Disabilities Books

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book! I was Kim's Kindergarten instructional aide and met her from the early beginning of her schooling. As a person who was actually there, I loved how Eileen captured the day to day discoveries of Kim's gift. I always believed Kim would do wonderful things with her life. She was like a tulip unfolding and we just got to see one petal open at a time.

I feel so lucky to have been able to share time with Kim. I always told Eileen that I learned much more from her than she from me.

This book is a must read for anyone in the educational field or associated in anyway with autism. Poignant inspiring and fascinating.

Aspiring story that all things are possible for a child with Autism. A must read for families raising a child with disablities.

This book is a very interesting read. It shows the never give up attitude of a mother and a family who goes through much adversity for a child with autism. This happened before much was known about the condition. This mother gives her insight on how her family and especially her handled
this condition. She would not let society shun her daughter and she worked with professionals and her duaghter responed to her love and became a poductive person by communicating with her art. This is a very informative read and an insight into some of the things parents with autistic children go through.

this is a very interesting book very well written the message is very good to all people interested in autism the statement from kim is very powerful loved it lots mary

I have a personal link with the author and Kim, having worked with Kim for 7 years in the schools. As a result my review is likely to be more critical than some. I have to say that Eileen's book meets and exceeds my hopes and expectations! It is a powerful and moving narrative report, yet written in a style that makes it pleasurable reading as well.

This book tells of the challenges, frustrations, progress and triumphs for both family and ASD child. It is written from the personal experiences of a mother of an ASD child with all the insight and details that only personal experience can give. I encourage both professionals and parents of ASD kids to read this book, not once, but many times.

If you have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, READ this book. If you work with a child with ASD, READ this book. It will help you to better understand Autism Spectrum Disorder, the child and the problems faced by parents/family. It will also inspire you to persist, advocate for and help the ASD child to succeed academically, personally, socially, emotionally and professionally.


It's quite simply a wonderful book, rich in information and inspiration. A must read.

This is an incredible story of a deaf man who was found wandering the streets of Jacksonville, IL and subsequently institutionalized at Lincoln State School and Colony. It is an easy-to-read account that tells about all of the horrors and abuses that John Doe No. 24 endured and the way he survived it all. When he also went blind, he was almost totally disconnected from he world. Yet, somehow, he maintained a sense of humor and enjoyed the simple things of life.

Anyone interested in the beginning of what is now called "Special Education" should read this book. Highly recommended.

A very interesting story and topic best summed up by Mary Chapin Carpenter herself when she penned the words in her song that she included on John Doe 24's tombstone, "Well there's no doubt that life's a mystery, but so too is the human heart." I would suggest that many readers are drawn to this book through Mary Chapin Carpenter. For those that are, you are apt to find a 'Lewis' that is different than the one you may have envisioned since you first heard Ms. Carpenter's haunting melody. In many ways it is hard to distinguish the human being that lives inside this deaf and mute body. It is difficult to read because it tears us from the comfort of our own 'perfect' lives.

The song apart, I learned a great deal about the history of institutional care through the journey that Lewis stumbles into in 1945. The picture is not pretty. Still, it is important to understand that institutional culture does exist in America. Having read this book, I am now compelled to learn where it is today with the hope that it has improved dramatically since the events I read in Mr. Bakke's book.

Not a particularly 'fun' book to read, but one that should be on your list.

Mr. Bakke has written a riveting book about a nearly unbelievable life. The reader is rapt by the circumstances 'Mr. Doe' meets at every turn, and Mr. Bakke has penned his words in a way that allows the reader to feel something of the feelings Mr. Doe must have experienced. The story told by the book is at once heartrending and hopeful; Mr. Doe is 'trapped' in 'the system,' but he is often shown mercy by compassionate people who even now deserve to be honored for their efforts.

One question remained when I had finished the book: Why did no one---the police, a social worker, ANYBODY---allow Mr. Doe to take them back down the trail he had traveled? Let him be a passenger in a car, pointing his way back to his place of origin?

Great book, though. I'd recommend it for almost anyone of any age. THANK YOU, MR. BAKKE, for showing us the twists and turns of this lost human riddle.

that not that long ago in this country someone was found wandering the streets and there were no means to identify him. How sad that someone had raised him for 16 years and then "lost" him. This is a story about one man's dignity. Unlike a lot of stories involving institutions, it seems as though John encountered an awful lot of caring people employed at these places. I find it interesting that although he learned to communicate with others, he never discussed his past or gave any real clues as to his beginnings.

It's a well written book about a sad subject. I recommend it.

On October 11, 1946, a black boy of indeterminate age was found wandering the streets of Jacksonville, Illinois. When police discovered he was deaf, mute, and suspected to be retarded, he was sent to the Lincoln State School and Colony, a state facility that bore little resemblance to its name. Had he been permitted to stay at the School for the Deaf, his life would have been completely different, but that school was not permitted to take retarded people.
The Lincoln School was a self-contained city having a farm with price-winning cattle and a dairy processing plant. It generated its own power and returned thousands of dollars to the state treasury, thanks to the free labor provided by the residents (really inmates). These people varied from the very severely retarded to those of borderline intelligence. The place was vastly overcrowded, and the pecking order among residents was often established violently.
John Doe, as he was called since they were unable to identify him at all, was given an I.Q. test, but much like any test, if you don't understand the value or importance of the test, there will be little incentive to do well, even assuming you can understand what is expected of you. A special test was used that had been designed for the deaf, but the examiner had difficulty conveying the purpose and instructions for the various tests that were disguised as games or puzzles. John's deafness and inexperience were a huge impediment, and, not surprisingly, he scored very low on the test. This result was to haunt him for years to come. After several unsuccessful escape attempts, John gradually adapted to his surroundings. He had no known relatives so there was no one to claim him nor to send him packages or money that might help alleviate his situation.
By the mid-sixties, thanks in part to JFK's commitment to improving conditions and education for the mentally retarded and an Illinois commission, facilities and conditions were improving at the Lincoln School. John Doe had now been there close to two decades. Unfortunately, it was also the time of Chlorpromazine that the psychiatric profession had discovered could turn unruly or violent patients into virtually catatonic, but untroublesome, individuals. It soon became the drug of choice for nearly everyone in an institution. Despite regular doses, John was becoming one of the best students in the ASL class that had been started for the deaf residents. He became a trustee and was placed in charge of several other patients, helping them to dress and to get ready for the day.
By 1973 the side effects of the drugs began to manifest themselves and John was inflicted with diabetes and glaucoma. In 1975, the Lincoln School was converted into a state prison, and John was sent to the Jacksonville Developmental Center. He was now totally blind, but thanks to a few dedicated individuals, his talents were recognized and he was sent to the Helen Keller School. This provided him with the skills he needed to subsequently live in a series of group homes.
He died a few years later, but to this day no one has still been able to track down his identity.

This is the fascinating true story of a little boy who through no fault of his own is incarcerated in one of the appalling Irish industrial schools in existence in Ireland until 1970. He suffered physical, emotional and sexual abuse and as if this were not enough, he was then taken by the nuns of the industrial school and left to spend years of his precious life in different hospitals where he appears to have been no more than a guinea pig and was left with a permanent disability. Up to this day, no-one within the system has accounted for the brain operations, his eventual disability or any reason why he was in the different hospitals.
The book is very well written and although it describes the horrors inflicted on a small child, the sadistic treatment he received in the hands of the nuns, one can sense a healthy resignation which comes across every page thus making the unbearably sad story a little easier to read.
I found the book an inspiration, an ode to life, for after the total deprivation of affection, protection, a simple toy even, and having had his life taken away from him and practicaly destroyed, he not only survives with sanity but he wins in a superhuman way as he tells with such dignity about the perverse system under which he and so many other children were detained.
It must have been very difficult to relive the horrors whilst writing this very informative book. And for such an effort, I am indebted.

When The God Squad was first published in Ireland in 1988, the Irish public were confronted with the reality of life behind the walls of religious-run orphanages and industrial schools. However, perhaps because it was seen as just one unfortunate boy's story, there was no general sense of outrage directed at the perpetrators or at the system which allowed supposedly 'religious' men and women to ill-treat children entrusted to their care. That had to wait until another expose by the journalist Mary Raftery eight years later.

But Paddy Doyle broke the silence and for that we must all be grateful. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the real Ireland of the recent past. Paddy tells his story eloquently and without self-pity. The God Squad will break your heart. Read it.

I know this book is not out of print because I ordered it and read it in one day. Any intelligent reader knows that the mark of a good writer is the ability to write masterful, engaging narrative, and Paddy Doyle tells the story of his young life honestly and directly. It is this straightforward essential truthfulness which will keep your attention from page 1 through the epilogue. Of particular import in this literary journey is the challenge to see that the beauty of life is not there because of or in spite of what one survives, but because the human spirit, so brilliantly demonstrated in the Irish spirit of Paddy Doyle, is a fire that cannot be damped down. It's also a fine example of what happens when the church and state relationship gets too cozy; something we Yanks take for granted won't happen. Point and click your way to owning this book, it *is* available!

Excellent and a very good read. I have read a few books about Ireland's Industrial Schools and saw the movie "The Magdeline (sp?)Sisters." All are helpful in understanding what the children Of Ireland's Industrial Schools went thru. Although Paddy only wrote about his experiences in "The God Squad," I feel great love and compassion and sadness for these children as well as a sense of great strength coming from them as adults to have the courage to tell their tales. God Bless every one of them and hope that they can find a sense of release and closure from the pain by letting the rest of the world know their stories.

"The God Squad" by: Paddy Doyle is an extremely well written book that took me through the whole range of human emotion. I laughed, cryed, was angry and happy as the author led me through his life from 4 1/2 years old through the epilogue. It is a book that I could not cast aside to finish later.....the 236 pages were rapidly devoured in a few hours. I recommend it very highly to everyone. The education, alone, is very well worth the price that one would pay for ANY book!....No wonder that it was a best seller in the United Kingdom. It will hit the USA in a big storm too!

Excellent source for parents of teens transitioning into adulthood and independence. Great tips for school meetings.

Learning Disabilities do not have to be a giant neon sign blinking "I can't" over ones head - they can be overcome just like any other disability. "Guiding Teens with Learning Disabilities: Navigating the Transition from High School to Adulthood" is a comprehensive guide for guidance counselors and others responsible for assisting these individuals onto the next stages of their life. Advice on understanding the transition planning process under the IDEA of 2004, how to accept these individuals more, and how to prepare them for their life long careers. "Guiding Teens with Learning Disabilities: Navigating the Transition from High School to Adulthood" is a must have for any educator in charge of these special needs students and for community library education shelves.

Dr. Roffman has thankfully written exactly the guide book I needed as my Down Syndrome son turned 16. As a parent, I had no training in how to think about transitioning my son to adulthood. He has been in an inclusion school environment all his life, from infant day care to high school. But the transition to the wide-open space of adulthood, when the structures of schooling were gone, was a complete mystery to me. How could I prepare? How could my son be best prepared during his final few years of secondary education?

Roffman's guide is a step-by-step roadmap for parents, of what to do, what to ask, who to ask, and when to ask. It is also useful for anyone on the service side of transitioning learning disabled teens. The book seems most specifically addressed to the parents and service providers of children with more common learning disabilities than Down Syndrome. Yet it helped me to raise my hopes and standards of what to expect for outcomes of my son's transition as well. For example, with proper preparation, perhaps my son could attend a community college or build a more advanced skill set toward future employment than I was thinking previously.

When I attended his 10th grade IEP review meeting, I felt completely prepared, and for the first time, I knew what I wanted to have happen during the meeting, and it did! This book made the difference. I have recommended Roffman's book to everyone in our school district's SPED PAC, to those who work with my son in the high school, and to members of the school committee. I no longer feel like "the blind leading the blind." Instead, I feel confident that I will be able to support my son's transition with confidence, even if I don't know all the answers yet. Now I know how to ask the questions, of both my son and his service providers, in time for us to figure out the best answers together. If you are parenting a learning disabled teen, or providing services for ld teens, I highly recommend you get a copy of this book. You'll be glad that you did.

This book is organized well. It explains what you need to do in a step by step fashion. It has tables, and checklists. It pulls in essential information that you need in reference like style that is easy to go back to.

Other books on this topic, which I've obtained, review, and returned because they read like a story book because they were difficult to reference later on. This one is not a story book, by an emotional author. Its written with facts, objective recommendation and suggestions that you can apply to your own situation as you see fit or as you need.

This is a concise, well-written, very understandable guidebook for parents and teens with LD facing a challenging time in their lives. Most delightfully, this book is very positive (while realistic) in its tone and suggestions. For a small book, it is simply packed with practical strategies (with emphatic finger-pointing bullets!) and guidance. The timetable is an easy to use resource for those with attention challenges! Dr. Roffman intersperses case vignettes to show the human side of these issues, and she shows what the individuals can and did do to deal with the challenges. Very good role models for success! All in all, an excellent book. I'll keep this copy on hand to show parents and will certainly recommend it to staff and patients. It's a must read roadmap for families who find themselves at this intersection.

Jerome J. Schultz, Ph.D.
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Director, Center for Child and Adolescent Development
Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School

Neither cheap nor a light read, but just what it says - a definitive summary of the state-of-the-art in knowledge about autism and the other pervasive developmental disorders. Everything you need to know is in here.

As a parent of an Autistic child, I purchased this book when my son was first diagnosed. It has a wealth of information and helped me better understand the few treatments available and the state of research on the disorder. It is a technical book, and not for all parents, but it is dog-eared in many sections from my use. I hope there is an update in the near future.

This is an very comprehensive manual on autism and pervasive develomental disorders. Latest research data is included, providing professionals with updated information that can assist them in conducting differential diagnosis. I feel this book goes a long ways towards increasing knowledge in the world of autism

The editors of this 2nd edition have selected an outstanding group of authorities to present a balanced and authoritative text of this disorder. It's timing is perfect, since autism has changed from a shunned and "hopeless" diagnosis to an often treatable condition. A must for medical libraries and state departments of health and education.

Second book I read when trying to figure out whether my son had autism/PDD. Not for the parent who is faint of heart, but excellent, balanced, and objective resource for the parent who wants a deeper understanding of the research literature. Depending on your educational background, some chapters may be incomprehensible (e.g., the chapter on neurochemicals), but almost all are accessible to the well-educated and attentive layperson.

This is the best biography about Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller that I have read. Since I was a child I have been fascinated by them and have read everything that I could get my hands on. Lash goes beyond their heroism and describes Annie and Helen as real people with "feet of clay."

He relies heavily on voluminous correspondence to show the many facets of Helen and those in her life. Many of these details are not explained in other biographies. For example, Helen's father tried to shore up his finances with loans (often defaulted) from Helen's patrons. The "Frost King" incident caused many people to doubt Annie's veracity and credibility as a teacher for the rest of her life. Mr.Sandborn and Mr. Anagnos used the controversy to divert attention from Annie's role as Teacher to Helen and to re-focus attention on the role that the Perkins Institute played in her education. Lash also shows that John Macy had a complex relationship (for the good and the bad) with both Annie and with Helen. Helen was a radical Socialist and often risked her popularity and, therefore, their income by speaking out in support of Socialist leaders and causes. In the end the reader sees that Helen and many of those around her did great things, but they were not perfect. Insecurity, jealousy, money and a desire for love and fame caused all of them to act ugly sometimes.

The other point that was never clear to me before, is that Helen and Annie spent their lives marketing themselves in order to generate an income. Helen's father faced a serious financial downturn that prevented him from supporting them from Helen's young womanhood on. Therefore, to continue Helen's formal education and to maintain a home away from Alabama, they had to cultivate sponsors, write publishable material, and earn money speaking at a myriad of functions. In many ways, this was an uncertain life that dictated that they remain in good standing with public opinion at all times.

The other connection that Lash made for me concerns the complexity, the depth and the breadth of Annie and Helen's relationship. Because Annie suffered through a harrowing childhood, she desperately needed to create a loving family. Helen presented the perfect opportunity for Annie to be needed and to love and be loved unconditionally. While some people construed their relationship to be unhealthy or manipulative, it seems that it was a natural outgrowth of their particular situation. Once again, it was not perfect, but it served a huge need for them both.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to see a more realistic view of the lives of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan.

There is no need to read anything else on Helen Keller or Annie Sullivan Macy, because it is all included in this incredible biography. This in-depth look at these two remarkable women was both readable and throughly informative. Of all my research on Annie Sullivan, I have found nothing that is not mentioned in Mr. Lash's work; he has truly captured her spirit, along with her triumphant pupil.

The lives of Helen Keller and her teacher, Ann Sullivan Macy are eternally intertwined. Helen Keller, blind and deaf since infancy depended on Annie since the age of 6 when the latter was hired to teach her.

This comprehensive, fascinating and completely riviting biography does an excellent job of separating the two women's lives and analyzing each woman in her own right. Helen takes giant steps beyond the water pump where Annie first impressed upon her the concept of language. It is to this author's credit that the reader does not languish at that water pump, but follows these women throughout their lives.

The true symbiosis is fully described when other teachers as well as Helen's own mother Kate, try to separate her from Annie. Feeling that her maternal authority had been usurped, Kate understandably wanted to wean Helen from Annie. Each attempt by any person to effect such a change resulted in disaster. Even Annie's marriage to a gifted editor named John Macy ended in an acrimonious split because he felt Helen took up too large a portion of their lives together. From all accounts, Macy seemed to feel that Annie used the same domineering methods she had used on the child Helen with him. He also described Annie as "manipulative and controlling," which certainly seem like apt descriptions of her approach. Resentful of Helen's constant presence and feeling like an odd member of an equally odd triadic relationship, John retreats further from the marriage.

When Annie dies, Helen is disconsolate; she feels she can't survive without her "Teacher," although she, by that point had been at Annie's side for nearly half a century. A bright, progressive woman named Polly assumes the role of "Teacher," and Helen flourishes under her gentle tutlage and interpretation. Polly is clearly accepting of Helen's challenges and appears to make a sincere effort to see that Helen is fully included in all conversations and activities which she [Polly] is part of. One does not get the sense that Polly is a martyr. One gets the impression that Polly is loyal and determined with no agenda of her own.

Helen's relationship with Polly does appear to be much healthier than her relationship with Annie. This book fully explores Helen's character, her life experiences and the types of relationships she forged in the post-Teacher years with intelligence and sensitivity.

AFB Press is the publishing arm of the American Foundation For The Blind. Helen And Teacher, written by biographer Joseph P. Lash and published by AFB Press, is a magnificent, 811-page opus that is the most comprehensive work ever done on the unique and moving story of a little blind, deaf and dumb girl, and the dedicated woman who brought her into contact with the world, and with people. The basic story is well known to the general public, the subject of stage plays and movies. But in Helen And Teacher, we are treated in exhaustive, definitive detail to this landmark biographical story of the human spirit. Also highly recommended from AFB Press is their wonderful little gift book, To Love This Life: Quotations By Helen Keller which is also available in an audiobook format.

Informative! It does get a bit long & wordy at times, but it's a fair representation of Helen & Annie's lives. The more I read about Annie Sullivan, the more I like her. I think it was a real shame that Arthur & Kate Keller felt threatened by the close bond Annie had with Helen. I think Arthur & Kate just wanted Helen to be "trained," but not really the free independent spirit she was meant to be. I'm so glad Annie stood by her & helped her become a free person & became a lifelong friend to Helen as well. Annie was very open about whatever failings she'd had & was a warm, loving supportive guide in Helen's life. I get the feeling Helen & Annie had almost a mother-daugher-like bond, which of course practically killed Arthur & Kate. The stupid thing was, the Keller parents wanted to just shift over the responibility to Annie of educating her & getting her to fit into society, yet wanted total control over Helen's life. If anyone was manipulative & controlling, it was Arthur & Kate. Esp. Arthur, I think was really patronizing & downright domineering toward Annie. Kate didn't help matters either & when I read about her attempts to break Helen & Pete up later on & her consent to try to split Helen & Annie up, I really lost respect for Kate. I know I'm slamming Kate & Arthur here, but I see Annie as more of a loving parent figure in Helen's life. I really commend Annie for standing strong against Helen's domineering, manipulative parents. Oh, boy, was that John Macy a real creep! I was sooo glad Annie got away from him; he accused Annie of being "manipulative & controlling" when he was controlling himself! He KNEW Annie & Helen had a tight bond, yet after he married Annie, he started giving poor Annie a hard time about it! What was really contemptable was that John wrote to Kate & others badmouthing Annie behind her back & it's good that the book exposed that clearly. That made me lose respect for John too; sorry, but I have no sympathy for John Macy. I think Annie tried really hard to be a good wife, yet John just criticized her for being too close to Helen. Poor Annie, it was sad reading about her heartbreak. It was touching & kind of reassuring to read that it was Helen who came to Annie's support when Annie couldn't stop crying for several days over John. It was Helen who fired a letter off to John blasting him for badmouthing Annie. I cheered when Helen was the one who helped Annie get back on her feet, esp. since I hear that John cleaned out the Macys' joint account & closed it without Annie's consent & Annie had to struggle to get her career going again. Boy, was it inspiring to read about Annie's heart healing & her getting her writing going again as well as back on her feet financially! I love how Helen & Annie stood by each other all the way & once Polly joined them, stood by them too. Annie's shaky pride suffered a lot of blows in her life, but always she managed to get back on her feet. I always knew Helen was forever grateful to Annie for freeing her from her early wordless prison & helping her get started to an independent free life & Helen showed this gratitude by being the one to take care of Annie when Annie grew old & frail & went permanently blind. It was a touching mother-daugher bond almost...when Helen was young, Annie looked out for her, then the roles reversed; when Annie got older & weaker, Helen was the one to look out for her & it was great that Helen was able to be by her bedside when her mentor & friend died. What was wonderful also was that Annie was a really sweet, accepting person; she had so many problems in her life, yet never sank into self-pity; she even made wry jokes about her blindness & even wrote a self-effacing column "Foolish Remarks From a Foolish Woman." That part cracked me up! Annie was a quick-tempered little thing, but was quick to forgive & had a big heart & I'm glad this book acknowledged that. Even Helen said that Annie was generous "to a fault." But the last best gift Annie gave Helen was the capacity to be completely independent, even from her, so once Annie died, with only a little help from Polly, Helen was able to live a free life, even long after Annie was gone. I say kudos to both Helen Keller & Anne Sullivan!!!!

The following review was written by Jennifer James of "The Mom Salon" for mom bloggers ([...]), and also appeared in the 10/26/08 issue of the Schrader Autism Report.

I want to preface this book review by saying that neither one of my daughters has autism or autism spectrum disorder, but as I delved deeper into Hope for the Autism Spectrum I found myself surprised by how riveted I became in Sally Kirk's moving story of living with a child who does indeed have the disorder and determined immediately that this is the book that I will recommend to anyone I run across who is dealing with autism on any level.
In Hope for the Autism Spectrum: A Mother and Son Journey of Insight and Biomedical Intervention, Sally Kirk lays everything on the table about the disorder and doesn't hold back detailing her experience discovering that her child had autism spectrum disorder and describes in laymen's terms the latest medical treatments and scientific advances to help improve the lives of children like her son.
Parents who begin seeing telltale signs of autism in their toddlers will find a refuge in this deeply personal tome of a family's life living with a child with autism spectrum disorder and a mother's incessant drive to help find the necessary help desperately needed by her son.
What makes Sally Kirk's story and extensive research so essential for children affected by this disorder is she looked at the underlying physical problems of her son and figured out ways to minimize his symptoms by altering his diet, using nutritional supplements, and staying away from heavy metals. All of Kirk's recommendations in her book are easy to understand and have minimal costs.
Every part of Sally Kirk's book is easy to understand and in reading it you will hear the reassurances of a parent seasoned in this disorder. Essentially, you will feel as though Kirk is tightly holding your hand throughout your own process of coming to terms with your child who may be showing signs of autism spectrum disorder or has already been diagnosed.
Hope for the Autism Spectrum is a book that should be on every family's shelf who is going through the early trials of autism as it will save them a lot of heartache. As its title suggests Hope for the Autism Spectrum does offer limitless hope for its readers, but beyond that Kirk's writing and tone throughout assure every bleary-eyed, seemingly defeated parent who is going through this disorder that the light is indeed bright at the end of the tunnel.

I find this book easier to follow than many others that have been published. I started reading this a few weeks before seeing a DAN! doctor, and this book provided me with a solid foundation of the basics of biomedical treatment. The book is written in terms parents can understand without needing a medical background. I'm a visual learner, so the flowcharts are very helpful in understanding cause and effect. Also, there are good appendices. I refer to this book often.

I have read practically every biomedical book out there on autism for my little boy. Most of my books find new homes. This book will be on my shelf for a long time. If you have read Dr. Kenneth Bock book on autism and Dr Mccandles book you know they are good and this one is right up there with them. I felt the first part of the book was a little drawn out. The last part of the book has a wealth of information with the newest information you will need. From some of the best probiotics to purchase to alternating different fungal medications. There is even a website you can go to, if you can't afford a DAN doctor to get you the tests you need, you can go through this site to get the tests without a doctor. This book really helped me to understand more about yeast and clostradia and alot of other matters that most autistic children have and i consider I now have an arsenal of information to help my little boy. I can't recommend this book enough to anyone trying to save there child through biomedical intervention. Great book.

The Autism Research Institute highly recommends this book (I have attached their review below). I think that speaks volumes about the value of the book content. I can also tell you that the book is easy to read and understand (and even entertaining at times). It provides detailed information to parents about how they can help their children through changes in diet and by reducing exposure to environmental toxins. Its value lies in its heartfelt story and in its nuts-and-bolts advice.

Here is the Autism Research Institute review:
Sallie Kirk joins the ranks of Warrior Moms who have turned author with her new book Hope for the Autism Spectrum, (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, September 2008). In her first-hand account of the journey she's taken through the autism spectrum with her son Will, she describes how her experiences using a biomedical approach served to vastly improve the quality of his life.

As Will's story unfolds over the course of this 320-page book, readers learn of the many biomedical interventions available - all told from a mother's invaluable first-hand perspective.
A strong proponent of the Defeat Autism Now! approach (a project of the Autism Research Institute -ARI), Ms. Kirk describes with careful detail the progress Will made in the care of a physician skilled at implementing these treatments, and includes ARI's Parental Ratings of Biomedical Interventions in the appendix of her book.

Hope for the Autism Spectrum received the coveted starred (noteworthy) review in the Library Journal, which called it "An essential book for public libraries." Read the Library Journal review online

Although biomedical treatment is generally recommended as early as possible, Ms. Kirk's story proves that it's never too late: she didn't begin biomedical treatment with Will until he was 11, and it was these very interventions that made a huge difference in his progress.

A highly recommended book for parents who want to learn about how biomedical interventions can help their child.

A wonderful book that is both enjoyable to read and will make a profound difference in your special needs childs life and yours. A must read for anyone who wants to help children on the autism spectrum.

This book sheds such light on autism and people with autism. They are not autistic first. They are people first with autism. Reading his words were so eye opening is helping to discover what goes on in an autistic person's mind. The capabilities are endless. There is so much hope. Their mind is wired differently than a so called "normal" person...whatever that means. Easy to understand now why the medical profession believes Albert Einstein was a high functioning person with autism. The focus, the introversion, the dislike of change, having like clothes to wear on a daily basis. Just a few of the examples given. Great seller as well. Fast shipping!

This book was one of the best books I have read about autism. I feel like I understand my son (with autism) so much more than I did before. The author was excellent at helping us understand how he perceives the world. It is amazing to me how much people with autism are misunderstood. This book makes it clear that autism is not a disability of the mind but rather an alternate way of perceiving the world around us. This book is a must read!

It was an awesome book! I loved his earlier book "The mind tree" and this book is just as good. Tito's early and vivid memories of his childhood at such a young age is truly amazing!

His poetic and visual writings allow me to see things from his point of view and opens a window into the world of autism through his eyes.

His book is truly a voice and a wake up call to all those who don't believe in the hidden intelligence that the mayority of people with autism possess. It's really a matter of opening our eyes and forcing us as society to look beyond the physical, what we see on the outside. The famous old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover" truly applies to autism.

Thank you Tito for continuing to teach us to look beyond the superficial and into the soul of the person. You are so blessed to have had Soma in your live and we are so Blessed to have her in our kid's life. Thank you for sharing her with the world! She truly is amazing as you are.

Ivonne Fernandez (CA)

This is a front row seat on a journey through the mind of a phenomenal young man ! Tito articulately and artistically addresses some of the most common misconceptions about Autism ! Many things this author wrote about from his own experiences I found similar to my own son who is autistic. Tito offers his readers a unique outlook on autism . One that the rest of the world needs to take a good long look at!

An inspirational and poetic story that gives a unique window into the perceptions and experiences of a non-verbal autistic boy from a very young age through young adulthood. Also, this book tells a wonderful story of Tito's mother Soma, who along with Tito, gave up their family, culture and daily comforts in search of a way to allow Tito to communicate and share his world. This search led to a lifetime of work and sacrifice which has resulted in Tito being able to share his life with us through this book. Tito wonderfully describes the misconception of autism as a "disease" rather than a "disability", and the perhaps misplaced need for families, and indeed society, to find a "cure" for autism rather than focusing on maximizing the true (and often hidden) potential of autistic persons through meaningful education, support, dignity and respect. This story is a rare, first person account of Tito's growing up with autism and being able to perceive and understand the world around him, while at the same time being unable to communicate his experiences until learning to write. Tito sums up his story with, ". . . I feel blessed for being what I am." We are blessed and privileged to share his story.

My daughter age 9, cherishes this book like no other. Why? I'm certain it's because she no longer needs to ask, why? She now has an understanding beyond the adults I come in contact with, and being an innocent child, she doesn't doubt the rude effects of PD. Thank you Rasheda for having the Love necessary for this advocacy and fight.

When I was disgnosed with Parkison's disease 11 years ago, the diagnosing neurologist made a comparison that people might mistake Parkinson's for dementia. It has taken me a long time to rid myself of that image. I found that the Parkinson's library at LSUSHCS (Louisiana State University at Shreveport's Health Scienced Center) had purchased I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall: A Child's Guide to Parkinson's disease by Rasheeda Ali, I couldn't reserve it fast enough. This amazing work by this amazing and courageous daughter was just what I had been searching for to send to my two grandsons, who live outside of Boston (I live in Texas) and whom I see once or twice a year, because of the distance. I wanted them to understand Grampy's struggle and to not be afraid of him if he acts strangely or can't keep up with their boundless seven and nine year-old energy. I've not seen them since I purchased the book and mailed it to them, but I have every confidence that my next visit will be a 'comfortable' and enjoyable one with, hopefully some questions for Grampy about Parkinson's disease upon which they and I can establish common ground.

Thank you, Rasheeda, for this grand gift designed to provide knowledge and put a 'face" to Parkinson's disease.

I found this book to be very helpful because my husband has Parkinson's disease and it has helpt my daughter understand what is going on with him.
This book anwsered most of her questions

Kudos to Rasheda Ali for writing a beautifully illustrated guide that educates its readers both with fact and compassion. I truly believe that the book's explanation of Parkinson's disease can be a guide, not just for children but for all family members. This text is a "must have" for families coping with seeing a loved one deal with Parkinson's disease.

I believe this book was great idea to help our kids understand their elders, and I hope that the same idea can be used to write similar books about other terminal diseases such as Alzheimer's.

I also think this book should be made available in primary school libraries, to make it more accessible to all children wither any of their relatives have PD or not, because I believe that such information should be known by everyone.

This book gives all levels of teachers practical and ready to use ideas. Highly recommend this to all teachers involved with inclusion.

I am very impressed with this book. It has many useful tips for inclusion (it outlines a process for beginning inclusion) and has a variety of accommodations for different learners. Accommodations are helpfully organized by types of activities (reading, writing, math, general teaching strategies, tests, etc.), and most of the accommodations would also benefit non-disabled students. I also like the humerous cartoons and the quotations throughout the book. The reproducable forms at the back of the book are also very useful. As a new Special Education teacher I find it a great resource.

When I was told my daughter would be in an inclusion class, I didn't know quite what that meant--and neither, it seemed, did the school. Her speech therapist slipped me a copy of this book and suggested I study up so I'd know what to look for and what to demand. As soon as I read it, I couldn't wait to get my own copy. Inclusion seems to be the wave of the future in special education, and a book like this one can help everyone--parents, educators, administrators--get on the same page. Next time, I'll be the one slipping it to somebody.

This wonderful book actually attempts to make inclusion teaching sane. I would not have made it through my stint as an inclusion teacher in a middle school without it. Unfortunately, I didn't find it until after Xmas; still it got me through the roughest part. General ed teachers hate inclusion without exception. They need this book, too, since they are for the most part out of the loop--that is, they know NADA about special ed kids. This book addresses that issue and so many other issues; it offers great ways to teach different subjects to these wonderful kids. Guess what!?! A lot of these teaching techniques worked well with regular kids, too.

This book is one of the best that I have seen on inclusion. "450 Strategies for Success" gives a wealth of information on to how to actually put an inclusion program into place at a school. The book has real, practical strategies to put to use in your classroom. Also included are schedules that you can use to plan school days for your students. The tips for creating a positive environment to help every teacher help their students with special needs in the inclusion classroom are priceless. I'm ordering a copy for the teacher's lounge at my school!