 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I've had this book for a couple of years and I love it. I've purchased at least twenty books on autism and this is one of the two I have kept. The ideas are practical, involve materials you can buy inexpensively (or you probably already have around the house) and it's fun for ALL kids. My nt daughter enjoys these activities just as much as my ASD son!

A wonderful book for ALL children 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a wodnerful book for parents of children with special needs. Weather it be autism, ADHD,Asperger's, anything!!! Wonderful activities! It is also a great book for teacher's of ALL types of kids! I keep this book handy all the time when I'm looking for ideas of things to do with my kids.

Editorial Review:

The revised and updated edition of a groundbreaking special-needs activity guide

This revised edition of the companion volume to The Out-of-Sync Child includes new activities that parents of kids with Sensory Processing Disorder can do at home with their child, along with updated information on which activities are most appropriate for children with coexisting conditions such as Asperger's, autism, and more.

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Tony Attwood

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 52 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). It brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults.

Drawing on case studies and personal accounts from Attwood's extensive clinical experience, and from his correspondence with individuals with AS, this book is both authoritative and extremely accessible. Chapters examine: causes and indications of the syndrome; the diagnosis and its effect on the individual; theory of mind; the perception of emotions in self and others; social interaction, including friendships; long-term relationships; teasing, bullying and mental health issues; the effect of AS on language and cognitive abilities, sensory sensitivity, movement and co-ordination skills; and career development.

There is also an invaluable frequently asked questions chapter and a section listing useful resources for anyone wishing to find further information on a particular aspect of AS, as well as literature and educational tools.

Essential reading for families and individuals affected by AS as well as teachers, professionals and employers coming in contact with people with AS, this book should be on the bookshelf of anyone who needs to know or is interested in this complex condition.

1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Veronica Zysk, Ellen Notbohm

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Wonderful book! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Of all the books I've purchased on the subject of Autism, this one is by far the best one. I was so tired of all the clinical, academic, despairing accounts of ASD in other books, that I stopped reading any material on Autism altogether.

But, this book is completely packed with not only great ideas for teaching and raising our child with ASD, but for ENJOYING our child with ASD!! Finally! The authors bring a sense of sweet humor to daily life, with a real-life sensibility that is missing from every piece of Autism literature I've seen. Instead of focusing on the "differences" we face every moment of every day, the authors just dig in and get to the business of enjoying each "challenge". For instance, the idea that "You Don't Have To Brush ALL Of Your Teeth" was so simple yet so freeing! Every idea offers several different variations, which I found to be very helpful.

Editorial Review:

In a snappy, can-do format, 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders offers page after page of try-it-now solutions that have worked for thousands of children grappling with social, sensory, behavioral, and self-care issues, plus many more.

The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids

Madeline Levine

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

excellent 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

this is a fabulous book. the love of money over people and the disregard for substantive values are destroying our society. this book sheds a great deal of light on the ways that we are hurting our children and ourselves. it is extremely well-written and intelligent. you won't be disappointed.

Editorial Review:

In recent years, numerous studies have shown that bright, charming, seemingly confident and socially skilled teenagers from affluent, loving families are experiencing epidemic rates of depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders—rates higher than in any other socioeconomic group of American adolescents. Materialism, pressure to achieve, perfectionism, and disconnection are combining to create a perfect storm that is devastating children of privilege and their parents alike.

In this eye-opening, provocative, and essential book, clinical psychologist Madeline Levine explodes one child-rearing myth after another. With empathy and candor, she identifies toxic cultural influences and well-intentioned, but misguided, parenting practices that are detrimental to a child's healthy self-development. Her thoughtful, practical advice provides solutions that will enable parents to help their emotionally troubled "star" child cultivate an authentic sense of self.

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders

Kenneth Bock, Cameron Stauth

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 52 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Autism is an epidemic: It has spiked 1,500 percent in the last twenty years. ADHD, asthma and allergies have also skyrocketed over the same time period. One of these conditions now strikes one in every three children in America. But there is hope. Leading medical innovator Kenneth Bock, M.D., has helped change the lives of more than a thousand children, and in this important book, with a comprehensive program that targets all four of the 4-A disorders, he offers help to children everywhere. This is the book that finally puts hope within reach.

Doctors have generally overlooked the connections among the 4-A disorders, despite their concurrent rise and the presence of many medical clues. For years the medical establishment has considered autism medically untreatable and utterly incurable, and has limited ADHD treatment mainly to symptom suppression. Dr. Bock and his colleagues, however, have discovered a solution – one that goes to the root of the problem. They have found that deadly modern toxins, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, genetic vulnerabilities and assaults on the immune and gastrointestinal systems trigger most of the symptoms of the 4-A disorders, resulting in frequent misdiagnosis and untold misery.

Dr. Bock’s remarkable Healing Program, drawing on medical research and based on years of clinical success, offers a safe, sensible solution that is individualized to each child to help remedy these root causes. The biomedical approach to autism, ADHD, and the other 4-A epidemics, as innovated by Dr. Bock and some of America’s finest integrative physicians, is one of the most promising and exciting medical movements of our time.

In this eminently readable account, written by Dr. Bock in collaboration with critically acclaimed author Cameron Stauth, you will meet children and parents whose dramatic stories will inspire you to change the life of your own child. This program may be the help that you have been praying for.


From the Hardcover edition.

Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Integration Issues

Lindsey Biel, Nancy Peske

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Rich Content 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I like the detailed listing of all the different kinds of conditions, which puts things in perspective. It has also helped me weed through so much of the hype found on various quack web sites. I shared the book with my mother-in-law and she has found it useful too. This book is informative.

The best I have read... 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

With my son's recent diagnosis of sensory problems, I have really been accumulating a library of books on the subject. This books is BY FAR my favorite... I am only half-way through it and have already dog-eared half of the pages I have read. It is packed with practical suggestions/solutions on how to help your sensory child cope with everyday life. If you are only going to buy one book, this should be it.

Editorial Review:

For children with sensory integration issues-those who have difficulty processing everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights-this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource. Long thought to affect only autistic children, or mistaken for ADHD, SI dysfunction is finally being recognized as a separate condition. Coauthored by a pediatric occupational therapist and a parent of a child with SI dysfunction, Raising a Sensory Smart Child is as warm and accessible as it is authoritative and detailed and is an indispensable guide for parents, therapists, and teachers who will turn to it again and again.