Child and developmental psychology Books

Book SynopsisBinnie is an energetic baboon, who bounces around the lush green mountains of Rwanda in East Africa. But like many of us, Binnie often feels worried and stressed, and these worries can get in her way! What if she gets lost in the jungle, or her family gets sick? What if no one likes her? Sometimes she even worries about the fact she's worried; and if she isn't worried, well why not?! This activity book has been developed by expert child psychologist Dr Karen Treisman. The first part of the book is a colourful illustrated therapeutic story about Binnie the Baboon, with a focus on worry and anxiety. This is followed by a wealth of creative activities and photocopiable worksheets for children to explore issues relating to anxiety, worry, fears, and stress, and how to find ways to understand and overcome them. The final section of the book is full of advice and practical strategies for parents, carers, and professionals on how to help children aged 5-10 to start to understand why they experience feelings of anxiety, and what they can do to help reduce and navigate it.This activity book is complemented by a standalone picture book of Binnie's story, also available from Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Binnie the Baboon, ISBN 9781839970252).Trade ReviewAs with all the books in this series Karen's creativity and imagination shines through. Anxiety and stress are helpful for all of us, to get the best from ourselves and to manage difficulties in our lives. When anxiety and stress become too big, they cease to be adaptive. This activity book provides a feast of ideas for understanding, noticing and managing anxiety and stress when it becomes troubling whilst also helping children to know that these worries are normal and can be managed. This resource will increase children's resilience. Parents can also feel more confident in helping their children with the aid of this resource. Karen has produced another great edition for her series to help children with the range of difficulties they may encounter. -- Kim S Golding, Clinical Psychologist, DDP Trainer and AuthorBinnie the Baboon is an engaging story that introduces children to anxiety. The story is full of colourful characters who each share many helpful ideas for managing worries. The workbook provides an opportunity to explore these ideas further and offers a wealth of activity suggestions for children and parents. This is a great resource for parents and therapists alike. -- Dr Fiona Zandt and Dr Suzanne Barrett, authors of Creative Ways to Help Children Manage BIG Feelings and founders of Creative Child Therapy Workshops

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Book SynopsisThis book is a must read for anyone parenting, teaching or supporting teens, who wants to empower them to reach their potential. Written by a team of clinical psychologists, it leads you through tried and tested strategies to build strong relationships and improve communication with young people as they develop, learn and grow. In the book we learn that the 'teenage brain' is unique which gives us an incredible opportunity for change and development, but it is also a time when young people are particularly sensitive and potentially vulnerable . It guides you through ways to communicate effectively with teens without negatively affecting their self-esteem. There are plenty of tips about what to say, what not say and the best mindset to use with teens, day to day.The authors draw from the latest research in neuroscience and psychology, years of clinical expertise and first-hand parenting experience. It's relatable like your best friend's advice, and informed by scientific evidence - easy to read, hard to put down.Trade ReviewThis book is full of practical advice for parents of teenagers. It uses up-to-date understanding of how the brain works to give sensible, useful guides on how to handle adolescents. It reflects a new revolution in our understanding of how relationships can affect brain structure, and gives sensible advice on how to optimise children and young people's development so they are set up with healthy brains for the rest of their lives. -- Stephen Scott CBE FRCPsych FMedSci Professor of Child Health and Behaviour, Kings’s College London, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at Maudsley HospitalThe Incredible Teenage Brain is a brilliant distillation of the best advice that we can give parents and professionals based on what we have learned about the brain and mind over the past 50 years. It is exceptionally accessible notwithstanding the extraordinary wealth of information it contains on adolescent behaviour. It is perhaps the best book for mental health professionals to recommend to families. But they also should make sure to keep a copy on their shelf. -- Professor Peter Fonagy OBE FMedSci FBA FAcSS PhD DipPsy, Head of the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences Director, Chief Executive, Anna Freud National Centre for Children & Families, National Clinical Advisor on Children’s Mental HealthAn exciting book. It unravels the complexities of teenage thoughts, stresses and behaviour patterns and shows adults how to respond in a positive and uplifting way. This builds up self-belief, happiness and ambition. I wish this had been around when my children were teenagers! -- Diana Hudson, author of Specific Learning Difficulties What Teachers Need to Know, secondary school teacher and mother to four adult childrenThis is an insightful, inspiring and fun book that opens the lid on the often misunderstood and sometimes maligned world of the teenager. Drawing on personal experience and the authors' work as clinicians it reveals how teenagers are affected by brain development, their expanding social world and self-concept as emerging adults. Invaluable for parents and those who work with teens. -- Prof. Tony Charman, Chair in Clinical Child Psychology, King’s College LondonSuch a useful and reassuring book for parents, carers and anyone working with young people. The authors dismiss the stereotype of the 'troublemaker teen' and spell out with great clarity how we can all help our teenagers to flourish. They explain why teens are at the height of their learning potential in all areas of life and show us how, by choosing our words carefully and making shifts in our own behaviour, we can help them shine. -- Margaret Rooke, author 'You can Change the World. Everyday Teen Heroes Making a Difference Everywhere' and 'Dyslexia is my Superpower (Most of the Time)'This book's a relief to read! A fresh and heartening take on how to see and work with teen potential, it gives a positive, practical steer on the grittiest of problems, along with plenty of examples and some great, direct solutions that actually work. Anything that helps us understand and elegantly manage the inherent ups and downs that come with having teenagers in the family is valuable stuff. If you wished that modern teens came with a manual, honestly, you need look no further. -- Samantha Murray Greenway (parent of two teenagers)This brilliantly written book celebrates the teenager and simply and clearly explains the biological, psychological and social impacts of adolescence. By really understanding the teenage brain it is possible to enable our children to navigate this key developmental time without our anxiety getting in the way. This book will empower us all to enable our teen to develop into the best version of themselves while holding strong during some of the inevitable challenges on the way. Every family should buy a copy on their child's 13th birthday! -- Professor Tanya Byron, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, journalist, author, broadcaster, LondonBettina Hohnen, Tara Murphy, and Jane Gilmour have written an accessible, useful and fun guide for parents and teachers of adolescents. They do an admirable job of explaining several aspects of the developmental changes taking place in adolescence-and tying these changes to practical tips and exercises for those wanting to support adolescents. Most importantly, they effectively convey how adolescence represents a period of opportunity-a time of learning and development. -- Ronald E. Dahl MD, Professor, Community Health Sciences and Professor, Joint MedicalAny teacher who works with teenagers will find this book fascinating and invaluable. The science of the brain is explained so clearly and offers a new way to look at the rapidly developing brain and how it influences teen behavior and learning. The malleability of the teen brain is reflected in the unpredictable behavior of teenagers as well as their ability to learn rapidly. This book explains the neuroscience of learning. Bettina, Jane and Tara emphasise the primary need for emotional security as a secure base for learning in school and they give many examples of how stress and anxiety affect the brain and interfere with learning. What I love the most about this book is that it is written with emotional insight and a great deal of compassion. Bettina, Jane and Tara and offer a hopeful and positive way to look at adolescent behavior which has often been seen as negative and offer many examples of how teachers can create a 'positive cycle of learning'. -- Sarah Fortna, teacher and learning specialistI'm blown away by this book, I just couldn't put it down. As I turned the pages, it made me reflect not just on my teenage children, but on my own teenage years. I'm refreshed, inspired and can't wait to share it with my friends . It's so full of useful recommendations that I'll be using it like TripAdvisor in researching my teens for months and years to come. -- Valerie Lindsay (mother of teenage children)Your child's teen years can feel like a dark, hazardous path. Here's the guide every parent wishes for, sending up flares of light to ease your way and practical tools to overcome the too-recognisable, real-life pitfalls. The wise authors' compassionate insights will have you bring out the best, rather than suppress, the powerful joyful potential of your teenager's developing mind. I do dearly wish I'd had it in the 2000s. -- Sheila Fitzgerald, mother of three now adult girlsTable of ContentsForeword; Introduction; Section 1: The Incredible Teen Brain; 1. Upgrade: the incredible teenage brain; 2. The brain thinks and feels; 3. The brain learns and believes; 4. The brain connects, watches and absorbs; 5. The brain loves other people; Section 2: Teens facing additional challenges; 6. Teen mental health: When teen brains can become overwhelmed; 7. Neurodiverse teen brains - teenagers with a learning difference; Section 3: The developmental priorities, or 'tasks' of a teenager; 8. Social factors and natural attractors; 9. Teens' Risk taking Sets them Up for Adult Lifeand - and builds important brain circuitry; 10. The power of feelings and motivation; 11. Who Am I? the teenage search for identity; 12. Ready to launch (with your help); Section 4: The importance of cCare and self-care for the developing teenage brain; 13. Sleepy teens; 14. Energy in, energy out - creating healthy habits in the teen brain; 15. Good stress, bad stress; 16. #Social media and technology; Section 5: May The Force Be With You, Luke; 17. The Last Word

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Book SynopsisOffering practical guidance on encouraging creativity in early childhood settings, this much-needed book highlights the importance of the arts and creativity for children's learning, critical thinking, social interaction and self-regulation.The book considers the impact of creativity on early brain development and discusses how to choose the right arts or creative approach for your children. Principles for creative curriculums, teaching, assessments and environments are provided and each chapter includes a 'practitioner toolkit' element, with reflective questions and practical strategies for implementing the learning from the chapter into daily practice.Trade ReviewCapturing the inherent creativity of children and using it to empower, learn and change children themselves - and us - is what makes this book such a great read. Churchill Dower makes the case that language, social interaction and positive brain development are just the beginning of what being creative can deliver for society via our children. Exploration and the very joy of play our only limited by our imaginations. -- Gregory Lane, Soho Family CentreIn a culture where children are increasingly represented by numbers this thought-provoking book is an essential, much needed read. Research based throughout leaving you with a passionate desire to bring creativity to the forefront of education. Ruth balances knowledge of the crucial importance of creativity in early years with practical, motivating methods and questions for reflection to inspire, challenge and improve practise. -- Kate Shelley, Tales ToolkitTable of Contents1. What is creativity all about? 2. The origins of creativity. 3. The benefits of creativity. 4. Measuring the impact of creativity. 5. The social, educational and political context for creativity. 6. Testing for creative traits. 7. Creating the conditions for creativity. 8. Can creativity enhance early brain development? 9. Using different art forms in early years practice. 10. Creative practices. 11. Creative pedagogies. 12. What stops creativity?

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Book Synopsis"You know, Dr. Dan, that kid is from my planet."With in-depth descriptions of LEGO®-based therapy in action, this book explains how and why it helps to promote the development of social skills for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and related conditions. Written by Daniel B. LeGoff, who pioneered the approach, this book comprises a series of case histories of children who participated in LEGO® therapy. It traces the development of the evidence-based approach, shares the clinical insights gained along the way and highlights the principles which should be at the core of all effective treatment and educational strategies for children with ASDs. The case histories have real practical value for those working with children with ASDs and also help to demonstrate the subtleties of the adult facilitation role for professionals running sessions.Trade ReviewDaniel B. LeGoff, the inventor of LEGO®-Based Therapy, has provided a colourful set of case studies to help teachers and clinicians get a real feel for how to implement this playful and non-stigmatising intervention with kids with autism. LEGO®-Based Therapy harnesses their strong drive to systemise to help them learn how to socialise. It is also intrinsically rewarding for such kids. As such, it is a pleasurable experience for both the therapist and the child. -- Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge University, UKIt honestly didn't feel like I was reading an educational book, it's written so beautifully that its almost like reading a novel. I was enthralled with the case studies that give examples of children taking part in the therapy. Daniel LeGoff has a wonderful way of re-telling his sessions-that makes you feel like you're there in his office with him from the moment the child starts their therapy... I loved that this book was heavily supported by it's large number of case studies; that form an integral part of the book. It makes the book relatable and real. -- senresourcesblog.com * senresourcesblog.com *Table of Contents1. Introduction. 1.1. Case Studies. Aaron. Sam. Evan. 2. Facilitating the Groups. 2.1 Case Studies. Jonathan. Keith. 3. Moving to New Jersey and Developing a Deeper Understanding of Autism. 3.1 Case Studies. Anthony. Allen. Charlie. Paul. Colin. Sean. Vicky. Zeke. Matthew. 4. Conclusion. 4.1. Future Directions. References

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Book SynopsisThis innovative book brings together a wide range of therapeutic approaches, techniques and models to outline recent developments in the practice of supporting children in out-of-home care. It sheds light on the significance of schools, sports and peer relationships in the lives of traumatized children. It also draws particular attention to the vital importance of taking into account children's cultural heritage, and to the growing prevalence of relative care.Each chapter is set out by acclaimed and world-renowned contributors' specific approach, such as Dan Hughes and his work on conceptual maps and Cathy Malchiodi and her research on creative interventions, and gives practical ways to support children and carers. It also includes contributions from Bruce Perry, Allan Schore and Martin Teicher. This comprehensive volume will open new avenues for understanding how the relationship between child and carer can create opportunities for change and healing.Trade ReviewFinally, a book that successfully addresses all of the complex bio-psycho-social-developmental consequences of early trauma! Therapeutic Care treats the embodied and encultured mind at each stage of life in a way that leverages the way the brain evolved to heal - in security and safety. Highly recommended. -- Louis Cozolino Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Author of The Neuroscience of Human RelationshipsThe Handbook of Therapeutic Care is a wonderfully practical and readable guide for all of us dedicated to creating pathways to health for children exposed to chronic trauma and abuse - children who are stuck in an inner world filled with helplessness, chaos and danger. Despite the multiplicity of voices of (outstanding) contributors, this handbook provides a unified synthesis of practices that help us understand the pressures from the past on current behavior, and presents a comprehensive and well-tested model to provide sensory, relational and emotional repair for children and young people who carry the legacy of danger, abandonment, and unpredictability. This is the integration we have been waiting for. -- Bessel A. van der Kolk MD, Medical Director, the Trauma Center, Professor of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Author: NYT best seller: The Body keeps the Score; mind, brain and body in the healing of traumaTable of Contents1. The Need for a New in the Care and Support of Children in Foster, Relative and Adoptive Care. 2. What are the Key Elements of Therapeutic Care? 3. Understanding the Needs of Vulnerable Children: The Importance of Type and Timing of Maltreatment on Brain Development and Risks (Martin Teicher and Orgilmaa Munkbaatar, Belmont MA). 4. The Fundamental Role of the Mother in the Interpersonal Neurobiological Origins of Mutual Love (Allan Schore, Northridge CA). 5. "Support and love and all that stuff": Evidence of impact in the Treatment and Care for Kids Program (Lynne McPherson and Kathomi Gatwiri, Coolangatta and Bilinga, Australia). 6. The Neurosequential Model: A developmentally-sensitive, neuroscience-informed approach to clinical problem solving (Bruce Perry, Chattanooga, TN). 7. Dabakan kooyliny - go slowly, walk slowly, go together: Culturally Strong Therapeutic Care for Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Children, Families and Communities (Glenda Kickett and Shaun Chandran, Perth, Australia). 8. Children in Kinship Care: Issues for Promoting their Mental Health (Elaine Farmer and Meredith Kiraly, Bristol, UK and Victoria, Australia). 9. Therapeutic Care Teams: Horizontal Teams in the Vertical World of Out of Home Care (Noel MacNamara, Banora Point, Australia). 10. Defining the conceptual maps that resource the day to day interactions between carers and children to become more therapeutic (Daniel Hughes and Jonathan Baylin, South Portland, US and Wilmington, US). 11. Resetting the fabric of love: Real life applications that promote emotional connection in the day to day experience of looked after and adopted children and their parents (Kim Golding, Malvern, UK). 12. Expressive Arts Therapy as Self-Regulatory and Relational Interventions with Children and Caregivers (Cathy Malchiodi, Louisville, US). 13. Therapeutic Care as it Evolves.

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Book SynopsisAnxiety, meltdowns and emotional regulation can be hugely challenging for autistic people. This book is full of proactive strategies for understanding, accepting and respecting the processing differences in autism. It contains tools for reducing sensory, social and mental drain, and offers strategies to protect from ongoing stress and anxiety. These help minimize shutdowns and burnout, while maximizing self-esteem, autistic identity and mental health.Learn strategies for matching environmental demands to the person's processing needs, how to support vulnerabilities, and how to prevent and manage meltdowns while protecting the identify and self-esteem of the individual with autism.Trade ReviewBill Nason's newest addition to the Autism Discussion Page series once again provides parents, educators and health professionals working with Autistic individuals with invaluable insights and practical advice. This comprehensive book skilfully explains the impact of stress and anxiety on Autistic children and adults, and provides many effective strategies that can be applied at home and at school. A wonderful resource. -- Raelene Dundon, psychologist and author of The Parents’ Guide to Managing Anxiety in Children with Autism and Talking with Your Child about Their Autism Diagnosis

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Book SynopsisThis book teaches drama and immersive theatre-based activities for parents and professionals working with children and young people on the autism spectrum. The exercises follow the author's simple, person-centred '3C pathway' of connecting, calming and communicating, and enable parents to gain an understanding of the challenges an autistic child may face by 'walking in their shoes', while empowering children to become more self-aware and express themselves in healthy ways. The activities included in the book are tried-and-tested, accessible and easy to implement, such as breathing exercises, mirroring movements, and treasure hunts. Using these activities, parents and professionals can gain insight into the sensory and social challenges experienced by those on the spectrum and can work to build a positive and trusting relationship, offering a secure base for children's emotional development.Trade ReviewThis book is an excellent and informative analysis of autism in a readable, accessible and relatable way. It is both contextual with the theories of autism and personal accounts which humanise the experiences. Anxiety is the main premise and strategies are shared to offer the reader different strategies for their young ones (and adults) to explore. Highly recommended. -- Paul Isaacs speaker, trainer, consultant and author on the autism spectrumThis is a very positive book that is supportive and the exercises are well described and have been developed and refined in many settings. The authors also stress that the exercises can be personalised as parents 'enter into their child's world and 'lean in' to their passions. -- Mary Mountstephen * SEN Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Act for Autism: who, what and why? 2. Creating the Practice: Clear Time and the 3C Pathway 3. Connecting through drama Autism and the Senses4. Why autism is hard to understand 5. Understanding autism as a sensory difference and the link to anxiety 6. What autistic individuals say about their sensory experience7. The senses and how they impact on a child's experienceConnecting through Clear Time and the 3C Pathway 8. What is Clear Time? 9. The first C: Connecting 10. The second C: Calming 11. The third C: Communicating 12. Why is heartbeat so important for the 3C Pathway? 13. The role of drama exercises in our work 14. 3C Pathway exercises Conclusion References

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Book SynopsisYou: "How was your day?"Your child: "Fine."As a parent, you want to know what is going on in your child's life, how school and friendships are going, if they're feeling okay. As a kid you want to tell your parent what's going on, but it can be hard to find the words. This book is brilliant because it makes finding those words easy, and you discover incredible stuff about each other.How exactly do you make it happen? This accessible guide answers the million-dollar question by steering you, step by step through carefully supported and structured conversational platforms that encourage connection and strengthen relationship bonds. Written by two top clinical psychologists who have worked with families over many years they have, uniquely, designed it for you to read and experience, together.Inside this book you will find a range of fun, illustrated child-friendly conversation activities, organised around four key themes: who are you? how are you? what helps? what gets in the way?There is powerful evidence that building good parent-child communication skills improves emotional wellbeing, physical health, academic and employment success. It helps set up a trusting relationship so you can navigate adolescence and later life successfully. It's important to start early because it takes time to learn skills.Trade ReviewTo unlock the power of your relationship with your child for all their years ahead - read this book. -- Prof Tanya Byron, consultant clinical psychologist, author, journalist, broadcaster'When can I do (the conversations) again?' -- Imogen, aged 5'The book made me remember all the happy things and think about things differently. It was really fun' -- Elliot aged 10'This book provides a wonderful way for me and my son to connect, remember and celebrate our special times and work through the tough ones. A beautiful and playful tool for unlocking feelings without drama' -- Peter Drake (Elliot’s Dad)What a wonderful book, suitable for any (and all!) parents and carers, to help you to build a closer relationship with your child through conversations. The authors draw upon years of clinical psychology practice of supporting young people and families, to identify creative, fun conversation starters and concepts, which can help all parents and carers to develop more meaningful connections with their child, and better understand their child's inner world. The book is compassionate and compelling, and acknowledges how tricky it can be sometimes be for all parents and carers to 'find a way in' with their child. It gives copious, helpful, wide-ranging advice. I will certainly be buying a copy, and highly recommending the book to parents, carers, families, professionals and everyone! -- Dr Sue Knowles, consultant clinical psychologist, lead for child and family services at Changing Minds UK, researcher, and authorWhile the art of conversation is not easy for autistic children, the incredible conversation activities in this excellent book, will facilitate mutual understanding, self-reflection and emotion regulation. Although this book was primarily written for parents, I strongly recommend that psychologists, therapists, and teachers incorporate the activities in their work with children who have communication difficulties. -- Tony Attwood, professor of clinical psychology, Griffith University, and authorPerhaps the most valuable lessons we can give our children are how to develop and maintain good relationships, as the correlation between healthy and good relationships, and success and happiness is indisputable. This book takes that rather daunting responsibility and breaks it down into clear, fun and eminently doable practices that can be weaved into everyday life... considerably reducing the number of 'How was your day?' - 'Fine' conversations! Moreover, whilst this book will certainly help the child/parent communication experience, its learnings can be applied to all relationships, which is why I have copies on my coffee, kitchen, and bedside table! -- Beth Kerr, group director of wellbeing for global schools group CognitaFollowing up on their incredibly successful book about the Teenage Brain, the authors have now turned their attention to slightly younger children and the critical issue of social communication in the family. Their aim is to lay down a road map, showing parents how to talk to their children, without either patronising them or scolding them. Do we really need to be told how to converse with preadolescent boys and girls? From the scientific evidence these experienced clinicians have gathered, the answer is a resounding 'yes'. Social communication skills are the bedrock of social and emotional development. If we don't learn to listen to others, and respond appropriately, mutually satisfying social relationships will forever elude us. Those skills should have their foundations laid down in early childhood. All parents and children would benefit from reading this 'how to' guide together -- David Skuse, professor of developmental neuropsychiatry, University College London'I thought it was going to be a bit like homework .... but it was much fun-er... the conversations 'make me feel good about myself... and anyone can do them!' -- Alfie, aged 11'His answers made me smile' -- Sam Sanson (Alfie’s Mum)Have you ever wondered how you could improve the conversations you have with your child? If so, this is the resource for you (and your child!). Firmly based in sound scientific evidence, and informed by years of clinical psychology practice, but not coming across as such, this is an extremely readable guide, full of valuable tips for having successful conversations. These in turn will build better relationships. We are advised to grasp those moments when you least expect your child to express an idea or worry and "If you can, stop what you are doing, switch off your phone, sit down and listen". I would strongly recommend (if you can) stop what you are doing, switch off your phone and make time to read this absorbing book. -- Helen Bedford, professor of children’s health, co-director of education, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthThis is a truly practical book full of imaginative ideas for intriguing conversations specifically designed to build parent-child relationships and foster good communication. The conversation topics have been carefully chosen to help children learn to talk about emotions safely and express opinions thoughtfully, and to help parents learn to listen and connect. It is full of useful prompts to guide parents away from monosyllabic cul-de-sacs so we can co-create authentic conversations jointly with our children. After just one of these conversations, you will understand your child a little better and build a relationship in which they feel more confident to open up. -- Anita Cleare, mother and author of The Work/Parent SwitchHow to Have Incredible Conversations with your Child stands out from any other parental book for its well thought out process to bring theory to practice. It's a treasure chest full of tools to get conversations started, but also directed towards meaningful exchanges with your children. The language is accessible, even if the terms introduced are not simple, and one feels encouraged to try their approach after the first chapters. I found the use of visuals particularly useful - these are not only a brilliant tool for kids to communicate but also for parents to remember frameworks and use them when the right moment happens. I'd recommend this book to any parent who is looking for research based, applicable ideas to connect with their children. -- Laia Collazos, mother of two girlsI'm a big fan of everything Jane and Bettina do, and this book is no exception. I love the authors' warm and encouraging advice for having better conversations and ultimately improving our relationships with our children. We put so much effort into improving our communication skills with our partners, friends and colleagues but the authors have encouraged us to prioritise improving our conversations with the young people in our life. Good conversations with our children? What a gift for everyone involved! -- Courtney Adamo, mother of 5 and founder of @babyccinokidsThis is the book that will tell you how to build the emotional health of your child and at the same time build the relationship between the two of you. It is practical, wise and fun. The authors draw upon their extensive experience as clinical child psychologists and their deep knowledge of the modern scientific study of child development. Woven into their practical guidance about how to have conversations with your child are memorable drawings and icons which help build your appreciation of what will be a satisfying and rewarding process. -- Peter Hill, professor and consultant in child and adolescent psychiatrySome books offer wonderful advice, but struggle to provide activities which take into account the needs of those who learn differently. You do not have to worry here, the visual representations of the topics being discussed helped my son (who is autistic) to make sense of our conversations. The guidance provided made it very manageable, and encouraged us to take small steps in our conversations - you may not complete the whole activity in one sitting, and that's okay. Not only does this book offer great conversation starters, it offers a space for you and your child to revisit a topic whenever the need arise...revisiting these activities, over time, will help me and my son to develop new skills. This is a great book and has lots to offer. If you are looking for a book which helps you to develop your child's self-awareness, developing their resiliency in the process, this is the book for you! -- Claire Prosser, mother of Seb and founder of Spectropolis'I liked talking about my feelings. I love staying at my nan's house but don't like leaving. My mum told me that it was okay to feel sad about it. She helped me to find things that would make me feel better.' -- Seb is autistic and is aged 9

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Book SynopsisAnger is a very difficult and often misunderstood emotion for children to experience. Facilitating the healthy management of this natural but challenging emotion is crucial for children's social, psychological, and emotional wellbeing and resilience. Based on over thirty years of expertise, Deborah Plummer provides varied and straightforward activities for teachers, parents, and therapists to healthily engage with children and help them manage anger. This activity book allows space to explore anger and varying degrees of emotion whilst also providing help on how to manage it, allowing children to have better and healthier emotional self-awareness.This book is one of a series based on the use of imagination (I), mindful play (MP) and creative thinking (CT) to enhance social, psychological and emotional wellbeing and resilience in children. The accompanying ebook Using Imagination, Mindful Play and Creative Thinking to Support Wellbeing and Resilience in Children describes the theory and approach behind how these activities can significantly influence children's perceptions of themselves and the world.Table of ContentsContentsI. Exploring angerII. Foundations for managing angerIII. Working togetherIV. Exploring emotions and degrees of emotionV. Exploring strategies for emotion regulation VI. Causes and consequencesVII. Recognising achievements and celebrating

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Book SynopsisFriendships and community are very important for the healthy social, psychological, and emotional development of young children. In this fun and accessible activity book, Deborah Plummer deploys over thirty years of expertise for parents, teachers, and therapists to facilitate healthy friendships between children. This activity book explores concepts around child friendships, community, and being part of a group whilst also including sections on cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.This book is one of a series based on the use of imagination (I), mindful play (MP) and creative thinking (CT) to enhance social, psychological and emotional wellbeing and resilience in children. The accompanying ebook Using Imagination, Mindful Play and Creative Thinking to Support Wellbeing and Resilience in Children describes the theory and approach behind how these activities can significantly influence children's perceptions of themselves and the world.Trade ReviewA fantastic resource that will help young children to grow morally, socially and spiritually through simple and enjoyable group games. The 'Talk About' sections and Activity Sheets are a powerful and adaptable learning tool, helping youngsters to reflect on themselves and their impact on others after each game. I'd recommend this for schools, community groups and clubs. -- Debby Elley, co-founder of AuKids parenting magazine, author of 15 Things They Forgot to Tell You About Autism and co-author of The Ice-Cream Sundae Guide to Autism and Championing Your Autistic Teen at Secondary SchoolTable of ContentsAcknowledgementsIntroductionI. Exploring concepts of friendship and community: a mindful play perspectiveII. IMPACT essentials for managing friendshipsIII. Being part of a groupIV. Understanding friendshipsV. Cooperation and negotiation; conflict management skillsVI. Celebrating togetherVII. Activity sheets

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Book SynopsisLearning how to communicate effectively and healthily is an important skill for every child to learn. This practical and fun activity booklet facilitates parents, teachers, and therapists to build children's communication skills. It explores how and why we communicate, effective listening, non-verbal communication, and how to stay on topic. Using over thirty years of experience, Deborah Plummer helps children understand that their interactions reflect their beliefs about themselves and others, and shows how to recognise and celebrate the unique and diverse ways in which we express who we are.This book is one of a series based on the use of imagination (I), mindful play (MP) and creative thinking (CT) to enhance social, psychological and emotional wellbeing and resilience in children. The accompanying ebook Using Imagination, Mindful Play and Creative Thinking to Support Wellbeing and Resilience in Children describes the theory and approach behind how these activities can significantly influence children's perceptions of themselves and the world.Trade ReviewThis book is essential in working with children due to their kinaesthetic learning style. Deborah Plummer has organised fun and creative activities that children will easily build communication skills from. This book is a must have for any child care professional's library! -- Shawn Amador, LCSW Founder of Social Theatre TM and Author of "Teaching Social Skills Through Sketch Comedy and Improv Games."Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsIntroductionI. Exploring communication skillsII. IMPACT essentials for building communication skillsIII. How and why we communicateIV. Effective listening and effective observationV. Understanding and using non-verbal communicationVI. Conversation skillsVII. Sequencing ideas, telling stories and staying on the topicVIII. Activity sheets

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Book SynopsisBuilding self-confidence in children is crucial for healthy psychological, social, and emotional development and wellbeing. This resourceful and fun activity booklet is an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, and therapists in helping to build children's self-confidence. It explores ideas around self-confidence and what that might mean as well as the essentials required to build it. This activity booklet also encourages self-knowledge and self-acceptance through the identification of each child's unique strengths and skills.This book is one of a series based on the use of imagination (I), mindful play (MP) and creative thinking (CT) to enhance social, psychological and emotional wellbeing and resilience in children. The accompanying ebook Using Imagination, Mindful Play and Creative Thinking to Support Wellbeing and Resilience in Children describes the theory and approach behind how these activities can significantly influence children's perceptions of themselves and the world.Trade ReviewThis book provides informative and practical advice for professionals and parents.The concepts behind the IMPACT approach to supporting self-confidence in children are linked to carefully crafted and creative activities that require minimal resources.Helping Children To Build Self-Confidence is a lifeline to those who are helping children find their place in the world. -- Julia Hamper MA(Oxon), Educational ConsultantTable of ContentsAcknowledgements; Introduction; I. Exploring Self-Confidence: a mindful play perspective; II. Phase One: IMPACT essentials for building self-confidence; III. Phase Two: Self-knowledge and self-acceptance; IV. Phase Three: What is confidence?; V. Phase Four: Making changes, facing challenges; VI. Activity sheets

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Book SynopsisMeet Jamie, a young boy with ADHD and a tic disorder called Tourette Syndrome. He's not being fidgety or naughty - he really can't help it! Jamie explains how he was diagnosed and what having tics and ADHD is like for him. He also shares how he has learnt to relieve his ADHD symptoms, minimise his tics, and how friends and adults can help at home and school.This illustrated book comes in two parts - one with interactive activities and heaps of useful information about having both ADHD and tics. Jamie explains how it can be really tricky to tell whether your fidgeting comes from having ADHD, tics, or both! The second part tells the story of how Jamie's Grandfather encouraged him to learn more about his tics. Jamie and his friends who attend the after-school tic club learn about each other by sharing their experiences of ADHD and tics at home and at school.This book is ideal for children aged 7+ as well as friends, teachers and professionals working with children with ADHD and tic disorders, and a great starting point for family and classroom discussions too!Trade ReviewADHD, Tics & Me! is a must-get book for children, parents and teachers. It follows the story of Jamie who clearly explains how tics affect his day-to-day life. The book is written in language that children can relate to. It encourages young people to think about their own lives and experiences and offers suggestions how adults can help. -- Soli Lazarus, ADHD consultant and author of ADHD Is Our SuperpowerADHD, Tics & Me! is a very accessible book that will appeal to young children who have been recently diagnosed with ADHD or Tourette Syndrome. The authors have done well by normalizing some of the subtleties of the conditions. I particularly like the fact that there is a focus on personality, interests, and hobbies which empowers the reader to see that they are much more than a label for medical symptoms. The book will help with improving knowledge but more importantly help with self-esteem issues which is often neglected in books on the subject. -- Professor Uttom Chowdhury, University of BedfordshireTable of ContentsPart I: Explanation of how children with ADHD are affected by Tic disorders/Tourette syndrome Part II: The 'Upside Down Rainbow' story

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Book SynopsisSoothe your child’s anxiety and help them to develop emotional resilience for the future. The number of children suffering from anxiety is on the rise and most parents will readily admit that they feel ill prepared and lost for words when it comes to supporting their child’s emotional wellbeing. Author Alicia Eaton is a Harley Street practitioner with over 15 years’ experience of helping children to feel more confident and overcome feelings of anxiety. As she explains, nearly all children will sustain bumps and bruises on the outside of their body so it’s only natural that they’ll also pick up a few on the inside, in the form of anxiety and worries. Learning how to tackle these quickly, stops them from turning into much bigger problems later. Whether your child has a fear of dogs, spiders, dentists or injections, struggles with school, performing on stage or sleeping at night, this book will teach you the simple solutions every parent needs to know. When your child feels happy, you’ll feel happier too.Trade ReviewThis is an extremely informative gem of a book. If you have or know of anyone with sensitive/anxious children this would definitely be recommended. It's very easy to read with expert advice and exercises which appear to be an excellent support for the child. It also, gives advice and guidance for parents as to how to deal with certain sensitive or anxious situations. It really does make you aware of how children adapt and learn from their environment and how this may influence them. Would highly recommend this to all who are in need of this support. * NetGalley *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 SECTION 1 – MAKING SENSE OF IT ALL 7 Chapter 1: Anxiety: what’s it all about? 9 Chapter 2: How your child’s mind works 17 SECTION 2 – STEPS TO SUCCESS 25 Chapter 3: Detox your environment 27 Chapter 4: Let’s talk 35 Chapter 5: Tools to help 53 SECTION 3 – FIRST AID TECHNIQUES AND STRATEGIES 59 Chapter 6: Let’s relax 61 Chapter 7: Psycho-sensory therapies 75 Chapter 8: Visualisation techniques 85 SECTION 4 – PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE 113 Chapter 9: General worries 115 Chapter 10: Stage fright, auditions, interviews 125 Chapter 11: Phobia: fear of dogs 131 Chapter 12: Fear of spiders and snakes 137 Chapter 13: Medical anxiety: doctors, injections and germs 143 Chapter 14: School refusal 149 Chapter 15: Bullying 157 Chapter 16: Exam stress 165 Chapter 17: Travel anxiety: fear of fl ying 171 Chapter 18: Sleep problems 177 A final note 183 Notes 185 Useful contact details 187 Also by Alicia Eaton 189 About the author 191

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Book SynopsisClinical psychologist Dr Anne Lane equips parents with the tools they need to nurture their child's emotional intelligence'. She helps parents understand their child's big - often overwhelming - emotions, and shows them how to teach their child the invaluable life skill of processing their feelings and not being afraid of them.

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Book Synopsis'Raising Resilience is fantastic' Sarah Jessica Parker'A must read' Eve Rodsky, New York Times bestselling author of Fair Play'The book that parents and caregivers have been waiting for' Lisa Damour, PhD, author of Untangled, Under Pressure and The Emotional Lives of TeenagersForeword by Amy SchumerRaising Resilience is a guide to help you develop your child's inner resources, so they can build strength even in times of crisis. Drawing on extensive clinical research with families, child development expert Tovah P. Klein offers Five Pillars of child resilience: - Create emotional safety- Teach emotional regulation- Offer limits alongside freedom- Connect with your child- Accept them as they are With common sense strategies rooted in research, Raising Resilience offers busy, stressed-out parents a guide that will help you establish a loving, stable and connected relationship to nurture your child from the inside out.

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Book SynopsisNeuroscientific evidence reveals that childcare centres are high stress environments which can disrupt the brain s emotional developmental circuitry during critical phases, impacting a child s later ability to flourish. At the same time evidence also reveals that some parenting practices are sub-optimal. Exploring what it is infants really need to grow emotionally well, represents a largely unexplored issue. If the state wants to be populated by flourishing individuals, then this topic must be addressed. Using an ethical framework to tease out the wide ranging, complex, and sometimes controversial issues that this dilemma presents, The Foundations of Flourishing and Our Responsibility to Infants follows a cross-disciplinary journey. The author pieces together pertinent issues in a synthesised critique of political, feminist, and moral philosophy, as well as psychological and neuroscientific findings, and offers some possible solutions. It will be of interest to researchers and teachers in areas including philosophy, psychology, education, social care, as well as educators and policy-makers in early childhood development.

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Book SynopsisDolores and Tristan Glumm are smart and full of good ideas. But when sadness shows up, they both struggle: Tristan retreats into avoidance and Dolores tries to control everything. This story and workbook with ACT activities helps children aged 8-12 to understand their sadness and teaches them how to reach out for help.

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Book SynopsisAn interactive workbook for parents and children from the author of the best-selling titles Don''t Worry, Be Happy: A Child''s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety and You''re a Star: A Child''s Guide to Self-EsteemDoes your child struggle to speak up for themselves?Do they tend to avoid new things and find change hard?Perhaps they negatively compare themselves to others and put themselves down?These could all be signs that your child is struggling with their self-esteem.This practical guide combines cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness methods with simple activities to help your child''s confidence soar. It''s aimed at children aged 7-11 because a lot happens in these years that can impact a child''s self-esteem, not just now but for years to come.Your child will be guided, with the help of Buzz the monster - a friendly and supportive character they can identify with - through fun and engaging activities which are

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Book SynopsisThis 6-book collection of activity books by best-selling author Dr Karen Treisman feature a children's story, a wealth of activities, expansion activities and a dedicated section for adults on how to best support children. Troubles and difficulties addressed include anxiety, grief, trauma, relaxation difficulties, low self-esteem and night terrors.

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Book SynopsisIn using this resourceful guide, therapists can develop a comprehensive understanding of how trauma impacts their young clients'' brains and sensory systems. Filled with therapeutic strategies and activities tailored to specific regions of the brain, professionals will be able to optimise brain rehabilitation and improve sensory processing abilities.The book includes a wide range of low-cost, budgeted activities that can be applied in a variety of settings, including juvenile justice, rehab, schools, homes, residential care, and foster homes, all of which include guidance on how to engage the wider community in order to maximise the potential for healing.Complete with the latest research on trauma and real-life case studies, this book provides an excellent foundation on understanding the science and applying it in practice. It is an indispensable resource for paediatric caregivers looking to support the children they''re working with in healing the impact of trauma.<

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Book SynopsisIn this honest and practical guide, autistic therapist Raelene Dundon explores and demystifies how neurodiversity affirming principles can be easily applied to therapeutic practice.Covering essential considerations for working with neurodivergent clients such as presuming competence, promoting autonomy and respecting communication styles, and providing advice on the best affirming approaches in therapy including how to accommodate sensory needs and encourage self-advocacy, Raelene provides easy-to-implement ways to make your practice inclusive and empowering for neurodivergent children and young people.The deficit model is out. It's time to become neurodiversity affirming.Trade ReviewAs an autistic ADHDer this book is written from both a personal and research-based perspective. Raelene has listened to 'the community', and her own experiences. Neurodiversity affirming practice is named, explained and choreographed in every chapter. This is a game changer and potentially equips Clinicians with the understanding they need for this and future generations. -- Dr. Wenn B. Lawson (PhD)

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Book SynopsisPlaying the dating game is often tricky: all the more so for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. How do AS adolescents and their families cope with sexual feelings and behaviour? What help can be given if a man with AS oversteps the mark in expressing his sexuality? How do people with AS deal with intimacy and communication in sexual relationships? In this comprehensive and unique guide, Isabelle Hénault delivers practical information and advice on issues ranging from puberty and sexual development, gender identity disorders, couples' therapy to guidelines for sex education programs and maintaining sexual boundaries. This book will prove indispensable to parents, teachers, counsellors and individuals with AS themselves.Trade ReviewIn this comprehensive and unique guide, the author provides practical information and advice on issues ranging from puberty and sexual development, gender identity disorders couples' therapy to guidelines for sex education programs and maintaining sexual boundaries. This book will suit parents, teachers, counsellors and individuals with Asperger Syndrome. -- The SpectrumThe book covers a myriad of topics relevant to the adolescent with Asperger Syndrome, such as body image, self-esteem, masturbation and personal hygiene. Topics for adults include contraception, libido, responsibility and decision-making. Many topics are illustrated with case examples and specific strategies to try (such as a daily hygiene chart). -- Autism Victoria LibraryThis guide for people with AS and those who care for them presents practical information and advice on issues ranging from contraception to couple dynamics and gender identity. A number of worksheets and activities for the development of sociosexual skills are provided in the second half of the volume. The author is a psychologist specializing in sexual education and psychotherapy for people on the autism spectrum. -- Book NewsPeople who have AS are just as loving, caring and have a sex life just like anybody else. This book I am very impressed with. It is very rare. There is no research; sex education for AS needs research. -- Asperger UnitedTable of ContentsContents: Foreword Tony Attwood. Introduction. Part 1: Exploring sexuality and Asperger's Syndrome 1. Sexual development. 2. Inappropriate sexual behaviors: comprehension and intervention (with Dr Patrick Papazian). 3. Social skills. 4. Sexual diversity and gender identity. 5. Couples, intimacy and sexuality. 6. The sociosexual education programme. Part 2: Programme for the development of sociosexual skills. Appendix: The sexual profile of adults with Asperger's Syndrome: The need for support and intervention (with Tony Attwood). References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis is the essential one-stop guide for parents of children and young people with tic disorders and the professionals who work with them. Drawing on current research and their own clinical experience, the authors provide up-to-date information on tic disorders and review the psychological, medical and alternative methods of managing symptoms. Written in clear, accessible language and with practical advice on how to support children with tics at home and in school, the book also includes essential information on the common co-occurring conditions and difficulties, such as ADHD, anxiety, OCD, autism, self-esteem issues and behavioural difficulties.Trade ReviewHere, in one volume, written in an accessible manner by people who have spent a huge amount of their professional lives working with those living with Tourette syndrome, is everything you need to know to gain a good working knowledge and understanding of TS. I am so pleased that such a volume exists and hope it will soon be on not only every worried parent's reading list, but also those of GPs and those charged with supporting someone with TS. -- From the Foreword by Suzanne Dobson, Chief Executive of Tourettes Action UKIt is not always easy to understand what it is like to live with Tourette syndrome. Comprehensive and accessible, this book sheds light on the key clinical features, management strategies and implications to day-to-day life. The authors have done a great job in putting together a highly useful resource for patients and their families, as well as professionals and teachers dealing with this condition in the school setting. -- Andrea E. Cavanna, MD PhD FRCP, Consultant in Behavioural NeurologyUttom Chowdhury and Tara Murphy have been committed for years to the care of children and families affected by Tourette syndrome and have trained many other clinicians. This book combines the medical literature with their experience of the condition, its challenges and its treatment, including in the home and classroom. It will be a valuable resource for both parents and professionals. -- Dr Jeremy Stern, Consultant Neurologist and Honorary Medical Director, Tourettes ActionThis accessible book from experienced clinicians helps families live with and accept tics. At the same time it provides guidance to enable parents to make the best use of professional advice and expect a high standard of assessment and treatment for their child. It acknowledges and explains the neurological basis of tics and Tourette's but avoids excessive preoccupation with the unusual symptoms. It also gently dismisses the myth that doctors have a full answer to tics and Tourette's. Instead the emphasis is on families learning to identify and access the help they need. Part of this process is realising that their child's difficulties may not be the tics themselves, but a related problem such as anxiety or learning difficulties. There are practical tips for families throughout - with the repeated message that 'knowledge is power'. -- Professor Isobel Heyman, Clinical Lead, National Tourette Syndrome Clinic, Great Ormond Street Hospital, LondonTable of ContentsForeword by Suzanne Dobson, Chief Executive of Tourette Action, UK. Part 1. Tics and Tourette Syndrome. 1.1. What are Tic Disorders? 1.2. Signs and Symptoms. 1.3. Causes of Tic Disorders. Part 2. Management. 2.1. Working with Schools. 2.2. Psychological Management. 2.3. Medication. 2.4. Neurosurgery. 2.5. Less Well Validated Treatments. Part 3. Co-occurring Features and Conditions. 3.1. ADHD. 3.2. OCD. 3.3. Depression. 3.4. Anxiety. 3.5. ASD. 3.6. Specific Learning Difficulties. 3.7. Sleep. 3.8. Anger. Part 4. Parenting and Family Life. 4.1. Adjusting to the Diagnosis. 4.2. Dealing with Behavioural Problems. 4.3. Improving your Child's Self Esteem. Appendix I. Glossary. Appendix II. Useful resources and websites. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisChild Development for Child Care and Protection Workers is a classic text for students and practitioners in the child care and protection field which summarises important current thinking on child development and applies it directly to practice.The book covers key issues such as resilience and vulnerability and the impact of protective or adverse environments. Different stages of development (infancy, school age and adolescence) are discussed, and attachment theory is used to offer insights into the impact of abuse and neglect on development. A key feature is the inclusion of case studies and activities to allow the reader to improve their understanding and reflect on good practice. This second edition is fully updated to reflect the new policy context and multi-disciplinary practice, and contains updated practice examples to take into account contemporary issues affecting children and young people.This book encourages practitioners to consider each child as an individual with unique circumstances, and links theory and practice in an imaginative and sympathetic way. It will be essential reading for all child care and protection workers.Trade ReviewPraise for the first edition:'Child Development for Child Care and Protection Workers offers a good solid account of child development rooted in attachment theory - the current hot topic in childcare social work.' -- Times Higher Education SupplementWhat a refreshing change to read a text on child development which is child-focused and embedded in an appropriate theoretical background... The bibliography is extensive and appropriate, and throughout there are suggested activities for the students to investigate. I found the activities to be thought-provoking, challenging and an excellent guide to a fully focused assessment of children. The child-focused nature of the text shines throughout... It is to be hoped that this text is used widely, and that the next generation of child protection workers has the understanding and the knowledge to enable well-informed, child-focused decision making in child protection. -- Child Abuse ReviewPraise for the second edition:'The inclusion of 'hints for answers' is a useful tool for relating theory to practice. 'Key messages' at the end of each chapter are helpful, as they allow the preceding chapter to be successfully summarised.Another positive feature of this book is that the layout enables the reader either to identify particular chapters relevant to their practice and read them in isolation or make sense of them in the wider context of the book. The text should also be praised for recognising the importance of considering each child as an individual, and taking wider environmental factors and the impact they have, into consideration. I would recommend this book to students and practitioners working in areas of child care and protection, as it is easy to read, and can be applied to the individual's own practice.' -- Pracice: Social Work in ActionThe continuing strength of this text is that it synthesises knowledge of child development with the daily realities for child care practitioners. It is most definitely a book that is meant not just to be read but to be applied and can, in my opinion, help to reinvigorate the "drained" practitioner. -- Wiley Online LibraryI think this book is an extremely useful resource for social workers and would be of particular value to foster carers and other professionals such as teachers and health professionals. It is above alla book that equips professionals with rich theoretical knowledge which encourages us all to actively contribute to promoting resilience and protective factors in children and young people. -- Seen and Heard... it really would be a shame to miss this book's contents... To pluck one notable example of the useful material on offer, I would draw your attention to page 106 in the Protective Factors and Adversity chapter as somewhere to go if you really need to consider ''what constitutes risk and harm?'' This section helps the reader to really consider interpreting, assessing and managing those two concepts, and, very importantly, managing them in some very sensitive family situations. This chapter explains succinctly what to look at and why. I can't say more - it's a definite must have - my copy is going nowhere. -- PSW- Professional Social Work, Carlyn Taylore-Score, Family Court Advisor, CAFCASS Bolton[The authors] have fashioned a book that is informed and informative, theoretically wise and practically useful. Readers will value Child Development for Child Care and Protection Workers for the wisdom that it brings and the guidance that it offers. And armed with the knowledge so neatly wrapped up in the pages of this very sensible book, the reflective practitioner will be well placed to make young lives that much better. -- From the Foreword by Professor David Howe, Professor of Social Work, University of East Anglia, UKThe second edition of this highly regarded book is most welcome. The chapters, written by experts in the field, will assist those working with children and young people to understand key developmental processes. The practical approach used throughout this book will also ensure practitioners are well equipped to undertake child-centred assessments and identify appropriate interventions. -- Professor Jan Horwath, Professor of Child Welfare, University of Sheffield, UKTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. David Howe, University of East Anglia, UK. 1. Framework for understanding child development. 2. Developing relationships. 3. Parenting and care-giving. 4. Resilience and vulnerability. 5. Protective factors and adversity. 6. Early years. 7. School years. 8. Adolescence. 9. Stress and support in the lives of children facing adversity. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisA diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be confusing and overwhelming for all involved, and it can be difficult for parents to know how best to approach the subject with their child. This easy-to-use interactive workbook gives parents the help they need to explain ASDs to their child and provide practical and emotional support following diagnosis.Parents are invited to work through each chapter with their child as they grow older and go through adolescence, encouraging them to talk through how the ASD affects each area of their life, from making friends to problem-solving to planning a career. The information and advice is presented in a clear and positive way to help both parent and child understand more about what the diagnosis means for them. As the workbook is completed an invaluable record of development will be created for parent and child to look back on together.This hands-on workbook is an essential resource for parents and carers looking for guidance on explaining ASDs from diagnosis onwards to children aged 10 and up.Trade Review"The ASD Workbook: Understanding Your Autism Spectrum Disorder" uses an interactive workbook format to help parents explain ASD to children. It provides a fine resource that is easy to use for both parents and kids, and provides explanations, examples and worksheets in such a manner that many a medical professional will want to use this ASD workbook to teach newcomers the basics. A fine pick for parenting and medical collections alike! -- The Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsAbout the Author. Preface for Parents and Carers. Why this book was written. Aims of this book. Who is this book for? When to use this book. How to use this book. Introducing ASDs: Checklist. 1. Introduction. Learning about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). 2. What is an ASD? What does the diagnosis mean? Why have I got this diagnosis? What to do next. 3. Understanding Your Differences. People with an ASD are different. People with an ASD sometimes have problems. Understanding more about an ASD - the difficulties and the good things. Liking systems, patterns or routines. Social skills. Communication. Sensory sensitivity. What to do next. 4. People You Live With. Why is home life important? Problems you might have in a family. Difficulties that your family might have with your ASD. What to do next. 5. Friendships and Relationships. Why is it a good idea to make friends? What is friendship? How to make friends. How to build up a friendship. What is a boyfriend or girlfriend. Meeting the right boyfriend or girlfriend. What to do next. 6. Strengths and Interests. What are strengths and interests? Why is it important to recognise your strengths and interests? How are your strengths and interests different to those of people without an ASD? Why might your strengths and interests cause difficulties? What to do next. 7. School. Why do people have to go to school? Why school may sometimes be a challenge for you if you have an ASD. Thinking about school. What you can do to improve what school is like for you. How you can plan your career. Job applications. What to do next. 8. Getting Help. What is self-help? Why do you need to develop ways to help yourself? What might you need help with? Self-help plan. Some things to think about. What to do next. 9. Further Information. Recommended reading for people with an ASD. Recommended reading for parents and carers. Websites for parents and carers. 10. Glossary. Appendix: Progress Chart.

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Book SynopsisMeet Ellie – a young girl with epilepsy. Ellie invites readers to learn about epilepsy from her perspective. She introduces us to some friends who help present the varying forms of epilepsy. Ellie and her friends help children to understand the obstacles that they face by telling them what it feels like to have epilepsy, how it affects them physically and emotionally, how epilepsy can be treated and how the condition is often misunderstood by people who do not know the facts.This illustrated book is full of useful information and will be an ideal introduction for children from the age of 7. It will also help parents, friends, and professionals to make sense of the condition in its varying forms and will be an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.Trade ReviewIt explains a little about the causes, how it affects those who suffer from it and ways in which to help and e understanding of pupils with epilepsy... This book is a useful introduction to living with epilepsy for children from the age of seven and above and will provide support for those recently diagnosed with epilepsy and provide understanding for their friends and families. It would also make a worthwhile preamble to classroom awareness sessions and discussions. -- SNIPThis book is recommended as a starting point especially useful for young people from the age of seven upwards as a sound introduction to a difficult subject. -- The SL (School Librarian)This book is useful for those who have been newly diagnosed with epilepsy as well as their parents, friends andsiblings... The "matter of fact" tone makes it a great starting point in reassuring children who are anxious about their condition and will be useful in encouraging them to discuss how their seizures affect them personally and what helps them cope.' -- Children & Young People NowThis is a truly excellent introduction for children newly diagnosed with epilepsy and will be extremely useful for their parents and teachers too. -- Healthy Books... a simple, straightforward book containing the basic information that teachers need... As well as a teacher's guide, this short book, with its large print and simple pictures, is ideal for putting in the library for children to read themselves, promoting confidence for those with epilepsy, and greater understanding among their peers. -- Special MagazineThis helpful book is a brief, straightforward account of the varying forms of epilepsy and it would make a good introduction to the subject for children from the age of around seven... The book would also b e a very useful introduction for adults who are new to the subject. -- HEAS - Home Education Advisory Service, BulletinThe illustrations helped me visualise and connect with the children, and the guidance on what to do during a seizure and putting someone in the recovery position is invaluable. -- Netbuddy.co.ukCan I tell you about Epilepsy? is a fantastic book, written in such a way that children of all ages can understand what epilepsy is. It helps young people make sense of the different types of epilepsy and how they can affect people's lives on a daily basis. The book also explains first aid procedures in such a simple way that it is easy to follow and understand. The book will undoubtedly help children who have recently been diagnosed with epilepsy come to terms with what it means and to better understand their condition. I would highly recommend this book to teachers, parents and children alike, simply a great book. -- Andy Morley, founder of UKEpilepsy.comTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. 1. Introducing Ellie and friends who have Epilepsy. 2. What is Epilepsy? 3. Absence seizures. 4. Focal (Partial) seizures. 5. Tonic Clonic seizures and basic first aid for seizures. 6. Medication and treatments. 7. We are all unique. 8. How teachers can help. Recommended reading, websites and organisations. Blank for your notes.

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Book SynopsisMeet Ben - a young boy with ADHD. Ben invites readers to learn about ADHD from his perspective. He helps children understand what it means to have ADHD and describes what it is and how it feels. Ben explains how he was diagnosed and what he has learnt about ways to relieve his ADHD symptoms, and how friends and adults can help at home and school. This illustrated book is full of useful information and will be an ideal introduction for young people, aged 7 upwards, as well as parents, friends, teachers and professionals working with children with ADHD. It is also an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.Trade ReviewBecause we are getting Ben's point of view about how he feels about his ADHD and how it affects others, we get real insight into what this condition must be like to those with it... This book could be of real importance of children with ADHD, giving them the knowledge about themselves that can be so important when dealing with a serious condition and also helping them to understand that they are not alone. It will also be important to families, teachers and friends because they will find hints and practices to enable them to support the child. An important book all round. -- Healthy BooksThis book is a perfect choice for every child diagnosed with ADHD and lends a voice to children with ADHD who are unable to express themselves. Written in an engaging and conversational style, the book provides a window for parents and professionals to see how children with ADHD feel rather than how other's perceive them. I highly recommend this book for children and parents, as well as professionals working with children who have ADHD. -- Dr Inyang Takon, Consultant Paediatrician, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, HertfordshireTable of Contents1.Introducing Ben who has ADHD. 2. What is it like to have ADHD?. 3. Attention problems. 4. Hyperactivity. 5. Talking a lot. 6. Rushing through chores and schoolwork. 7. Being impatient and impulsive. 8. Safety at the roadside. 9. Anger outbursts. 10. Daydreaming. 11. Forgetting things. 12. Specialist help for people with ADHD. 13. What is ADHD?. 14. What causes ADHD?. 15. ADHD and other conditions. 16. How medication can help. 17. Supporting people with ADHD. 18. How friends can help. 19. How parents can help. 20. How teachers can help. Recommended reading and resources.

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a useful introduction to the most common non-genetic learning disability, which is caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.Written by two FASD experts, it describes how alcohol can harm the foetus and disrupt development, and explains how FASD affects individuals at different stages of their lives. With the aid of simple, illustrative diagrams, photographs and charts, it shows how you can identify FASD and gives guidance on how mothers at risk can be helped. It also provides advice for parents or carers on how children, young people and adults with FASD can be best supported. Accessible and informative, this is the essential guide to FASD for social workers, family placement teams, child protection workers, foster carers, adoptive parents, midwives and teachers.Trade ReviewThis book calls for appropriate assessments and interventions, and a collaborative approach to supporting the complex needs of individuals with FASD. This message is one that needs to be heard far and wide! Written in easy to understand language, this informative book is a "must" for anyone caring for or working in the field of FASD - the tools and strategies for success cover a wealth of practical and helpful tips. -- Bernadette Howell, adoptive mother of two sons diagnosed with FASDTable of ContentsIntroduction. Ch1: What is FASD? Ch2: FASD Recognition, Screening and Diagnosis. Ch3: FASD Across the Lifespan. CH4: FASD, Tools and Strategies for Success. Part Five: FASD, Future Policy and Practice. Conclusion. References. Appendices. Additional Resources.

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Book SynopsisMeet Max - a boy with Tourette syndrome (TS). Max invites readers to learn about Tourette's from his perspective, helping them to understand what tics and triggers are and what it feels like to have TS. He explains how living with TS can sometimes be difficult, and how people around him can help him to feel happy and accepted. This illustrated book is ideal for young people aged 7 upwards, as well as parents, friends, teachers and other professionals working with children with TS. It is also an excellent starting point for family and classroom discussions.Trade ReviewAs an adult who knows comparatively little about Tourette syndrome and has never taught a child with a diagnosis of TS, I found this book extremely useful and informative. I have no hesitation in recommending it. A copy should be in every staffroom library and another in every primary school library for children to read. -- Jill Bennett * Red Reading Hub blog *This book fills a huge gap in the market as many parents and teachers tell us that there is nothing to help them talk to younger children about their Tourette Syndrome. TS is a complex, difficult to understand condition which can baffle teachers and families and indeed those who actually have TS.I was particularly taken by the sentence where Max says that his parents and teachers 'were on the same page'. This is the absolute key to making school successful and of course the 'page' that they were on was making school not only an excellent experience but one in which Max can reach his full potential without being defined by TS. We will certainly be adding it to our reading list. -- Suzanne Dobson, Chief Executive, Tourettes ActionThis book is a perfect introduction to Tourette syndrome for parents and children. It presents all the facts accurately but in an easy-to-read and engaging style. It would be invaluable as a resource for teachers and other children at primary schools who have a child with Tourette syndrome in their class. I will definitely recommend this book to teachers. -- Jane Fowlie, Research and Liaison Nurse for Tourette syndrome Projects, School of Psychology, University of NottinghamCan I tell you about Tourette Syndrome? is an engaging and practical read for children with Tourette syndrome, their families, friends, teachers and health professionals. The book will help develop a better awareness of the journey that many children with Tourette syndrome experience and an understanding of how those that care for them can support this process. -- Dr Tara Murphy, Consultant Clinical and Paediatric Neuropsychologist, Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, LondonBy adopting a child's perspective, the author helps children, parents and teachers to understand what it means to live with Tourette syndrome. -- Professor Andrea E. Cavanna MD PhD, Consultant in Behavioural Neurology, BSMHFT, BirminghamI would like to see a copy of this book in the library of every school in the UK. It will help teachers to gain a greater understanding, and Max's story would be ideal for peer group awareness in schools. -- From the foreword by Julie Collier, Groups Manager, Tourettes ActionTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword by Julie Collier, Groups Manager, Tourettes Action. Introduction. 1. Introducing Max who has Tourette syndrome (TS). 2. Tics and Tourette's. 3. Playing with other children. 4. TS at home. 5. TS at school. 6. My fidget toy. 7. Finding out I have TS. 8. Our self-help group. 9. What makes me Tic? Triggers and treatments. 10. Dogs and other things. 11. Living with Tourette's; Do's and don'ts. 12. Facts about TS. 13. How teachers can help. 14. How schools can help. 15. Further information for parents and professionals. Recommended reading, organisations and websites.

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Book SynopsisThis easy-to-use tool provides an observation checklist which enables staff to identify behavioural patterns in children with social and emotional difficulties, analyse the underlying emotional difficulties and establish what kind of help and support the children need. Behavioural responses are categorised within clearly outlined topics, including:* behaviour and relationship with peers* attachment behaviours* emotional state in the classroom* attitude to attendance Checklists and diagrams identify different 'styles' of relating, to help school staff to respond appropriately to the individual needs of each child. A range of handouts include activities designed to provide emotional support, to focus and regulate behaviour and enable the child to develop important social and emotional skills.Suitable for use with children aged 11+, this tool will be an invaluable resource for teachers, teaching assistants, learning support staff, school counsellors and educational psychologists.Trade ReviewThis wonderful book focuses on the use of a comprehensive observation checklist for these students. However it provides so much more! It includes the development of well-informed action plans based on the detailed information obtained by the checklist as well as a thorough understanding of the complex difficulties shown by these adolescents. It also helps us to understand the services and programs needed by them, along with the characteristics of the adults and schools which these youth desperately need if they are to successfully proceed with their social, emotional, and behavioral development. This will serve as an important resource for educators even if they were never to use the checklist, though I would strongly encourage them to include it in their knowledgeable efforts to best meet the needs of these students. Observing Adolescents with Attachment Difficulties in Educational Settings is an excellent addition to the earlier works and checklists by Golding and colleagues for preschool and school age children. -- Daniel Hughes Ph.D., Psychologist, Author of Attachment-Focused Family Therapy Workbook and Brain-Based Parenting, and Founder of Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), USAThe needs of vulnerable children in education are becoming much more prevalent and more resources are needed to assist educators as they support these children. This observational tool is a necessity for any secondary school looking to build strong children; both physically, emotionally, socially and academically. As a trainer in this field and a parent of a child with an avoidant attachment style I am encouraged to see the blight of these under the radar young people being addressed, as well as the other styles of attachment. This is a must-have resource for anyone looking to increase the chances for secondary school children in our educational system. -- Nicola Marshall, Attachment Training Specialist and Author of The Teacher's Introduction to AttachmentThis is a long awaited book and I am so glad that Kim and her team have invested their time, energy, and wisdom into producing it. It was well worth the wait... -- From the Foreword by Louise Michelle BomberTable of ContentsForeword. Acknowledgements. Introduction: About this Resource. 1. Child Development in the Early Years and Beyond. 2. Recognizing the Emotional Needs of Students in Educational Settings. 3. Understanding Emotional Needs Through Knowledge of Attachment Theory. 4. Introducing the Observation Checklist. 5. Detailed Guidance for Completing the Checklist Section by Section. 6. Worked Examples of the Observation Checklist. 7. Analysis of Information: Interpreting the Completed Checklist. 8. Worked Examples of Interpreting the Checklist and Support Plans. 9. Helping the Student with Attachment Difficulties in Educational Settings. 10. Helping the Student with Different Attachment Styles in Educational Settings. 11. Supporting the Emotional Needs of Students with Attachment Difficulties. 12. Supporting Students with Multiple Difficulties. Appendix 1: Observation Checklist. Appendix 2: Adolescent Development. Appendix 3: Attachment Theory and Educational Settings. Appendix 4: Supporting Adolescents in Educational settings. Appendix 5: Glossary. Appendix 6: Glossary for UK Education System. References. Further Reading and Useful Websites. Author Biographies.

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Book SynopsisPotty 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.Trade ReviewA good book to read if you are about to start a potty training programme and full of tips and ideas if you feel you have tried everything and failed. -- Cerebra NewsbeatEach step has a wealth of ideas and tips; with some having case studies showing examples of the step in action. I found these steps really easy to follow, and useful in giving me ideas on how to individualise the programme for my child. The final chapters give a brief summary for each step, some invaluable tips and answer frequently asked questions, all of which help to provide a really useful book... I feel this book is an invaluable aid to interested professionals working with children with special needs. As a tool, many of the resources can be made and easily individualised for families to enable them to have a positive and successful experience of toilet training. -- GAP (Good Autism Practice)What sets this book apart from other toilet training books is that Ms. Batts explains why potty training efforts tend to fail. Her clear behavioral plan and experienced insights will help countless children finally succeed at this essential skill. -- Bonnie Arnwine, Founder, National Autism ResourcesBrenda does an excellent job of connecting with her audiences and in providing workable solutions to issues faced by parents and those who provide services to individuals affected by an autism spectrum disorder. Her approaches get results. People who have attended the workshops Brenda has offered for Region 17 Education Service Center have commented on getting results using her approaches. Her workshops continue to be talked about and remembered long after they are over. -- Dr. David Jenkins, Educational Service Center, Lubbock, Texas, USAThis is a book I REALLY wish I had around when I was potty training my son Aiden. Ready, Set, Potty! is filled with fabulous ideas and I am actually going to use some with my daughter Olivia. She is developmentally "normal" but utterly oppsed to the idea of using the potty so I am sure the ideas in this book will help. If you are the parent of a special needs kid be sure to get this book - I am CERTAIN it will be a great help in your quest to toilet train that child!!! It is very easy to read and 100% practical. The ideas are doable for every family. I am happy to recommend Ready, Set, Potty! -- Tara's View on BooksI was mesmerized by Brenda's system. It made so much sense to me, and I was eager to get my Bella out of diapers. I followed Brenda's instructions to the letter and sure enough, after 48 hours, Bella had released into the toilet several times and was on her way to success. Previous attempts meant literally hours sitting on the toilet with no success, only to have a puddle on the floor seconds after leaving the bathroom. Go ahead, Pamper yourself. Get the book. -- Age of AutismBehavioral consultant Brenda Batts has written the instructions parents need to successfully guide a child along the path toward bathroom independence. "... it is imperative to understand that our children are more like us than they are different," she says. Using this premise as the foundation, Batts shows how to create a simple, intelligent, logical process that a child will not find difficult to follow. Many of her techniques may also be used in other areas of life that need logic and clarification... Batts is terrific at presenting instructional material in a clear, easy-to-follow manner. She has structured her book in a way that allows for easy cover-to-cover reading but which also lends itself to later reference... Also evident in the text is Batt's utmost respect for her readers and their children; it shows in her treatment of the subjects in her examples. As the mother of a child with developmental disorders, she knows exactly what it's like to struggle with challenges like potty training, and offers warm understanding in addition to useful advice... Care givers who need a useful, creative, and structured potty training program will do well to start with Ready, Set, Potty. -- ForeWord ReviewsIn her helpful new book, Ready, Set, Potty: Toilet Training for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disorders [September 2010, Jessica Kingsley Publishers] Brenda Batts provides an easily accessible, informative guide complete with charts and tips for parents and teachers geared towards achieving successful, independent toilet training for the disabled child. -- Cindi Matthews - frugalnewenglandkitchen.comTable of ContentsDedication. 1. Introduction - The road to independence. 2. Individualized Teaching. 3. Components of a Well-Structured Program. 4. Critical Questions. 5. Areas to Consider. 6. The Potty Plan. 7. The Beginning of the Process. 8. Steps to Potty Training. 9. Recap. 10. FAQs. 11. Closing Remarks.

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Book SynopsisIn this fully updated second edition, this book provides an insight into the challenges and benefits specific to gifted children with attention difficulties. Recognising the different kinds and levels of giftedness, it explains why certain children are gifted and how giftedness is manifested, with each chapter addressing the relevance of a specific topic for children with AD/HD and Asperger Syndrome. Lovecky guides parents and professionals through methods of diagnosis and advises on how best to nurture individual needs, positive behaviour and relationships at home and at school.Lovecky explores concepts such as asynchrony and the effects of such `uneven' development on children, using case studies to illustrate emotional, intellectual, creative and social development. She also highlights the inadequate measures currently in place to assist parents and teachers and goes on to clearly define what is required to understand and help these children so that their needs can be met more positively in the future. Different Minds, with its wealth of practical and background information, is essential reading for all those who live or work with gifted children with attention difficulties.Trade ReviewTwo decades after gifting us a comprehensive guide to understanding the different minds of gifted individuals with co-occurring profiles of ADHD and ASD, Dr. Lovecky, a pioneer in the field of dual exceptionalities, has once again given us the information, understanding, and tools needed to support and cultivate the growth and potential of unique humans with unique minds. -- Daniel B. Peters, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist, Executive Director, Summit Center Author, Make Your Worrier a Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Child's Fears Co-Author, Bright, Complex Kids: Supporting Their Social and Emotional DevelopmentWritten by a true worldwide expert in the shared fields of giftedness, twice-exceptionality, and autism spectrum disorders, Dr. Lovecky has masterfully articulated what so many works before have missed on the topics of identifying understanding,,and meeting the needs of those who are truly different-minded. Within this work, Dr. Lovecky combines history and research with her own clinical experrise to give new insight into understanding to those who are still marginalized for thinkning differently. This book will undoubtedly become a reference source and guide for parents, educators, and clinicians alike. -- Marlo Payne Thurman

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Book SynopsisThe Autism Discussion Page blue book focuses on the core challenges associated with autism (cognitive, sensory, social, and emotional) and provides concise, accessible information and simple tools for supporting children with these vulnerabilities.Based on posts on the popular online community page and organised by subject for ease of reference, this book offers an excellent understanding of how children with autism process and experience the world and effective strategies for coping with the challenges.Trade ReviewMany of us count among the 56,000 who have benefitted from Bill Nason's advice from his Autism Discussion Page on Facebook. Now Bill has shared his accumulated insights into autism in a comprehensive manual that translates autism--for the neurotypical community of teachers, parents and service providers--but also for those of us looking to enhance our own self-awareness of the inner workings of autism strategies and techniques. If you only buy two books this year, make them the Autism Discussion Page green and blue books! -- Dena L. Gassner, MSW, Program Director of Center for Understanding, Board Member of GRASP, and Advisory Board Member of Autism Society of AmericaThese posts have helped me and my husband truly understand the sensory aspects of autism and how to help our son self-regulate, which has reduced his anxiety. The tips are practical and easy to implement. -- Amy Bonacorsi Zoque, parent of a child with autism (from the Autism Discussion Page on Facebook)Finding out about The Autism Discussion Page marked a turning point in my understanding of autism spectrum disorders and how to support those with ASD. Bill Nason's ability to present information clearly and succinctly, as well as provide concrete tips for what to do with that information, has been a lifesaver in working with teachers to establish appropriate educational plans. -- Erika Flesher, mental health therapist and parent of a child with autism (from the Autism Discussion Page on Facebook)Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. Introduction. Part 1. Acceptance and Understanding. 1.1. Acceptance and Understanding. Part 2. Cognitive Issues in Autism. 2.1. Cognitive Processing Differences. 2.2. Teaching Dynamic Thinking. 2.3. Executive Functioning. 2.4. Rigid/Inflexibility. Part 3. Sensory Issues in Autism! 3.1. Common Sensory Issues. 3.2. Sharing Different Sensory Worlds. 3.3. The World of Self Stimulation! Part 4. Social Struggles in Autism. 4.1. Why Don't I Fit In? 4.2. Teaching Relating Skills. 4.3. Peer Play and Community Inclusion. Part 5. The Emotional World on the Spectrum. 5.1. Identifying, Labelling and Controlling Emotions. 5.2. Shutdowns and Meltdowns! Part 6. Putting it all together. Where to go from here. Appendix. A. Fragile World on the Spectrum. B. Sensory Scale. C. Sensory Motor Regulatory Patterns. D. Engagement Profile. E. Deep Pressure Calming Techniques. F. Core Deficit Assessment. G. Comfort Zone Profile.

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Book SynopsisDonna Williams' challenging book, written by an autistic person for people with autism and related disorders, carers, and the professionals who work with them, is a practical handbook to understanding, living with and working with autism. Exploring autism from the inside, it shows clearly how the behaviours associated with autism can have a range of different causes, and in many cases reflect the autistic person's attempt to gain control over their internal world. The sensory and perceptual problems that challenge a person with autism are described in depth, together with strategies for tackling them so as to enable that person to take more control of their lives. Donna Williams comments on the various approaches to autism, drawing out those strategies that are of real use, and explaining why some approaches may prove counterproductive, leaving the autistic person feeling even more isolated and misunderstood.Taking the view that understanding autism is the key to managing the condition, Donna Williams' book will bring illumination to all those who have felt baffled and frustrated by the outside appearance of autism. It contains a wealth of helpful suggestions, insights and new ideas, exploding old myths and promoting a view that all those involved with autism will find empowering and creative.Trade ReviewA book written by someone who has experienced the difficulties from the inside must give rare insight into the living with autism. For Occupational Therapists one of the greatest values of Donna Williams' book is that she looks at many different aspects, particularly the sensory problems, and relates theory to everyday living. She describes most of the treatment approaches available and judges their value from her own experience and from a sound theoretical basis. Donna Williams' book gives insight into autism and brings hope. She makes us look again and see that more can be achieves if the difficulties are understood better and more appropriate help given. It is a book that empowers the reader and rekindles enthusiasm. Well worth buying. It is well worth reading the whole book but it is also a volume that you can dip into. If you can't buy this book then borrow it. Anyone working with autism needs to know what this remarkable woman is telling us. -- NAPOT JournalI found Donna Williams' book invaluable. It is a book that works to integrate what is needed and what it feels like from the inside of autism. I shall refer to it to help me think of how someone with autism may be experiencing their work and shall certainly recommend it to parents and other professionals. -- The Canadian Child Psychiatry ReviewAutism: An Inside-Out Approach is an insightful look at autism that goes beyond symptoms and behaviors. This book is written by an eloquent author who lives with autism every day. Donna Williams suggests both detailed theory and practical day-to-day strategies for addressing specific challenges of individuals who, like her, have some type of autism or Asperger syndrome. Williams uses her initial chapters to tell her story and to set up her general theory… Autism: An Inside-Out Approach is a must read for all professionals and care-givers in the field of autism. It is thought provoking and dense with practical real-world suggestions and strategies. Readers must be cautious, however, because Williams' theories are the personal beliefs of an individual with autism, based on her own unique life experiences. She offers little scientific support for her ideas, and yet many will ring true with anyone who knows individuals with these characteristics. Many scientific studies have come and gone over the years, without having a significant impact on the type of support that is given to persons who have autism. Not just despite its subjectivity and personal nature, but because of it, this articulate approach by someone who has lived with autism may affect the ways in which professionals approach autism for years to come. -- Focus on Autism and Other Developmental DisabilitiesTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. Introduction. 1. A Bucket Full of Jigsaws. 2. What is This Thing Called `Autism'? 3. Tackling the Bogie-Man of `Autism'. 4. The Mixed Bag Found in One Classroom. 5. Approaches to `Autism'. 6. The Straws on the Camel's Back. 7. Problems of Connection. 8. Revisiting Adaptations and Compensations. 9. Artificial Limbs. 10. `Hyper-Connection'. 11. Problems of Tolerance. 12. Problems of Control. 13. Communication. 14. Sleepwalker-Sleeptalkers. 15. `Savant Skills'. 16. Personality. 17. Asperger Syndrome? 18. Seeing `Systems'. 19. Education. Appendix: Hints. Contacts Pages.

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Book SynopsisThis pioneering study shows that it is possible to establish a dialogue with a psychotic child and that schizophrenia in small children in treatable.

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Book SynopsisWhat makes a man like John, in every respect a cultured and charming man, successful in his career and liked by his friends and acquaintances, behave violently towards a woman he says he loves? Drawing on writings from the men's and women's movements, and from psychoanalytic literature; a view of the issues surrounding this case.

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Book SynopsisTHE JOHN BOWLBY MEMORIAL CONFERENCE MONOGRAPH 2007The fourteenth John Bowlby Memorial Conference, held in London in March 2007, stood out as a special conference in a special year. It coincided with the centenary of John Bowlby's birth, and the conference organising committee were conscious, in particular, of a desire to celebrate the pioneering nature of his work, and the profoundly significant contribution it has made to the understanding, prevention and healing of emotional suffering.Recent research in the fields of attachment and trauma is once more pointing to the contribution of early relational failures to extreme psychic suffering. 'Disorganised' patterns of attachment, identified in children whose caregivers are simultaneously a source of fear and a source of comfort, have been linked to the development of both dissociative and so called 'borderline' disorders in adult life.The conference aim was to bring together speakers able to extend our thinking and bring insights from attachment theory and psychoanalysis to the current debate about the links between the traumatic disorganisation of attachment relationships and more severe mental and emotional distress - dissociative states, borderline experiences and psychosis - as they emerge in clinical practice.The papers in this volume have in common a committed insistence upon placing human relationship at the centre of their accounts of extreme psychological suffering, both as the source of injury and, most hopefully, as the potential agent of repair. In this respect, they contribute fittingly in his centenary year to the continuation and extension of John Bowlby's pioneering work for the understanding, treatment and relief of such suffering.Contributors: Brett Kahr, Bernice Laschinger, Judith Lewis Herman, Giovanni Liotti, Kate White, Rachel Wingfield Schwartz, and Judy YellinTrade Review'This is a fascinating and important collection about the central significance of human relationships both in the generation of severe psychological distress and in its relief. It is essential reading for all those concerned with working with survivors of early trauma.'- Oliver James, clinical psychologist, journalist, and author 'In an age in which traumatized clients are often misunderstood, maltreated, or rejected by the mental health system, this book is required reading for every clinician. It opens our eyes to the mind shattering effects of early childhood traumatization that take place within dysfunctional attachment relationships - relationships in which children are utterly dependent on their caretakers. Moreover, it powerfully describes the way in which clients who come to us for help are caught in an unbearable conflict between attachment needs and the intense fear of entering a therapeutic relationship. Shattered States highlights what traumatized individuals need from therapists in order to heal and what it takes from the therapists to meet these needs, including the ability to bear witness; therapeutic skills; boundaries; patience; kind firmness; compassion; understanding; and the capacity to mentalize.'- Onno van der Hart, Honorary Professor of Psychopathology of Chronic Traumatization, Utrecht University and co-author of The Haunted Self: Structural Dissociation and the Treatment of Chronic Traumatization'I found this work especially valuable because it spoke to two important themes: one about how the early experience of hostility from caregivers causes a type of disturbance in the mind which is profound and long-lasting and needs to be looked for at assessment; and also about the importance of using psychological techniques that speak to the meaning of experience, irrespective of diagnosis. This may mean some modification of traditional technique; but all the authors described clinical material that demonstrated in a most moving way, the need for people in desperate mental states to be listened to as people with minds, not just carriers of disease. As research into these disorders, and their attachment roots continues, we should expect to keep learning new ways of thinking and working with people who are frightened by their own minds; and these authors have provided us with powerful learning tools.'- Gwen Adshead, forensic psychiatrist, consultant psychotherapist, and group analyst at Broadmoor hospital and co-editor of A Matter of Security: The Application of Attachment Theory to Forensic Psychiatry and PsychotherapyTable of ContentsIntroduction -- Attachment theory and The John Bowlby Memorial Lecture 2007: a short history -- The infanticidal origins of psychosis: the role of trauma in schizophrenia -- Disorganized attachment and the therapeutic relationship with people in shattered states -- Shattered shame states and their repair -- “You can kill me with what you say”: working with shattered states and the breakdown of inner and outer, self and other, from an attachment-based perspective -- Reading list -- Background information about The Bowlby Centre

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Book SynopsisWhy is it that some children sail through school with no problem at all, while others find it a difficult or unhappy experience? And why do some children develop behavioural problems while others don't? Cornelia Hansen believes that each child is unique and needs special management in order to thrive. While working on a Master's Degree in Child Development, Cornelia was introduced to a longitudinal study done in the Fifties on temperament in children. At the time, she was also studying astrology and the idea came to her that she might be able to connect the child development study to astrology. After all, hadn't the concept of temperament been with us from ancient times? Isn't it still part of analyzing someone's natal chart? The modern concept of temperament as being the cause of individual differences which appear at birth and continue over time has been widely accepted in the field of child development and appears in every child development textbook. In this pioneering study of temperament in children and young people, Cornelia examines copious case histories from her experience as a marriage, family and child therapist; with the welfare of the child firmly at the heart of the birth chart, she searches for ways to help parents understand their offspring better - and thus achieve a good outcome for everyone. Ideal for anyone working with children in the classroom, or in any capacity, this book will help parents, carers and teachers to discern the individual needs of a child that will enable them to flourish in the classroom and beyond.

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Book SynopsisUnlock your child’s potential by helping them build their strengths. As a strengths-based scientist for more than 20 years, Dr Lea Waters has witnessed first-hand how focusing on our children’s strengths, rather than correcting their weaknesses, can help build resilience and optimism, and offer protection from depression and anxiety. In this game-changing book, she argues that by throwing the ‘strength switch’ parents can encourage creativity, develop their children’s self-esteem and energy, and enhance achievement — and she offers easy-to-follow steps to teach parents how. With specific tips for interacting with your kids and your teens, The Strength Switch offers all the tools parents need to discover talents in their children, use positive emotions as a resource, build strong brains, and deal with problem behaviours and difficult emotions. This essential book will show parents how a small shift can yield enormous results.Trade Review‘Waters comes off as a thoughtful parenting realist … [her] clearly presented, easily implemented ideas will make sense to parents looking to escape the corrective mind-set that can make both them and their children feel defective or broken, especially in the children’s teen years.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘As parents, we often obsess about fixing our children’s weaknesses and neglect the importance of developing their strengths. This book is full of concrete ideas on how to change that.’ -- Adam Grant, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take‘Practical tips for parents from the wise and wonderful Lea Waters! So many parents, including me, struggle to translate scientific research into real-world strategies. This terrific book not only helps us understand ourselves and our children better but also makes that understanding actionable!’ -- Angela Duckworth, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Grit‘The Strength Switch gives parents hope that they can build their children’s creativity. By sharing parts of her own story of overcoming hardship, and presenting the latest science of positive psychology, Dr. Waters not only inspires parents to bring out the best in their children, but she inspires us all to be the best version of ourselves. A wise and warm book!’ -- Scott Barry Kaufman, co-author of Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind‘Lea Waters points to a needed shift in the way we are parenting our children and teenagers. The Strength Switch rejects the current fad that drowns children in self-esteem and replaces it with research-based practices to help parents identify and develop their children’s best qualities. Inspiring and timely.’ -- Robert Biswas-Diener, co-author of The Upside of Your Dark Side‘This book will help you do something groundbreaking for your children — shift your view to see their best and help them develop their unique strengths. Follow the wisdom here and you will bring deep, lasting benefit to not only your child but yourself. Thanks to Dr. Lea Waters, strengths-based parenting has arrived!’ -- Ryan M. Niemiec, author of Character Strengths Interventions‘Lea Waters’ expertise, hope, and heart shine through the pages of The Strength Switch. She deftly draws on the science of positive emotions to help readers appreciate the vital role positivity plays in moving through hard times. This book will be a game-changer for unlocking your child’s potential.’ -- Barbara L. Fredrickson, author of Positivity and Love 2.0

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisHave you ever wanted to understand more about mental health difficulties, such as trauma, OCD, attachment, shame and grief, but been put off by lengthy, academic texts? Have you ever wanted to start a conversation with a child about mental health concerns but not known where to begin? Would you like to help empower your kids to take control of their own psychological wellbeing? If the answer is yes to any or all of these questions, this is the book for you. Child and adolescent psychotherapist, Hayley Graham, draws on her years of experience to create an accessible resource perfect for parents, teachers and therapists. In Shadow Monsters and Courageous Hearts, she gives us five beautifully written and deeply-affecting stories designed to educate, empower and inspire. What's more she provides succinct explanations of the mental health challenges explored and suggests questions related to the stories to facilitate adults to start conversations with children. Conversations to further understanding, empower, and nurture compassion.

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Book SynopsisIn recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of children and young people who diagnose themselves as gender dysphoric, or trans. In the UK, and worldwide, there is a growing tendency to refer them on to ‘specialist’ gender services almost as soon as they express any confusion or distress about their biological sex or gender identity. Due to the rapidly rising numbers and various pressures on the system, patients are increasingly likely to be offered life-altering medication and/or surgical treatments, often with little exploration of their emotional world. As so little is yet known or understood regarding this increase in gender incongruent patients, it seems precipitous to proceed onto physical treatments before any assessment work is undertaken. Many who present as gender dysphoric have complex needs with comorbid problems such as autism, histories of abuse or trauma, social phobias, depression, eating disorders, and other mental health symptoms. Therefore, all aspects of the individual’s life deserve thorough assessment and therapeutic work. This book is aimed primarily at clinicians working in the field to provide a model for understanding, assessing, and treating gender dysphoria. The model uses a psychoanalytic framework to help explain disturbed states of mind and how psychic defences can be enlisted unconsciously to avoid overwhelming psychic pain. This offers professionals a way of trying to think with, and offer understanding to, their trans identifying clients. Clinical examples are given to illustrate these processes and promote the understanding of transgender children, adolescents, and young people and their internal worlds, their thinking, and their interpersonal relationships. As well as clinical exploration and understanding, the book includes an overview of the current political, social, and clinical environments which have all impacted on the clinical care of trans identifying individuals. As well as professional and trainee clinicians, this book might also prove useful to parents, other professionals, and possibly the gender dysphoric person too.Trade ReviewIn this timely, necessary book, Susan and Marcus Evans provide key insights into what adequate psychotherapeutic explorations of gender dysphoria should look like […] This book is a must-read not only for those working with gender dysphoria but also those who wish to expand their thinking on this cutting-edge work when dealing with the unbearableness of catastrophic anxiety. -- Hessel Willemsen, International Journal of Forensic Psychotherapy, 4:2This book is as thoughtful as it is necessary. Every responsible clinician and therapist who treats children and adolescents must read it – and read it carefully. -- Abigail Shrier, journalist and author of ‘Irreversible Damage: Teenage Girls and the Transgender Craze’I highly recommend this sensitive and timely book to laypersons and professionals who are interested in learning about the complex, controversial, and contemporary subject of gender dysphoria. The authors, Susan and Marcus Evans, are open, compassionate, non-judgemental, and able to tolerate uncertainty in their understanding of those who experience gender dysphoria, are transitioning, or detransitioning. Their psychoanalytically oriented therapeutic model takes into account the individual’s development, family, culture, and political environment. I think the reader will especially appreciate the additional attention paid to the response of adolescents, emotionally unstable personality disordered people, and suicidal individuals to gender dysphoria. -- Donald Campbell, past President of the British Psychoanalytical Society and former Secretary General of the International Psychoanalytical AssociationGender dysphoria is increasingly being seen as a part of the spectrum of human diversity. This has resulted in a profoundly reductionistic and decontextualised clinical approach to gender distress. The authors draw on their extensive clinical experience to illustrate how gender dysphoria cannot be understood without understanding the developmental and relational contexts within which it arises. Their detailed case examples document the unique psychic landscapes of people suffering gender dysphoria, illuminating how the ubiquitous “born in the wrong body” conceptualisation can leave vast areas of historical and current lived experience unaddressed. The authors utilise a psychoanalytic lens to understand the experience of both patient and therapist in therapeutic work with gender dysphoria, in a way that is both accessible and insightful. This will be an invaluable reference for those seeking to go beyond the surface to work at depth with gender dysphoria. This work is remarkable for its bravery in presenting a perspective on gender dysphoria that is increasingly being excluded from social and clinical discourse. -- Roberto D’Angelo, Training and Supervising Analyst, Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Los Angeles and President of the Society for Evidence-Based Gender MedicineThis clear, excellent, clinically based account is very timely. It will help those who want to find their way through the confusing and often contentious writings on the subject of gender identity. It is well founded on experience of helping and working with people who do not feel at home in their bodies, particularly in regard to their sexual identity. They bring to the subject an unusual amount of clinical experience of this specialised psychological area. I strongly recommend it to those in the psychological, medical, and social fields, as well as to anyone who wants an informed account of a confused and confusing subject. -- Dr Ronald Britton, FRCPsych, Distinguished Fellow, British Psychoanalytical SocietyGender Dysphoria is a thoughtful and timely contribution to the current controversy around gender dysphoria, how it is thought about and how it is treated when help is sought. […] The book would clearly be of interest to anyone working with this client group, but I also found it a valuable resource in terms of thinking about the adolescent state of mind. […] Gender Dysphoria is an important book and a valuable contribution to the current debate. The book would grace the shelf of any trainee or practising therapist. -- Helen Lowe, registered member of BACP – BACP Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal Jan 2022'What distinguishes the transgender from the gender dysphoric? Research in this area is not as advanced as we would like, and there is a dearth of good data. While this book does not reflect on gender dysphoric individuals for whom transition may be the right decision and have a positive outcome, it does add a great deal to the argument that careful thought is vital in the process of considering such a move. Transition may, or may not, be in the best interests of the individual. But maintaining a position of neutrality and enquiring curiosity, neither pro- nor anti-transition but pro-thought, is a point repeatedly made by the authors.' -- Alan Colam, International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 2023, (104)(6):1139-1142Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface by David Bell Foreword by Stephen B. Levine CHAPTER ONE Why have we written this book? CHAPTER TWO Developmental theory CHAPTER THREE Psychoanalytic ideas regarding gender dysphoria CHAPTER FOUR Working with fixed states of mind CHAPTER FIVE The family CHAPTER SIX Adolescence CHAPTER SEVEN Complexities of delivering therapy CHAPTER EIGHT Detransitioners CHAPTER NINE The link between suicidal ideation and gender dysphoria CHAPTER TEN The link between emotionally unstable personality disorder and gender dysphoria in mental health settings CHAPTER ELEVEN Co-morbid mental health issues and gender dysphoria CHAPTER TWELVE The societal, cultural and political environment References Index

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisModern life is tough on young people and their mental health is suffering. Psychotherapist Jeanine Connor turns her focus to this generation in another series of vivid portraits of what goes on behind the doors of her therapy room. These therapeutic snapshots bring to life the theories pioneered by Freud and make compulsive reading.

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