Child-Mental-Health Books

This book really adds a new perspective on some of the behaviors that are typically associated with autism, such as toe walking and the rocking. The book addressed some out of the box ideas on how to evaluate a child with autism. If your area is like mine and does not have a specialist (Developmental Optometrist) then I think it would be beneficial to share some of Dr. Kaplan's ideas with your local optomtrist. The other thing that I liked about the book is that it described some activities that you could try with your child if you didn't have a doctor close by or one that is open to using yolked prism glasses.

This is a great book on a treatment that most people are unaware of. My 2 1/2 year old son who has Autism had a habbit of looking at the t.v. with his head tilted to the right. He would also intertwine his hands and look through the holes while on the computer or watching t.v. I was told that this was just a normal Autistic quirk. But after seeing a specialist in the Chicagoland area, I found out that it doesn't have to be a quirk. Arm Flapping, toe walking and other sensory issues can be resolved by putting his sensory vision and hearing back into sync. I just received his prism lenses yesterday, what I've noticed so far is that they actually seem to calm his need for sensory overstimulation. Example: When he is on the computer he is usually like a gymnist, climbing on the chair, the desk ect the entire time. But with the glasses on, he sat still, very still and just watched his videos on the computer. Wow. I am actually going to order 4 more books today to give to his therapists as Christmas presents. There is no better gift than the gift of knowledge.

Seeing Through New Eyes is an introduction to the treatment of visual conditions that go beyond 20/20 eyesight. Developmental or behavioral vision care can have a significant impact on behavioral, social and learning problems associated with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities. Poor eye contact and other behaviors are often the result of difficulty with "ambient vision" that drives spatial awareness, visual organization and balance/coordination. Dr. Kaplan gives guidance on how to identify the visual deficits of nonverbal children, select performance lenses that will alter ambient vision and how to create individual vision management programs in order to assist each individual in achieving maximum success in life. This book is essential reading for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and professionals in the fields of autism, optometry, ophthalmology, psychology and education.

One of the most interesting book in the field of vision, behavior, posture and
much more.
Thousand thanks to Dr M.KAPLAN.

I picked up Myrna Orenstein's book knowing little about LD and nothing about undiagnosed learning disabilities (ULD). Her clear and personal writing style makes it easy for the average reader to understand some of the struggles people with ULD face.

The book becomes increasingly meaningful as Orenstein calls for better methods for teachers to identify children having academic trouble, and to give a second thought to the class clown or the disorganized and constantly late student. Orenstein's message is supported further throughout the book, as she urges parents, teachers and therapists to work together; to recognize that this disability is attatched to developmental issues inside AND outside of learning in the classroom. Attention is called to bridge the gap between LD specialists and psychotherapists, so that these smarter-than-average children can reach their potential.

Her personal experiences, reseach, and writing introduce the everyday reader to the world where people are wrongly labeled "lazy," or "unmotivated." Her focus on adults and ULD gives insight for LD specialists, therapists, and, like myself, the average reader.

SMART BUT STUCK

What if Horatio Alger had been a dyslexic?

Sure, he's only a fictional character, but his bootstrap mentality and "work hard and you'll succeed" ethics have become what America believes is reality. If he had been a real American, there would have been a one-in-five chance that he would have had some type of learning disability. If he had, his handiwork in certain areas would have only been met with frustration, shame, and the "chasm".

Dr. Myrna Orenstein, in her book "Smart but Stuck", challenges the American myth that a person's strengths and weaknesses are determined solely by intelligence, motivation, and hard work. Orenstein has learned from her own experience and the experiences of others that many extremely intelligent people are unable to learn conventionally in certain areas.

Through the stories of twenty very different and very bright Americans who grew up with undiagnosed learning disabilities (ULD), she explores the painful and trying emotional journey these individuals were forced to go on in order to come to terms with themselves and their learning disorders.

Dr. Orenstein's book compelled me to go down a difficult, but in the end wonderful, road of self-discovery. I have always been a slow reader - not to the point of being diagnosed with a learning disability, where most weekends of college have been spent solely in the library. It frustrated me to no end. Was I not trying hard enough? Could I be tugging those bootstraps a little higher? Was I just plain stupid? Who could explain why I excelled in things such as writing, painting, problem solving, and math and yet read as slow as the children I babysat for?

The first important thing Orenstein's book gave me was the realization that I was not alone. I unquestionably saw myself (my experience and emotions) within the stories and voices of her twenty case studies. The second invaluable thing I learned was that I wasn't going to be able to get rid of my slight disability, but that it was nothing that I should be ashamed of. My slow reading was a weakness within me that I was going to have to accept and learn to effectively live with. Myrna Orenstein's book inspired me to search for new ways to compensate for my reading speed.

SMART BUT STUCK invigorated me to use the people around me and my strength in creative problem solving to find solutions to compensate for my weakness.

In SMART BUT STUCK, Orenstein provides a powerful portrait of the emotional journey undergone by many American adults who have grown up with undiagnosed learning disabilities. Her book illustrates that if a person approaches their learning disability with the right attitude and the necessary support, they can learn to effectively live with it so that it in no way imprisons their intelligence, strength, and success.

Through the powerful accounts of real Americans, Orenstein makes it clear that it is possible to expand America's traditional myth of the path to success. Her book shows that, as both a culture and as individuals, we must be open at certain times to creatively approach conventional learning in order to compensate for learning disabilities. SMART BUT STUCK combines an approach that I appreciate with an in-depth manual for professionals, including therapists, counselors, and educators, to use when measuring the impact of undiagnosed learning disabilities on their clients and students.

For several years I have been searching for information related to my personal experience with LD. There are many excellent books that have helped me understand and cope with a diagnosis that came unexpectedly into my life when I was in my 40's.

I discovered "Smart but Stuck" quite by accident as I searched a database of doctoral dissertations. When I called to find out how I could get a copy of a dissertation about adult diagnosed LD, I was told it had recently been published. Immediately I came to Amazon and ordered a copy for myself.

Dr. Orenstein's book gave me an understanding that is fundamental to anyone trying to put all the pieces of their personal LD puzzle together.

Her concept of the "chasm" is an essential building block for LD's trying to understand their disability in the long view. We all cope with self-defining events from our childhood. Often these events have been pushed into the recesses of the subconscious mind because they are unpleasant reminders of how we were seen by peers and adults whose subtle and not so subtle negative reactions permanently altered our self images.

"Smart but Stuck" has had a liberating effect on me. I deal with the obvious issues related to my LD every day. Using this book, I have begun to go back and reaccess my experiences as a student in a more positive way.

I would recommend this book to anyone with LD at any age or stage of their diagnosis and treatment. While it is specifically related to adults, it will add another dimension at any stage of the LD learning process.

Dr. Orenstein's book should be required reading for parents and counselors as they seek to understand and support someone with LD.

I picked up Myrna Orenstein's book knowing little about LD and nothing about undiagnosed learning disabilities (ULD). Her clear and personal writing style makes it easy for the average reader to understand some of the struggles people with ULD face.

The book becomes increasingly meaningful as Orenstein calls for better methods for teachers to identify children having academic trouble, and to give a second thought to the class clown or the disorganized and constantly late student. Orenstein's message is supported further throughout the book, as she urges parents, teachers and therapists to work together; to recognize that this disability is attatched to developmental issues inside AND outside of learning in the classroom. Attention is called to bridge the gap between LD specialists and psychotherapists, so that these smarter-than-average children can reach their potential.

Her personal experiences, reseach, and writing introduce the everyday reader to the world where people are wrongly labeled "lazy," or "unmotivated." Her focus on adults and ULD gives insight for LD specialists, therapists, and, like myself, the average reader.

Wow! I am so impressed with this book because it is so full of practical ideas for therapists to incorporate into their practices! The topic of spirituality is integral to human emotional health and well-being, yet it is very personal and fraught with values and emotional reactions. To tackle the subject with such sensitivity and respect for varying beliefs, to provide such a rich array of contributors, and to manage to convey such useful ideas make this book a must-read for every therapist who wants to expand their expertise and effectiveness with clients! Nancy Nickell

This book is a treasure of inspiration for therapists who would like to include the important aspect of spirituality in their counseling practices. The book provides easy to integrate tools and techniques for assisting clients with their spiritual needs. It addresses sensitive topics such as homosexuality, difficulties such as chronic illness, and cultural practices of African Americans and Jews. This book, along with the first one, is a remarkable resource for expanding therapists' comprehension of spirituality as it varies with clients, sensitizing therapists to client's spiritual needs, and finally, assisting therapists to address those needs in their practices. This is a must read!

This is the first book in a two book set on this subject. Inside you will find not only solid advice but very practical homework, handouts and activities that can be integrated into a psychotherapeutic practice. The subjects covered include such critical topics as Spiritual Self-care of the Therapist, Ethical Use of Spirituality, Spirituality and Professional Disclosure, Mobilizing Spiritual Resources, The Spirituality Focused Genogram, the Impact of Abuse on Internalized God Images, and Developing Forgiveness. The editors also include chapters on Shame and Spirituality, using the Spiritual Journey in Recovery, Religious Humor in Therapy, Spiritual Autobiography, Scriptural Affirmations, Therapeutic Healing, Change through Contemplative Prayer, Overcoming Distress and Trauma in Christian Clients, and Using Spiritual Practices in Conjunction with Therapy,

All chapters follow the same basic format of background information, the rational for use, instructions, vignettes, contraindications, references, and lists of additional professional readings and resources. Throughout the book are illustrations, scales, self-assessment tests, and examples. With thirty-two contributing professionals this is a collection of the thoughts and techniques of a wide range of practitioners who use practical psychotherapeutic techniques within the paradigm of the spiritually oriented client or therapist.

Practical, sensitive, and ethical The Therapist's Notebook for Integrating Spirituality in Counseling is an essential resource for the Christian Counselor, Psychologist or any other professional wanting to integrate spirituality into counseling.

This is the second book in a two book set on this subject. Inside you will find not only solid advice but very practical homework, handouts and activities that can be integrated into a psychotherapeutic practice. The subjects Using Religion or Spirituality in Solution-Oriented Brief Therapy, The Internal Family Systems Model, Exploration of Adolescent and Adult Spirituality, Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with Religious Features, Enhancing Reliance on God as a Supportive Attachment Figure, Integrating Spirituality with Children and Families Experiencing Loss of a Parent, Exploring Spirituality with Children in Counseling, Online with Adolescent Spirituality,
Conducting a Spiritual Life Review with the Elderly, Assessing African-American Spiritual and Religious Orientation, Counseling with Jewish Clients and Families, Saints and Family Systems, Coping with Chronic Illness, Recovering from Fetal Loss, and Spirituality with Caregivers in Group Counseling.

All chapters follow the same basic format of background information, the rational for use, instructions, vignettes, contraindications, references, and lists of additional professional readings and resources. Throughout the book are illustrations, scales, self-assessment tests, and examples. With twenty-eight contributing professionals this is a collection of the thoughts and techniques of a wide range of practitioners who use practical psychotherapeutic techniques within the paradigm of the spiritually oriented client or therapist.

Practical, sensitive, and ethical The Therapist's Notebook for Integrating Spirituality in Counseling II is an essential resource for the Christian Counselor, Psychologist or any other professional wanting to integrate spirituality into counseling.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, though I knew I was intrigued. The back cover blurb calls it "a haunting exploration of one teen's experience with OCD and Paxil," which kind of makes it sound like an informercial.

I think that's selling a wonderful story very short.

Fin is a high school student. Her parents are divorced, and she and her mother have moved to a new town in a new state. But her outside world isn't all that's out of control. Her mind is, too. She finds herself obsessed with numbers, with counting, with doing things in a precise pattern, and she feels helpless to stop.

Then she meets Thayer, who's even weirder than she is, and the unlikely pair begin a friendship that helps both of them.

Yes, Fin has OCD, and yes, she ends up taking Paxil and we see the effects it has on her, but Total Constant Order is about so much more than that. It's about growing up, about being a teenager--and let's face it, teenagers with or without OCD feel that their lives are beyond their control. It's about facing the problems of life with a friend, about learning when to ask for help, and about discovering that parents are fallible people, too.

In other words, it's a coming-of-age story, not unlike a fairy tale. Only Fin's battling OCD instead of a dragon.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and couldn't put it down. The descriptions of what was going on in Fin's head were so vivid and clear that the lines between "normal" and "crazy," never very distinct to begin with, were blurred, reminding me of the hero's POV from Tod Goldberg's Living Dead Girl. I felt with her the frustration as she tried to get help, and fell a little in love with Thayer along with her.

And at the same time, Fin's mom in particular made me think about parenting and trying to do our best with imperfect knowledge and difficult situations, while being imperfect ourselves.

All in all, a wonderful, relatable story that applies to everyone who is or has been a teenager.

Fin hears numbers. Ever since her parents divorce, numbers thump in her head in rhythm, keeping things in control. When a new doctor introduces her to the term, "OCD" and writes a prescription for medication, the chemical effects make Fin feel even worse. That is until she meet Thayer, a doodling skater who buzzes to his own beat and might just understand Fin's need to belong and her struggle for total constant order.

Crissa-Jean Chappell's paints a realistic portrayal of what it's like to be a teen with OCD. Also she shows the side effects of the medicine and how Fin struggles to gain control. I especially liked the mother/daughter relationship and how Fin realizes that maybe she isn't the only one who needs order. I also liked the portrayal of Thayer who has ADD. The reader gets a glimpse into what it must be like to see the world differently from others.

I highly recommend this book. It should be a must-read selection in middle schools and high schools.

Rhythm is the pulse of life. Everything has rhythm. The waves in the ocean, cars buzzing down the highway, the drip of the rain after a spring shower, the pencil scraping across our paper, even our own pulse in our ears, late at night when all should be quiet.

Fin doesn't know quiet. For her, the rhythm has become more than a beat. It's an obsession. It's good luck to turn a light on three times -- the wrong number could be deadly. The roar of numbers in her head blocks the outside chaos. They offer comfort. Stability. She taps her seat three times. Someone touches her shoulder. She touches the opposite one. It's about keeping life in balance. Control.

Control is something Fin lost when her parents uttered those devastating words, "...this doesn't mean we're abandoning you or that we don't love you anymore." The D-word. Moving from a place she loves, to a place she doesn't. Her mother copes by excessive cleaning. Fin copes by counting.

Soon, Fin's mother has her visiting Dr. Calaban. Fin meets Thayer, who is also being treated by Dr. Calaban, but for ADD. Fin discovers there's a name for what she's feeling: OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She wonders if it's hereditary as her mother rewashes the jeep Fin's just finished washing. With the help of Thayer and Dr. Calaban, Fin rediscovers her love of something she'd lost along the way, something that will help calm the need for total constant order.

TOTAL CONSTANT ORDER is a riveting first novel by debut author Crissa-Jean Chappell. I was sad to end the book because I wanted to spend more time with the characters. I kept trying to slow down as I read, to linger and enjoy, but it was impossible. Each chapter drove me forward to the next and the next until the final page. The characters were fresh and real. I know you'll enjoy them as much as I did!

Reviewed by: Cana Rensberger

According to the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation, over 35 million Americans will suffer with an anxiety disorder or depressive illness each year. Also, "OCD strikes about 1 in 40 adults and about 1 in 100 school-aged children." Despite these statistics, only a few novels dare to approach the issue.

Crissa-Jean Chappell's debut novel, Total Consant Order, tackles this issue deftly, in the story of Fin, who develops depression and OCD after the demise of her parent's marriage. What enhances the novel is the author's personal connection to the issue. She herself experienced depression and was treated with Paxil. Chappell takes a slow and steady route with the novel, and builds the anxious inner world of Fin carefully. We're introduced to Thayer, an outsider, the only kindred spirit in Fin's world, and who might be the only one who can truly understand her.

Chappell doesn't go to extremes, aiming for maximum drama, and treating her novel as if it were a Lifetime movie. The prose is crisp and clean, with each word working to envoke a feeling from a reader. The novel balances Fin's search for stability with her counting obsession with the search for relationship with her mother, and reconciling with the idea of her parents divorce. Fin's reaction to Paxil comes as a crushing blow to her emotional and physical health, and the author writes realistically, channelling her own experience, and giving voice to a disorder that affects so many.

Evan Cooper's "Um, like...OM, A Girl Goddess's Guide to Yoga" is a breezy read which accomplishes what all good teachers do best: Imparting with vivid good humor the wisdoms of processes taken beyond the classroom. The target audience here, primarily middle-school girls, calls for a most delicate balancing act: Being bright, fun, and "cool" while explaining the theory, practice, and results of a disciplined approach to yoga. Ms. Cooper accomplishes this masterfully with anecdotes, explanations, and her "girl friend" persona.

Scan the table of contents alone and, guaranteed: You're hooked: weight, sex, drugs, peers, parents, and so much else. Add Stacy Peterson's fun, carefully-scripted (by position and motion) illustrations of the exercises, and this fun profound little book will delight and please any "tweener-to-teen." And her mom, who might recover her own "pocket devi" in the process!

This book is amazing. Evan Cooper knows exactly what every girl is worrying and wondering about and has made yoga work for us! I've tried yoga before and it was okay, but this yoga is the best by far. Reading this book can change your life.

--Stephanie, 18

A disclaimer: I am a yoga instructor in my mid-thirties. Clearly, I am not this author's target demographic. I took that into account when I first picked it up. Even with that caveat, I initially found the tone so off the cuff and the postures so disorganized that I put it down and walked away.

A few years later, after I'd incorporated much more Kundalini into my own practice, I found myself drawn to this book again. This time, much more of what she was offering for asanas/kriyas made sense to me, as well as many of the meditations. That she doesn't include a lot of different movements in each section also made more sense- often times with kundalini you may find that you get more bang for your buck from fewer movements.

I liked that she not only tackled serious issues- family pressure, drug use, body image, school stress and romance- but that she also had her own contributions to make about how those issues affected her. Her light, breezy style belied the seriousness of both her own and her students' and how yoga helped address- if not cure- all of them.

Like many authors for the younger set, her aim was off- I felt like she was reaching for the older teen, but instead landed on the twelve to fifteen year olds, if not younger. That's probably just as much her style as it is the increasingly jaded affect of all age groups, but it's something to keep in mind.

I'd love to see more from this author- I think she has a lot to offer not only this age group but adults as well.

I loved this book! I never did yoga before, and I tried it once from this book and totally LOVED it. I know do yoga every day, and enjoy it sooo much. PLease get this book! It'll help a girl through just about anything and everything.

When you think about someone being diagnosed with depression, teenagers might not come first to mind. But teenagers are not exempt from things that can make adults experience an extreme feeling of being overwhelmed and saddened. They are just as vulnerable as adults when it comes to having fights and disagreements with friends or family, and problems at school could intensify their negative emotions. With all the problems teenagers encounter these days, how can you determine whether a teenager's depression is serious enough to warrant treatment?

The book "Understanding Teenage Depression: A Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management," addresses this information. Readers will become more familiar with depression -- how common it actually is; who is likely to be at risk; how to determine if a teenager is depressed; and what treatments are available. Other important information in the book discusses life events that could lead to teenage depression; various therapies; and other disorders that may afflict teenagers.

My ParenTime recommends the book, "Understanding Teenage Depression" by Maureen Empfield, M.D., and Nicholas Bakalar -- it is well-organized, eye-opening, and informs readers about a problem that is much more common today than parents realize.

As a teen with depression I read a lot of book on the topic. THIS IS THE BEST ONE! I was diagnosed with a certin depression, that is hard to find information on -double depression. This book explains all about the differnt kinds of depression, also differtent methods to help feel better. I liked and related so much I would leave the book out with a note teeling my parents or friends to read parts. This book explains all parts if depression, and makes it a good read for a teenager that is depressed, or for some one that knows a teen.

As someone newly trying to grapple with the complicated topic of adolescent depression, from understanding what it is, to thinking about how to cope with it, this book is tops. It is easily readable and yet thorough in discussing every aspect of adolescent depression. Thank you to the authors for publishing this important work.

I dignosed with Depression in my teens and I have read many book out there over the years. THIS IS THE BEST ONE! I realted to it so much and I was able to show other people pages and sections that I tought would help them, help me. This book explains about differnt kinds of depression, and one of them is what I was diagnosed with. This is the only book that I have found that has a whole section of it. I love this book and if you are a teenager, or know a teenager with depression I would recomend this book.

After years of reading book after book, article after article, website after website--combing the earth for remedies for our son's autism, I came across this book. In contrast to all the others, this one offered no imperatives, no miracle cures. It merely said, "you are not alone" as it described my very own feelings about the emotional roller coaster that is autism. If I had the incredible insight and writing talent that Craig Schulze pours into this book, I would have written it myself. I don't, so I'm glad that he did.

This book is an absolutely heart rending description of a comparatively rare form of autism involving degeneration. Craig Schulze captures one of the most painful experiences that a parent can go through, and encourages parents to remember that a parent's love and understanding are the most important parts of any therapy. Also, the book provides a useful foil to the raft of miracle cure books that are flooding the market; sometimes kids with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) do not recover, but parents need to be prepared for this. However, I would caution parents who, like me, decide to pick up the book after learning that their child has problems that fit under the PDD category. I initially worried that, like Jordan, my child would slowly slide away from me since so many of his symptoms sounded familiar. After further reading, I learned that the type of degenerative disorder described here is not typical of PDD, and that many parents do find some success with the methods described in the book. It does prevent a moving account of a worst case scenario, but approach with caution and remember that there is often hope.

A painfully honest, witty and intelligent account of the author's son Jordan, who developed symptoms of autism after several years of apparently normal development (a rare pattern somtimes known as Childhood Disintegrative Disorder).

The book chronicles Jordan's development, regression and diagnosis, and his parents' desperate search for a cure as they struggle to come to terms with their son's condition. In contrast to some other popular accounts of autism, the book tells the story of a child for whom no treatment produces a "miracle cure" or "amazing recovery" (in other words, a child typical of the overwhelming majority of those with autism). Some treatments or methods of education seem to help; others are ineffective; none produce a "cure". At the book's end, life goes on, though radically altered.

A further account of Jordan's life features in "When Autism Strikes: Families Cope with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder" edited by Robert A. Catalano.

Shortly after reading "When Snow Turns to Rain", I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Craig Schulze and his autistic son Jordan, and my respect and admiration for Craig grew even further. I am the mother of an autistic 12-year old, and have experienced many of the same wild hopes and crushing disappointments that Craig describes so well in his book. I found this book extremely well written, informative, and inspiring. It certainly describes the bizarre and sometimes frightening behaviors of some children with autism in vivid detail. What I want to know is, how did Craig find the time to keep a journal and write down all this as it was happening? I have trouble keeping track of my son's current-year IEP (individualized education plan)! I do have to caution, however, that some people may be saddened and depressed (my mother, for one). There is no "happy ending"; Jordan's autism is not cured, and he doesn't develop a fantastic savant skill that somehow balance things out. But Jordan is a real person, who is loved fiercely and well. His story deserves to be told, and is told well, in "When Snow Turns to Rain."

This text contains a combination of literature reviews, empirical research, and case histories to show a balanced approach to the Autism/Aspergers diagnostic categorisation debate. While the editors clearly state their belief that what is knowns as Aspergers Syndrome is a misnomer of High Functioning Austism, they have included a critical set of papers which contain strong evidence that Aspergers is indeed a seperate, yet related, condition. It is left to the reader to analyse all the information presented and arrive their own conclusion - or to inspire further research in an attempt to answer so many outstanding questions. For me, I thought it an excellent addition to my psychology library, and complimentary to the works of Uta Frith and Frances Happe. And I favour Aspergers as a distinct diagnostic category in the Autistic spectrum.

The final chapter of this text: "Premature Popularization of Asperger Syndrome" by one of the editors (Dr. Eric Schopler) and reflects a view that appreciates the historical forest in a controversy that has spanned many decades. The sheer experience that Dr. Schopler brings to this commentary is paralleled by few. His previous written contributions in this field and the pioneering contributions of Chapel Hill, North Carolina's Division TEACCH (previously led by Dr. Schopler, now led by co-editor Dr. Gary Mesibov) provide great testimony to the focused academic expertise and clinical savvy behind this work. Having been a clinician invested in understanding autism since the days of Bruno Bettleheim and having been a part of the dramatic evolutions in theoretical understanding of Autism that have ensued, Dr. Schopler's observation of the factors operative in the popularization of the Asperger construct should not be taken lightly. His appreciation that clinical formulations and empirical investigations have failed to identify a valid clinical subgroup come from seasoning in this area that few investigators can match. The cultural influences involved in the current situation are clearly explained in this chapter. While the other chapters in this text provide for a nice panorama of perspectives, there is great weight behind the editors stance regarding the phenomenon being studied. This text gives us serious reason to take pause and think critically about the current DSM-IV-TR nosology. "Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism?" is an absolute 'must read' for serious clinicians and researchers working in this area.

The book offers a highly useful, carefully considered selection of essays on HFA or Asperger's, including documents written by those affected by the disorder. Highly recommended!

This is a wonderfully written book! I have a son with Asperger's Syndrome and, I have not found a book that compares with this one. There is so much information and real positive steps toward curing, or at the very least dramatically improving your child with Asperger's. I even believe that a lot of this information would also be very helpful to anyone with any form of autism. Must read for teachers, parents, and anyone who knows anyone with autism or Asperger's syndrome!

First, let me say that I love Dr. Lawton's style of writing. She doesn't fill up space with repetitive fluff. She clearly knows her stuff and doesn't mince words while offering an impressive amount of evidence to support her claims. Dr. Lawton expertly blends both the human and clinical aspects of AS with compassion and clarity.

If you are serious about helping yourself or someone in your life with AS, this book will change your life.

Thank you Dr. Lawton! I received your book in the mail yesterday afternoon. I opened the book and read the first five chapters without a break. What a wonderful book! I have learned so much useful information reading your book! This book is a very valuable resource for those with AS, and for friends and family of persons with AS. I'm taking a copy to my therapist - I know she will love it!!!

In this poignant memoir, Anne Barnhill explores the importance of home and family. Despite living with a sister who is considered to be "different" by society, the author reveals how she and her family grew closer through caring for and mentoring "different" Becky. As society dictated at the time (during the 1960's), at first the autistic little girl was put away in a home, as her sister watched and cried. Later, fortunately, Becky, came home again. She didn't need the aid of chicking her heels. The love of family gave her the rainbow she needed.

In the author's lyrical account, the Barnhill family learns to value Becky for herself, rejoicing in her accomplishments. The possibilities for Becky, as well as others with autism, are now limitless.

Everyone with a family member who is considered "different" should read this lyrical tale. The lesson here is that loving someone "different" touches the heart in new and extraordinary ways. Once you complete this fine book, filled with humor and pathos, you'll become a fan of author Barnhill and root for her sister Becky.

Anne Clinard Barnhill, born in 1952 relates the story of her life as sister to Becky, who was born 1/31/58. Becky displayed autistic behavior almost from infancy. She became continent at 4; was marginally verbal for the first few years of her life; communicated by phrasing her statements as questions, e.g. "Does the Becky want to eat? Why can't the Becky learn at home?" Anne, 6 years her sister's senior took Becky under her wing and was lovingly protective of her. She even spent her summers working with Becky on cognitive skills.

Sadly, precious little was known about autism in those days. Becky was erroneously labled as "emotionally disturbed" and even retarded. Sadly, this was not uncommon back then. Becky's schooling was also a problem - in 1965, she was expelled for disruptive behavior from one special needs class in West Virginia and saw a therapist. One group home refused to take her until she became fully self-sufficient in toileting. Although continent and reliable, Becky still needed help cleaning up. Once she mastered that skill, Pressley House, a group home/school was willing to accept her after placing her on a waiting list.

On October 1, 1966 the Clinards took Becky to Amos Cottage, which was an interim placement. Becky served 9 months in Amos Cottage which sounded like a genuine hellhole. Nurses ran the place and the lowest functioning children were kept in crib-cages with bars across the top. Becky talked of the "water babies in the basement," which sounded like she meant children with hydrocephalus. She was able to describe Amos Cottage, which sounded horrible. The Clinards were horrified by the place as anyone would be, but sadly there was no other place forthcoming for Becky.

In June of 1967 after a nearly 9-month sentence in Amos House, Becky enjoyed the annual family camping trip; had fun dodging her sister and sneaking off to the pool which was verboten and in general loving the outdoors. Despite many of her unexplainable behaviors, Anne remains loving and tolerant of Becky. I like that.

Becky's behavior remains severely autistic. She pulls dolls apart until they are limbless and headless; she flips any object in her path and she gives her sister the nickname "Jet," explaining that she thinks Anne's face is jet-plane shaped. (Kind of makes you think of Paul McCartney & Wings' song, "Jet.")

Anne talks about her own milestones; her love of the Beatles whom she discovered in late 1963; her boyfriends; her schools; her crushes; her peers and how they all related to Becky. I like the way she describes her response to the events of the day, e.g. Viet Nam War (she had classmates and friends who were drafted); hippies and the music and the family Ford Galaxie, a singularly cool car. One funny story involves how Anne and her friends got stuck in that Ford and rescued it, with great music from 1968 as the soundtrack.

Anne introduces readers to her family. Readers are treated to both sets of grandparents, aunts and cousins as well. One of my favorite parts was when the girls' mother would sing Beatle songs and emphasize the "yeah, yeah, yeah" chorus in the 1963 classic, "She Loves You." It just goes to show you that nobody could dodge that Beatle influence! Becky's classmates wanted her to choose Beatle songs for her ballet recital. The Beatles remain a comforting presence throughout the book.

Despite their vastly different needs and personalities, the sisters really do, as the Beatles said, "Come Together." Readers get to follow Anne down her growing up years and experience into adulthood; at the same time readers follow Becky's progress as well. Becky weathers some major storms, including abuse at a group home when she was 9-11.

Becky's sentence at Pressley House ended in 1971. Then 13, she went onto a special program at the local high school and secured a diploma in 1979 for merely attending. She worked at area sheltered workshops before she entered a group home in 1990 at age 32.

Readers get to cheer Anne's successes as well; a successful second marriage; a blessing of 3 sons; her degrees and her courage and candor in sharing her life and that of her immediate family. Readers are encouraged by Becky's progress as well. Their story has helped lift the Dark Curtain of the Dark Ages that acted as a barrier towards appropriate placement and diagnosis for people with autism. Sadly, few options existed in those days.

In addition to the Beatle parts which I readily identified with and understood, I like the way Anne Clinard Hill opens each chapter with a passage from "The Wizard of Oz." This classic is one she and Becky have loved over the decades and do to this day.

This book makes me think of the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz." Readers cannot help but think that in time the Path to Acceptance and recognition of autism is closer than over that rainbow and is tangible, not illusive. I am one of the people who thinks that. I like the way Becky accepts herself as well and I think this is one of the best books I have ever read about a sibling who has autism.

This book explores the often unnoticed side of being a so-called 'normal' (or 'neurotypical') person who loves someone with a mental disorder, namely autism. I found this memoir refreshing in the way that it unapologetically gives voice to those of us on the other side of the coin--those of us who have done our best to stretch our love outside of the box by often putting our own needs on hold to be good family. This book will especially appeal to baby boomers who have grown up with autistic siblings during a time when the disorder was still unnamed, as it addresses the historically inaccurate 'parental blame' theory of the disorder's etiology. I would recommend this book to anyone who has been touched by someone with a mental disorder, and anyone who considers themselves an advocate for the mentally ill.