Psychology Books

Book SynopsisA Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome presents an empowering, practical approach to helping people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to succeed at college, at work, at home and in life.The authors highlight how treating AS as a `problem' is unproductive, and advocate a solution focused approach which recognizes and uses the strengths of people with AS to foster mutual respect and understanding.Drawing on both their personal experience and knowledge of counselling, the authors use anecdotes and stories to show how people with AS cope in day-to-day situations. They also illustrate how effective communication and understanding of a person's needs and goals are key to improving daily life for people with AS. The final section of the book comprises practical worksheets and resources to help people with AS to recognize their achievements and work towards their goals.This book will be of interest to people who are affected by AS, their families, and the people who work with them.Trade ReviewThis book brings the daily living to the front and center of attention of the discussion.The authors of the book were able to fantastically focus on individual solutions that fit a particular person rather than present information that focuses on the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or the symptoms associated with that diagnosis... The book is easy to read, funny... this book is a must for every therapist currently working with individuals on the spectrum or one who have desire to do so... The firsthand experience of the authors is entrancing as well as provides certain level of credibility for me that cannot be accomplished by reading the traditional evidence based practice literature. -- Journal of Autism and Developmental DisordersThe book benefits from being co-written by someone with a diagnosis of AS and a psychologist. Their combined experiences and expertise have allowed them to write a very insightful account of how people with AS manage in their day-to-day life in a neurotypical... the style in which the book is written makes it accessible to professionals and lay people alike. It should provide an interesting read for all those who have contact with people with AS whether in a personal or professional capacity and give excellent insight into the world as viewed by those with AS. -- The British Journal of Developmental DisabilitiesIt is wonderful to realise that these people working with autism who have this very useful and effective mindset in how to help us. A very useful book. -- Asperger UnitedI found the book extremely interesting. By learning to adapt solution focused techniques, I can better serve my AS client. But then again that's what therapy should be - meeting the needs of our clients, rather than our client's fitting into our therapy model. -- Therapy TodayA Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome presents an empowering, practical approach to helping people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to succeed at college, at work, at home and in life. The authors highlight how treating AS as a 'problem' is unproductive, and advocate a solution focuses approach which recognizes and uses the trengths of people with AS to foster mutual repect and understanding. Drawing on both their personal experience and knowledge of counselling, the authors use anecdotes and stories to show how people with AS cope in day-to-day situations. -- Handicaps InfoAt a managageable price, it should find its way onto the bookshelf of every provider of mental health services and education to people with AS. It will also be helpful to people with AS and their families. Hopefully it will help set standards of respect and communication within services that have frontline contact with those with an AS diagnosis. -- Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy JournalThe emphasis on solutions rather than problems and noticing positive outcomes for individuals who access our services. -- The Journal of Occupational Psychology, Employment and DisabilityWritten with a light touch and plenty of humour, the authors use anecdotes and stories to show how people with AS cope in everyday situations and how effective understanding of a person's needs and goals is key to improving daily life for people with AS. -- Human GivensA book which seeks to avoid treating AS as a problem, and aims to support people with the condition in succeeding in private life, education and employment. -- BILD Newsletterthe authors emphasize strengths, not weaknesses. Slim, readable, amusing. -- Library JournalTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Special Note. Foreword. 1: Introduction. 2: Solution Focused Approaches: Philosophy and Techniques. 3: Autistic Characteristics and Solution Focused Therapy. 4: Putting It All Together. 5: Solution Focused Approaches in Everyday Life. 6: Seven People and a Social Group. 7: Practical Resources. Index.

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Book Synopsis" This book is an extremely easy read - no jargon or ambiguous clinical terms. It serves as an informative tool, by creating awareness through first hand accounts, which could be used by both sufferers and professionals."- Anxious Times`It is a highly readable book based largely on the experiences of the author…I would highly recommend it to all emetophobes. Equally, I would recommend it to friends and family of sufferers because it will help non-sufferers understand why emets act in the way we do and, via fascinating insights into how our minds work, why we find certain situations very difficult to cope with.'-www.gut-reaction.freeserve.co.uk, June 2007Emetophobia, the extreme fear of vomiting, can affect just about every aspect of sufferer's life, from everyday considerations (`what food will be "safe" for me to eat?') to matters that involve making huge, potentially devastating decisions (`I can't have this baby, I can't face morning sickness').Nicolette Heaton-Harris has first-hand experience of the phobia and its effects. She suggests strategies for coping with the high levels of anxiety that are intrinsic to the phobia, as well as pre-empting and avoiding anxiety attacks. The experiences of fellow sufferers of all ages, male and female, are shared throughout the book and a list of useful organisations providing further information and support services is also included.Living with Emetophobia is a must-have for anyone suffering from emetophobia, anyone living with an emetophobic as well as professionals treating or supporting people with emetophobia.Table of ContentsForeword. Introduction. 1. What is Emetophobia? 2. My Story. 3. Emetophobia as a Catalyst. 4. Worklife? 5. Relationship Risks. 6. The Home Environment. 7. Illness. 8. Holidays. 9. Food Worries. 10. Medication. 11. Emetophobic Mothers. 12. Nights and Sleep. 13. Leaving the Home. 14. Secrecy. 15. Releasing the Pressure. 16. Emetophobia in Children. 17. Effect of Emetophobia on Non-emets. 18. Counselling and Therapy. 19. Coping Strategies. 20. Summary. 21. Personal Stories from Emets. Organisations and online resources.

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Book SynopsisHis book captures the nostalgic romanticism of the Australian bush in the 1960s but also the height of deep ignorance and the culture of `see no evil' in which almost all who could and should have changed things, looked the other way... Caiseal's book is as beautiful and magical as it is shocking.'- From the Foreword by Donna WilliamsGrowing up in Australia in the 1970s, Caiseal Mór was labelled 'retarded' and 'an idiot', and his parents were led to believe that physical punishment could cure his autism.In this courageous and captivating autobiography, Mór vividly captures his early experiences of dissociation from his true existence - a common reaction by children suffering from repeated abuse - and the various personas through which he lived through in his teens and early adulthood - the Mahjee, Charles P. Puddlejumper, Marco Polo and Chameleon Feeble. The rocky path towards discovering his true identity and finally accepting himself takes him on a spiritual pilgrimage via several different countries, once nearly getting caught unwittingly carrying drugs over the Moroccan border; forming relationships with people he meets but very often misjudges; to the revelation - the awakening - of love and acceptance.Table of ContentsA Blessing and a Curse.

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Book SynopsisJust a few weeks old, Dasha the cat found herself in a family with an autistic child. The publication of Temple Grandin's book Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behaviour turned the household into a research laboratory, with the humans observing Dasha's behaviours and the cat experimenting with the `human guinea pigs'. The feline perspective provides a new outlook on autism conditions, challenging long established stereotypes and analysing controversies in the field with an unbiased attitude and humour. The text is interspersed with Dasha's 'wisdoms', 'research notes' and definitions of concepts based on her own understanding, such as 'A pet shop is a place where humans come to be adopted by the animals who are brave enough to take a responsibility of looking after them.' Dasha's Journal provides research-based information in an amusing and accessible form and makes serious and complicated issues such as sensory perception, memory, communication, savant skills and challenging behaviours in autism easily understandable for the general reader.Trade ReviewIt's a brilliantly quirky little book with some of the finest and most scholarly insights I've seen into autism-spectrum conditions. -- Times Higher Eductional SupplementDasha the cat's journal is a brilliantly conceived book which analyses the misunderstandings that a family have of people on the spectrum from the perspective of a disinterested observer (the family cat)... I found it wonderfully uplifting to read a book which describes my world in the way I would descibe it, and not have myself reduced to a list of problem behaviours and misunderstandings... Dasha wonderfully avoids being felinomorphic throughout the book, but tries, successfull, to comprehend autistic behaviour for what it is: perfectly normal reactions to the world as we experience it... if I could only get a few more researchers to take on that view, maybe I could stop them all barking up the wrong tree! -- Asperger UnitedI found it wonderfully uplifting to read a book which describes my world in the way I would describe it, and not have myself reduced to a list of problem behaviours and misunderstanding. -- Asperger UnitedComparisons and humorous observation that may both surprise and enlighten you. This is a very thorough book. Much of the information would usefully underpin strategies that teachers or therapists might develop to support and autistic child. At nearly 150 pages its length is not off-putting and with the additional glossary, some useful notes and references and a bibliographyit provides a very solid resource. -- Patoss BulletinDasha is a brilliant feline! She is flat-out funny, wise beyond her cat years and a true champion of autistics everywhere! Read her journal and let her teach you about autism! -- Liane Holliday Willey, EdD, author of Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's SyndromeDasha's Journal is a charming and original way of explaining the mystery that is autism. Dasha is a cat who lives in an "autistic" family. Her observations on the behaviour of both the autistic and neurotypical members of the family put the "problems" of autism into perspective; we are often told that autistic people are "mindblind", but, as Dasha shows, neurotypicals are just as blind to the ways of those who are "differently abled", whether autistics or cats! The Journal is quirky and amusing, but beneath the humour lies a serious and profound examination of autism and the misconceptions that surround it. -- Charlotte Moore, author of George and Sam: Autism in the FamilyAs a person with Asperger's Syndrome, I cannot help but be troubled by how much misinformation abounds concerning autism. However, after reading Dasha's Journal, I have to give T.O. Daria the best objective comment that I can for a non-autistic writer: she gets it absolutely right! -- Edgar Schneider, author of Discovering My Autism: Apologia Pro Vita Sua (with apologies to Cardinal Newman)Dasha's Journal is a much needed work that blends the literary journey with an engaging scientific study. The book provides exemplary and cunning analogies to help the reader better appreciate the inner world of the autistic person. The author's thesis exemplifies autism as a different way of thinking with both strengths and weaknesses. The final result is a funny, clever, and up to date exposition of our present day knowledge regarding autism. -- Manuel F. Casanova, MD, Gottfried and Gisela Kolb Endowed Chair in Psychiatry, Associate Chair for Research, University of Louisville, KYA heartwarming book providing insights into how autistic persons perceive and interact with the world as only a cat can. As Dasha "meows" about her human members of the family we learn how autism is a different, rather than a disordered way of being. This book is a delightful and informative read. -- Stephen M. Shore, EdD, Executive Director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Consulting, Board of Directors for the Autism Society of America and the Asperger's Association of New EnglandTable of Contents1. My Story and the Four Reasons to Write this Book. 2. Disclaimer. 3. What Is Autism? That's the Question. 4. Animals and Humans, Cats and Dogs… What Are You Trying to Meow? 5. `Senseless' and `Senseful' Ways of Being. 6. Thinking about Thinking. 7. What is so Special about Special Abilities? 8. Language and Communication: Let's Talk about Talking. 9. Emotions: Love Me? Love Me Not? 10. Challenging Behaviours: Who Challenges Whom? Dasha's Glossary. Notes and References. Dasha's Library: Selected Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisThis easy-to-read guide offers a complete overview of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NLDs) and the wide variety of symptoms that different types of NLD present.Maggie Mamen enables readers to select the most relevant strategies for coping with and managing their particular symptoms. She provides a wealth of practical advice on key skills such as developing written and verbal communication, understanding social clues, managing behaviour, self-regulation and improving organization. She also covers relevant teaching methods for the classroom.This practical and accessible introduction is an essential guide for those families and professionals working with children and adults with NLDs.Trade ReviewI will certainly re-read this intersting and practical book which I recommend to EP and clinical colleagues and other professionals such as speech therapists.` -- Debate, Pat Bennett, Educational Psychologist, Lancashore CISClearly, Maggie Mamen has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the particular strengths and weaknesses of individuals with NLDS. Maggie Mamen's attitude to her subject is both positive and optimistic, based upon current research yet with a practical and common-sense approach for parents and teachers to follow. Her book can be recommended to all those involved with NLD children as a useful addition to current publications. -- The Patoss BulletinIt is relevant to education staff, and the importance of speech and language therapy input is also highlighted. The book covers assessment and further devides nonverbal learning disabilities into subgroups; perceptual, social, written expressive and attentional. It contains easy to read chapters on management strategies and useful websites. -- Speech & Language Therapy in PracticeTable of ContentsOverview. 1. Introduction to Learning Disabilities. 2. What the eye doesn't see…Recognizing NLD. 3. Assessment and diagnosis of NLD. 4. Pattern recognition and NLD. 5. Introduction to Subtypes. 6. Perceptual NLD. 7. Social NLD. 8. Written Expressive NLD. 9. Attentional NLD.10. General Approaches to Managing NLD. 11. Strategies for Organizational skills. 12. Strategies for Communication Skills and Social Language. 13. Strategies for Processing Social Clues. 14. Strategies for Written Expression. 15. Strategies for Mathematics. 16. Strategies for Self-regulation. 17. Strategies for Behavior Management. 18. A Final Few Words. References. Resources. About the Author. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisThis is a book for practitioners – essentially a self-training book but also one that could be used as a source of knowledge in a complex and controversial field. The author knows about the realities at the grass roots, how NHS mental health care is currently set up, what types of approach are practicable and what are not and more than all that he understands what busy practitioners may look for in a book called a “handbook”.'– Extract from the Foreword by Dr Suman FernandoThis book enables front line practitioners to understand why it is important to consider the specific needs of people from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds in mental health settings. It offers practical guidance on how practitioners can take positive steps to improve the quality of their work and their relationships with BME service users, and ultimately how to improve their outcomes. By advocating the practice of recognizing the individuality of each service user, this book provides practitioners with the tools and information they need to work fairly and effectively.Case examples of organisations that have achieved a quality of delivery that is valued by BME people are included, along with exercises that help practitioners to make links between theory and their individual practice. It is invaluable reading for all those working on the front line in mental health.Trade ReviewBy advocating the practice of recognising the individuality of each service user, this book provides practitioners with the tools and information they need to work fairly and effectively. -- Working with Older PeopleThis book is full of practical guidance, aiming to improve the quality of work and relationships of mental health practitioners with black and minority ethnic (BME) service users. This is an accessibly written manual, whose clear structure and subject index make it easy to negotiate... Sewell artfully articulates the complexities of issues about race, culture and ethnicity within Mental Health, in accessible language. He uses the prevailing evidence and literature to argue that certain BME groups are overrepresented in the Mental Health services and that it is essential to take action to address inequality: 'If no specific steps are taken to prevent negative patterns the default position is likely to be continued inequality.' (p.39) He gives a brilliantly clear explanation of institutional racism in which he attacks the unhelpful, perhaps 'politically correct', absolutist language of the seventies which polarised debate, leading individuals to feel stifled and unable to even discuss these important issues for fear of censure or causing offence... He openly and succinctly explores why it is so difficult for society and organisations to talk about race and culture, gives clear examples and exercises in how to overcome personal fears, including the kind of language that may be helpful rather than 'correct'... He aims and succeeds in supporting practitioners and users in finding useful ways of voicing these challenging issues. He directly addresses key questions such as 'When is it safe for workers to talk about things that are stereotypes and taboos?' (p.62) His practical andthoughtful exercises could be effectively used by supervisors, training organisations or in the workplace... His guidelines for using language which helps practitioners and users to collaborate in finding ways forward are very helpful... This manual deserves to become a key text in addressing intercultural issues. It is a timely text, relevant not only for mental health settings, within clinical supervision and therapeutic training institutions, but also in educational and other contexts. Whilst the exercises and activities are cognitive and verbal in orientation, they could easily be adapted by dramatherapy supervisors and training institutions to a more action based approach. This text offers pragmatic ways to uncover the assumptions which can cloud professional judgement and impede the ability to relate to people as individuals. 'By advocating the practice of recognising the individuality of each service user, this book provides practitioners with the tools they need to work fairly and effectively.' (Fernando, p.11) It is truly 'a very practical book informed by common sense, a wealth of knowledge and clear thinking.' (Fernando, p.12) -- DramatherapyThe service to our client group would improve beyond recognition if every mental health professional read this book. Sewell shows how to integrate best practice into any modern mental health service. A few hours with this book will provide more insight into the subject of race than many of the study days arranged by so-called experts. -- Nursing StandardEvery practitioner working in multicultural mental health services in the UK should find this book indispensable as it uncovers the importance of preconceived biases when working with service users from black and minority ethnic groups... The main strenght of this read is that it is reflective of the current British patient cohort and as a result provides up-to-date practical knowledge to delivering and achieving to race equality. -- The PsychologistTable of ContentsContents: Chapter 1. What is Ethnicity, Race and Culture? 2. Why Ethnicity, Race and Culture Matters in Direct Work with Users of Mental Health Services. 3. Quality Assessments. 4. Recovery Focused Care Planning. 5. Quality Relationships in the Delivery of Care Plans. 6. Ethnicity in the Context of other Identities. 7. The Role of the Team Manager. 8. The Role of Training, Education, Learning and Development Departments. 9. Considering Alternatives to the Illness Model. 10. Positive Examples of doing it Differently. 11. Conclusion. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisPeople with Asperger Syndrome have many characteristics that are frequently seen in a negative light. Brenda Boyd shows that for every characteristic of AS that can be looked at negatively, there are several positive aspects that can be drawn on and developed. Discussing AS in general terms, she talks through the reasons why people with AS approach life in the way they do, and what an enormous contribution they make to the world. She then explores different characteristics of AS; while she acknowledges the negative perception so many people have of these characteristics, she points out the large number of advantages to the Aspergers way of thinking for individuals with AS, those around them and society as a whole. For every negative, Boyd proves there are many more positives. From their refreshing honesty to their originality and potential to become leaders rather than followers, people with AS have many admirable personality traits that should be nurtured. This book shows that by adjusting our perceptions of what is 'normal' and embracing diversity, AS can not only be understood and accepted, but appreciated. Appreciating Asperger Syndrome is a celebration of AS which should be read by individuals with AS, family members, and anyone who knows or works professionally with individuals with AS.Trade ReviewThe book made me smile, reflect and, yes, appreciate AS. -- College of Occupational Therapists Newsletter, Specialist Section: People with Learning DisabilitiesBasically this is an excellent book to allow us to look at ourselves, those we know, those we work with, those we parent in a way that understands some of our basic differences. A really enjoyable and useful book by a passionate and expressive author with a great deal of knowledge for us to learn from. -- COTSS PLD NewsletterHere Boyd provides exercises and advice for those with Asperger's to see the positive in their condition and to find coping methods for liviving in a world that doesn't understand the reason behind their social gaffes. -- SciTech Book NewsTable of ContentsForeword. Part 1: Asperger Syndrome - Unlocking the Mystery. Introduction. 1. Bumping into Lamp Posts and Stepping on Toes. 2. Seeing Stars. 3. The Big Umbrella. 4. Wrong Planet Syndrome. 5. The Decoding Approach. 6. Labels and Boxes. 7. Getting it Right. 8. The Wilderness Years. 9. Aspergers and Autism? 10. Aspergers and Giftedness? 11. Identifying Hidden Aspies. 12. Happy Ending, Happy Beginning. 13. Thinking Positive! 14. Positive Philosophies. Part 2: Asperger Syndrome - 300 Positives (an A-Z). Aspie quotations. Useful websites. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisPeople with severe autism experience the sensory information they receive from the world completely differently to those not on the spectrum. They feel cut off and overwhelmed, and their behaviour can become very distressed. This handbook shows how we can engage with people who are non-verbal or semi-verbal and sometimes even those who have speech but lose the power to process it when they are in crisis. We can help them to make sense of the world.Intensive Interaction uses a person’s own body language to make contact with them and Sensory Integration develops the capacity of an individual to receive, process and apply meaning to information provided by the senses through targeted physical activities. These techniques can be used to develop an environment tailored to the particular sensory needs of the person with severe autism, reducing factors that cause distress. With illustrations, case examples and a wide range of tried-and-tested techniques, this practical guide provides indispensable tools for parents, carers and other professionals supporting people with severe autism and other learning disabilities.Trade ReviewThe years of experience in sharing the world with people with autism that are communicated throughout this handbook are what make it powerful - this is a genuine sharing of insights and expertise... Moreover, this handbook is incredible empathetic. We are given real insights into what sensory overload and distortion feel like alongside more information about the senses than practitioners and carers usually have access to... It is a quick and easy read, but one that has impact. -- British Journal of Learning DisabilitiesThis handbook shows how we can engage with people who are non-verbal or semi-verbal and sometimes even those who have speech but lose the power to process it when they are in crisis. -- BILD Information ServiceI would recommend it to any parent.carer or professional seeking to develop meaningful relationships with individuals who are hard to reach and an environment that supports the sensory needs of the individual with ASD. -- Autism West MidlandsTable of ContentsAbout the Authors. 1. Introduction. 2. A Different Sensory Experience 3. Alternative Viewpoints. 4. Sensory Distress and its Causes. 5. Sensory Distortions - Hypersensitivities. 6. Emotional Overload Embarrassment. 7. Confusing Messages 8. Case Study: A Day in the Life of Mike. 9. Intensive Interaction. 10. So what about Distressed Behaviour? Conclusion. Bibliography and Useful Resources. Index.

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Book SynopsisPersonality Disorder offers a comprehensive and accessible collection of papers that will be practically useful to practitioners working in secure and non-secure settings with patients who have personality disorders.This book brings together fourteen classic papers, which address the impact that working with personality disorder patients can have on staff. It also offers theoretical explanations for personality disorder, and explores other issues such as the concept of boundaries in clinical practice, psychiatric staff as attachment figures and the relationship between severity of personality disorder and childhood experiences. Each paper is introduced with contextual material, and is followed by a series of questions that are intended to be used as educational exercises.This book will be essential reading for clinical and forensic psychologists, psychiatrists, community psychiatric nurses, social workers and students.Trade Review`This book is excellent value for anyone who has had difficulty working with clients who have personality disorder - but then isn't that just about everyone?' -- The British Journal of Psychiatry, George Stein, The Priory HospitalThis book does exactly what its title promises... Here we have a valuable starting point for those whose everyday work involves dealing with personality disorder...Practical and thought-provoking. -- The PsychologistThe volume is an especially accessible and useful resource, unravelling some of the many complexities associated with the disorder whilst encouraging a broader, yet deeper, understanding in mental health professionals. -- British Journal of Social WorkThis is an invaluable colection. -- Therapy TodayTable of ContentsIntroduction. Contributors. Part 1 Theory: Aetiology and Psychopathology. 1. The Relationship Between Severity of Personality Disorder and Certain Adverse Childhood Influences. Michael Craft, Geoffrey Stephenson and Clive Granger 1964. 2. Care-Eliciting Behaviour in Man. Scott Henderson, 1974. Points for Reflective Practice. Part II Clinical Implications. 3. Hate in the Countertransference. D.W. Winnicott, 1947. 4. Taking Care of the Hateful Patient. James E. Groves, 1978. 5. The Ailment. T.F. Main, 1976. 6. Malignant Alienation: Dangers for Patients who are Hard to Like. Darell Watts and Gethin Morgan, 1994. 7. Malignant Alienation. Mary Whittle, 1997. 8. The Beginning of Wisdom is Never Calling a Patient a Borderline. George Valliant, 1992. 9. Psychiatric Staff as Attachment Figures: Understanding Management Problems in Psychiatric Services in the Light of Attachment Theory. Gwen Adshead, 1998. 10. In the Prison on Severe Personality Disorder. Kingsley Norton, 1997. Points for Reflective Practice. Part III Treatment and Management. 11. Murmurs of Discontent: Treatment and Treatability of Personality Disorder. Gwen Adshead, 2001. 12. Management of Difficult Personality Disorder Patients. Kingsley Norton, 1996. 13. Problems in the Management of Borderline Patients in Inpatient Settings. Marcus Evans, 1998. 14. Ten Traps for Therapists in the Treatment of Trauma Survivors. James A. Chu, 1988. 15. Severe Personality Disorder: Treatment Issues and Selection for In-patient Psychotherapy. Kingsley Norton and R.D. Hinshelwood, 1996. 16. The Concept of Boundaries in Clinical Practice: Theoretical and Risk-Management Decisions. Thomas Gutheil and Glen O. Gabbard, 1993. Points for Reflective Practice.

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Book SynopsisThis convenient collection of handouts provides a wide range of ready-made activities for all kinds of therapists working on a professional level with child and adolescent clients and their families.There are activities in this book suitable for any therapist, whether trained as a counsellor, psychologist, social worker, family or child therapist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist. The handouts provide creative approaches to a variety of presenting problems, including anxiety, anger, depression and family issues, and the age-range appropriate to each activity is indicated on the handouts. Fully photocopiable, the tools can be used to complement or expand upon a young client's treatment plan by selecting the activities that will help them best to meet their therapeutic goals.This practical set of therapy tools will be invaluable in saving time for the busy therapist. There is also a companion volume, Therapy To Go: Gourmet Fast Food Handouts for Working with Adult Clients.Trade ReviewThe book provides creative ways to explore a wide-range of general therapeutic issues and specific problems... The best feature of this book is that it contains such a vast range of photocopiable resources in a single place. The topics covered are so wide-ranging that it would take a busy therapist a considerable time to develop a similar set of resources of their own. -- Behavioural & Cognitive PsychotherapyTable of ContentsAppetisers. 0.1 How to Use this Book. 0.2 Why Worksheets? 0.3 Clinical Issues. 0.4 About the Author. 0.5 Acknowledgements. Starters. Section 1: Getting Started. 1.1 Rapport Building. 1.2 Boundaries and Goals for Therapy. 1.3 Unfolding the Story. Section 2: Therapy Basics. 2.1 Exploring and Expressing Feelings. 2.2 Monitoring. 2.3 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. 2.4 Emotional Regulation. 2.5 Goal Setting. 2.6 Problem solving. Main Course. Section 3: Anxiety Issues. 3.1 Psychoeducation and Increasing Awareness. 3.2 Anxiety Reduction Strategies. 3.3 Cognitive and Behavioural Strategies for Anxiety. Section 4: Depressive Issues. 4.1 Psychoeducation. 4.2 Behavioural Strategies for Depression. 4.3 Cognitive Strategies for Depression. Section 5: Anger Issues. 5.1 Psychoeducation. 5.2 Motivation for Managing Anger. 5.3 Anger Management Strategies. Section 6: Communication Skills. 6.1 Friendships. 6.2 Assertiveness. 6.3 Safety and Empowerment. Dessert. Section 7: Family Issues. 7.1 Family Story. 7.2 Connectedness. 7.3 Parenting. 7.4 Family Problem Solving. Section 8: Resilience. 8.1 Building Self-Esteem. 8.2 Body Image. 8.3 Staying On Track. Index.

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Book SynopsisEvery child's education relies on a partnership between parents, professionals and, of course, the child. This book gives parents of children with Asperger syndrome (AS) practical advice on how to make the most of this important partnership and work with schools to ensure their child's needs are being met.The book explores how parents can prepare their child for school life and how they can work with teachers to improve the classroom environment, as well as the school environment as a whole, for their child and consequently for the benefit of all pupils. Strategies include peer education, the use of visual cues and rules and effective communication between parents, teachers and support staff.This clear, accessible book will be an invaluable guide for parents of children with AS and will also be of interest to the teachers and educational professionals who work with them.Trade ReviewI just wish this book had been around when my son with AS was at school. I can only hope that all teachers support sraff and most importantly parents will read this and be able to support their child in the most effective way possible. -- Asperger East Anglia NewsletterFor a child with AS school can present itself as an overwhelming mess of bright colours and loud sounds and the inclusive classroom it isn't always just the child with AS that is overhelmed. Balancing the needs of Children with AS and their neurotypical classmates can prove to be a daunting task for teachers. -- BILD Information ServiceThis clear, accessible book will be an invaluable guide for parents of children with AS and will also be of interest to the teachers and educational professionals who work with them. -- Autism ASThe success of every child's education depends on a good partnership between home and school. This book explains how to build this partnership and make it work. -- CommunicationThis easy to read and practical book will be an invaluable guide for parents of children with AS and will also be of interest to the teachers and ecucational professionals who work with them. -- Australian Journal of Dyslexia and other Learning DisabilitiesTable of Contents1. Where Do We Start? What You Can Do as a Parent by Yourself. 2. Help to Look for Within the Classroom. 3. Whole School Solutions. 4. What Do We Want from Education? 5. What to Do When Things Go Wrong? References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThe concept of a single condition known as 'autism' is quickly becoming outdated, and is now understood to be an umbrella term for a variety of predominantly genetic conditions. This can be confusing for parents of children who have been diagnosed as having an 'autism spectrum disorder'. An A-Z of Genetic Factors in Autism provides parents with a complete overview of the main genetic disorders associated with autism, including those linked to growth differences, cardiovascular issues, neurodevelopmental problems, immune dysfunction, gastrointestinal disturbances and epilepsy. Kenneth Aitken demystifies the umbrella term 'autism' by alphabetically listing these conditions along with information about how common they are, their causes, signs, and symptoms, and for many, appropriate methods of treatment and management. Information on support groups and sources of further information are also included to help parents obtain any additional support they need, and keep up to date with new developments in research and practice.This is a must-have book for any parent or carer who feels confused by their child's diagnosis, or who seeks a better understanding of the many genetic conditions linked to autism.Trade ReviewAitken's work is indeed a leading work in this subject... for university and specialist medical libraries for academics, researchers and students, as well as parents wanting to know more. -- Reference ReviewThis book is positively encyclopaedic and is essential reading for creative arts and play therapists who have an interest in autism. It is also a very helpful text to recommend to parents and teachers who may be seeking to better understand and support a child with an ASD. I found it totally fascinating. -- Play for LifeAny parent confused by their child's diagnosis will find this a thorough coverage of the many genetic conditions associated with autism. -- California BookwatchAn A-Z of Genetic Factors in Autism by Kenneth J. Aitken is a book that somewhat uniquely focuses on the differences in ASDs. This is a fresh and logical approach which is far more likely to lead to useful information. By understanding each individual and providing what they need, rather than the one size fits all approach, relevant help can be targeted in the right direction... I would recommend this book to an educated reader with a science background wishing to learn more about the aetiology of ASDs. It is thoroughly researched and Aitken has somehow organised a huge body of research into clear, logical and relevant sections. It requires a huge amount of attention and persistence but will reward the reader for their time and effort. I am not aware of anything on the market that is quite so informative and accessible, extensively covering most of the research and theories in the field... I hope this book becomes required reading. -- www.asteens.co.ukThe entire volume is laid out with an excellent mix of scientific meticulousness and user-friendly introductions, appendices, and glossaries. Aitken has provided something of a template for modern medical books. This book is recommended for anybody who may have to deal with ASDs in their life, such as teachers, parents, or even those diagnosed themselves. It doesn't gloss over any of the complexity, instead helping the reader to work through the complexities themselves, and in this way it is tremendously empowering. -- ForeWord ReviewsAitken outlines why awareness of this research is important, not only for an understanding of causes of ASD, but also for the prescribing of relevant, safe, and effective therapies. Included is an encyclopedic presentation of 89 conditions with a genetic link or similarity to ASD. In each case, the specific genetic loci, the main clinical features of the disorder and its incidence, and recommended management and treatment are given. Research professionals will appreciate the organization of this material into a useful compendium, and clinical professionals will be made aware of why one size does not fit all when it comes to treatment. Ideally, this book will help lead the way to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of those with ASD; however, it also points out the current lag between what is known and what is used in the clinical setting. -- K.M. Dillon, emerita, Western New England CollegeA-Z of Genetic Factors in Autism provides patients and caregivers with a complete overview of the main genetic conditions associated with autism, including those linked to different diseases and system dysfunctions. It alphabetically lists these conditions here, along with details on causes, signs, and different methods of management, and provides information on support groups for parents who need additional support. Any parent confused by their child's diagnosis will find this a thorough coverage of the many genetic conditions associated with autism. -- The Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Prelude. Introduction. SECTION A. Focus on the Autistic Spectrumn Disorders. Why might you need a book like this? Does one size fit all as far as help/treatment goes? ASD and 'Inborn Errors of Metabolism'. Biochemical individuality - are we all the same or do we differ? Is ASD getting more common? A brief history of ASD research. Early presenting features of ASDs. Physical checklist of features that can be seen on physical examination and which may have clinical relevance. Genetic clinical conditions linked with autism. SECTION B. Clinical Disorders seen in the Autistic Spectrumn Disorders . 1. 15q11-q13 duplication. 2. Chromosome 2q37 deletion. 3. XXY syndrome. 4. XYY syndrome. 5. 10p terminal deletion. 6. 45,X/46,XY mosaicism. 7. 22q13 deletion syndrome. 8. Aarskog syndrome. 9. Adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) deficiency. 10. Adrenomyeloneuropathy. 11. Angelman Syndrome. 12. Apert Syndrome. 13. ARX Gene Mutations. 14. Autism Secondary to Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS). 15. Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Syndrome. 16. Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome. 17. Biedl-Bardet Syndrome. 18. CATCH 22. 19. Cortical Dysplasia-Focal Epilepsy (CDFE) Syndrome. 20. CHARGE Syndrome. 21. Coffin-Lowry Syndrome. 22. Coffin-Siris Syndrome. 23. Cohen Syndrome. 24. Cole-Hughes Macrocephaly Syndrome. 25. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. 26. Cowden Syndrome. 27. de Lange Syndrome. 28. Juvenile Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian Atrophy. 29a. DiGeorge Syndrome I. 29b. DiGeorge syndrome II. 30. Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase (DPYS) De?ciency. 31. Down Syndrome. 32. Dravet's Syndrome. 33. Duchenne's and Becker's Muscular Dystrophy. 34. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. 35. Fragile X Syndrome. 36. Fragile X Permutation (Partial Methylation Defects). 37. GAMT Deficiency (Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase Deficiency). 38. Goldenhar Syndrome. 39. HEADD Syndrome. 40. L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria. 41. Hyper IgE Syndrome with Autism. 42. Hypomelanosis of Ito. 43. Hypothyroidism. 44. Joubert Syndrome. 45. Kleine-Levin Syndrome. 46. Lujan-Fryns Syndrome. 47. 2-methylbutyryl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency. 48. Mobius Syndrome. 49. Myhre Syndrome. 50. Myotonic Dystrophy (MD1). 51. Neurofibromatosis Type 1. 52. Noonan Syndrome. 53. NAPDD. 54. Ornithine Carbamyltransferase Deficiency. 55. Oculocutaneous Albinism. 56. Orstavik 1997 Syndrome. 57. Phenylketonuria. 58. Pituitary Deficiency. 59. Port-Wine Facial Staining and Autism. 60. Potocki-Lupski Syndrome. 61. Prader-Willi Syndrome. 62. Proteus Syndrome. 63a. Rett Syndrome. 63b. Rett Syndrome (Hanefeld Variant). 64. Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. 65. Schindler Disease. 66. Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. 67. Smith-Magenis Syndrome. 68. Soto's Syndrome. 69. Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase (SSADH) De?ciency. 70. Timothy Syndrome. 71. Tourette Syndrome. 72. Trichothiodystrophy. 73. Tuberous Sclerosis. 74. Turner's Syndrome. 75. Unilateral Cerebellar Hypoplasia Syndrome. 76. Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome. 77. Williams Syndrome. 78. Hereditary Xanthinuria Type II. 79. Xeroderma Pigmentosa. 80. X-linked Ichthyosis. SECTION C. 81. Some Promising Developments. 1.Mitochondrial Defects. 2.Gene Markers. 3.Potential Correction of Nonsense Mutations. 4.Differences in the Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor (GRPR) Gene. 5. Differences in Glutamate Mechanisms and Metabolism. 6.Differences in Oxytocin and Vasopressin. 7.Ghrelin Differences. 8.Ciliopathies. 9.Aquaporins. SECTION D. Appendix I: National Autism Support Groups. Appendix II: Relevant Professional Organizations. Appendix III: Some General Autism Information Websites. Appendix IV: Organization and Charities Dealing with and Funding Research on Related Conditions. Appendix V: Some Relevant Professional Organizations. Appendix VI: General Information on Rare Biomedical Conditions. Appendix VII: Searching for Further Information. Appendix VIII: Relevant Clinical Journals. Appendix IX: List of Clinical Conditions. Appendix X: Further Genetic Information and Suppot. Glossary of Terms. References.

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Book SynopsisUnderstanding who you are can be a lonely and difficult process following the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (AS). Asperger's Syndrome and Mindfulness illuminates this experience as an empowering path of discovery through the teachings of Buddhism. Chris Mitchell draws parallels between the experience of his own journey towards personhood through AS and the spiritual tenants of Theravada Buddhism, as outlined through the Eightfold Path, a guideline to personal development. Worry and anxiety, confusing desires or negative thoughts are among the everyday hindrances a person with AS faces. This book takes the reader through the key beliefs of Theravada Buddhism, such as Mindfulness and the Four Noble Truths, showing how practices such as Insight Meditation can lead to a positive resolution of these feelings. Talking openly about his own personal experiences, Chris Mitchell provides helpful tips and suggestions for improving confidence and self-esteem towards an overall better sense of self that will be of interest to anyone diagnosed with AS or their family and friends.Table of ContentsContents: Note on Terminology and Pronunciation. Dedications.1. Introduction – The Path of Asperger's Syndrome. 2. Asperger's Syndrome and the Five Hindrances. 3. Starting with Who You Are – How the Easiest Person to Like Can Be You. 4. Seeing the Truth – How to Control Mind Proliferation and Others as They Really Are. 5. Gaining Insight from Those Around Me – How Insight Can Strengthen One's Awareness. 6. Worrying in an Anxiety-Driven World – How to Curb Tendency to Worry through Curtailing Stress and Anxiety. 7. Curtailing Feelings of Anger and Frustration – How to Control and Respond to Anger Effectively. 8. Discipline and Routine – How to Maintain Discipline within Routine, Including Managing Changes. 9. Developing Tolerance – How to Develop Acceptance of and Openness towards Others without Resorting to Naivety. 10. Measuring Success and Goal-Setting – How to Measure Success Realistically and Achieve without Distancing Ourselves from Truth. 11. Facing and Coping with Suffering – How to Manage Feelings of Suffering (Dukkha) through Reflection. 12. Finding Balance in Mindfulness and Concentration – How to Take Responsibility of One's Own World and Recognise the World Others Live Within. 13. Overcoming the Hindrances – How a Person with Asperger's Syndrome Can Overcome Difficulties Associated with the Five Hindrances through Recognition of the Five Spiritual Faculties. 14. Epilogue – University Reunion.

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Book SynopsisRealizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome is both a practical and a personal account of one ASD student's successful experience of going to college.This accessible book focuses on how to get there and stay there: deciding to go, how to get in and how to get the most out of it. Ann Palmer advises parents and professionals how to prepare the student for the transition from school and home life to a new environment and educational challenge, and how to support them through potential problems such as academic pressure, living away from home, social integration and appropriate levels of participation in college. She offers helpful strategies that will encourage and inspire parents and students and show that college can be a suitable option for students with an autism spectrum disorder, as well as the basis for a successful independent life later.This book is essential reading for any parent considering college as an option for their child, disability service providers in colleges and for ASD students themselves.Trade ReviewThis is a very comprehensive guide to college preparation, selection and success. The real-life, personal accounts of Ann Palmer and her son concerning his own path toward and through college life are a key and unique component to this work. I would buy this book if only for the excellent appendices!... Our international organization will use this book as a reference for years to come. -- Susan J. Moreno, President, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger SyndromeThey say experience is the best teacher and there can be no better way to learn about coping with life's challenges than first-hand from others. The detailed and comprehensive scope of Ann Palmer's book about her experience of enabling her autistic son, Eric, to progress through school and into college, makes it a valuable resource. -- NewscheckThis is a guide book written (for all 'you fellow autism spectrum club members') to provide advice, reassurance, information and hope in supporting students on the autism spectrum to fulfil their dreams. It is a book both parents and teachers will find equally stimulating and immensely valuable... Ann Palmer tells the story of her son Eric's transition through school, highlighting the difficulties in the education system for children on the autism spectrum. The scope of Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome covers diagnosis, parental concerns, school experiences, and the realisation of the college dream. Each chapter deals with a different aspect of Eric's schooling and provides insights into how to access the school system to accommodate the needs of a child on the autism spectrum. -- British Journal of Special EducationThrough "paving the way" and discussing the difficulties encountered at key stages in the education processes, the author clearly provides help and encouragement for parents of a child with Asperger syndrome. The main strength of the book, however, lies in its consideration of preparation for adult life within the further education system. There is clearly a sense of both stepping out, and of letting go, with the author again highlighting key stages in the process for both herself and her son'. -- Teaching Fellows JournalPalmers interweaving of personal experiences (like preparing Eric for college) with general information and resources results in excellent guidance for ASD students in high school or college and their parents. -- Library JournalPalmer describes how parents can help children with autism or Asperger Syndrome attend college, using information, learned from assisting her own son. She details his diagnosis and experiences in elementary through high school, how to decide to go to college; safety, health, and academic issues; self help skills, time management, and orientation; adjustment; support services; self-awareness and self disclosure, the benefits of college; and what to do after college. The appendices contain an annotated list of useful books and websites and a sample self-disclosure form. -- Book NewsRealising the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome is both a practical and personal account of one ASD students successful experience of going to college. This book focuses on how to get there and stay there: deciding to go, how to get in and how to get the most out of it. Writer Ann Palmer advises parents and professionals how to prepare the student and the transition from school and home life to a new environment and educational challenge, and how to support them through potential problems such as academic pressure, living away from home , social integration and appropriate levels of participation in college. She offers helpful strategies to show that college can be a suitable option for students with an autism spectrum disorder, as well as the basis for a successful independent life later. The book is essential reading for any parent considering college as an option for their child, the disability service provided in colleges and for ASD students themselves'. -- Autism USPalmer relates a humble, gracious story of squiring a high-functioning autistic son to college... She thoroughly addresse[s] questions of self-awareness, disclosure forms, Eric's capacities for self-help, orientation, time management and exploiting resources. There's plenty of practical information in these pages, particularly about the college classroom environment... A story that rings with love and support, and a drive to help Eric achieve his potential through meaningful, appropriate challenges. -- Kirkus ReportsTable of ContentsPreface. Introduction.1. Starting Out: Diagnosis and the Early Years. 2. Strategies for the High School Years. 3. Making the Decision about College. 4. Everything You Need to Know about Life: A Summer of Lessons. 5. Moving Out: The Transition to the Dorm. 6. Supports and Strategies at College. 7. Self-Awareness and the Issue of Self-Disclosure. 8. Positives of the College Experience. 9. What Comes Next? Useful Books and Websites. Sample Self-Disclosure Form. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisAchieving good behavior and social skills in a child with developmental disabilities can often be very difficult, and methods that improve behavior in other children are often unsuitable or ineffective. Achieving Best Behavior for Children with Developmental Disabilities is an accessible workbook designed specifically for parents of children with developmental disabilities.It offers practical, hands-on advice and step-by-step instructions for drawing up and implementing behavior plans that successfully address and improve challenging behaviors. The book is also full of interactive checklists and activities that help to monitor and assess behaviors and track a child's development. The author also explains the reasons for children's behaviors and gives a wealth of practical advice on how to deal with specific situations, from shopping trips and getting a haircut to dentist appointments and children's birthday parties.Primarily for parents and carers of children with developmental disabilities, this book will also be of use to teachers, school psychologists, occupational therapists, speech/language therapists, social workers and anyone working with children with developmental disabilities.Trade ReviewPamela Lewis clearly has huge experience of working with parents and is sensitive to the issues facing them. The main thrust of the book is on understanding the child but at the same time recognizing that parents can feel very isolated when their child behaves very differently from their peers and does not respond to the usual sanctions of everyday life.I would recommend this book to those supporting parents and to parents and carers of children with complex disabilities. It is a book that is bout understanding, sharing and support. Most of all the book offers possible options for families that could become solutions. -- Educational ReviewThis short book, Achieving the Best Behavior for Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Step-by-Step Workbook for Parents and Carers, covers a wealth of information. The focus is practical, individualized and proactive. The tone is appropriately gentle and supportive. It is clear and directive without either using jargon or belittling the audience by being simplistic. The workbook format is very well-paced and user-friendly, consisting of brief explanatory text followed by thorough, hands-on structured questionnaires. The progression of ideas is logical and simple to follow, without overwhelming the reader. Different bases are covered very systemically and thoroughly, from ruling out medical problems to identifying community supports. References are provided when a more in-depth explanation would be beyond the scope of the book (e.g., regarding problems with sleeping). -- APA Review of BooksThis book is written for parents of children with developmental disabilities, but could be used by all sorts of professionals, such as childminders, pre-school staff, social workers and therapists. It would be an ideal resource for parents and carers to use when preparing a plan together for consistency of care.It's written in a friendly style, with no technical jargon, but clear explanations and examples of different types of behaviour and ways to deal with it. It is written with a very clear emphasis on being positive with your child. There is also a section on finding support as a parent or carer, which is often overlooked but vitally important. It is packed with interactive checklists for parents and carers, activities to do with the children, and lots of strategies to help everyone cope with day-to-day life. I would recommend this excellent book and I give it a score of 10/10. -- The National Childminding OrganisationThis interactive workbook aims to help parents of children with developmental disabilities develop their parenting skills. However, anybody living and/or working with this group of children would benefit from the contents of this book. Parenting children with developmental disabilities can sometimes be a bit daunting, and this book sets out some "basic principles" of managing behaviour and shows readers how to put them into practice. -- YouthInMind.netThis book is well laid out and would be easy to dip in and out of when wanting to find specific information. -- Occupational Therapy JournalIt would be an ideal resource for therapists working with parents/carers who want to break down the process and to encourage their active participation. -- Occupational Therapy JournalTable of Contents1. Introduction. I Starting out. 2. Believe you can. 3. Medical factors. 4. Identify/Create your support network. 5. Overview. II Understand your child's developmental levels. 6. Developmental levels. III Target and define behavior. 7. Go through a typical day. 8. Define the behavior. 9. Agree on a prioritized list of troubling behaviors. IV Functions of behavior. 10. Identify the function of the behavior. V Create a behaviour plan. 11. Antecedents and consequences. 12. Look for patterns. 13. Identify the function of the behavior. 14. Use rewards! 15. Create a behavior plan (1): reducing setting events, communication, structure, and choice. 16. Create a behavior plan (2): rewarding desirable behaviors. 17. Create a behavior plan (3): contingencies for negative behaviors. 18. Summarize your behavior plan. 19. Conclusion. VI Strategies for common challenges. Appendix 1: Reward/reinforcer survey. Appendix 2: Resources for autism and learning disabilities. Index.

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Book SynopsisDrawing from Within is an introductory guide for those wanting to explore the use of art with clients with eating disorders. Art therapy is a particularly effective therapeutic intervention for this group, as it allows them to express uncomfortable thoughts and feelings through artistic media rather than having to explain them verbally.Lisa D. Hinz outlines the areas around which the therapist can design effective treatment programmes, covering family influences, body image, self-acceptance, problem solving and spirituality. Each area is discussed in a separate chapter and is accompanied by suggestions for exercises, with advice on materials to use and how to implement them. Case examples show how a therapy programme can be tailored to the individual client and photographs of client artwork illustrate the text throughout.Practical and accessible to practitioners at all levels of experience, this book gives new hope to therapists and other mental health professionals who want to explore the potential of using art with clients with eating disorders.Trade ReviewAn innovative approach describing how art therapists can design and implement effective treatment programmes for eating disorders. Of particular value where service users find it difficult to explain their thoughts and feelings verbally. -- BILD Current Awareness ServiceDrawing from Within covers both theory and practise in a comprehensive and informative overview, solution- focused intervention, describing a step- by- step approach to an extremely promising technique for treating people with eating disorders. This manual is a positive resource which would be useful to practitioners in the fields of mental health, art therapy and counselling, as well as training for clinicians in the field of eating disorders.I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in developments in person- centred therapy or in thinking about the use of art as a therapeutic tool; it is clearly structured and well- organised and clearly a valuable contribution to the field of psychological therapy and training. -- Routledge, Taylor and Francis GroupDrawing from Within: Using Art to Treat Eating Disorders is a fine reference for practitioner who wish to explore the therapeutic use of art with clients with eating disorders. Art therapy has been successfully used as intervention with this client group: chapters cover themes which can embrace programs, offering suggestions for creating and implementing exercises and translating results to therapy. It's the hands-on application of theory to results which makes Drawing from Within so essential for any working with clients with eating disorders - and for college-level libraries strong in psychology. -- The Midwest Book ReviewI believe that art psychotherapists working with eating disorders with a similar eclectic approach would find this an interesting read with lots of relevant information…the art experiences are well designed and could be used with other client groups in different contexts, such as professional work-shops and training. I have introduced and adapted different exercises into my initial assessments with children and young people. Many of the expected themes identified in the book were highlighted in the therapy, illustrating the value of Hinz's tools. I was also interested in the chapter addressing spirituality, as this is an area not often considered in psychotherapy. In my own art practice I engaged in some of the exercises in this chapter and found this to be a powerful experience, giving me a lot of material to process and reflect on. -- AT NewsbriefingI was thrilled to find this book which is a brilliantly comprehensive exploration of the use of art therapy in the treatment of eating disorders. The book is fantastic - it is well written, accurate and well backed up with current research findings and references. There are some wonderful ideas within the book and each is presented in such a practical way that you find they immediately bring to mind clients for whom they might be helpful. I have no doubt that this book will develop and improve my use of art techniques in my work and I am sure that those I work with will also benefit from my having read it. -- Lifeline, Anorexia and Bulimia CarePsychologist and registered art therapist Lisa Hinz describes an art-based approach that mental health professionals can use with clients who have eating disorders. Following the introductory material, each of the seven main chapters focuses on a particular area of therapeutic work, such as reclaiming emotions or enhancing self-acceptance. Each of these chapters contains art experiences aimed at helping clients to express themselves. These are followed by response pieces, designed to counteract negativity and provide clients with practical actions they can take to promote recovery. -- www.booknews.comThis book provides a wealth of ideas for working with clients with eating disorders using art. -- Play Therapy UKTable of ContentsPreface. Acknowledgements. 1. Using Art to Treat Eating Disorders. 2. Eating Disorders and Target Areas for Healing. 3. Getting Started Using Art in Therapy. 4. Effects of the Eating Disorder. 5. Understanding Childhood Influences. 6. Promoting Problem Solving Skills. 7. Reclaiming Emotions. 8. Addressing Body Image Issues. 9. Enhancing Self Acceptance. 10. Fostering a Spiritual Connection. 11. When Therapy Comes to an End. 12. Final Considerations. References. Subject index. Author index.

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Book SynopsisReplays addresses the challenging behaviors of children with autism spectrum disorders through interactive symbolic play. It shows parents and professionals how to help children access their emotions, whether the child is verbal or not, cognitively able or impaired, even-tempered or volatile. The chapters introduce and show readers how to implement Replays, and describe ways of adapting this intervention to address specific issues in different settings and circumstances.Levine and Chedd present more than just behavioral management strategies in the context of social, emotional and communication development: they have developed a technique that helps children to re-experience, play through and master the complex emotional response states that often lead to ongoing behavioral challenges.Replays is an easy and fun tool that provides numerous step-by-step examples and illustrations. It enables parents and professionals to guide children with autism spectrum disorders towards mastering, and changing, their emotional and behavioral responses.Trade ReviewWhether you are a parent, carer or professional, at home, in clinic or in mainstream or special school, this book is well worth reading. It is for anyone who is flexible and game enough to engage in role play with the child in their care. I found Replays inspiring: it offers a fresh approach to one of the most challenging aspects of autism. What is more, Levine and Chedd's practical strategies seem so logical and straight forward that I found myself wondering why I had not thought of them. -- Good Autism PracticeThis is a book that should be read by any professional who is working with children with autistic spectrum disorders, whether they're in a nursery or a mainstream secondary classroom.This book is easy to read and well organised, with an excellent index that enables the reader to find the bits they want to read again. -- NASENThis would be a useful book for parents of, and professionals working with children with a variety of difficulties, including Asperger's Syndrome, autism, PDD-NOS, and syndromes such as Prader-Willi. It is easy to dip in and out of, and has lots of clear examples of a variety of challenging situations which can be so disturbing for children and ASD such as hair cuts, parties and visits to the doctor.Although I haven't had a chance to try out a Replay yet, I certainly finished this book feeling inspired to do so! -- NaplicTable of ContentsPart I: Introduction to Replays. 1. Introduction. 2. Understanding Children's Intense Responding and how Replays Helps. 3. How to do Replays. Part II: Tailoring Replays for Children with Specific Problems. 4. Tailoring Replays for Younger or Less Verbal and Symbolic Children. 5. Tailoring Replays for Older, More Verbal Children. 6. Tailoring Replays for Active Children with Short Attention Spans. Part III: Replays for Specific Situations. 7. Replays for Children just Discovering Mischief. 8. Replays for Sensory-related Fears and Anxieties. 9. Replays for Anxiety, including Obsessive Issues, Birthday Party Fears and other Fears or Phobias. Part IV: Adapting Replays across different settings. 10. Replays with Siblings and Peers. 11. Implementing Replays in Educational Settings. 12. Replays and Technology. 13. Frequently Asked Questions. Index.

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Book SynopsisAutism and its Medical Management explains the medical aspects of autism and how both parents and professionals can use current medical knowledge to better understand how to address the medical aspects of autism.The book begins with an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and how they are diagnosed, and goes on to identify the different types of autism and to describe relevant medical interventions. The author also provides an outline of recent research to enable parents and professionals to gain an understanding of the various factors that may contribute to the development of ASDs, as well as the latest available treatment options.Bridging the communication gap between medical professionals and parents, this book offers accessible explanations of medical terminology and treatment relevant to ASDs and is an important tool for parents and professionals working with children with ASDs.Trade ReviewThis book explains the medical aspects of autism and how both parents and professionals can use current medical knowledge to better understand how to address these aspects. -- BILD information ServiceThis book will help professionals and (scientifically literate) parents to understand the various factors that can contribute to the development of ASDs, as well as the latest treatment options. -- Booknews.comHis book is written for parents, therapists, physicians, and interested lay people. In clear language and an easy-to-read format, he starts with an overview of autism and definitions before going on to cover theories, treatment, and medication options. -- Library JournalParents and professionals who work with children will find much-needed insights and medical assessments in Autism and Its Medical Management, a guide for lay readers on its medical aspects of autism and how the latest medical knowledge can help address common concerns. From a review of autistic disorders and how they are diagnosed to new medical interventions, this offers the latest research keyed to solutions to common issues. -- The Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsPreface. Introduction and Reader Guide. Part I: Autism Overview 1. What is Normal Development and Does My Child Have Autism? 2. Understanding the Diagnosis of Autism. Part II: Definitions 3. Defining the Clinical Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders. 4. What Type of Autistic Spectrum Disorder Does My Child Have? (Non-Regressive Autism, Regressive Autism Syndromes, Asperger's Subtype, Secondary ASD). 5. Current Recommendations For Medical Evaluation of ASDs. 6. The Role of Medical Laboratory Diagnostic Testing in Autism Diagnosis. 7. Neuroanatomy and Neuroimaging in ASDs. 8. Electroencephalography (EEG): The Relationship of Epilepsy or Epileptic Activity in ASDs. 9. Genetics. Part III: Theories On Autism Spectrum Disorders 10. Are Autism Spectrum Disorders Increasing And Why? 11. Vaccinations, Mercury, And Autism.12. Immunology and Autoimmunity: Is There a Relationship to ASD? 13. Theories on a Prenatal Cause of Autism Chapter. 14. Alternative Medicine Theories on Autism. Part IV: Treating Autistic Spectrum Disorders 15. Overview of Treatment of Autism. 16. Picking A Physician. 17. Non-Medically Sanctioned Alternative Groups Promoting Therapy for Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Gluten Casein Sensitivity. 18. Overview of Medicines For Autism: No Cure But Symptomatic Treatments Can Help. Part V: Neurologically Managing Clinical Aspects of ASD With Medication 19. Medicines Prescribed for Behavioral Problems in ASD. 20. Treating EEG Abnormalities and Epilepsy in ASD. 21. Immunological Medical Therapy in Autism. 22. Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorders. 23. Medications for Core Symptoms of Language and Behavior. 24. Rational Approach to Medical Treatment of Autistic Patients: Case Studies. Appendix 1: Chapter Notes and References. Appendix 2: Glossary. Appendix 3: Resources. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis workbook, developed after 23 years of work with children, is designed to help children change their 'stinking thinking.' 'Stinking Thinking' are ways children think that cause them to be anxious, depressed, angry, guilty, frustrated, embarrassed, insecure, or jealous. The exercises help children ages 6 to 12 years develop cognitive skills, positive thought patterns, and resilience to cope with daily hardships. The wizard theme is attractive to children and encourages them to interact with parents or therapists as they practice the concepts. Therapists and parents will find this workbook user-friendly, attractive, and fun. It is a valuable adjunct to cognitive behavioral approaches. Children are fascinated with wizards and enjoy the exercises.'- Virginia Child Protection Newsletter'This ingenious workbook, designed for use by psychologists, teachers or parents, is highly visual and interactive and could beneficially be used with individuals and groups of children. Based on the CBT approach, it encourages children to explore their negative thinking patterns which in turn enhances their ability to cope with daily challenges. The author has cleverly used the world of magic as a backdrop to each session, and children are enticed to become "super thinking wizards" as they learn to outsmart negative thinking.'- The Psychologist'Joann Altiero's No More Stinking Thinking is a workbook for parents, teachers and therapists to teach children how to develop the cognitive skills and resilience that will help them to cope with daily adversity, including criticism, disappointment and bullying.Each lesson explains a different type of "stinking thinking" - from ignoring the big picture or jumping to conclusions, to making a big (or little) deal out of something - and teaches children how to spot and combat it. The book aims to teach children about the power of positive, healthy and confident thinking and assertive behaviours. A final "exam" and a graduation certificate are included.No More Stinking Thinking is accessible and fully interactive and an ideal tool for helping children develop positive thinking in an imaginative and exciting way.'- Afasic News'This workbook aims to help those working with children teach positive thinking. Simple exercises encourage children to think about any negative views they may have about themselves and address them. Each chapter looks at a particular problem, for example jumping to conclusions. There are fun activities as well as exercises to summarise what has been learnt and children can work towards becoming a Super Wizard Thinker.'- ChildrenNow'This book is written to help children combat negative thinking. The children work through the book with you and become a wizard of positive thinking!The idea of the book is very good and is written in a very light hearted manner. I would recommend this book to anyone who feels their child needs some help feeling good about themselves.'- www.ncma.org.uk'This book is a workbook for parents/carers and children to encourage positive thinking. It is written in a friendly style, which makes it easy for children to follow. I particularly liked the lay out, it is in 6 chapters for steps to positive thinking and the pages are clearly laid out with lots of pictures and activities and spaces to draw your own pictures. The pictures complement the text well and make the chapters more fun. The activities are easy for the children to follow as well as making them think about what they have just read. I shall be using it in my setting and would recommend it to other childminders.'- National Child-Minding Association'I think this workbook would be a useful resource for professionals, in particular teachers, who could use the exercises as discussions points when working with a group of children.'- Adoption-net.co.ukHow can children learn to combat negative thinking in a fun and constructive way? By applying to be a wizard of positive thinking, of course!Joann Altiero's No More Stinking Thinking is an easy-to-use workbook for use by parents, teachers, and therapists to teach children how to develop the cognitive skills and resilience that will help them to cope with daily adversity, including criticism, disappointment and bullying. Each lesson in this mental health "wizard class" explains a different type of "Stinking Thinking" - from ignoring the big picture or jumping to conclusions to making a big (or little) deal out of something - and teaches children how to spot and combat it. They are drawn into a magical world where they learn about the power of positive, healthy and confident thinking and assertive behaviors as they defeat the evil Lord Stinker and become "Super Thinking Wizards." Exercises, a final "exam," and a graduation certificate are included.Accessible and fully interactive, No More Stinking Thinking is an ideal tool for helping children develop positive thinking skills in an imaginative and exciting way.Trade ReviewI would recommend NO MORE STINKING THINKING to EPs, teachers and TAs looking for a practical and grounded way of encouraging youngsters to develop alternative ways of thinking about situations which currently lead them to be overly self-critical. A resource for encouraging children and young people to develop and antidote to seeing the glass as half empty. -- DebateThe workbook can be used by teachers, parents or therapists to teach young children how to combat negative thinking. -- Edward Sellman, University of NottinghamTable of ContentsIntroduction. What is Stinking Thinking? 1. Don't Jump to Conclusions! 2. Wearing Blinkers. 3. Putting Things in a Nut Shell. 4. Making a Big Deal or a Little Deal. 5. The World Revolves Around Me. 6. All or Nothing Thinking.

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Book SynopsisBullying is a serious problem for people with Asperger Syndrome (AS), both at school and in the workplace, and displaying "different" behavior, such as not understanding social rules or hand-flapping, exacerbates the risk of being victimized.Writing in an accessible, informal style, the author describes the bullying behavior he and other individuals have experienced, and the effect this has had on their lives. He outlines the reasons for bullying behavior and the danger of persistent recurrence if it remains unchecked, as well as the critical importance of "involving the bystander". Nick Dubin goes on to provide a range of effective strategies to address bullies and bullying that can be applied by parents, professionals, schools, and individuals being bullied. He stresses the importance of peer intervention, empathetic teachers, and verbal self-defense, and shows how lack of support, condemning of "tale telling," or even blaming the victim reinforces bullying.This book offers individuals with AS who are being bullied the opportunity to see that they are not alone, and it is an invaluable source of advice for parents, teachers, professionals and personnel managers.Trade ReviewThis is a very well presented and readable book. It not only puts a very human perspective on the behaviours, feelings, and thinking of those with Asperger's syndrome, but also gives a very comprehensive account of the statistical, theoretical, and professional aspects of me condition... I found this book difficult to put down once I began to read it. It grounded my theoretical knowledge of Asperger's syndrome and provided me with a level of insight that I did not have previously. There is no doubt thatAsperger's syndrome and Bullying: Strategies and Solutions is a must for the educational psychologist. It contains a wealth of information and a practical toolkit for addressing bullying, and at a very low cost. -- DebateThis is a very well presented and readable book. It not only puts a very human perspective on the behaviours, feelings, and thinking of those with Asperger's syndrome, byt also gives a very comprehensive account of the statistical, theoretical, and professional aspects of me condition.Nick Dubin succeeds in using the insights gained from his experience (he was diagnosed with Aserger's syndrome in 2004) of support and provides greater understanding of the complexity of Asperger's syndrome, while at the same time maintaining the degree of professional detachment necessary to ensure that this book is a useful working document... I found this book difficult to put down once I began to read it. It grounded my theoretical knowledge of Asperger's syndrome and provided me with a level of insight that I did not have previously. There is no doubt that Asperger's syndrome and Bullying: Strategies and Solutions is a must for the educational psychologist. It contains a wealth of information and a practical toolkit for addressing bullying, and at a very low cost. -- British Psychological Society, DebateThis book is exceptional in its call to empower the victims and its challenge to bystanders to intervene, but there is another compelling gem found here. Mr Dubin's abundant stories illustrating how people with AS perceive and experience their environment are a brilliant window into the inner life of children with AS. His perspective is a gift of empathy and understanding that transcends the subject of bullying and would benefit every teacher, parent and professional. -- Autism Asperger's DigestNick Dubins Book on bullying and Asperger Syndrome is an interesting read for therapist with experience of Asperger Syndrome and working with school-aged pupils. It will deepen your understanding and awareness of the issues and provide useful strategies to pass on to teaching staff. Many of Nick's ideas can be incorporated within social skills therapy to develop assertiveness skills and social understanding. Parents may also wish to read the book and will particularly enjoy the sections aimed directly at them. Bullying is an important topic and the book will be a valuable addition to your library. -- Speech & Language Therapy in PracticeThis book offers individuals with AS who are being bullied the opportunity to see that they are not alone, and it is an invaluable source of advice for parents, teachers, professionals and personnel managers. -- Autism UsWritten in an accessible style by someone who has AS and has experienced bullying. Not only for people who have this syndrome, but also all those who support and work with them. -- Current Awareness ServiceCombining personal life experiences and those of others along with the acumen of a researcher, Nick Dubin introduces the reader to how the characteristics of Asperger Syndrome interplay with the social environment that makes these children and adults targets of bullying. In addition to clearly depicting the extent of the irreparable harm caused by bullying, he tells us how easily to recognize and stop this destructive behavior at the individual, in the classroom, and at school wide levels. -- Stephen M. Shore, Board of Directors of the Autism Society of America, the Asperger's Association of New England, and other related organizationsNot only will Asperger Syndrome and Bullying help former victims piece together the "why"s and "how"s of prior trauma, but educational professionals also are served well to read this book. For giving them much to choose from, Dubin meticulously outlines (and provides commentary on) every available community-based strategy and school program designed to combat those atmospheres that condone bullying. His book is a wonderful addition to the growing literature currently investigating the environment of bullying, the culture of bullying, and the myths we once believed about it. Asperger Syndrome and Bullying serves as a great sociological analysis, yes, but readers are provided an added layer - hearing a writer heal before our eyes. -- from the Foreword by Michael John Carley, executive director of GRASP, The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome PartnershipBullying can be a problem in most schools, even in those with zero tolerance outlook and a good anti-bullying programme. Children with special needs are particularly prone to be targets of bullies, as they are already 'different' from their peers. In this well written. well-researched book, the author's first hand experience, his insight and his common-sense approach to the varied ways in which bullying becomes evident, add up to a volume well worth reading. Dubin lists teachers, administrators, employers and employees as bullies in addition to peer group bullies at school,. He gives clear examples of how child with Asperger's Syndrome finds it difficult to understand social interaction, the intentions of others, the facial expressions. and off hand comments that other children take for granted. This is an excellent starting point for an in-service workshop on bullying, and would be particularly useful in a school practising inclusive education where children on the autistic spectrum are part of the student body. -- School Librarian JournalPower imbalances underlie bullying and this book goes some way to empowering victims, bystanders, parents and schools, thereby helping to redress this balance. The author draws on his personal experience as a youngster with (then undiagnosed) Asperger's Syndrome, as well as his later professional experiences, to write passionately about bullying, its significant and often long-term effects, and what can be done about it. Chapters on why children with Asperger's often present as easy targets for bullying and victimisation, ways in which adults and school staff can be be bullies too and why bullies and bystanders may act as they do increase awareness and understanding of these issues. Strategies that individuals, parents and schools can implement to deal with bullies are also described, and these may apply equally to students with or without Asperger's Syndrome. -- Youth in MindI would recommend this book to anyone working with people with Asperger syndrome and not just where bullying has been identified as a problem. Useful pointers in how to talk and communicate are provided -- Drama TherapyTable of ContentsForeword by Michael John Carley. Introduction. 1. My Own Experiences of Being Bullied. 2. Easy Targets: Children on the Autism Spectrum. 3. Empowering Victims. 4. Empowering Bystanders. 5. Empowering Teachers. 6. Understanding Bullies. 7. Empowering Parents. 8. Empowering Schools. 9. Interview with My Parents. Appendix I: Frequently Asked Questions. Appendix II: Internet Resources. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisMemory loss can create problems in every aspect of a person's life. The challenge of communicating thoughts and feelings can be made even harder by other people's negative perceptions of dementia.This book provides practical guidance for coping with progressive memory loss, and includes examples of real people who have faced similar challenges. These stories highlight both good and bad ways to deal with the problems that arise, and are also useful for describing the experiences of memory loss to friends and family. The authors suggest ways of maintaining physical and mental health by staying active and engaged in society. They also offer techniques for improving communication, preserving self-esteem and overcoming the stigma associated with memory loss.A Personal Guide to Living with Progressive Memory Loss offers inspiration and advice for anyone in the early stages of dementia. It also provides useful insight for family and friends who wish to offer support for a loved one affected by progressive memory loss.Trade ReviewThis book provides practical guidance for coping with progressive memory loss and includes examples of real people who have faced such challenges. These stories highlight both good and bad ways to deal with the problems that arise and are also useful for describing the experiences of memory loss to friends and family. The authors suggest ways of maintaining physical and mental health by staying active and engaged in society. They also offer techniques for improving, communication, preserving self-esteem and overcoming the stigma associated with memory loss. -- Human GivensThis book presents us all with a challenge to see that we have a real part to play in helping dementia suffers maximize the quality of their lives. They emphasise this in commending hope. "Hope lets you continue to celebrate who you are as a person. Hope is worth striving for and keeping in your life". Amen to that, I warmly commend this book which can enlarge our understanding and encourage us in our care of all who suffer from Progressive Memory Loss. -- Plus Magazine (Christian Council on Ageing)The information is concise and easy to read with the use of individual experiences from support groups to help others in similar situations. It enables people to understand the process of loss that occurs and how an individual can remain in control of their lives, with support, for as long as possible. Not only does this help sufferers, but also those who care for them, to understand the experience from the perspective of the person with the diagnosis. Maintaining the individual's personhood requires not stepping in early to take away roles too quickly. By reading this book, you are able to get a sense of a positive outlook on what could be such a negative experience; it is quite uplifting. It is not end but just the beginning of a new and very different chapter in the lives of that person, their family and friends. -- SignpostThe book speaks to people diagnosed with diseases that cause progressive memory loss, a resource guide to help them to manage the disease and consider different treatments... The core of this manual are the four chapters on staying active and functional, staying physically healthy, staying mentally healthy and, most importantly, finding hope. The chapters include constructive discussions about medication and non-medical treatment and meeting self-care needs. The emphasis is on normal living. Utilising social support and emphasizing the health benefits of non-medication treatments. Checklists, non-sentimental illustrations and a comprehensive bibliography complement this excellent text. Strongly recommended. -- London Centre for Dementia CareThis book empowers people living with dementia, signposting hope, choice and a life to be lived. I wholeheartedly recommend it. -- John Keady PhD RMN, Professor of Older People's Mental Health Nursing The University of Manchester/Bolton, Salford and Trafford Mental Health NHS Trust and Co-Editor of Dementia: the International Journal of Social Research and PracticeExpert gerontological nurses Burgener and Twigg have collaborated to produce a uniquely-focused, incredibly informative and thoughtful book to assist persons primarily in the early stages of dementia better adjust to and manage their disease. Although the contents are clinically and empirically based, the book is highly readable and practical, and provides broad-based treatment options and hope to newly diagnosed persons with dementia and those who love and care for them. -- Kathleen C. Buckwalter, PhD, RN, FAAN, Sally Mathis Hartwig Professor of Gerontological Nursing and Research Director of The University of Iowa John A. Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing ExcellenceA Personal Guide to Living with Progressive Memory Loss serves as a commitment to inclusive education and is a landmark self-help book that focuses on the needs of the person with the diagnosis. It expands what is currently offered to people with memory loss in a sensitive and contemporary way. A must have for every memory clinic and health and human service agency. -- Linda L. Buettner, Professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Alzheimer's Association Early Stage Task ForceThis book is rare, if not unique, in that its stated audience is people diagnosed with diseases that caure progressive memory loss and difficulty with thinking.In the developing culture of wellbeing and recovery for older with mental health needs this text clearly gives examples of how people with progressive memory loss can take control (with or without the assistance of those around them) to shape their own lives. For this alone I would recommend this book. -- Older People and Occupational TherapyTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. What Progressive Memory Loss Means to You: Claiming the Diagnosis. 2. Maintaining Personhood. 3. Maintaining Important Roles in Your Life. 4. Understanding the Stigma of Progressive Memory Loss: Managing Your Responses to the Behaviors of Others. 5. Communicating with Others. 6. Staying Active and Functional. 7. Staying Physically Healthy: Managing Physical Illnesses, Medications, and Self-Care Needs. 8. Staying Mentally Healthy: Managing Memory Loss and Impaired Thinking. 9. Finding Hope. References. Bibliography. Index.

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Book SynopsisKelly Harland's stories explore her son's life to the age of 14, and the new and unexpected universe she and her husband - both professional musicians - must learn to navigate with him.Will's fears, anxieties, and obsessions can dominate daily life, making a trip to the grocery store seem like a walk across a minefield. But amidst these unpredictable "flip-outs" and "freak-outs," there are moments of wonder. When Will finally learns the give and take of conversation, or dreams about his future, it rekindles his mother's belief that anything is possible.Trade ReviewKelly Harland's wonderfully clear, unsentimental and yet moving account of her daily struggles with Will brings a whole new perspective to our understanding [of autism]. Her descriptions of the continually changing hopes and aspirations that she and her husband have for him will have echoes for every parent, especially those of children affected by this complex, multi-faceted condition. -- from the foreword by Jane Asher, President of The National Autistic SocietyPraise for the first edition:'There's a miraculous alchemy to these stories of one small boy.' -- The Seattle TimesA Will of His Own sends a powerful and essentially positive message of hope, learning, and growth... highly recommended reading. -- Midwest Book ReviewThis emotional, warm, interesting and easy to read book will appeal to professionals and parents alike. -- Aukids ManagzineIn "A will of his own" the author's melodic tones capture snapshots of her son from his early days and onwards as he grows and develops into a young man. It's no accident that Kelly is a "musician" as her voice as a writer comes over as a warm and affectionate melody... A slim volume full of delicate, poignant insights but with the strength of powerfully honed reality. -- Whitterer on AutismTable of ContentsForeword by Jane Asher. Introduction: A New "Will". A Different Song. Moonlight. The Shock of the New. Ferryboats. Potter vs. Potter. Into the Pool. Afternoon on the Piazza. Singer. Friends. The Lunchmaker. Big Talk. The King. Escalatorland. Candy. New Voice. Soul Deep. Window. How the King Became the King. I Can't Explain It. Desiree. School Picture. One Dream. Grandma. A Boy Named Colin. Lighting the Candles. Hero. One Dream. Evolution Blues. Over Washington. Willpower. Special Needs Showbiz. A Mountaintop in Nepal. The Broken Leg Diaries.

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Book SynopsisFrom ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) to ZS (Zellweger Syndrome)-there seems to be an alphabet disorder for almost every behavior, from those caused by serious, rare genetic diseases to more common learning disabilities that hinder children's academic and social progress.Alphabet Kids have disorders that are often concurrent, interconnected or mistaken for one another: for example, the frequent combination of ASD, OCD, SID and ADHD. If a doctor only diagnoses one condition, he or she may have missed others. As the rates of these disorders dramatically rise, Alphabet Kids explains it all. Robbie Woliver covers 70 childhood disorders, providing information on causes, cures, treatments and prognoses. Chapters include a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms, and the disorders are illustrated with often heartbreaking, but always inspirational true-life stories of a child with the particular disorder.This comprehensive, easy-to-read go-to guide will help parents to sort through all the interconnected childhood developmental, neurobiological and psychological disorders and serve as a roadmap to help start the families' journey for correct diagnoses, effective treatment and better understanding of their Alphabet Kids.Trade ReviewThis book is a wonderful tome of knowledge on neurobiological , developmental and genetic diseases which any parent or professional dealing with atypical children or indeed adults, should have at their fingertips... This book enables parents to make sense of a range of symptoms and signposts them to a likely diagnosis... It is a book that should be on the bookshelf's of parents with children of difference, of all educators and clinicians... In reading it you cannot forget that we are all unique and that most problems have a cause and many can be cured, treated and if not treated, at least understood and accepted with knowledge, compassion and patience. -- ASTeensThis book does what it sets out to do - provide an easy reference guide for parents and professionals... Alphabet Kids will be useful for anyone needing an overview of common, and indeed less common, diagnosable disorders. Its strength lies in its accessibility and the ease with which disorders are explained and illustrated and the potential benefits this can bring to children and families. -- British Psychological Society, DebateWhat a valuable resource to help parents find their way through the bewildering vocabulary of psychiatric labels. Books like Alphabet Kids are essential if we are to bridge the gap between professionals and families. -- Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge UniversityI wish I'd had Robbie Woliver's book to guide me in the early days of my journey with my daughter ... Alphabet Kids should be in every household; it is an essential guide for all parents and should be required reading for all teachers. -- Cathy Moriarty-Gentile, Academy award-nominated actress, child's health advocate, and parent of a daughter with special needsMedical diagnosis and treatment is complex and overwhelming for many families... Alphabet Kids does an excellent job of translating complex medical conditions and terminology into language that parents can understand. -- Matthew Cohen, Adjunct Professor of Mental Health Law at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, and author of A Guide to Special Education AdvocacyWeaving extensive research with personal empathy, Robbie Woliver provides parents and practitioners with an extremely useful resource, as we work to identify and improve the life of children with special needs. -- Martin L. Kutscher, M.D., pediatric neurologist and author of Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Asperger's, Tourette's, Bipolar and More!As a school nurse team leader, Alphabet Kids is certainly an easily accessible rescource to dip in and out of during the course of a busy day. The contents offer a succinct synopsis of each disorder, presented in an easily readable format, I shall certainly recommend it to the rest of the team, colleagues and parents alike. -- British Journal of School NursingAlphabet Kids; From ADD to Zellweger Syndrome offers a fine guide to developmental and psychological disorders of kids, covering disorders in an A-Z "alphabet" encyclopedia which includes extensive details for each disorder. Alphabet Kids often have disorders that are interconnected or mistaken for each other: if a doctor only diagnoses one condition, he's missing others. This guide will help professionals and parents alike understand these connections and their differences. -- The Midwest Book ReviewThe book sets out 75 disorders commonly first diagnosed in childhood and describes the symptoms, treatment and prognosis of each one in clear and accessible terms. Case studies for each disorder are provided, helping to bring lists of complex symptoms to life. -- The PsychologistRobbie Woliver's book states that 1 in 6 youth have an 'alphabet' diagnosis - disorders that are often concurrent, interconnected or mistaken for one another; that makes for many youth and families attempting to navigate unfamiliar and confusing territory. 'Alphabet Kids' can help illuminate the way. As a reader-friendly, clearly written guidebook to the maze of childhood disorders and their interconnectedness, Mr. Woliver's book reassures parents that they are not alone. Compelling and emotional case stories are included at the start of the description of each disorder, providing real life snapshots of how challenging the childhood conditions can be to detect, how they often intersect and overlap, and how cascading effects across all areas of development can result over time. 'Alphabet Kids' is a unique, easy to understand resource that is organized first alphabetically by disorder and then by sub-sections including 'did you know?', 'signs and symptoms', 'diagnosis' and 'treatment.' The section on Sources and Resources is particularly helpful as it provides readers with steps for where to find more information. -- On the SpectrumWhat a valuable resource to help parents find their way through the bewildering vocabulary of psychiatric labels. An easy-to-read, quick way in to what is known and how to get help. Books like Alphabet Kids are essential if we are to bridge the gap between professionals and families. -- Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge UniversityRobbie Woliver provides us with an encyclopedic overview of children's developmental and mental conditions. Weaving extensive research with personal empathy, he provides parents and practitioners with an extremely useful resource, as we work to identify and improve the life of children with special needs. -- Martin L. Kutscher, M.D., pediatric neurologist and author of Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Asperger's, Tourette's, Bipolar and More!, ADHD: Living without Brakes, and Children with SeizuresWhen a child is struggling, parents worry. What's wrong? Whom do we see? Where do I find help? Thanks to Robbie Woliver, parents now have a comprehensive resource, Alphabet Kids, to help them help their child. -- Larry B. Silver, M.D., Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Georgetown University Medical CenterA necessity for every household! An invaluable reference tool for every pediatric specialist and educator. As our contemporary culture strives to increase knowledge, elevate awareness, and decreases the stigma of developmental, neurobiological, and psychological disorders, Robbie Woliver presents an incredibly comprehensive guide. Alphabet Kids impressively offers a range of relatable vignettes, relevant symptoms, and a wealth of helpful resources, providing clarity and answers...all in one, easy to read, positive and encouraging book! -- Dr. Kimberly Williams, Psy.D., Neuropsychologist, Assistant Research Scientist, NYU Child Study CenterMedical diagnosis and treatment is complex and overwhelming for many families. Robbie Woliver's book, Alphabet Kids, does an excellent job of translating complex medical conditions and terminology into language that parents can understand. Filled with helpful and accessible information about numerous disabilities, it also provides a wealth of useful information on signs and symptoms for parents to watch for, the diagnostic process, treatment options, and prognoses and links to other resources. This is a tremendous resource for families and others that work with kids with disabilities. -- Matthew Cohen, Adjunct Professor of Mental Health Law at Loyola University of Chicago School of LawAlphabet Kids will be very important because it describes a panoply of disorders ranging from physical to emotional, and hereditary, which have often been perceived as conduct disorders or conditions so unresolvable there is no help. This book will encourage both parents and professionals to use available tools and to make contributions that will further enhance the prognosis for so many. -- Vivian Hanson Meehan, president and founder of ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)I wish Alphabet Kids were available 18 years ago when those nagging questions were keeping my wife and I up nights. It would have led us in the right direction and resulted in needed early interventions. Insightful, informative and understandable. A must read for any parents losing sleep. -- Jeffrey Cohen, father of two children living with Fragile X Syndrome and Chair Public Policy, National Fragile X FoundationI wish I'd had Robbie Woliver's book to guide me in the early days of my journey with my daughter ...it provides valuable practical information and advice from a wide array of impressive experts that can very well make the difference in the quality of your child's life. Alphabet Kids should be in every household; it is an essential guide for all parents and should be required reading for all teachers. -- Cathy Moriarty-Gentile, Academy award-nominated actress, child's health advocateThis is a glimpse into our 21st century parenting reality for millions of families. Alphabet Kids offers expert advice with a dose of compassion to empower parents and professionals with information aimed at helping children with special needs reach their highest potential. -- Deirdre Imus, Founder and President of The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology® at Hackensack University Medical CenterThis book is a wonderful tome o knowledge on neurobiological, developmental and genetic diseases which any parent or professional dealing with atypical children or indeed adults, should have at their fingertips. Many hours can be wasted on the internet trying to find a disorder that fits a particular person's unique set of problems and assets. Many parents have come up with countless possible diagnoses only to find that none fit exactly. This book highlights how many conditions can co-exist, one even masking another, and shows how interconnected many problems are. Knowledge is empowering as it enables one to seek help and interventions early, to adjust the environment and expectations toward a particular child. It can also help illuminate and understand one's own chequered history and struggles, freed from the guilt and presumption that it is self-inflicted or caused by poor parenting. There are few books that almost every household in the land own – a dictionary, a medical dictionary, an atlas, an encyclopaedia, and might I suggest one more – 'Alphabet Kids' – are all resource books that one returns to again and again... In reading it you cannot forget that we are all unique and that most problems have a cause and many can be cured, treated and if not treated, at least understood and accepted with knowledge, compassion and patience. -- BFK BooksTable of ContentsIntroduction. What You Need To Know. Warning. A. AAS: Aarskog Syndrome. ADHD: Attention-Deficit/Hyperacivity Disorder. AN: Anorexia Nervosa. APD: Auditory Processing Disorder. AS: Aarskog Syndrome. AS: Angelman Syndrome. AS: Asperger Syndrome. ASD: Autism Spectrum Disorder. B. Binge-Eating Disorder. Bulimia Nervosa. C. CA: Childhood Agoraphobia. CAD: Childhood Adjustment Disorder. CAS: Childhood Apraxia of Speech. CBPD: Childhood Bipolar Disorder. CSS: Clumsy Child Syndrome. CD: Childhood Depression. CD: Conduct Disorder. CDCS: Cri Du Chat Syndrome. CDD: Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. CdLS: Cornelia De Lange Syndrome. CLS: Coffin-Lowry Syndrome. CMT: Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. COS: Childhood Onset Schizophrenia. CS: Cockayne Syndrome. DGS: Developmental Gerstmann's Syndrome. DPD: Dependent Personality Disorder. DS: Down Syndrome. Dyscalculia. Dysgraphia. Dyslexia. Dystonia. E. ED: Eating Disorder. EDS: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. ERLD: Expressive-Receptive Language Disorder. F. FXS: Fragile X Syndrome. G. GAD: General Anxiety Disorder. H. HPD: Histrionic Personality Disorder. HS: Hyperlexia Syndrome. HTD: Hypothyroidism Disorder. L. LD: Learning Disability. LKS: Landau-Kleffner Syndrome. LNS: Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome. M. MCSS: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Syndrome. MD: Muscular Dystrophy. MR: Mental Retardation. MSDD: Multisystem Developmental Disorder. N. NLD: Nonverbal Learning Disability. O. OCD: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. ODD: Oppositional Defiance Disorder. P. PAPD: Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder. PD: Panic Disorder. PD: Personality Disorder. PDD: Pervasive Developmental Disorder. PDD-NOS: Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. Phobias. Pica. PKU: Phenylketonuria. PPD: Paranoid Personality Disorder. PWS: Prader-Willi Syndrome. R. RAD: Reactive Attachment Disorder. RS: Rett's Syndrome. S. SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD: Separation Anxiety Disorder. SID: Sensory Integration Disorder. SLD: Speech-Language Disorder. SLOS: Smith-Lemli-Opitz Syndrome. SM: Selective Mutism. SMS: Smith-Magenis Syndrome. SPD: Schizoid Personality Disorder. SPLD: Semantic Pragmatic Language Disorder. STPD: Schizotypal Personality Disorder. T. TS: Tourette Syndrome. W. WD: Wilson's Disease. WS: Williams Syndrome. X. XXYS: Xxy Syndrome. Z. ZS: Zellweger Syndrome. Resources: General Resources. Autism Resources. Eating Disorder Resources. Learning Disability Resources. Index.

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Book SynopsisA fascinating collection of real-life personal profiles, The Myriad Gifts of Asperger's Syndrome focuses on the talents, abilities, and achievements of individuals with Asperger's Syndrome (AS).Vaschel has a remarkable connection with animals; Richard can tell the weight of any item he lifts to the nearest tenth of a pound; two-year-old Hannah detected a dangerously faulty electrical circuit in her family home; and eight-year-old Clark became conversant in French after only an evening's study. What connects these individuals? They all have AS. John M. Ortiz celebrates the qualities of individuals with AS he has met through his clinical experience, including their characteristic tenacity, honesty, and attention to detail, and looks also at the wide range of careers they have chosen and in which they flourish.This uplifting book should be read and enjoyed by anyone who knows or works professionally with individuals with AS, and anyone with an interest in the subject.Trade ReviewThis book makes a wonderfully, uplifting read, not only for psychologists, but for anyone interested in this area. I would recommend it to parents, as it allows new positive perception of children and adults with these traits, a creative perspective, rather than a view of Asperger's Syndrome behaviour as an obstacle or limitation. -- DebateJohn Ortiz has captured real-life stories illustrating the remarkable and inspiring abilities found in people with Asperger's Syndrome. The book is filled with short, poignant stories that convey hope, demonstrate strengths and are punctuated with encouraging lessons. -- Autism Asperger's DigestThe Myriad Gifts of Asperger's Syndrome is a fabulous read. John Ortiz is a wonderful storyteller and this reads like a series of captivating and unique short stories of remarkable everyday individuals with the most unusual of gifts. Read it and be intrigued, inspired, uplifted and awestruck. This book is to Asperger's what Sacks' The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is to neurology. Its relevance extends well beyond the ASD world as it addresses 'outside the box' individuals everywhere and those who wish they were. -- Donna Williams, Dip Ed BA Hons. author of 9 books, including the international bestsellers Nobody Nowhere and Somebody Somewhere.This book is refreshingly positive in a world of negative stereotypes. Through short, real-life stories, Dr. Ortiz shows people with the neurodiversity of AS making important contributions to their communities. He does a great job of focusing on the positive aspects of what can be a very debilitating condition. -- Yvona Fast, author of Employment for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome or Non-Verbal Learning Disability: Stories and StrategiesJohn Ortiz has compiled a book that celebrates Asperger Syndrome. It highlights the fact that this medical condition entails not just deficits in socializing but also areas of strength, especially in attention to detail, in the detection of patterns, and in the pursuit of logic and truth, so essential to certain crafts and intellectual pursuits. This book reminds us that while people with Asperger Syndrome may need support in some areas, in other ways they make a special contribution to humanity. -- Simon Baron-Cohen, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology, Director, Autism Research Centre, Cambridge University, UKA collection of real-life personal profiles which focus on the talents, abilities and achievements of individuals with AS. -- BILD Information ServiceTable of ContentsPreface: The Asperger Dimension. Chapter One: Introduction. Background. The Discovery of Michael. The Box. AS: The No-Box Syndrome. Data Collection. Participants. What This Book Is Not. The Book's Focus. The Book's Tone and Purpose. Chapter Two: The Gifts of Asperger's Syndrome. Magical Mystery Michael. Carlton the Gift Giver. The Death Ray. Suelan's Leaky Link. It Takes a Thief. The Official Reader. The Disciplinarian. Vaschel the Liberator. Evan the Incomparable. The Community Patriot. The Nurturing Toner. No Drain for the Rain. The Rocking Navigators. The Screaming Circuit. The Human Weight Scale. The Auto Salesman. The Two Karenas. Nelson Kicks Bud. The Linguist. The Anti-Smoking Vigilante. Fast as Lightning. Colors. The Symmetrist. The Spelling "Should Have Been" Champ. Kaden: The Metric Machine. Ace: The Inventor Atlas. Griffin's Continuum. The Family "Homonist". Absolutely Quentin. Edan's Adopt-a-Smile. Arif the All-Knowing. The Two Helenas. Royal-Loyal Dalton. Plainly Speaking Donald. Rockin' Hoang. Swen and his "Theory of Mind" Theory. Chris and his Brown Paper Bag. Sandy and Sandee, the Actresses. Nathan, the Computer Geek. Portrait by Helen. Chapter Three: The World of Gainful Employment. Calix: Graphic Artist. Jacqui: Archeologist. Naresh: Engineer. Rachael: Environmentalist. Dennis: Shipping and Receiving Clerk. Garrett: Physics Researcher. Vanna: Librarian. Tom: Agricultural Worker. Jeremy: Landscape Architect. Verne: Proofreader. Norman: Forensic Science Analyst. Dahlia: Medical Transcriptionist. Ollie: Meter Reader. Sabina: FX Artist. Ea: Game Programmer and Developer. Larry: Surveyor. Adam: Stamp and Coin Collector. Jason: Comic Book Store Manager. Dierdra: Paralegal/Legal Assistant. Paolo: Statistician. Bjorn: Military Engineer. Chapter Four: Notable Persons with Asperger's Syndrome Phenotypes. Appendix: Form A: Data Collection. Form B: Data Collection. Recommended Books Written by Authors with Asperger's Syndrome. Recommended Internet Sites: Sites worth Sighting and Citing. References.

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Book SynopsisFollowing a life shattering experience, a child enters upon a confusing emotional journey that can be likened to a prism of many colors of dark feelings like sadness and fear, but also warm feelings of love and courage. The way they deal with these feelings has a lasting impact on their life as they grow.The Colors of Grief explores strategies for supporting a grieving child to ensure a healthy growth into adulthood. Drawing on the latest research in neurology and psychology, Janis Di Ciacco illustrates the child's grieving process using a model of development that employs 'key stages'. These range from preverbal infancy (0-2 years) through to early adulthood (about 25 years). She shows how a child's progress through these stages can be impaired by an early encounter with loss, which can contribute to cognitive, emotional and social difficulties. Drawing connections between bereavement, attachment issues and social dysfunction, the author suggests easy-to-use activities for intervention at each key stage, including infant massage, aromatherapy and storytelling.This is a revealing and accessible book for both parents and professionals working with, or caring for, bereaved infants, children or young adults.Trade ReviewThe Colors of Grief: Understanding a Child's Journey through Loss from Birth to Adulthood by Janis A Di Ciacco is an intersting book that discusses ways to aid children in their journey through grief. While it is less academic, it is very much an excellent description of the concepts of grief as applies to various age groups of young grievers. Many practical suggestions are offered in the apprendices including therapeutic activities such as massage, puzzles, rock, aromatherapy, stress balls and story telling; transitional tools such as window cards and pain comforters; and lastly, "Mary Poppins' Milk Recipe". It is a very strucured book For those who like lists and orderly presentations, it is an excellent book. While most of the information is not new, it is presented in a fashion that makes it easy for the reader to understand what is being presented. It would be considered to be a very good "self-help" book for parents and others who work with children. Counsellors might find it useful It is well organized and quite readable. It is a good book that deserves to be read. I recommend it. -- Illness, Crisis & LossI believe this book has the potential to profoundly change how our culture perceives and experiences grief. I believe this book is an impressive contribution to understanding the loss experience. It introduces with great depth a variety of therapeutic strategies, techniques, and practices that may be of great interest for parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors, psychologists, therapists, clinicians, mentors, social workers, and other professionals who have to deal with knowledge and understanding of not only our attachments and relationships as children but how we feel, think, and act as adults. This book should also be considered as an excellent scientific and practical resource for researchers and practitioners in this area or related specializations. The book introduces a great intellectual challenge. It raises new questions in relation to our practices concerning the issue of loss in our educational and social organizations. -- PsyCritiquesThis is a revealing and accessible book for both parents and professionals working with, or caring for, bereaved infants, children or young adults. -- Bristol Bereavement ForumThis book explores strategies for supporting a grieving child to ensure a healthy passage into adulthood. The confusing emotions experienced by a grieving child are likened to a prism of many colours, hence the title...The author's experience shines through and I think this book would be useful to both health care professionals and parents who are involved with a grieving child. -- Palliative Care AustraliaTable of ContentsPreface. PART I: The Well of Grief. 1. Introduction. 2. Shattered Dreams. 3. Loss and Separation. 4. Hidden Regulators Wrapped in Everyday Life's Routines. 5. The Prism of Emotions Through the Grief Process. 6. The Stages of Grief. 7. Bonding and Attaching. PART II: Grief Through the Ages: Developmental Stages. 8. Introduction. 9. Ages 0-2: Birth to Toddler 10. Ages 2-6: Toddler Through Early Childhood. 11. Ages 6-10: Middle Childhood. 12. Ages 11-mid 20s: Adolescence to Young Adulthood. Conclusion. Appendices. Bibliography. Glossary. About the Author. Index.

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Book SynopsisMaking Sense of Children's Thinking and Behavior offers parents and professionals a tool for understanding children with neurological differences. These children have an atypical view of the world, unique to their particular disability, which can make their behavior confusing and, at times, challenging. Often, the child's actions are misunderstood and, consequently, they are unfairly punished.An individualized approach to understanding a child's thought processes can help to resolve these problems. The authors' Systematic Tool for Analyzing Thinking (STAT) offers such an approach. It provides a step-by-step method for understanding a child's behavior by revealing the thought processes behind it. By viewing a situation from the child's perspective, the root of the problem can be identified and one can then effectively address the difficult behavior. Case studies are used to describe the twelve common deficit areas, demonstrating to the reader how to apply the STAT in everyday situations.This practical book is an invaluable resource for parents and professionals working with children with NLD, Asperger's, HFA, PDD-NOS, and other neurological differences.Trade ReviewThe book is very accessible and will sit comfortably with those parents and professionals, who view the world from a medical perspective, where understanding is gained through a within-child deficit model... This book is recommended for those parents and professionals who prefer a diagnostic approach to understanding child development, rather than those who operate in amore socially constructed world. -- British Psychological Society, DebateThis book gives clear examples of the areas of difficulty experienced by children with autistic features...The authors' Systematic Tool to Analyze Thinking could be easily implemented by speech and language therapists and mainstream school staff in regular contact with the children. It promotes the benefits of thinking about the thought processes that drive the children's actions...I enjoyed thsi book because it is easy to dip in and out of, and provides good value for money. -- Speech & Language Therapy in PracticeMs Holzhauser-Peter and True provide a practical guide to deciphering and translating cognitive, communication and behavioural aspects of children they categorize as neurologically different. -- Journal of Autism and Developmental DisordersFinally there is a concrete, step-by-step, process to help parents (and anyone who lives or works with these children) to figure out what may be underlying the thoughts and actions of neurologically different children... I find this book to be definitely a step in the right direction to help bridge the gap in understanding that often exists between people who are neurologically diverse. I applaud the effort and strongly recommend it for anyone who lives or works with someone with neurological differences... child or adult. -- Making Sense of AutismI would highly recommend this book to parents and practitioners from education, health and social care. The case studies could also be used to encourage discussions during a training session. -- Good Autism PracticeFrom case studies to help describe the twelve common deficit areas to applying the STAT formula to common scenarios, this is a practical resource for parents and professionals working with kids, and an invaluable guide for any special education collection. -- The Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsContents: About the Authors. Introduction. 1. The Systematic Tool to Analyze Thinking (STAT). 2. Abstract Language. 3. Motor. 4. Sensory. 5. Spatial Orientation. 6. Control/Consistency. 7. Thinking About Others Thinking (Theory of Mind). 8. Social Communication. 9. Emotions. 10. Mental Flexibility. 11. Impulsivity. 12. Executive Functions.13. Anxiety. 14. Believe. Appendix I Summary of the Systematic Tool to Analyze Thinking. Appendix II The Systematic Tool to Analyze Thinking: full version. Appendix III Story Locator. Index.

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Book SynopsisAn award-winning psychologist and professional photographer co-author this unique creative guide to exploring and understanding your life: who you are, what you value, and what you wish to achieve.A Creative Guide to Exploring Your Life brims with imaginative exercises and examples that use the power of photography, art, and writing as tools for self-discovery. It provides clear and accessible guidance on how to explore different parts of your identity: take a photograph of yourself in a role you don't typically play, draw a visual timeline of your life and consider its key turning points; explore your sense of place in history by writing about a major historical event that has changed your life. Exercises are accompanied by searching questions for self-reflection, and are complemented by examples of each exercise to provoke ideas and inspiration. Featuring additional guidance for teachers, counselors, and other professionals running the exercises in group settings, this book offers a dynamic and enjoyable way for you to explore different aspects of your life.Trade ReviewPsychologist and professional photographers join to provide a unique guide to exploring and understanding your life in a book packed with exercises and examples pairing art with writing for self-discovery. Any one who would keep a journal or use writing as a catharsis for personal evolution will find this a fine survey. -- The Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Preface: The Birth of This Book. Introduction: How to Use This Book. 1. The Journey of Self-Discovery 2. The Value of Self-Expression. 3. Turning Points and Key People. 4. Gender and Self. 5. Race and Ethnicity 6. Self in Historical Context. 7. Meaning in Our Lives. 8. Alternative Views of Self. 9. Self in the Future. 10. Creating a Mixed-Media Portrayal of Self. 11. Final Reflections. Appendix A: A Guide for Instructors and Group Facilitators. Appendix B: Syllabus for Class on Self-Reflections. References. Further Reading. Index.

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Book SynopsisWhen Sally Kirk's son, Will, was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), she did everything she could to understand his condition and to find ways of improving his quality of life. In this book, Sally shares the story of her journey with Will and how her discovery of biomedical interventions significantly improved his behaviour and changed their lives for the better.Based on personal experience and extensive biomedical research, the book shows how important it is to understand both the child's mind and body, and explores how, when underlying physical problems are treated, brain function and troublesome behaviors often improve. It describes in depth the most common physical problems for those on the autism spectrum and the variety of treatments available such as minimizing exposure to heavy metals and toxins, alterations in diet, and use of vaccinations.This positive, practical book tells a personal story of hope and provides a wealth of essential information on biomedical interventions for parents of children on the autism spectrum. It will also be a useful resource for therapists, medical professionals and adults with autism-spectrum diagnoses.Trade ReviewHope for the Autism Spectrum is the oasis every parent longs to find, the wellspring that nourishes body, mind and spirit at each reading. Sally Kirk, mom of the three boys, one who is on the spectrum, offers her story with valiant honesty. She is generous with "if only I'd known" moments, hard-won wisdom that can help other parents avoid the potholes and landmines of all that is the autism spectrum... In the end, what is priceless about the book is the infinite hope it offers to even the most down-trodden parent. Hope exist; Kirk provides a roadmap to find it. -- Autism Asperger's DigestSally Kirk has done a fantastic job taking a very complicated subject and explaining it in a way that is easy to understand and even entertaining, while staying true to the science. I think this book is a must-read for every parent of a child with autism and anyone else who wants to better comprehend the medical treatment options for the disorder. -- Bryan Jepson, MD, Thoughtful House Center for Children, author of Changing the Course of AutismSally Kirk has written a heart-warming report of her journey into biomedical therapies for her ASD son. Readers will readily identify with the questions she faced about this new way to treat autism. I particularly liked her husband's conversion from skeptic to enthusiastic supporter about these strategies as he saw his son improve. The book is helpful and enjoyable reading, highly recommended for new families starting on the long path of healing for our deserving and wonderful children. -- Jaquelyn McCandless, MD, author of Children with Starving Brains and a regular speaker at Defeat Autism Now! conferences[this book] choked me up inside, bringing tears to my eyes because of the emotions and the enlightenment. It is so honest, written with such heart-a truly informative help that brims with humor and smiles. I couldn't put this down. -- Eileen Abbott, mother of a child with Asperger's syndromeMs. Kirk's book is clear, concise and informative. She takes rather complicated topics and translates them into easy-to-understand concepts. I highly recommended this book for parents and professionals who want to learn the basics about biomedical interventions. -- Steve Edelson, PhD, Director of the Autism Research Institute[in this book] you can find the voice, the wisdom and the expertise of a mom whose words will take you up the path and give you her indispensable view of the landscape of autism. -- Sidney M. Baker, MD, co-founder of Defeat Autism Now! and co-author of Autism: Effective Biomedical TreatmentsAn extremely helpful resource for the newly-diagnosed child with autism spectrum disorder, providing the family with practical information on biomedical interventions, as well as offering emotional support from a mother who's been there. -- Kenneth A. Bock, MD, author of Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma and AllergiesThis is a book that transforms the hard-to-understand aspects of autism into everyday language... not too hard and not too simple - it's just right. -- Jon Pangborn, PhD, co-founder of Defeat Autism Now! and co-author of Autism: Effective Biomedical TreatmentsTable of ContentsForeword by Elizabeth Mumper, MD. Many Thanks for Making this Book Possible. Why This Book was Written and Who is Behind It. 1. What is this Book About Anyway? Part I. Our Years of Searching. 2. All is Well. 3. It Started with Motor Delay. 4. The Plot Thickens. 5. Living with the Wrong Diagnosis - ADHD. Part II. Our Years of Understanding. 6. Getting the Right Diagnosis - Asperger's Syndrome. 7. Asperger's and the Autism Spectrum. 8. A New Footing. 9. Food for Thought. 10. Friends and Family. 11. Back to Our Story. Part III. A Pivotal Discovery - Biomedical Intervention. 12. Hello, Biomedical Intervention. 13. We Started Biomedical Intervention. 14. The Wow! of Biomedical Intervention. 15. Life Goes On. Part IV. Biomedical Problems and Interventions of the Autism Spectrum.16. A Foundation for Understanding Biomedical Issues and Treatments in Autism. 17. Common Problems of Body Chemistry in Autism. 18. Common Interventions for Ailing Body Chemistry. 19. Common Interventions for Heavy-Metal Overload. 20. High Mercury on the Autism Spectrum: Its Sources & Symptoms. 21. Mercury in Vaccines. 22. Minimizing Exposures to Heavy Metals and Toxins. 23. Common Gut Problems in Autism. 24. Common Gut Interventions - Food Issues. 25. Common Gut Interventions - Diets. 26. Common Gut Interventions - Gut Flora. 27. Common Gut Interventions - Last But Not Least. 28. Common Immune System Problems & Interventions. 29. Practical Tips for Doing Biomedical Intervention. 30. Parting Thoughts, Farewell, and Best Wishes. Appendix A: Will's Heroes Unveiled. Appendix B: ARI Parent Ratings of Behavioral Effects of Biomedical Interventions. Appendix C: Nutrient Supplementation. Appendix D: Interpreting the Urinary Porphyrins Test. Bibliography. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisChildren on the Autism Spectrum often grow up to find they are unable to cope effectively with the challenges of adult life. This book shows that, with the appropriate lifelong care from parents and carers, it is possible for those with neurodevelopmental disabilities to achieve supported independence and live fulfilling adult lives.Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest provides a guide for parents on how to prepare their children for adulthood, and describes in detail the kinds of services people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) need in order to live independently, away from the parental home. The author explains the importance of the cognitive abilities that enable us to regulate behaviour and adapt to changing situations, known as Executive Functions, and how an individual's deficits in this area can be especially problematic in the adult world. The book provides approaches to managing Executive Function Deficits and describes an innovative therapeutic program that successfully allows adults with ASDs to live with their peers and develop meaningful adult relationships.This book provides practical and accessible guidance for parents, therapists, people with ASDs, and anyone with an interest in helping people on the Autism Spectrum lead their lives with a sense of dignity and independence.Trade ReviewAs a student, with limited knowledge and experience into ASD, I found the book very accessible and provided a welcoming insight into the disability. Part one: understanding ASD and part 2: Understanding executive functions and ASD provided handy anecdotes to illustrate how deficits in cognitive abilities lead to people with ASD being unable to adapt to changing situations or regulate their behaviour. -- College of Occupational TherapistsIt gives a valuable insight into the world of people with ASD highlighting how their difficulties are often attributed to behaviour and personality. It will help families to understand individuals and direct strategies appropriately... she (Nancy Perry) provides parents a very insightful approach in preparing their children with disabilities for adulthood... This well written book encourages readers with children with ASD to think about their future early on in life. It gives simple jargon free advide to many of the problems faced in the journey to adulthood and helps provide a solid foundation to build upon in the future... gives readers the option of helping people with ASD live successfully out with family homes enjoying satisfying peer relationships. -- The British Journal of Developmental DisabilitiesThe strength of this book lies in its use of many examples from the author's own experience illustrating common difficulties encountered in social interactions and making sense of behaviours through an executive functions deficit model. This book really does speak to parents. It makes a good case for thinking and planning around independence, and encourages parents not to feel guilty should they decide on a residential facility for their adult child. -- Community LivingThis is a book that every parent of every autistic child, adolescent or adult, needs to read. -- Siautism.net... A clearly written presentation addressing the significant challenges faced by adults on the autism spectrum as they attempt to make the transition to independence... -- On the SpectrumPerry thoroughly discusses the importance of teaching self-help skills and domestic responsibilities to children on the autism spectrum before they become adults with more ridged patterns of living and learning. Perry also explains why and how the program creates structure and guidelines to best support adults on the autism spectrum so that they can avoid common pitfalls and live as independently as possible. Peppered with both cautionary tales and success stories, Perry gives a realistic portrayal of what it takes to achieve supported independence as an adult on the autism spectrum. -- The SpectrumTable of ContentsContents: A Message for Parents. Acknowledgements. Preface. Introduction: Real Lives. Part I: Understanding the Autism Spectrum Disabilities. 1. What are Neurodevelopmental Disabilities? 2. Families Living with Disability. Part II: Understanding Executive Functions. 3. Initiation, or Getting Started. 4. Concrete Thinking and Response to Novelty. 5. Planning, Sequencing and Organizing. 6. Attention and Concentration. 7. Regulation of Emotions. 8. A Glance at Memory. 9. Judgment, Self-Awareness and Self Monitoring. Part III: Reaching Adulthood. 10. Preparing for Adulthood. 11. Living with Parents. 12. Living in a Group Home. Part IV: A Model Program of Supported Independence. 13. The Value of Living with Peers. 14. The Structure and Goals of the Program. 15. The Clinical Methods of the Program. 16. Counseling. 17. Specific Methods Employed at CAL. 18. Teamwork with Parents. Appendix I: A New Idea - A Variation on the Model of Group Home Living. Appendix II: Resources. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisFrom Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale characters to Lewis Carroll's Wonderland and Emily Dickinson's poetic imagery, the writings and lives of some of the world's most celebrated authors indicate signs of autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Through analysis of biographies, autobiographies, letters and diaries, Professor Julie Brown identifies literary talents who display characteristics of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and uncovers the similarities in their writing that suggest atypical, autistic brains.Providing close readings of authors' works, Brown explores writing processes, content, theme, structure and writing style to reveal the underlying autistic traits that have influenced their writing. The book provides an overview of ASD and common threads in autistic writing followed by an illuminating exploration of how these threads are evident in the literature of both well-known and lesser known authors. This groundbreaking study of autism in literature will be of interest to anyone with a professional or personal interest in literature or the autistic mind.Trade ReviewOnce in a great while a book comes along that stops you in your tracks. Writers on the Spectrum is one such book. Like a gifted surgeon, Julie Brown tackles some of our best loved works of literature, cutting through the layers of literary technique to reveal the characteristic traits of Autism and Asperger Syndrome within. In so doing, she casts a new light on these works of literature, and presents the particular artistic gifts of autism as a special gift to humanity.This book is a must read, not just for lovers of literature, but also for people on the spectrum and the mental health professionals who work with them. -- Dr. Patrick Prindle, Professor of Psychology, Clatsop Community College, ORThis book is a must read, not only for those with a professional interestin the autistic mind, but also anyone who has a passion for literature and stories generally. -- Facts & FictionFrom Henry David Thoreau to Emily Dickinson, Dr. Julie Brown provides a fascinating look into the lives of these writers which can do much to give hope and understanding of the disorders. -- The Midwest Book ReviewTable of ContentsPreface. Introduction. Hans Christian Andersen. Henry David Thoreau. Herman Melville. Emily Dickinson. Lewis Carroll. William Butler Yeats. Sherwood Anderson. Opal Whiteley. Autistic Autobiography. Further Reading.

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Book SynopsisThis professional text covers every aspect of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), from science to services, from the most disabling Kanner's syndrome to the most high-functioning Asperger syndrome, and from birth to old age. The book contains the latest research on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, intervention and support of individuals with ASD, and examines their implications at various stages of life. A wide range of neurological, genetic, psychological, developmental, social, and emotional issues are covered, and the author also includes less accessible information on the diagnosis and treatment of associated psychiatric and medical conditions, the overlap between the ASDs and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and the management of behavioural and forensic problems. The author does not presume existing technical knowledge and the background to new methods of assessment, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, standardized clinical and psychological assessment, and genetic testing, is explained.This book will be an indispensable primary resource for paediatricians, psychiatrists, clinical and educational psychologists, specialist nurses, counsellors, psychotherapists, legal professionals and others working with individuals of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. It will also be of interest to any carers and people with an ASD who want to know about the up to date research into the causes and treatment of the disorder.Trade ReviewDigby Tantam provides the reader with a well-researched, objective summary of the neurophysiological, genetic and psychosocial theoretical aspects of autism spectrum disorder... A detailed picture of the complexities and difficulties associated with partialling out diorders is outlined, facilitating clinical practice and appropriate treatment plans..well-written book... I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to have a comprehensive overview of autism spectrum disorders. -- Irish Journal of Medical ScienceThese consideration by Tantam are just a taste of the overall mood that flows through the entire book, his insight and compassion towards people with ASD who struggle every day, recognising that this may be considered an asset... unquestionably an essential resource for all professionals who work with people with an ASD... indispensable reference for students and professionals such as paediatricians, psychiatrists, clinical and educational psychologists, as well as many other professionals working with individuals of all ages with autism... I would recommend this book to anyone, including carers or people with ASD who want to know about the most recent research into the etilogy, treatment and presentation of these disorder. -- Annali, Dell'Istituto Supreiore di SanitaIf you only acquire one book on autism, then this should be the one. Digby Tantam is an international expert in the field of autism spectrum disorders and what he does not know about the subject is not worth knowing... Covering all the latest thinking and knowledge with regards to autism, this is a formidable and satisfying read. -- Nursing StandardThis substantial textbook brings together all the latest research and clinical practice in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders... This book is impressive in its scope. -- SEN MagazineAny reasonably educated and determined parent who wishes to gain a better understanding of their child or themselves, a more holistic view of past and present theories would gain from reading this book. .. I probably enjoyed this book more than any other I have read specifically on autism due to the brain research. It is the Ramachandran, the Oliver Sachs of the autism world - a book for academics but also accessible to the educated and determined parent. -- asteensDigby Tantam has worked with people with autism spectrum conditions for over 30 years. This experience has made him aware of the remarkable variations in the clinical pictures to be found in people on the spectrum. To take just one aspect, they can vary from those with severe or profound learning disability right up to those of remarkably high ability, even genius level, in specific areas. However, the author emphasises that they all share a major problem affecting non-verbal communication. This type of communication he considers essential for the "unconscious link between people". Is this the basis of the social instinct?The author discusses in detail, but with great clarity, what is known of the physical, neurological and genetic findings in people with autism spectrum conditions, and the developmental, social and emotional factors, including changes with age, that have an equally important effect upon the clinical picture. He also discusses the prevalence and methods of treatment.This fascinating, and intriguing analysis of the remarkably diverse picture to be found in autism spectrum conditions makes this book especially unusual in the published literature of the field, and essential reading for both professionals and parents. -- Dr Lorna Wing, Consultant to the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for AutismThis is a unique and timely contribution to the literature on autism. The National Autistic Society of the UK will be 50 years old in 2012. Many of the children who attended its first school are now approaching old age.In this astonishingly comprehensive and well researched book on autism through the lifespan, Digby Tantam's long and eminent career as a leading academic, researcher and clinician is evident throughout. His thorough examination of the science and the various theories of autism is matched by an engaging and straightforward style that makes even the most complex aspects accessible. His use of case examples also reveals a deep understanding of the true nature of autism - empathy for 'autistic thinking' and recognition of the 'strengths' of autism juxtaposed with recognition of the very real difficulties that may be present. Respect for difference and diversity is noticeably informed by research and a solid first hand clinical background and experience. It is consequently unsentimental, wise and practical.Due to the breadth and depth of this book I would recommend it as an investment that will be invaluable not just for academics, clinicians and researchers but a much wider readership that will include the autistic community and those who support them. -- Richard Mills, Director of Research, The National Autistic Society UK and Research Director, Research Autism, LondonThis authoritative, comprehensive textbook by Professor Tantam, an internationally recognized expert, provides an overview of Autistic Disorder ranging from an historical perspective to our current knowledge of its clinical presentation, life course, underlying pathology, etiology, and treatment. It fills a void in the literature, and I predict it will become "the standard reference" for students, clinicians, and researchers working with Autistic Disorder. -- Edward R. Ritvo, MD, Professor Emeritus, UCLA School of MedicineThis is probably the most comprehensive and wide ranging book on ASD I have ever read. It is an extraordinarily rich mine of information from neurobiology to treatment, and from infancy to adulthood. 'No stone is left unturned'. An original and perhaps controversial feature is the highlighting of links between ASD and ADHD. -- Professor Margot Prior AO, FASSA, FAPS, Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, AustraliaTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Preface. Why this book. Plan of the book. Stigma. Biological vs. experiential. Limits. Introduction. Future enlargement of the ASDs. The challenge of the ASDs for all mental health professionals. Challenge, and opportunity. Coverage of the book. The brain and developmental disorders. ADHD. Swedenborg's hypothesis. Could some kinds of ASD be purely psychogenic? Emotional isolation caused by ASD. Can experience sculpt the brain? Epigenesis and learning. The limits of neuroimaging. How clinically useful is a study of the brain? Networks. Emergent properties. Neurodiversity. Other social considerations. Scope and plan of part 2. Part 1. Sciences basic to ASD. Chapter 1. Neurology of the superficial structures of the brain. Right hemisphere. Anatomy. Normal function. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Functional effect of lesions in childhood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Parietal cortex. Inferior parietal lobule. Temporal cortex. Anatomy. Normal function. Structural and functional changes in the ADHD and the ASDs. Temporoparietal junction/ parietal operculum. Frontal and prefrontal cortex. Prefrontal cortex. Chapter 2. The cerebellum, and deep structures in the fore-brain. Cerebellum. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in animals. Functional effect of lesions in childhood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs and related conditions. Amygdalae. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in animals. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Functional effect of lesions in childhood. Structure and function in the ASDs. Cingulate. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Insula. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Fusiform gyrus. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Chapter 3. Interactions in genes and neurons. Single nucleotide polymorphisms. Copy number variants. Haplo-sufficiency. Imprinting and expression. Epigenetic variation. Tandem repeats. Where we are now. Local area networks: minicolumns. Anatomy. Normal function. Working memory networks. Functional networks and fibre tracts. Anatomy. Normal function. Functional effect of lesions in childhood. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Functional aggregates, modules, or systems. The default network. Normal anatomy. Normal function. Functional impairment in default network in ASD and ADHD. The anti-correlated, task focussed network. Attention disorders and the anti-correlated networks. Functional disorders of anti-correlated networks and the ASDs. Chapter 4. Developmental, social and emotional considerations. Social factors. In determining whether or not there is a disorder. Advantages to society in ASD and ADHD. Socioeconomic factors and ASD. Ethnic factors and ASD. Social factors affecting the symptom profile of ASD. Social dominance, power and authority. Anger, aggression, and violence. Social factors affecting the quality of life of people with ASD. Cultural factors. The construction of deviant identities. Cultural explanations of the causes of ASD. Normalization. Deviancy theory. Adopting a pathological identity. Acquiring an identity. Family interaction. Chapter 5. Social orientation, communication, and language. Social orientation. Eye orientation. Gaze following. Inference from gaze or movement direction. Imitation. Relevance to ASD. Chunking. Relevance to ASD. Communication. Classical approaches to communication. Linguistics. Digital communication. Design features of a language. The medium and the message. Combinatorial approaches to communication. Two fundamental types of communication. Anatomical approaches to communication. Language, speech, and writing. Anatomy. Development. Normal function. Impairment: speech and language disorder. Developmental speech and language disorder. Articulation disorders. Speech dyspraxia ('phonological disorder'). Phonological disorders. Speech reading and writing impairment (dyslexia). Relation to ASD. Receptive language disorders ('specific language impairment'). Prevalence of types of speech and language disorders. Management of speech and language disorders. Chapter 6. Nonverbal communication, empathy and theory of mind. Nonverbal communication. Are all nonverbal communication channels affected in ASD? Orienting attention, salience and interpersonal communication. Recognition of emotional expression. Empathy. Affective empathy. Emotional contagion. Emotional contagion and ASD. Emotional contagion and affective empathy. Self-recognition. Self and other judgements in ASD. Modulating affective empathy. Cognitive empathy. Theory of mind. When theory of mind and empathy conflict. Empathy has to be merited. Empathy modulation. Implications for ASD. Chapter 7. Neuropsychology of ASD. Introduction. Intelligence. Testing. Relation to ASD. Memory. Testing. Relation to ASD. Executive function. Relation to ASD. Working memory. Inhibition of prepotent responses. Attention shifting and attentional maintenance. Repetition and pursuit of sameness: tics, stereotypies, obsessions and compulsions. Motor coordination and topographical orientation. Ataxia. Dystonias and dyskinesias. Dyspraxia. Topographical disorientation. Part 2. Clinical aspects of ASD. Chapter 8. The autistic syndrome. Case history. Differentiating developmental disorder and mental illness. Diagnostic criteria. Setting the scene. Historical preoccupation with language. Practically useful criteria for ASD. External validity of an ASD diagnosis. Autistic syndrome. Dimensions of disorder in ASD. Early recognition of the autistic syndrome. Screening for the autistic syndrome. Red flags. Is screening currently worthwhile? Surveillance. Differential diagnosis. Investigation. Chapter 9. Presentation, prevalence, treatment, and course of the autism spectrum disorders. Presenting symptoms of the ASDs. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Language impairment. Prevalence. Rates of ASD. Rates of specific AS sub-types. Rates of ADHD. Rates in different age groups. Gender differences in rates. Has there been an increase in prevalence? Treatment. Diagnosis. Information. Training. Early intervention. Focussed remediation. Psychoeducation. Dealing with anxiety. Enablement. Sensory integration. Medication. Other interventions that are mentioned in later chapters. Course. False assumptions about course. Social disability does not affect quality of life. Quality of life in people with ASD and their carers. Burden. Conclusions . Chapter 10. Clinical assessment of the ASDs. The goal of clinical assessment. Guidelines. Who makes the diagnosis? The setting for the diagnosis. History taking. Developmental history. Other aspects of family history taking. Structured observation and examination. Nonverbal expression. Nonverbal interpretation. Speech and language. Assessing co-morbidity, associated conditions, social responses, and personal reactions. Prosocial competence. Cognitive style. Specific developmental syndromes. Temperament. Assessment of co-morbid disorder. Psychiatric disorder in the context of ASD. Intellectual disability. Family or relationship factors. Physical assessment. Sleep problems. Impact on sleep of co-morbid disorders. Chapter 11. Aetiology of the autism spectrum disorders. Introduction. Factors present at conception. Biological sex. Heritability. Genetic causes of ASD. Intra-uterine factors. Maternal stress. Placental insufficiency. Hormones and brain development. Infections. Teratology. Perinatal factors. Neonatal jaundice. Postnatal factors. Psychological events. Postnatal conditions having a recognized predilection for the brain. Chapter 12. Presentation in infancy and early childhood (the pre-school years). Relevant developmental challenges. First suspicions of ASD. Red flags. Diagnostic criteria. Illustrative case history. Presenting symptoms. Primary handicap. Secondary impairments. Tertiary disability. Differential diagnosis and associated conditions. Speech and language disorder. Hyperlexia. Attachment disorder. Distinction from intellectual disability. Recognized syndromes associated with ASD often presenting in infancy. Elimination diets. Facilitating collaboration between healthcare providers and carers. Treatment. Issues. Chapter 13. Presentation of Asperger syndrome in middle childhood. Relevant developmental challenges. Play and socializing with peers. Learning challenges. Social demand. First suspicions of ASDs presenting in middle childhood. Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Red flags of Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Red flags for ASD. Screening. Illustrative case history Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Presenting symptoms Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Primary handicap. Secondary impairments in AS presenting in middle childhood. Tertiary disability Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Differential diagnosis Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Obsessive compulsive disorder. Sensitivity. Schizophrenia. Other associated conditions. Causes of ASD. Multidisciplinary involvement. Teacher. Speech and language therapist. Educational psychologist. Paediatrician. Child and adolescent psychiatry team member. Child psychotherapist. Investigations. Intervention. Home-based. Health services. School based. Child-based. Chapter 14. Presentation of Kanner syndrome in middle childhood. Kanner's syndrome in the context of learning disability. Red flags of Kanner syndrome in the context of learning disability. Diagnostic criteria of Kanner syndrome in the context of learning disability. Illustrative case history of Kanner syndrome in the context of learning disability. Presenting symptoms of Kanner syndrome. Tertiary disability. Investigations. Intervention. Issues. Chapter 15. Presentation of Asperger syndrome in later childhood and adolescence. Relevant developmental challenges. Agency. Identity. Presenting symptoms. Primary handicap. Secondary impairments. Tertiary disability. Diagnosis. Differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis of communicative disorder. Differential diagnosis of repetitive behaviour. Differential diagnosis of social impairment. Associated problems. Investigations. Management. The primary handicap. Secondary handicap. Tertiary handicap. Issues. Normalization and mainstream education. Chapter 16. Presentation of atypical Asperger syndrome, often with ADHD, in late childhood and adolescence (secondary school and college). Relevant developmental challenges. Belonging, giving, and taking. Self-control. Who are the atypical group? Red flags. Screening. Illustrative case history. Diagnosis. Presenting symptoms. Primary handicap. Differential diagnosis. Associated problems. Aetiology. Investigations. Treatment. Issues. Victimization. Chapter 17. The presentation and consequences of Asperger syndrome in adulthood. Challenges in assessing adults. Relevant developmental challenges. Asperger syndrome in adulthood. Illustrative case history. Illustrative case history of a woman. Gender differences. Presenting symptoms. Differential diagnosis. Associated problems. Aetiology. Investigations. Intervention. Issues. Appendix 1. Ethics and ASD. Appendix 2. An example of a pre-interview questionnaire. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisThe emotional trauma that families go through when they find out their child has an autism spectrum disorder can feel like being plunged into darkness. Francesca Bierens is here to show that there is also a light at the end of the tunnel. Over a period of fourteen years, Francesca Bierens interviewed ten families of children on the autism spectrum. This book records their answers: how they felt, how they coped, and what gave them strength and solace. Each family discusses how they reacted when they found out their child had autism, and their feelings leading up to diagnosis. They share their positive and negative experiences of professionals, and describe the support that they received, often from grandparents, respite care givers, support groups and other parents. Two of the original children, now in their 20s, also talk about the experience of growing up with autism, and describe how their lives are now. Above all, Bierens' message, and that of the families she interviews, is one of inspiration and hope, showing that there is light, love and laughter along the way. Their stories should be read by anyone who is affected by or working with autism.Trade ReviewDrawing on interviews with ten families of children and adults on the autism spectrum, she weaves a wonderful tapestry of different skills, abilities, and experiences that better represent the full autism spectrum. There are great sections on how family life is changed and how these individual excel as adults… Strongly recommended for all parents of autistic children and their support network. -- Library JournalSome of the challenges recalled in these honest accounts included in the book, relive some of the darkest moments faced by these families and the strain place upon them. Yet the joy expressed at overcoming these challenges provides an overwhelming message of hope and a promising future for people with autism and their families...Target audience: Anyone affected by, or working with autism. People with autism, families, friends and carers of people with autism & health professionals working with people with autism...from a healthcare professionals viewpoint, one of the major benefits of this resource is that it gives a genuine insight into how everyday life can be, not only for the individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, but also the other important people in their lives and how it can alter the relationships between them. Taking this into consideration, this book proves a valuable tool in helping a healthcare professional shape their approach to working with a person with autism, particularly when visiting the individual in their home environment where these relationships exist and everyday occurrences take place. The book also serves as a reminder that autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects each individual differently and support that is tailored in such a way that reflects the individual needs of that person can lead to a future of hope and opportunities...as an Occupational Therapist looking to work in a holistic manner in line with the values of our profession, the book certainly meets its associated aim of providing those without firsthand experience with an understanding of how autism affects the individual and their family. -- COTSS PLD NewsletterThe book is ideal book for a time strapped parent and for those with an interest in autism; you can delve in and out without feeling confused. It is a gentle, slow, comforting and relaxing book that requires nothing of the reader... Overall I would recommend it as an easy, informative and quite charming little book. -- asteens.co.ukTable of ContentsPreface. Introduction. 1. Life Does Get Easier. 2. We're a Family. We Go Where She Can Go. 3. We are Not Going to Hide Our Children Away. 4. You Can't Try and Rush Them. 5. We've Been Able to Gradually Expand His Environment. 6. We Respect Her Right to Be Different. 7. You Need to Have Somewhere to Offload. 8. She is So Funny and Mischievous. 9. He's Gone Way Beyond Functioning in Society, He's Now Excelling.

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Book SynopsisIt has often been assumed that people with developmental disabilities are incapable of expressing or acquiring the level of emotional insight and sensitivity necessary to engage in any kind of therapy. Authentic Dialogue with Persons who are Developmentally Disabled explodes this myth, challenging mental health professionals and families to engage in genuine dialogue with people who are developmentally disabled.Rather than avoiding painful topics, such as awareness of the loss of a normal life, this book shows it is possible to confront these difficult and emotive issues within a therapeutic environment. The author, Jennifer Hill, follows the progress of several developmentally disabled individuals who participated in her group psychotherapy sessions over the course of several months and were able to discuss their feelings of sorrow, grief, jealousy and joy with the group. Offering rare insight into what it means to have a developmental disability from the perspective of those with the condition, Hill suggests a hopeful alternative to many of the programs currently on offer to the developmentally disabled.Thought-provoking and refreshing, this book will be of interest to social workers, psychologists, and educators in the fields of developmental disability and mental health, as well as families of individuals with developmental disabilities.Trade ReviewThe introduction offered a number of insights into the way we interact with the people we work with which made me reconsider some of my interaction strategies...There was plenty of food for thought around preconceptions, dealing with unacceptable behaviour, confronting lying and the potential destructiveness of group dynamics amongs other themes... Overall the book would provide useful guidance for anyone involved in talk-based therapy groups with people with learning disabilities. If also offers some thought-provoking ideas and issues for any professional working in this field, and delivers what it promises in showing people with learning disabiities as capable of fully experiencing and confronting their emotions... A useful and thought-provoking book for anyone offering group sessions to people with learning disabilities. -- COTSS PLD NewsletterYou don't have to be a therapist to gain an enormous amount from this book and it would benefit anyone working with people with a learning disability. In fact, as a lesson on trauma and the capacity for healing, it should resonate with all who work with people with a learning diasability. -- Learning Disability TodayTable of ContentsPreface. Introduction. Chapter 1. Patricia - Standing Tall. Chapter 2. Len - Masks of Denial. Chapter 3. Harold - Trial by Fire. Chapter 4. Todd - Sad Without Tears. Conclusion. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisOver a million people commit suicide worldwide every year. Taking an interdisciplinary approach that looks at the person at risk, the family and personal relationships they have and the communities in which they are embedded, this book will help anyone working with suicidal individuals to prevent this major cause of death.Backed up by research and clinical expertise the book clarifies the facts about suicide and debunks the many unfounded myths surrounding the subject. It covers the classifications and manifestations of suicide, as well as the major risk factors, at-risk groups and warning signs. Advice on effective communication and a repertoire of strategies for distress management are offered, not only for supporting at-risk individuals and those who have survived a suicide attempt, but also families coping with bereavement. A final chapter explores the impact of the internet and the digital age on both the propagation and prevention of suicide.This book will be essential reading for anybody working with people at risk of suicide, including clinicians, therapists, psychologists, social and healthcare workers and volunteers working in suicide prevention.Trade ReviewBullying, suicide and homicide and A Comprehensive Guide to Suicidal Behaviours are certainly books about doing thing things and, because of their non-technical approach, would probably appeal to a cross-section of professionals and concerned others wanting to work with suicidal individuals and their communities... A comprehensive guide provides a systemic and practical approach to preventing suicides through counselling and case management... The writing is lucid and there are clear suggestions and recommendations -- Journal of Mental HealthThere is a little to criticise. Therapists, researchers and some lay people are likely to benefit greatly from reading this insightful book. -- Therapy TodayThis book should make the public as well as people in the field of suicide prevention rethink their beliefs of suicide. Suicide, as the authors state, is complex and this book presents a comprehensive overview of what you need to know. Furthermore, the good news is that there is evidence-based treatment and it is effective. -- Antoon A. Leenaars, Author of Psychotherapy with Suicidal PeopleAldridge and Pérez Barrero have written an important, concise, but comprehensive book on understanding suicide. [...] it offers highly readable, straightforward, practical advice on how to prevent suicide. By placing suicidal behaviour within the 'relational context' of friends, families and healthcare providers, readers will find a new role for themselves - not only in how they can help prevent suicide, but how they can reduce distress in those they know, love, and serve. -- Paul Quinnett, PhD, President and CEO, QPR Institute, Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USAA wise and original book, full of knowledge and experience from the field... Updated and modern, an important reading for all - scholars, clinicians and laypeople -, able to provide clear insights on the most relevant aspects in suicidology, from historical landmarks, to essential views on the Internet-based opportunities for suicide prevention. -- Prof. Diego De Leo, DSc, Director, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and PreventionAlthough this book is primarily aimed at those working with individuals at risk and their families, it is a book that could be of value to all who have suffered loss through suicide and who seek to answer the unanswerable question 'why?'. This is a good book full of useful information, clarifying many unfounded myths and giving helpful advice and aids. It is a book essential for those working in the field of suicide prevention but could also be of value to those who have suffered a loss through suicide. -- Eric Thwaites, National Newsletter of Bereavement by Suicide.Table of Contents1. Introduction; the individual in a process of escalating distress. 2. Suicidal behaviour in a historical context. 3. Classifications of suicide. 4. Myths about suicide. 5. Talking about suicidal ideas. 6. Suicide risk groups. 7. Protective factors in suicidal behaviour. 8. Family problems. 9. The survivor and complicated grief. 10. Psychotherapy for suicidal people in crisis. 11. The Internet: new possibilities, problems and challenges in the prevention of suicide. 12. Recommendations for a suicide prevention strategy. Appendix 1. A model of the systemic management of distress. Appendix 2. Glossary of terms. Useful reading.

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Book SynopsisMoving to a new school can be a daunting prospect for the child with Asperger syndrome, and parents are often left feeling powerless to help prevent the anxiety and loss of confidence which may ensue. Clare Lawrence's new book provides parents of children with Asperger syndrome with practical advice on how to prepare their child for moving to a new school, and how to help make the transition as smooth as possible. A wide range of material is covered, including useful guidance on choosing the right school, supporting the child during the period prior to the move, and identifying and practising the different social rules and expectations of the new school. The strategies in the book can be adapted for children of all ages and include working out a transition time-line, identifying a named adult and 'safe haven' at the school, and effective communication between parents, teachers and support staff. This clear and accessible book will be an invaluable resource for parents of children with AS who are moving to a new school, and will also be of interest to the teachers and education professionals who work with them.Trade ReviewThis book is full of good practical tips for parents wanting to help their child manage the transition into a new school...The advice is tinged with reality, for example pointing out that although planning ransition might be helped by giving access to a timetable before the start of term this is rarely available. A worthwhile read for parents looking for advice for their child in the run up to the start of a new school term. -- Youthinmind.info/UKClare has combined her ability to articulate simply and concisely the ever complex issues surrounding AS and education with her depth of knowledge of the subject area to produce a valuable and intelligent book. I would certainly recommend this to any parent or professional involved with a child with AS who is facing transition and congratulate Clare on (another) excellent publication in this field. -- Dr Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism, Sheffield Hallam UniversityWritten by the parent of a talented child with Asperger syndrome, Clare Lawrence's book offers a deceptively simple yet ingenious and insightful set of guidelines on how to cope with school transitions. Reflecting her background in teaching, Clare is able to illuminate with remarkable clarity not only the pitfalls that may await families an schools at this time, but also effective ways of avoiding them. I recommend this book to all parents of children with Asperger syndrome who are concerned their child may have difficulty coping with school transitions. If these recommendations were implemented widely, by teachers and parents, much distress and disruption experienced by families and schools could be averted. -- David Skuse, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCL Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for ChildrenThis is a much-needed book on a very important subject. Highly recommended. -- Carolyn Unsted, Deputy Director of Children's Services, LondonMoving schools for children on the spectrum can be a positive experience if approached in the right way. It requires an understanding of autism, knowledge of the individual child and planning. This book provides both parents and teachers with some excellent tips and strategies to make a successful school transition possible. -- Andrew Powell, National Austistic Society, UK Family Support Programmes Co-ordinator and authorTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. Planning the Move. 1.1. Identifying the problem. 1.2. Planning ahead - the “2-year plan”. 1.3. Choosing the new school. 1.4. Involving wider autism professionals. 1.5. Preparing your child. 2. Before Moving On. 2.1. Collecting your data (what has worked up to now?). 2.2. Sharing information about your child. 2.3. Visiting the new school. 2.4. Collecting support information - photos, maps, curriculum textbooks, planners. 2.5. Identifying a named adult and 'safe haven'. 2.6. Identifying sensory difficulties and 'flagging them up' to the new school. 2.7. Identifying useful technologies. 2.8. Identifying key skills to be developed (and habits to be broken) and working them into the Education Plan. 2.9. Encouraging the 'named adult' to visit the current school. 2.10. Working out a 'transition time-line' with clear identification of responsibilities for all involved. 2.11. Dealing with rumour. 2.12. Adapting current strategies that work for supporting transition. 2.13. Utilising existing AS community of school. 2.14. Familiarising your child with the school and the concept of the school. 3. The Holidays. 3.1. Looking at strategies to minimise distress at leaving the old school. 3.2. Providing preparation and support during the holiday period. 3.3. Addressing practical issues. 3.4. Taking on a project. 3.5. Identifying and practising the different social 'rules' and expectations of the new school. 4. The First Days. 4.1. Considering a flexi-start. 4.2. Using support. 4.3. Checking his needs have been understood. 4.4. Providing practical and organisational support. 4.5. Monitoring and supporting homework. 4.6. Helping with management of workload. 4.7. Facilitating communication. 4.8. Ensuring that the 'simple' supports are in place (and remain so). 4.9. Accessing transition support from 'Asperger community' of school. 4.10. Evaluating the first days. 5. Into the Future. Appendix: Transition Check-list. Further Reading. Index.

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Book Synopsis*Highly Commended in the Health and Social Care category at the 2012 British Medical Association Book Awards*Behaviours that challenge can significantly interfere with the quality of life of a person with dementia, as well as that of those who live with and care for them. Yet there is a great deal of confusion surrounding how such behaviours should be addressed. This book provides theory and practical guidance on the assessment and treatment of behaviours that challenge in dementia, with a particular emphasis on non-pharmacological approaches. The author describes the different categories and causes of challenging behaviour in people with dementia, and provides tried-and-tested models which will aid identification, assessment and treatment. A thorough evaluation of the use of psychotropic medication is provided, as well as of a wide range of psychological and biopsychosocial interventions. The book contains useful tools and protocol derived from the author's work at a specialist challenging behaviour unit, as well as case studies which demonstrate how the various models may be used in practice. This will be an invaluable resource for any professional involved in the assessment and treatment of behaviours that challenge in people with dementia, including psychiatrists, psychologists, community psychiatric nurses, GPs and occupational therapists. It will also be of interest to those involved in commissioning, providing and managing services.Trade ReviewThis practical book provides a thorough look at the stages of assessment and treatment of people with dementia with behaviour that presents challenges to clients and carers, and is delivered in a clear, step-by-step and easy to follow manner. With years of valuable experience and a reputation in the area, James' work serves as an insightful illustration of how to establish and manage a service dedicated to improving dementia care... This is a thorough and practical handbook that would be thumbed through on a regular basis within any dementia care setting. It presents a person and carer centred approach, useful even with clients with severe dementia, suggesting individualised alternatives for appropriate assessment and intervention. -- International Journal of Positive Behavioural Support(...) while the themes are not easy the books are written in an engaging style which helps the reader to a greater understanding of what can be done by carers and how, through these interventions, it is possible to enhance the well-being of those with dementia. -- Dementia NewsletterUnderstanding Behaviour in Dementia that Challenges comes from Jessica Kingsley, a prolific publisher of mental health-related books. It contains a succinct chapter on the use of psychotropic medication to control such behaviours, but the primary focus is on non-pharmacological approaches, using examples and cases from the author's work at the Newcastle Challenging Behaviour Service. The descriptions of the ways in which care home staff, family members, and patients themselves are brought together to bring about more acceptable behaviour are sensible, and the case studies seem convincing. -- Journal of International Psychogeriatrics*Highly Commended in the Health and Social Care category of the 2012 BMA Medical Book Awards*'This book examines the different categories and causes of challenging behaviour in people with dementia. It provides theory and practical guidance on the assessment and treatment of challenging behaviour, with a particular emphasis on non-pharmacological approaches.' -- Journal of Dementia CareIan Andrew James has combined knowledge and extensive practice to provide a systematic first line alternative to the use of antipsychotics. For practitioners struggling to find ways of alleviating distress in people with dementia, this scholarly book, with its bio-psychosocial framework and rich tapestry of case material, is a "must". -- Esme Moniz-Cook, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Clinical Psychology and Ageing, University of Hull...an invaluable tool for people working in residential care services as well as commissioners and government employees. Several conceptual models are discussed within the book, each covering a slightly different aspect of care and having different functions. The feature that links them all is that they have attempted to provide an understanding of people's experience of dementia... Armed with such understanding, carers find it easier to focus on the person rather than on the behaviour... This short but informative volume is highly recommended. -- European Journal for Person Centered HealthcareTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1. Introduction to Behaviours that Challenge. 2. Causes and Assessments. 3. Using Psychotropic Medication to Treat Challenging Behaviour. 4. Psychological and Other Non-pharmacological Approaches. 5. Conceptual Models Used to Aid Assessment and Treatment. 6. The Newcastle Service: An Illustration of a Specialist Challenging Behaviour Team's Clinical Model. 7. Case Studies. 8. Service Development and Provision. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisFinding out that a child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can put an enormous strain on families, and the quality of support offered by professionals at this time can make a huge difference to how they adjust to the news. This book comprehensively sets out the type of support that is most beneficial to families immediately following an ASD diagnosis, and will equip professionals with the information and tools they need to best provide that support. The authors provide all of the key information professionals supporting families at the time of an ASD diagnosis need to know about the diagnostic criteria of ASD, key characteristics, aetiology, prevalence, and prognosis, and explain how to pass on accurate and meaningful information to families, and how to build effective family-professional partnerships. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with 50 families of children with ASD, they provide strategies for helping families understand the options and make informed choices about early intervention programs, set realistic goals, develop effective parenting strategies that build upon the strengths and capacities of the child, and strengthen family support networks. This is an essential resource for any professional involved in supporting families at the time of, or immediately following, an ASD diagnosis, including psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, general medical practitioners, and educators.Trade ReviewThe book takes a positive approach and gives a good overview, made real by an effective series of vignettes. -- Child and Adolescent Mental HealthChapters can be read individually, yet it is an inspiring and informative book, read as a whole... With its multidisciplinary approach (authors coming from the fields of Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Education) this book is both relevant and valuable for all professionals working and supporting families whose child has been diagnosed with ASD. -- British Journal of Occupational TherapyThis is a scholarly book, which is well referenced and focused on the early stages -post-diagnosis. This is a crucial time and the chapters of the book reflect how important it is... This is a book that should be read by any professional who is connected with children who are on the autism spectrum. Anything that can instil good practice and make it available to a wider professional audience is to be applauded... Anybody who works with parents of a child with an autism spectrum disorder should have access to this book so that they can refresh the advice that they give and outline the options that are available. -- Nasen SpecialThis book is a very helpful, interesting and informative resource which would make a relevant addition to practitioners' bookshelves. -- the psychologistOne of the most important and until now neglected areas has been 'what happens after diagnosis', that critical and heart rending time for families. Here there still is a gap in support and education at a time when parents are overwhelmed by what they are hearing, stunned with grief, and beset by the challenge of knowing what to do. Keen and Rodger's book attends to this gap. It is focused on the immediate aftermath of assessment and diagnosis, what parents need and want to know:- explications of the nature of developmental problems in ASD, what is going to be needed for their child, and how to find information and to provide support. How I wish we had such a book to hand, decades ago when we felt we were stumbling about in the dark! -- from the Foreword by Professor Margot Prior, Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, AustraliaA practical guide for professionals, from many disciplines, that includes a thorough review of the research literature, and the personal experiences and wisdom of the authors and parents. It will be one of the most read and valuable resources in the library of early intervention services and professionals specialising in autism spectrum disorders. -- Professor Tony Attwood, Minds & Hearts clinic, Brisbane, AustraliaA valuable new resource which should be required reading for all professionals working with children with autism and their families. -- Jacqueline Roberts, Professor of Autism, Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University, AustraliaThis book draws on extensive research and interviews from families of children who have been recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. It sets out the type of support that is most beneficial to parents immediately following diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder and will help to equip professionals with vital information and tools to most effectively provide the individual support that is needed. The personal experiences shared, couple with the wisdom of long-serving, well qualified authors, makes this book an invaluable resource. -- Early Years EducatorTable of ContentsPreface. Foreword by Professor Margot Prior. 1. Supporting Families Following Diagnosis: An Introduction to Key Principles and Concepts. 2. About ASD. 3. Parent-Professional Partnerships. 4. Establishing Parental Priorities. 5. Provision of Information to Parents. 6. Home-Based Parenting Strategies - The Building Blocks. 7. About Communication and Behaviour. Preamble to Appendix A. Inventory of Potential: Communicative Acts. Appendix A. Inventory of Potential Communicative Acts. 8. About Play. 9. About Sensory Issues and their Management. 10. Early Intervention Options and Choices. Index.

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Book SynopsisRitual theatre is a powerful healing system that has been practised since ancient times by early societies and in tribal communities. It has the ability to effect deep transformation in its participants, support growth and development, and resolve personal issues.This book considers the relevance of ritual theatre in contemporary life and describes how it is being used as a highly cathartic therapeutic process. With contributions from leading experts in the field of dramatherapy, the book brings together a broad spectrum of approaches to ritual theatre as a healing system. It explores the anthropological and tribal roots of dramatic ritual and proposes that ritual theatre finds its most potent expression in personal development work. The practical application of ritual theatre in various clinical settings is discussed and the final chapters explore the possibilities of ritual theatre as performance.Offering a comprehensive discourse on the theory, application and potential of ritual theatre, this book will be an essential text for all students and practitioners of dramatherapy, arts therapists, psychotherapists, psychologists, counsellors and theatre professionals.Trade ReviewClaire Schrader has brought together a group of authors who are passionate about ritual theatre. Their chapters are both a source of inspiration and a challenge to our normal ways of thinking and being, inviting us into deeper levels of consciousness that invoke collective wisdom. -- Robin Shohet, tutor at the Centre for Supervision and Team Development, UK, and editor of Passionate Supervision and Supervision as TransformationClaire Schrader's new book on the healing aspects of ritual theatre fulfils Joseph Campbell's vision of a remythologized world, one in which we would be, as he loved to quote Cezanne, more 'in accord with nature.' This book is alternately informative, exhilarating, scholarly, and soulful. If widely read, its insights into the psychodynamics of drama will help illuminate the sacred in our personal and collective lives. -- Phil Cousineau, author of The Hero's Journey: Joseph Campbell on his Life and Work, Wordcatcher, and The Art of PilgrimageThe book contains deeply honest, searching accounts by experienced theatre practitioners and dramatherapists about the creative transformation of heartbreaking, emotional darkness into life-giving energy for individuals and groups. It is a moving and very timely resource for professionals and students who care about healing, conflict-resolution, spirituality and development. -- Dr. Alida Gersie, consultant in resilience and loss and author of Storymaking in Bereavement and Reflections on Therapeutic StorymakingThis book casts light from a variety of angles onto the basic idea, strong in nearly all of us, that theatre has some important connections with healing. Whether they come to it through catharsis, or the anthropology of ritual, or dramatic practice, all the contributors share the belief that it is good for people to enact myths, and that this initiation will open up beneficial self-discoveries. -- Prof. Oliver Taplin, Emeritus Fellow in Classics, Magdalen College, and co-director of the Archive of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama, University of Oxford, UKTable of ContentsForeword. Introduction. Claire Schrader, Director, Making Moves, UK. Part I. The Roots of Ritual Theatre. 1. What is Ritual Theatre? Claire Schrader. 2. The Roots of Ritual Theatre: An Anthropological Perspective. Sue Jennings, Honorary Fellow of Roehampton University, UK. 3. Towards a Metapsychology of Ritual in Dramatherapy. Gary Raucher, California Institute of Integral Studies, US. 4. "We Don't Need Therapy, We Have Ritual": An Overview of the Work of Malidoma Somé and a Personal Experience of a Dagara Grief Ritual. Claire Schrader. Part II. Ritual Theatre in Personal Development. 5. Myth-a-drama: Ritual Theatre in Personal Development. Claire Schrader. 6. Myth-a-drama in Practice. Claire Schrader. 7. Paul Rebillot's Modern Day Rites of Passage. Steve Mitchell, Director, Pathfinder Studio, UK. 8. Pathfinder Studio's Quest for Self Cultivation through the "Rituals" of Theatre Making. Steve Mitchell. 9. Myth, Mask and Movement: Ritual Theater in a Community Setting by Sheila Rubin, Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Drama Therapist, US, and Carrie Todd, Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Drama Therapist and Forensic Counsellor, US. 10. The Ritual Theatre Group by Claire Schrader. Part III. Ritual Theatre in Clinical Practice. 11. Theatre of Resilience: Ritual and Attachment with Marginalized Groups - "We are all Born Dramatised and Ritualised". Sue Jennings. 12. Ritual Theatre and Existential Changes. Roger Grainger, Honorary Research Fellow, Roehampton University, UK. 13. Psychodrama and Ritual Theatre. Sylvia Israel, Trainer, Educator and Practitioner of Psychodrama, Registered Drama Therapist and Marriage and Family Therapist, US, and Elizabeth Plummer, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of The Santa Barbara Psychodrama Center, US. 14. The Theatre of Self Expression: A Brief Introduction to the Theory and Practice of This Ritual Theatre Form in Clinical Dramatherapy. Steve Mitchell. 15. Connecting with the Divine Feminine: Ritual Theatre in a Forensic Psychiatric Setting. Debra Colkett, SRAT (Drama), UK. 16. 'Metamyth' and Dramatherapy: An Innovative Approach for People with Epilepsy. Thalia Valeta, SRAT (Drama), UK. Part IV. Ritual Theatre as Performance. 17. Eartheart and Motherblood: Transformational Theatre Experiments in Peace Making. Saphira Linden, Director and Co-founder of The Omega Transpersonal Drama Therapy Certificate Program, US, and Susan Nisenbaum Becker, actor, playwright and poet, US. 18. The Cosmic Celebration: Ritual Theater as Spiritual Awakening. Saphira Linden. Resources and Further Reading. The Contributors.

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Book SynopsisGroups are a universal phenomenon, but their dynamics, make-up and customs can vary widely – a group can be anything from a family to a sports club. Having a good understanding of how groups work can make them more effective, enriching and fun.Once Upon A Group is a short, light-hearted guide to groupwork, providing an easily-digestible way of understanding group dynamics, the practicalities of running a group, and how to participate in one. It covers how and where to set up a group, including the type of room used, the size of the group and the arrangement of chairs, and the importance of boundaries and rules within a group. It also covers issues such as communication, sensitivity, listening, leadership, decision-making, labelling and stereotyping, and forms of participation, among many others. Each topic is illustrated with a lively drawing to communicate the ideas presented. This second edition also covers diversity throughout and how to apply the ideas in the book to different settings.Based on research but written in an instantly accessible style, this fun guide will be essential reading for all those involved in groupwork including health and social care practitioners, volunteers, advice workers, youth workers and students.Trade Review(...) this is a short, succinct and straightforward "guide" to all that is groupwork... Once upon a Group will provide indications of key matters to think about for the novice groupworker; for the more experienced it offers pertinent reminders and prompts about practices and considerations that may have become too familiar, taken-for-granted or simply forgotten -- BJCJWith its amusing little illustrations and its easy, fresh style, it is both informative and practical. Highly recommended for anyone working with groups. -- Caring TimesThis book delivers on its promise to be "a short, light-hearted guide to group work". It is aimed at the beginner and would work well as an accompanying workbook for those joining or setting up groups. It is very accessible and outlines aspects of group life using illustrated stick figure drawings throughout. -- Children & Young People NowTable of Contents1. Introduction. 2. Applying this Book to your Situation. Your role in life and work groups. Groupwork and professional standards. 3. Running a Group. A note on leadership. Laying the foundations. 4. A Brief Look at Origins of Group Behaviour. My first group. When groups become large. Size of groups. Number of relationships and size of groups. 5. Setting up Groups. Purpose and contract. Number of meetings. Meeting place. Seating arrangements - type of chair. Seating arrangements - arranging the chairs. Physical and emotional space. Size of meeting place. Temperature. Fresh air. Lighting. Breaks, including refreshments. 6. Boundaries and Rules. Punctuality - at the beginning. Degree of familiarity. Commitment. Confidentiality. Interruptions. Limits in general. Smoking. Punctuality - at the end. 7. Some Ways of Looking at Group Development. Task versus maintenance. Common threads running through various theories and models. Creativity and play. 8. What Goes on in Groups. Choosing a seat. Introducing a subject. Your opening contribution. Communication and lack of it. Non-verbal communication. Opting out. Sensitivity. Honesty about feelings. The art of listening. Dominant behaviour. Fight or flight. Democracy versus autocracy. Bids for leadership. Co-leadership. Sub-groups. Pairing. Red herrings. Level of involvement. Subversive behaviour. Decision-making. Group norms. Barriers and defences. Hidden agendas. Hanging bits of ourselves on others. The transfer system! Scapegoats. The group casualty. Labelling and stereotyping. Point-scoring. Pearls of wisdom. Over-dependence. Silences. Sexuality and sex. Waiting until the last moment. 9. Endings. Giving feedback. White elephants. Disbanding. Celebrations! Appendix - Running a group checklist. Bibliography.

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Book SynopsisHuman Givens therapy recognises and addresses innate needs - or 'givens' - common to all humans. The innovative approach is a highly effective way of dealing with the emotional difficulties faced by young people, and this book covers everything the practitioner needs to know about its theory and practice.This comprehensive resource offers an essential insight into the emotional well-being of adolescents and a detailed overview of the Human Givens approach, its therapeutic structure and potential outcomes. With a detailed exploration of each Human Givens need, the book provides useful assessment tools and practical interventions, all supported by photocopiable materials that include question sheets for the client and record charts for the practitioner. The book concludes with an informative case study taken from the author's research, which consists of a session-by-session therapeutic outline designed to communicate exactly how Human Givens works in practice.This complete guide to Human Givens therapy will equip educational, clinical and social care professionals working with adolescents with all they need to know to put this effective approach into action.Trade Reviewas an entry-level introduction to this brand of assessment and this approach, it lives up to its "practical guide" moniker. -- Counselling, Children and Young PeopleIt is so clearly written and attractively produced that it could be easily used to introduce young clients to the work and help them understand the attempt which will be made to help them. -- Young Minds Magazine, Terry Philpot, authorTHIS very welcome book is the first with "human givens" in the title that has been externally published and is base don the author's evidence-based research on the approach, carried out for a doctorate awarded by the University of Manchester. Yates, an educational and child psychologist, creatively adapts key ideas about needs and resources, and the APET and RIGAAR models for use with adolescents and includes plenty of reproducible worksheets. -- Human GivensThis book should prove invaluable to anyone who wants to help adolescents improve their emotional health and wellbeing. It represents a pioneering and original contribution to the application of Human Givens psychology with adolescents. -- Joe Griffin, cofounder of the Human Givens approachTable of ContentsPreface. About this Book. Part 1. 1. Adolescents and Emotional Well-Being. Organizational interest. Prevalence. Adolescents: A special population. Experiences posing a threat to development. Trauma. Adolescents and coping strategies. Therapy and adolescents: What works? Mediators of change. Human givens therapy with adolescents. Therapy in schools. Therapy in other settings. Supervision and competence in delivering therapies. 2. The Human Givens Approach. The values, principles and goals of human givens therapy. Human givens needs. Human givens resources. Distinctiveness and promising contributions of human givens therapy. Order of events in brain functioning. Human givens therapy and its use with adolescents. Explaining therapeutic models to young people. RIGAAR: The application of the human givens approach by professionals. Influence of psychological paradigms on human givens therapy. Human givens therapy: Evidence base. Studies involving human givens therapy. Training in human givens therapy. Evaluating human givens. Part 2. 3. Assessment in Human Givens Therapeutic Approaches. Assessment procedure: Identifying and recording needs. Assessment and identification of human givens needs. Connection to others. Connection to the wider community. Connection - friendships. Attention - giving and receiving. Achievement and competence. Autonomy and control. Privacy. Purpose and meaning. Security - feeling safe. Status. Other information to record. Assessment of severity of emotional symptoms. Assessment of life satisfaction and the LSS. LSS administration. Checkpoint. Part 3. 4. Intervention Structure. Recording information during contact with the young person. Introduction. The RIGAAR model: Structuring interventions. Interventions based on other therapies. APET and human givens interventions. Separating the person from the problem: Replacing anxiety with humour. 5. Interventions for Each of the Human Givens Needs. Introduction. Beyond the therapy room. Interventions according to human givens needs. 6. Laura. Introduction. Record of sessions. Post-therapy scores. How did human givens therapy increase Laura's emotional well-being? References.

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Book SynopsisThis is a light-hearted, easily digestible guide with a wealth of handy hints and tips for the helping professions when they have to communicate with the public.For those in the helping professions, communicating with the public can sometimes be a challenge, and different skills are needed to those used when communicating with friends and family. This book addresses these issues by providing hundreds of tips on how to communicate with the public, covering topics such as managing conflict, assertiveness, feelings, listening and boundaries. It also includes guidance on reflection, supervision, confidentiality and anti-discrimination. The book uses a fun and accessible approach, making the advice easy to read and then put into practice. This handy guide will be invaluable to a range of practitioners in the helping professions including health visitors, social care workers, probation officers and teachers, as well as any other professional looking for tips on how to communicate effectively.Trade ReviewCommunicating with the public is a difficult and complex skill for healthcare professionals to master, but it is vital. Offering exactly what it says in the title, this excellent book is straightforward and to the point... I give this book five stars. It is a great read and will be invaluable for teachers, social workers and parents, as well as everyone working in health care. -- Nursing Standard500 Tips for Communicating with the Public is an informal, logically structured and accessible book designed to allow all members of the multi-disciplinary team to develop their most fundamental clinical skill, communication, in an informal and efficient manner. While belonging to the tip-book and not the text-book genus, it is an expansive and well-written text. -- Dr Michael DalyThis is a little volume that's big on practical ideas, containing short, pithy and to the point helpful thoughts on how to manage communication in different settings. In amongst things I knew and things I'd forgotten were tips and exercises that were new to me. It is a refreshing piece of work that would be valuable on the reference shelf of any counsellor, social worker or health care professional who needs help - quickly. -- Dodie Graves, Counsellor, and author of Talking with Bereaved PeopleThis book takes its own advice in being straightforward and completely free of jargon. It is neither patronising nor high flown but just provides grounded and sensible advice. This is particularly true when decisions are likely to impact on vulnerable clients in powerful ways such as when help can be given or withheld. The book is arranged in a way that makes it easy to dip into when a worker has a particular concern, and it is relevant to a wide diversity of people from housing officers and police to social workers and counsellors. -- Judy Ryde, freelance psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, and author of Being White in the Helping ProfessionsTable of ContentsIntroduction. Why do we need to communicate well? Tips about the tips! Book structure. 1. How Do We Communicate? Communicating verbally - face to face. Communicating verbally - giving presentations. Communicating verbally - on the telephone. Non-verbal communication - writing. Non-verbal communication - electronic written communication. Non-verbal communication - body language. Non-verbal communication - communicating imaginatively! Different modes of communication - communicating on to one. Different modes of communication - communicating with groups. 2. Skills for Communication. Listening skills. Questioning skills. Assertiveness skills. Information-giving skills. Advice-giving skills. Reassurance. Disclosure. Challenging. Negotiation skills. Dismantling barriers. 3. Emotions in Communication. Clients and workers have feelings! Angry feelings - conflict management. Handling stress. Using humour. 4. Communication in Different Settings. Where to meet? 5. Structured Communication. Preparing yourself first. Scene-setting. Preparing the location. Setting the tone. Introductions. Relationship length. Setting goals. Handling interruptions. Summarizing. Endings. 6. Communicating with Different People. Working with men and women. Working with children. Working with people of different races and cultures. Working with clients who do not speak English. Working with disabled and differently-abled people. Working with older people. Working with people of different sexualities. Wealth, class and society. 7. Communicating with Self-awareness. Know yourself. Personal bias and agendas. Making judgements. Think about your expectations. Using labels. 8. Professional Boundaries and Responsibilities. Boundaries. Confidentiality. Being clear about roles and responsibilities. Communicating in the workplace. 9. Rights, Advocacy and Meeting Clients' Needs. Meeting needs. Understanding rights. Helping your client to make decisions and choices. Being an advocate. 10. Communication and Procedures. Know the rules. Assessment. Recording and reporting. Background checks and safeguarding. Dealing with abuse. Responding to complaints. Supervision. Appraisal. Epilogue.

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Book SynopsisProblems with sleeping are common and make life difficult for the individual who is affected and for those around them. Sleep difficulties are particularly prevalent amongst people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and often cause or worsen other difficulties.This comprehensive guide to the management of sleep problems, introduces all the proven remedies and focuses on the problems commonly found in ASDs and related conditions. The author discusses sleep in depth, including how we currently define and understand it. The full spectrum of sleep disorders is explained alongside the range of possible treatment approaches. The book also examines why some sleep problems are more common among people with an ASD than others, how sleep problems evolve over time, what can be done to treat them and the likely benefits from different treatments.This book is a complete resource for professionals, families and carers working with those suffering from sleep problems of any kind. It will be of great interest to anyone wanting to gain a thorough understanding of sleep in relation to ASDs.Trade ReviewThis book offers a well-researched and comprehensive explanation of sleep patterns and problems and the theories and practices that are commonly used to help addrtess sleep problems. -- CommunicationFor professionals, academics or for those seeking a comprehensive account of sleep difficulties this book would provide a valuable read. -- NAPLIC MattersThis is the first book that I know of dedicated to addressing sleep difficulties in ASC... This book is a comprehensive and welcome resource for professionals in understanding sleep issues in children with autism. -- AUKIDSThis is an extremely well researched book, clearly demonstrating that Aitken is of the old school psychologists who, are sadly, in my opinion, a dying breed... This is an excellent book which I highly recommend to clinicians working with children with sleep problems but is also suited to parents wishing to become more informed about the science behind sleep and some actions which might help their child. -- asteens and BFKbooksKen Aitken has done a remarkable job in providing a scholarly and comprehensive overview of this important but neglected topic. He offers valuable insights into the potential nature of the sleep problems associated with autism, an encyclopaedic listing of potential interventions and some useful tools to help with assessment. His careful detailing of the evidence base makes this a vital resource for any modern practitioner. -- John Clements, Clinical PsychologistThe new standard reference for all clinicians who are confronted with sleep disorders in children with autism, and for parents who need answers to the "what can I do" question. -- Filippo Muratori, Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University of PisaThe spectrum of difficulties are explained in detail as well as a broad selection of possible solutions. Desperate parents are likely to claim, like me, that we've tried all that before, but it is useful to remember that what didn't work when they were 3 or 5 or 10, might be worth another try now that they are teenagers... I agree wholeheartedly with the first step of making a 'sleep diary', only then will you be able to get a bird's eye view of the true situation... Overall, this book has a great layout, easy to follow with the data to back up the assertions and some delightful quotes to lighten the load e.g. 'It is a bad plan that admits of no modification'. -- Whittier on AutismTable of ContentsAcknowledgements. Introduction. Section A: Sleep and What We Know About It. Chronobiology. What are Biological Clocks? What is Sleep? Why Do We Sleep? Dreaming. What Changes Occur during Sleep that don't Occur at Other Times? Do Circadian Patterns Emerge as we Develop? The Brain at Rest. Is our Sleep Affected by What We Eat? Alcohol Consumption. Diet, Genetics and Brain Development. Social Interaction and Sleep. Infant Self-Soothing. Other factors that can affect sleep. How much sleep is normal? Do we need to sleep at all? What do we know about the normal range of sleep in childhood? What do we know about normal patterns of sleep? Section B: Sleep Problems in General. How sleep problems are classified. How common are sleep problems? Is it important that sleep problems are addressed? The Importance of Adequate Sleep for Brain Development. Section C: Sleep Problems in ASD. How common are sleep problems in ASD? Is it important to address sleep problems in ASD? Are there reasons why sleep problems should be more likely in ASD? Section D: Reasons Sleep Problems May Happen or Can be Made Worse. Maternal mood state and biology. The Neurobiology of Sleep. Diet, sleep and ASD. Metabolic and physiological factors that can be related to disordered sleep. Other factors that can influence sleep. Effects of sleep deprivation on brain growth and structure. CNS trauma. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Craniofacial Dysmorphogenesis. Obesity. Genetic Factors. Other genetic factors. Section E What Can You Do? Interventions - assessing the evidence. Treatment and management. Assessing the issues and doing a basic sleep clean up. General approaches to sorting out sleep. Specific types of sleep problem - what they are and what can work to sort them out. Conclusion. Resources. Useful web material. Associations and web resources. Test and treatment materials. Appendix 1 Medications Used in Sleep Disorders. What Are These Medications and How do they Work? Further General Sources of Information on Medication. Appendix 2 Complementary and Alternative Treatment Approaches. Acupuncture. Aromatherapy. Chiropractics. Dietary intervention. Exercise. Homeopathy. Hypnosis. Massage therapy. Meditation. Psychotherapy. Relaxation. Light therapy. Biofeedback. Behavioural and cognitive-behavioural treatments. Yoga. Appendix 3 Herbal Treatments. Western herbal treatments. Chinese herbal treatments. Japanese Kampo herbal treatments. Other herbal treatments. Appendix 4 Assessment Tools for Sleep Problems. Glossary. Further reading. Basic books on sleep and sleep disorders. Textbooks on sleep and related issues. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisEngaging groups in drama is a highly effective way to break down barriers and build resilient teams. This concise book of drama-based exercises will be an invaluable tool for practitioners looking to facilitate conflict transformation and is applicable to a wide range of contexts and client groups. The dramatic problem solving approach is a sequential process, from welcoming exercises and forming agreements, to analysing the root problems and building on trust, culminating in the creation of a piece of drama. Each stage is accompanied by activities and illustrated with examples from the author's extensive experience.This book will be an innovative resource for any professionals involved in groupwork including youthworkers, teachers, social workers, arts and family therapists, group psychotherapists, psychologists, school counsellors and community leaders.Trade Review... if you're a bit of a 'thesp' at heart and thrive on role plays and throwing yourself about in the course of a training exercise, then lay on Macduff . This is your kind of thing... an easy to read, step by step guide. -- Special MagazineSteven Hawkins' book provides a highly practical guide to implementing his very powerful facilitation techniques. In this fast-paced 21st century, his writing is to the point, providing just enough theoretical background but emphasizing the 'how to' - I personally have found it to be a valuable manual. -- Mohit Mukherjee, Director, UPEACE Centre for Executive Education, United Nations mandated University for Peace (UPEACE)Table of ContentsPreface. Introduction. 1. Beginnings. 2. Defining the Problem. 3. Analyzing the Issue. 4. What are the Root Causes of the Problem? 5. Creating Clarity and Consensus. 6. Who is Involved in the Problem? 7. Creating the Dramatic Piece. 8. Play Making. 9. Presentation. 10. Action Planning and Follow-up. 11. Warms-ups. 12. Closing Exercises. 13. Applications: DPS in La Carpio. 14. Conclusion. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis professional text covers every aspect of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), from science to services, from the most disabling Kanner's syndrome to the most high-functioning Asperger syndrome, and from birth to old age. The book contains the latest research on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, intervention and support of individuals with ASD, and examines their implications at various stages of life. A wide range of neurological, genetic, psychological, developmental, social, and emotional issues are covered, and the author also includes less accessible information on the diagnosis and treatment of associated psychiatric and medical conditions, the overlap between the ASDs and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and the management of behavioural and forensic problems. The author does not presume existing technical knowledge and the background to new methods of assessment, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, standardized clinical and psychological assessment, and genetic testing, is explained.This book will be an indispensable primary resource for paediatricians, psychiatrists, clinical and educational psychologists, specialist nurses, counsellors, psychotherapists, legal professionals and others working with individuals of all ages who are on the autism spectrum. It will also be of interest to any carers and people with an ASD who want to know about the up to date research into the causes and treatment of the disorder.Trade ReviewThese consideration by Tantam are just a taste of the overall mood that flows through the entire book, his insight and compassion towards people with ASD who struggle every day, recognising that this may be considered an asset... unquestionably an essential resource for all professionals who work with people with an ASD... indispensable reference for students and professionals such as paediatricians, psychiatrists, clinical and educational psychologists, as well as many other professionals working with individuals of all ages with autism... I would recommend this book to anyone, including carers or people with ASD who want to know about the most recent research into the etilogy, treatment and presentation of these disorder. -- Annali, Dell'Istituto Supreiore di SanitaIf you only acquire one book on autism, then this should be the one. Digby Tantam is an international expert in the field of autism spectrum disorders and what he does not know about the subject is not worth knowing... Covering all the latest thinking and knowledge with regards to autism, this is a formidable and satisfying read. -- Nursing StandardThis substantial textbook brings together all the latest research and clinical practice in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals with autistic spectrum disorders... This book is impressive in its scope. -- SEN MagazineAny reasonably educated and determined parent who wishes to gain a better understanding of their child or themselves, a more holistic view of past and present theories would gain from reading this book. .. I probably enjoyed this book more than any other I have read specifically on autism due to the brain research. It is the Ramachandran, the Oliver Sachs of the autism world - a book for academics but also accessible to the educated and determined parent. -- asteensDigby Tantam has worked with people with autism spectrum conditions for over 30 years. This experience has made him aware of the remarkable variations in the clinical pictures to be found in people on the spectrum. To take just one aspect, they can vary from those with severe or profound learning disability right up to those of remarkably high ability, even genius level, in specific areas. However, the author emphasises that they all share a major problem affecting non-verbal communication. This type of communication he considers essential for the "unconscious link between people". Is this the basis of the social instinct?The author discusses in detail, but with great clarity, what is known of the physical, neurological and genetic findings in people with autism spectrum conditions, and the developmental, social and emotional factors, including changes with age, that have an equally important effect upon the clinical picture. He also discusses the prevalence and methods of treatment.This fascinating, and intriguing analysis of the remarkably diverse picture to be found in autism spectrum conditions makes this book especially unusual in the published literature of the field, and essential reading for both professionals and parents. -- Dr Lorna Wing, Consultant to the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for AutismThis is a unique and timely contribution to the literature on autism. The National Autistic Society of the UK will be 50 years old in 2012. Many of the children who attended its first school are now approaching old age.In this astonishingly comprehensive and well researched book on autism through the lifespan, Digby Tantam's long and eminent career as a leading academic, researcher and clinician is evident throughout. His thorough examination of the science and the various theories of autism is matched by an engaging and straightforward style that makes even the most complex aspects accessible. His use of case examples also reveals a deep understanding of the true nature of autism - empathy for 'autistic thinking' and recognition of the 'strengths' of autism juxtaposed with recognition of the very real difficulties that may be present. Respect for difference and diversity is noticeably informed by research and a solid first hand clinical background and experience. It is consequently unsentimental, wise and practical.Due to the breadth and depth of this book I would recommend it as an investment that will be invaluable not just for academics, clinicians and researchers but a much wider readership that will include the autistic community and those who support them. -- Richard Mills, Director of Research, The National Autistic Society UK and Research Director, Research Autism, LondonThis authoritative, comprehensive textbook by Professor Tantam, an internationally recognized expert, provides an overview of Autistic Disorder ranging from an historical perspective to our current knowledge of its clinical presentation, life course, underlying pathology, etiology, and treatment. It fills a void in the literature, and I predict it will become "the standard reference" for students, clinicians, and researchers working with Autistic Disorder. -- Edward R. Ritvo, MD, Professor Emeritus, UCLA School of MedicineThis is probably the most comprehensive and wide ranging book on ASD I have ever read. It is an extraordinarily rich mine of information from neurobiology to treatment, and from infancy to adulthood. 'No stone is left unturned'. An original and perhaps controversial feature is the highlighting of links between ASD and ADHD. -- Professor Margot Prior AO, FASSA, FAPS, Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, AustraliaDigby Tantam provides an authoritative and comprehensive guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)...this book can help us progress from simplistic notions about ASDs to a recognition of their, often subtle, complexities and differences, while ever mindful of the remarkable individuals described or diagnosed as having these conditions. This book is highly recommended for EPs, teachers and educators. -- Michael A. Vickers * Debate - British Psychological Society *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. Preface. Why this book. Plan of the book. Stigma. Biological vs. experiential. Limits. Introduction. Future enlargement of the ASDs. The challenge of the ASDs for all mental health professionals. Challenge, and opportunity. Coverage of the book. The brain and developmental disorders. ADHD. Swedenborg's hypothesis. Could some kinds of ASD be purely psychogenic? Emotional isolation caused by ASD. Can experience sculpt the brain? Epigenesis and learning. The limits of neuroimaging. How clinically useful is a study of the brain? Networks. Emergent properties. Neurodiversity. Other social considerations. Scope and plan of part 2. Part 1. Sciences basic to ASD. Chapter 1. Neurology of the superficial structures of the brain. Right hemisphere. Anatomy. Normal function. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Functional effect of lesions in childhood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Parietal cortex. Inferior parietal lobule. Temporal cortex. Anatomy. Normal function. Structural and functional changes in the ADHD and the ASDs. Temporoparietal junction/ parietal operculum. Frontal and prefrontal cortex. Prefrontal cortex. Chapter 2. The cerebellum, and deep structures in the fore-brain. Cerebellum. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in animals. Functional effect of lesions in childhood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs and related conditions. Amygdalae. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in animals. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Functional effect of lesions in childhood. Structure and function in the ASDs. Cingulate. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Insula. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Fusiform gyrus. Anatomy. Function. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Chapter 3. Interactions in genes and neurons. Single nucleotide polymorphisms. Copy number variants. Haplo-sufficiency. Imprinting and expression. Epigenetic variation. Tandem repeats. Where we are now. Local area networks: minicolumns. Anatomy. Normal function. Working memory networks. Functional networks and fibre tracts. Anatomy. Normal function. Functional effect of lesions in childhood. Functional effect of lesions in adulthood. Structural and functional changes in the ASDs. Functional aggregates, modules, or systems. The default network. Normal anatomy. Normal function. Functional impairment in default network in ASD and ADHD. The anti-correlated, task focussed network. Attention disorders and the anti-correlated networks. Functional disorders of anti-correlated networks and the ASDs. Chapter 4. Developmental, social and emotional considerations. Social factors. In determining whether or not there is a disorder. Advantages to society in ASD and ADHD. Socioeconomic factors and ASD. Ethnic factors and ASD. Social factors affecting the symptom profile of ASD. Social dominance, power and authority. Anger, aggression, and violence. Social factors affecting the quality of life of people with ASD. Cultural factors. The construction of deviant identities. Cultural explanations of the causes of ASD. Normalization. Deviancy theory. Adopting a pathological identity. Acquiring an identity. Family interaction. Chapter 5. Social orientation, communication, and language. Social orientation. Eye orientation. Gaze following. Inference from gaze or movement direction. Imitation. Relevance to ASD. Chunking. Relevance to ASD. Communication. Classical approaches to communication. Linguistics. Digital communication. Design features of a language. The medium and the message. Combinatorial approaches to communication. Two fundamental types of communication. Anatomical approaches to communication. Language, speech, and writing. Anatomy. Development. Normal function. Impairment: speech and language disorder. Developmental speech and language disorder. Articulation disorders. Speech dyspraxia ('phonological disorder'). Phonological disorders. Speech reading and writing impairment (dyslexia). Relation to ASD. Receptive language disorders ('specific language impairment'). Prevalence of types of speech and language disorders. Management of speech and language disorders. Chapter 6. Nonverbal communication, empathy and theory of mind. Nonverbal communication. Are all nonverbal communication channels affected in ASD? Orienting attention, salience and interpersonal communication. Recognition of emotional expression. Empathy. Affective empathy. Emotional contagion. Emotional contagion and ASD. Emotional contagion and affective empathy. Self-recognition. Self and other judgements in ASD. Modulating affective empathy. Cognitive empathy. Theory of mind. When theory of mind and empathy conflict. Empathy has to be merited. Empathy modulation. Implications for ASD. Chapter 7. Neuropsychology of ASD. Introduction. Intelligence. Testing. Relation to ASD. Memory. Testing. Relation to ASD. Executive function. Relation to ASD. Working memory. Inhibition of prepotent responses. Attention shifting and attentional maintenance. Repetition and pursuit of sameness: tics, stereotypies, obsessions and compulsions. Motor coordination and topographical orientation. Ataxia. Dystonias and dyskinesias. Dyspraxia. Topographical disorientation. Part 2. Clinical aspects of ASD. Chapter 8. The autistic syndrome. Case history. Differentiating developmental disorder and mental illness. Diagnostic criteria. Setting the scene. Historical preoccupation with language. Practically useful criteria for ASD. External validity of an ASD diagnosis. Autistic syndrome. Dimensions of disorder in ASD. Early recognition of the autistic syndrome. Screening for the autistic syndrome. Red flags. Is screening currently worthwhile? Surveillance. Differential diagnosis. Investigation. Chapter 9. Presentation, prevalence, treatment, and course of the autism spectrum disorders. Presenting symptoms of the ASDs. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Language impairment. Prevalence. Rates of ASD. Rates of specific AS sub-types. Rates of ADHD. Rates in different age groups. Gender differences in rates. Has there been an increase in prevalence? Treatment. Diagnosis. Information. Training. Early intervention. Focussed remediation. Psychoeducation. Dealing with anxiety. Enablement. Sensory integration. Medication. Other interventions that are mentioned in later chapters. Course. False assumptions about course. Social disability does not affect quality of life. Quality of life in people with ASD and their carers. Burden. Conclusions . Chapter 10. Clinical assessment of the ASDs. The goal of clinical assessment. Guidelines. Who makes the diagnosis? The setting for the diagnosis. History taking. Developmental history. Other aspects of family history taking. Structured observation and examination. Nonverbal expression. Nonverbal interpretation. Speech and language. Assessing co-morbidity, associated conditions, social responses, and personal reactions. Prosocial competence. Cognitive style. Specific developmental syndromes. Temperament. Assessment of co-morbid disorder. Psychiatric disorder in the context of ASD. Intellectual disability. Family or relationship factors. Physical assessment. Sleep problems. Impact on sleep of co-morbid disorders. Chapter 11. Aetiology of the autism spectrum disorders. Introduction. Factors present at conception. Biological sex. Heritability. Genetic causes of ASD. Intra-uterine factors. Maternal stress. Placental insufficiency. Hormones and brain development. Infections. Teratology. Perinatal factors. Neonatal jaundice. Postnatal factors. Psychological events. Postnatal conditions having a recognized predilection for the brain. Chapter 12. Presentation in infancy and early childhood (the pre-school years). Relevant developmental challenges. First suspicions of ASD. Red flags. Diagnostic criteria. Illustrative case history. Presenting symptoms. Primary handicap. Secondary impairments. Tertiary disability. Differential diagnosis and associated conditions. Speech and language disorder. Hyperlexia. Attachment disorder. Distinction from intellectual disability. Recognized syndromes associated with ASD often presenting in infancy. Elimination diets. Facilitating collaboration between healthcare providers and carers. Treatment. Issues. Chapter 13. Presentation of Asperger syndrome in middle childhood. Relevant developmental challenges. Play and socializing with peers. Learning challenges. Social demand. First suspicions of ASDs presenting in middle childhood. Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Red flags of Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Red flags for ASD. Screening. Illustrative case history Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Presenting symptoms Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Primary handicap. Secondary impairments in AS presenting in middle childhood. Tertiary disability Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Differential diagnosis Asperger syndrome presenting in middle childhood. Obsessive compulsive disorder. Sensitivity. Schizophrenia. Other associated conditions. Causes of ASD. Multidisciplinary involvement. Teacher. Speech and language therapist. Educational psychologist. Paediatrician. Child and adolescent psychiatry team member. Child psychotherapist. Investigations. Intervention. Home-based. Health services. School based. Child-based. Chapter 14. Presentation of Kanner syndrome in middle childhood. Kanner's syndrome in the context of learning disability. Red flags of Kanner syndrome in the context of learning disability. Diagnostic criteria of Kanner syndrome in the context of learning disability. Illustrative case history of Kanner syndrome in the context of learning disability. Presenting symptoms of Kanner syndrome. Tertiary disability. Investigations. Intervention. Issues. Chapter 15. Presentation of Asperger syndrome in later childhood and adolescence. Relevant developmental challenges. Agency. Identity. Presenting symptoms. Primary handicap. Secondary impairments. Tertiary disability. Diagnosis. Differential diagnosis. Differential diagnosis of communicative disorder. Differential diagnosis of repetitive behaviour. Differential diagnosis of social impairment. Associated problems. Investigations. Management. The primary handicap. Secondary handicap. Tertiary handicap. Issues. Normalization and mainstream education. Chapter 16. Presentation of atypical Asperger syndrome, often with ADHD, in late childhood and adolescence (secondary school and college). Relevant developmental challenges. Belonging, giving, and taking. Self-control. Who are the atypical group? Red flags. Screening. Illustrative case history. Diagnosis. Presenting symptoms. Primary handicap. Differential diagnosis. Associated problems. Aetiology. Investigations. Treatment. Issues. Victimization. Chapter 17. The presentation and consequences of Asperger syndrome in adulthood. Challenges in assessing adults. Relevant developmental challenges. Asperger syndrome in adulthood. Illustrative case history. Illustrative case history of a woman. Gender differences. Presenting symptoms. Differential diagnosis. Associated problems. Aetiology. Investigations. Intervention. Issues. Appendix 1. Ethics and ASD. Appendix 2. An example of a pre-interview questionnaire. Subject Index. Author Index.

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Book SynopsisThe Writer's Key is a complete beginner's guide to writing for self-reflection and personal development. Creative writing can deepen our understanding of ourselves and our lives. This book unlocks the potential for gaining these insights, widening perspectives, finding new positivity, increasing confidence and reducing stress through writing. It:- introduces creative writing as a very enjoyable process for enabling reflective personal and professional development - provides strategies and inspiration for getting started, continuing despite hesitations and getting the most out of writing- features uplifting accounts of individuals' successful use of the Key for self-exploration and development through creative writing.The Writer's Key assumes no prior writing experience and will inspire and encourage anyone who wants to tell and explore their story, whether they feel trapped by issues at work or home because of loss, trauma or relationships, or simply want to make more of life.Trade Reviewher practical and stimulating style not only carries the reader along on an enthusiastic journey, byt her adroit use of examples and exercises (particularly the WRITE section at the end of each chapter) positivel encourages active participation. -- Nurturing PotentialThis book provides a gentle invitation to writing as a form of self-discovery, and quietly leads the user into some powerful moments of personal reflection. Highly recommended to anyone who is interested in learning more about the transformative potential of creative writing. -- John McLeod, Emeritus Professor of Counselling, Abertay University and Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Oslo UniversityWhat a gift - Gillie Bolton's writing wisdom, creativity and humanity presented in a fresh and utterly accessible way. If you are interested in opening a door and crossing thresholds into creative adventure or personal discovery, here's a sensitive and learned guide. Bolton knows how writing can provide ways into and out of life's terrains, smooth or bumpy, shady or bright. With a light touch, she shares insights and learning. The Writer's Key offers practical writing exercises, mapped out carefully and enriched with reflections from other writers navigating diverse experience. For novices, this book will provide support with first steps. For the experienced, it's a re-energising reminder of how and why we write. For everyone, it's a clear message that we each have a key and, if we choose, we can take this author's ample encouragement to trust the process and "Write!" -- Fiona Hamilton, writer and Director of Orchard Foundation, UKGillie's book is an extraordinarily good read. Some of the keys are simple and easy to use, others are jewelled and more demanding to turn. It is a book which promotes the mysterious and irreducible, and is for times when spoken words aren't deep, wide or strong enough. -- Jeannie Wright, Director of Counselling & Psychotherapy Programmes, Warwick UniversityThe Writer's Key is a necessary and inspirational book. It unlocks the secrets to the therapeutic potential of creative writing in all its forms. Gillie Bolton is a trustworthy, enthusiastic and invaluable guide for therapists and for those who know, instinctively, that writing may become a source of exploration, understanding and solace. Through her lucid chapters, examples and exercises, Gillie proves that there's no greater opportunity than that offered by a blank page and an itch to bring it alive with words. -- Robert Hamberger, poetGillie Bolton has furnished a meeting and finding place for surprisingly new words and freshly understood old words. Reading this work of explorative exercises, observations, reflections and insights can make a difference. With The Writer's Key you can open hidden doors into your memories, dreams, and relations, unpack and repack your life stories. "Ask your writing!" she advises. Write your senses, chances and changes, sharing your expressive words with others. -- Juhani Ihanus, Professor of Psychology, University of Helsinki, FinlandThe Writer's Key is an exciting and accessible way into creative writing for personal development; the many anecdotes and creative examples feed the reader, and the many ideas and imaginative exercises nourish the writer. This book shows the foundational ways in which writing can transform, release and motivate individuals as they travel through the sunlit and shadowed passages of life. -- Claire Williamson, Programme Leader, MSc in Creative Writing for Therapeutic Purposes, Metanoia InstituteGillie Bolton's Writer's Key is a supremely hopeful book, one that reveals in every page its author's belief in the resilience, wisdom and creativity of us all. In this book, the author opens up so many doors for us as readers, with her encouraging words and gentle tone, her expertise as a personal writing specialist, and the generous treasure trove of writing prompts and illustrations she provides.Gillie Bolton brings years of personal and professional experience to fruition in this practical and inspirational guide to writing. Gently and with clarity and conviction, the author inspires us all to express our writer's voice, explore our unique selves, recognize our inner wisdom figures and realize the power we have to transform our lives. The Writer's Key is a multi-faceted guide to writing for healing, meaning-making and enhanced self-development. In vivid detailed ways, Bolton drives home the power of the writing process and inspires its readers to get out their favourite notebook and pen and proceed on their own creative journeys of discovery. -- Geri Chavis, Licensed Psychologist, Certified Poetry Therapist & SupervisorGillie Bolton holds the keys to healthier, happier, more robust living. In this delightful book, she unlocks doors, crates, and mystery chests of experience and emotion, expertly guiding us to our own hidden rooms, forgotten resources and undiscovered treasures. -- Kathleen Adams, Director, Center for Journal Therapy, USAThe book is aimed at an audience who is willing to give self-writing a try, and no previous experience of personal writing for self-knowledge and discovery is assumed. The writing activities at the end of each chapter are always imaginative and suggest strategic ways to students, practitioners, and supervisees who are seeking to explore personal and professional blocks, and especially those who enjoy words. For those who are experience in self-writing, the book offers a fresh look at the therapeutic potential of creative writing. It's an exciting reminder of how writing works and, unlike some of the art therapies, the only equipment needed is pencil and paper an somewhere to write. This is an exhilarating read and I found myself putting off what I was going to do and stating to write there and then. -- Jeannie Wright, Director of Counselling and Psychotherapy Programmes at Warwick Unversity * Therapy Today.net *Table of ContentsPreface. 1. The Writer's Key, An Introduction. 2. Beginning. 3. The Journal: An Everyday Ally. 4. Place, People, Things. 5. Tell Me a Story. 6. Poetry. 7. Pictures in the Mind: images. 8. Letters. 9. Conversation with Myself. 10. Mentors and Terrorists. 11. Dreams. 12. Once upon a Time… 13. Opening Doors. 14. Ever After.

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