Disabilities Reviews

White's Rules: Saving Our Youth One Kid at a Time

Published in Kindle Edition by Broadway (2007-03-27)

Authors: Ron Arias and Paul D. White

List price: $17.95

New price: $9.99

Average review score:

-

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-08

I thought this book covered some very practical ideas. A lot of the stories found in the book were a bit surprising. He truly made a turn around with some of these kids. He also admits that not everything worked.

At times I found myself getting a little caught up with his sense of an ego lingering through the pages. I almost felt as if there was a bit of bragging going on. Although I think he is a man who deserves to boast since he sacrificed a lot of time and money to help others, not mention often putting his life at risk for his kids.

I gained a couple of good ideas about how to get kids inspired to do things, to build up courage to do the right thing, to ask more of parents, and most of all to emphasize strong morals and values. I'm not talking about religious morals, he vaguely mentions them, I'm talking about being a good person and fighting for justice in your daily life.
He talked about sacrifice, work ethic, respect, integrity. I even learned some things about these values myself. It's what this nation educational system is lacking and I'm glad he brought up!

One thing I found faulty with his system: he had the option of kicking kids out of his schools if they chose not to comply with his standards. That is one very significant option teachers and parents usually don't have.

However, he emphasized parents roles in their children's lives. I would definitely recommend this to parents, because he acknowledges that more often than not bad behavior is caused by a weak structure at home, reading this would only help. He really brings these kids back from the dead as well as some families in the process. I'm glad someone finally acknowledged the growing problem of education systems: the lack of care or concern for these kids BEYOND the classroom.

Every school district administrator should read this.

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-14

Mr. White doesn't claim to have a system to cure all of the schools' ills but he certainly has a good start. He also makes the statement that today's kids aren't any worse than we were but just the boundaries aren't as well defined as we had back in the 50's and 60's.

Mr. White does admit to his failures, not every one has coming through his doors went out a better human being but many are able to shop where they want and get ahead instead of stuck in the same dependency cycle.

His rules are simple. He outlines them in the book and how he applies them. He told a story on the radio about a wealthy parent pulling her child out of an expensive private school to attend his charter school. The usual method of admission to his school, Mr. White jokes, is 2 felony convictions. The wealthy parent was impressed with how the kids behaved and were learning much more than at the expensive private school.

Now there is a caveat here, Mr. White's school is only 30 to 40 students with himself, a probation officer, and another teacher in a tough part of town. The teachers and the students spend the whole school day together talking about personal issues as well as the educational topics.

Mr. White has taught in regular schools and admits he has as many non-contract renewals as awards, so everything has not been a bed of roses. He says the biggest key is the administration backing up the teachers and principals. The parents need to talk with the teachers - so this isn't just a teacher working against the system but creating a support system for the students.

white's Rules..common sense

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-23

paul white has made it simple...just do what is already available to do..the kids will get there if we let them and encourage them. this is a must read for everyone...

i passed this book on to some teachers and adminstrators...they tell me there is a waiting list to read it.

well done

Making a difference

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-19

There's tendency as a veteran teacher of twenty-five years to think I have all the answers about how to run an effective classroom. White's Rules is a reminder that what is basic in life is also basic in the classroom. The classroom must provide more than academic instruction; it must be a place where teachers establish the primary values and morals that their students need to survive in the world outside the classroom. This book shows how teachers can demand bedrock solid values of their students and reap the rewards of mutual respect that such values create. White's Rules is not just a book for inner city teachers and their "incorrigibles" it is also a book for teachers like me in the suburbs with diverse middle class kids. The combination of strict consistent discipline and unconditional love is a formula that works. I recommend this book to anyone looking to find what's essential and what works in the classroom today.

Teaching morals is just as important as teaching science, math, hisory, etc

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-15

I agree with the many points that White makes. Kids will naturally test limits and so clearly defined limits with significant consequences are necessary. But while enforcing rules that students must be punctual, not swear, and not dress like a gangster are worthwhile, the later half of the book is the most important. Teachers should not simply teach kids academics, they also need to teach morals, how to live right, to care for others, and to make a difference. While his rules might not be able to be enforced so strictly everywhere, I think they can be modified and adapated for most schools and other similar organizations. The book is motivational and encouraging, I recommend it to parents, educators, and anyone who works with groups of adolescents.

The Winning Spirit

Published in Hardcover by Doubleday (1997-10-13)

Author: Zoe Koplowitz

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Average review score:

A great book and an inspirational story

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-17

I picked up this book on a whim. I got late notice that Zoe was coming to my area to promote our annual MS ride and couldn't attend. I checked out her book here and the price was right so I ordered it just to sooth my curious nature. What a great book! I'm about as the last person you'd expect to read this book but I did and was moved by it. Zoe's story is compelling and the resolve that accompanies her sense of humor are truely insprirational. I'm registering for the New York City Marathon in 2004 and I hope to meet her in person. Great book!

Funny and inspirational... A must read!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1998-03-28

This book is hysterical! I laughed so hard that I nearly wet my pants. (And I was in the waiting room at the dentist's office at the time!) Zoe reminds us that the attitude that she takes into each marathon, and the one that Multiple Sclerosis patients and others should take into the daily marathon called life, is not the importance of winning, but the importance of doing our best with a smile on our face and a song on our lips.

Zoe, 10-time marathoner with MS, truly inspires. Must read.

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1997-12-17

Zoe Koplowitz is a no nonsense, straight shooter, beacon of hope and inspiration to anyone facing life challenges. The 10-time NYC marathoner, the last place finisher each year, shows us that determination and pure will, coupled with human kindness and compassion can propel anyone to cross the finish line with dignity and glory...all their own. This book is the "Road Less Traveled" of the millenium. Pithy, smart, thoughtful, painful and joyous, all rolled into a wonderful, spirited read.

Staggering!

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 1998-05-03

Zoe Koplowitz bursts out of the pages of her book like the marathon runner she is. Diagnosed with MS in her 20s, she started participating in the NY Marathon in her 40s. Its a dead last finish every time but with wry wit and the spirituality of one with a chronic disease Zoe illustrates her incredible spirit. Ice, gale winds, street gangs, threats of drive-by shootings and the race run on crutches in the dead of night are some of the events she has experienced. The NY Marathon on crutches? Yes indeed and thats only the beginning of Zoe.She unfolds sometimes like a tender flower and other times like a bamboo spike growing in some steamy SE Asian jungle. Her warrior spirit is infectuous even if one isnt coping with slings and arrows, A must read for those heavily involved in a pity party. A definite must read for those who explode in the joy of life.

I can't believe it's not in Oprah's Book Club

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 1998-07-30

After reading a synopsis in the Aug. issue of Readers Digest, I went out and bought the book. It's an absolute MUST read!

Ten times better than the Christopher Reeve book. I laughed. I cried. I wished it would never end. It's hilarious, touching and absolutely riveting. By the end of the book, you feel like a totally new person.

I've never written a book review before, so you've got to know how much I loved this book. Buy it, read it and pass it on to a friend. It's truly transformational.

A 5 Is Against the Law! Social Boundaries: Straight Up! An honest guide for teens and young adults

Published in Paperback by Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2007-01-01)

Author: Kari Dunn Buron

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Average review score:

A 5 is Against the Law

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-25

Excellent. Our 15 year old autistic boy understood it and is really working on his behavior, apparently with real understanding of what the social rules are for.

Excellent Resource

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-09

This is a very nice resource for the older child with Asperger's or socialcognitive difficulties. There is a lot of flexibility for the skilled educator to adapt the scales for a variety of situations. It is also useful for the inexperienced teacher to use a direct model.

Very useful!

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-25

This book is so useful for people with autism spectrum disorders that I wonder why there were no books that are this useful until very recently. As someone with Asperger's Syndrome myself, I realize how much sooner I would have learned good social skills and appropriate behaviour if there had been books like this 30 years ago! For much too long, I was a very marginalized member of society, and this was because nobody gave me the help that I needed in order to know what behaviour is appropriate in what situation. Instead, people just kept me out of situations in which my inappropriate behaviour mattered.

This book is a "must have" for parents and teachers!

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-08

This book is one of the best resources for teens with ASD. The author presents real life social scenarios and uses a simple behavioral approach to helping teens understand how to make an appropriate response. It is effective as an instructional tool (and therefore preventive) or as a strategic process to remediate negative social interactions. I highly recommend this book!

ADHD- Living Without Brakes

Published in Hardcover by Jessica Kingsley Publishers (2008-03-15)

Author: Martin L., M.D. Kutscher

List price: $22.95

New price: $14.83
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Average review score:

ADHD- Living Without Brakes

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-05

This is a very informative & understandable read for parents & educators of children with ADHD. It gives a lot of useful interventions that are easy to set up. It's a great resource for those CSE meetings to determine if your child qualifies for any help or adjustments in how his work is review & graded. I would recommend this to any parent who is navigating the Special Education & 504 Maze.

Any health library strong in ADHD solutions and diagnosis needs this easy approach

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-17

From the wide range of ADHD symptoms and common difficulties parents face in diagnosis and handling ADHD kids to solutions to these problems based around four rules, Dr. Kutscher discusses the basics of handling ADHD kids, offering checklists, discussions of both school and home solutions, and more. Any health library strong in ADHD solutions and diagnosis needs this easy approach, which will appeal to parents common confused by jargon and medical studies.

Living Without Brakes

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-01

The book is very straightforward and easy to understand. The author does a nice job explaining ADHD in kids and is a great book for parents with a child who has ADHD.

A very good, brief-yet-fact-filled place for parents to begin

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-06

I recommend this book to any parent who has recently entered the ADHD world with one of their children. My 9yr old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type this spring. ADHD Living Without Brakes is the first book I read after sitting through the parent feedback session with the child psychologist who performed my daughter's neuro/psych test.

I found this book to be a wonderful diving board into deeper waters of ADHD reading, if you will. In 130 pages, Dr. Kutscher clearly, consisely and effectively tells us about ADHD in terms of brain physiology, emotional effects on the ADHD'er, strains on family life and a memorable explanation of what it must feel like to have ADHD. For me, that last bit was unexpected and cherished. So many times while reading this book did I stumble across an "ah-ha!" moment of recognition.

After reading ADHD Living Without Brakes I understood my daughter exponentially better than I had before; and I felt confident in choosing further reading on ADHD that would have seemed overwhelming at first (you know, the three inch thick books on ADHD that include a maddening amount of information of which you'll only need a small percentage).

Dr. K's descriptions of ADHD's effects on the brain's executive functions are invaluable. Understanding executive function opens the door to sympathy and help for the ADHD child. His explanation of co-morbid dysfunctions are eye-opening.

He gives parents simple steps we can take to make our child's life function smoother and for us all to feel more sane at home. Using his techniques has worked well for us. His suggestions are basic, loving and realistic, rather than a complex system that needs special training and memorization.

I only have two criticisms of Dr. Kutscher's book:
-- Be warned that his language can be a little harsh toward parents in a couple of places. I'm guessing that his experience has been with many families who have lived in a crisis mode for a long time. For those cases, the blunt language is very appropriate and it's good to get it out there to keep our perspective clear. I will grant that Dr. Kutscher also gives parents grace in the book as well. Thank you for that! There's a balance -- just don't be shocked when you come across a couple of zingers aimed at parents.

-- In my opinion the summary should have been handled much differently. The book is 166 pages long; 35 of that is the summary! The summary literally restates ALL the pertinant info from every section of the book. That's great and everything; but it doesn't do it in bullet form, instead it's another narrative, most pages containing huge verbatim chunks from the front of the book. Good grief that was laborious to read. Yes, it's very important to read all the information more than once; but I didn't expect such a long winded summary. Brief notes with page numbers for cross-referencing would have been fine.

All that being said, I find this book my favorite so far, in terms of telling parents why ADHD looks, acts, sounds and feels the way it does. This book helped our family tremendously. I keep it next to me at my desk.

Alpine Achievement: A Chronicle of the United States Disabled Ski Team

Published in Hardcover by Authorhouse (2002-02)

Author: Lori J. Batcheller

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Average review score:

A Can Do book........ Yes!!!! 10 stars

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-10

Hope people don't assume this is a book ONLY for those who are disabled, because it isn't. And shy 200 pages it packs a lot of information into the pages. Everything from the history of disabled skiing, to the evolution of equipment that the skier uses.

Then there is the sections on skiing blind, above the knee amputees, arm amputees, those who ski mono and those who want to do so for pleasure as well as competition. It also talks about NASTAR , which is the acronym for the National Standard Race and is the largest public recreational grassroots ski race program in the world, developed in 1968.

This year over 100 ski area courses are scheduled to have meets.

On page 105 the author notes (and I agree) "Anyone who enjoys skiing knows the pleasure that comes from being out in fresh mountain air, viewing the surrounding landscape from ski lifts and mountaintops, and the feeling of wind brushing across your face as you glide across the snow covered hillside. Skiing also improves strength, endurance and balance, which is especially beneficial for people with disabilities."

There is a healthy size glossary of terms at the back of the book along with pages 141-178 dedicated to names, addresses and other contacts for ski areas in all ski states. As well as information on how to get involved.

This is a book I am getting my library since I want more people from my community to know that just because they or a family member or friend is in a wheel chair or otherwise disabled doesn't mean they cant take part in winter sports!

a book about heroes

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-14

First time author Lori J. Batcheller has worked up an eminently readable history book & catalogue of the who, why, what, when & how of Disabled Skiing.

From how Disabled Skiing got it start after WWII to the legends in the sport, athletes, coaches, sponsors & supporting staff, to classifications & training schedules, this book covers it all.

ALPINE ACHIEVEMENT is an exciting, exhilarating, informative edition to your sports library.

The story of the courage and spirit of the Disabled Ski Team

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2002-11-10

This is the story of the often unbelievable feats, courage and spirit of the United States Disabled Olympic Ski Team. It is a comprehensive history of those diasabled persons who have overcome and adjusted to obstacles of great magnitude, and become first rate athletes. An enjoyable read and a resource for anyone who is interested in, or wants to know more about, the necessary adjustments required of a blind skiier, for example, or a one-legged person--as well as the history of disabled skiing; chronicling its beginnings from shortly after WWII to the present.

Read about the prosthetic and adaptive equipment made available by various equipment manufacturers, as well as the efforts of rehabilitation professionals and volunteers.

This is a well-written account, easily worth five stars.

Joseph Pierre

For anyone with an interest in skiing in general

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-05-10

Alpine Achievement: A Chronicle Of The United States Disabled Ski Team by Lori Batcheller is the first book to thoroughly chronicle the history and sport of disabled alpine skiing. From the inception of this activity in Europe after World War II down to the present day, and with an especial focus on how the U.S. Disabled Ski Team triumphed over their disabilities to become high-caliber athletes, Alpine Achievement is as much a story of hope, success, and making the most of oneself as it is a story of sport on snowy slopes. Alpine Achievement is highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in skiing in general, and disability rehabilitation/athletic competition in particular.

Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manual--What You, Your Parents and Your Teachers Need to Know: An Interactive Guide and Workbook

Published in Spiral-bound by Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2006-03-11)

Author: Ellen S. Heller Korin

List price: $21.95

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Average review score:

Asperger Syndrome: An Owner's Manuel--What you, Your Parents and Teachers Need to Know

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-26

This is an Awesome workbook for Parent's and pre-teens. My son is almost 12 and it really helped us work thru some of the pre-teen issues that come up.

A Much Needed Tool for Self Exploration, Self Awareness and Self Advocacy

Helpful Votes: 12 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-19

This is a wonderful workbook in which adolescents with AS can explore and embrace their own unique needs. The worksheets and concepts are very clear and pave the way for the adolescent with AS to gain critical insight into themselves and then problem solve, and plan accordingly. I HIGHLY recommend this book. The concepts and strategies can be easily adapted for use with all ages.

A 10 Star Help for those with AS!

Helpful Votes: 21 out of 21 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-17

This excellent book is clear, well thought out,and easy to use. Those challenged by AS are presented with opportunities for self exploration and an understanding of what AS is and how it might be effecting their lives. They are encouraged, validated, and this interactive workbook helps THEM come out with solutions!!! As a parent I can't recommend this book enough! I can see it being adapted for use with many ages.

Great Workbook!

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-04

My daughter, age 9, already knew a lot about Asperger's Syndrome, so introducing her to it wasn't an issue. She enjoys working in the workbook with me. Throughout the workbook, the child focuses on strengths and weaknesses, what the child can do and what they may need help with, etc. The child builds goals and plans for certain situations. We have not made it all the way through, some of the things are to make a homework schedule, etc., and we bought the book over the summer, so we are waiting for school to start before completing it. I really like that it helps me to be involved in her planning and tasks and gives us time to talk about things in a structured way, instead of her just venting about her problems. We are talking and working in a more productive way now, and hopefully as she works toward some of her goals she will see the benefits. My daughter is very high functioning, but I believe that it would be helpful to a wide range of children.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity & Learning Disorders Questions & Answers

Published in Paperback by Pnb Publishers (1998-01-15)

Author:

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Average review score:

ALL the Facts, and an Easy Read for ADDers

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-18

This book is designed to be used as a reference tool. Not only is it quick and easy to find the answers you are looking for, the explinations are completely referenced and are the most credible I've read in a book on ADHD. Very well written, and best of all, IT ISN'T BORING!

Ever been asked for your sources?

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-03-03

I found this book through a teacher's memo. Recently, some of my students were diagnosed with ADHD. This was by far the best source for addressing the concerns of parents, students, and other educators. ALL of the points are completely referenced, making it invaluable in answering the 'who says?' questions. If you're supposed to know, this is your ADHD bible.

FACTS BACKED BY SCIENTIFIC STUDIES, PROMPTLY SHIPPED!!!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 1998-12-21

For the sake of simplicity, a list of contents as presented on the book cover:

*Facts backed by Scientific Study

*Causes, Early Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment

*Medications, Diet, and Alternative Therapies

*How to Use Drugs Safely, With Minimal Risk

*Management Roles of Parents, Teacher, Psychologist and Physician

*Outcome and Prevention

This book is easily followed, an EXCELLENT REFERENCE, inspiringly unbiased, utterly complete and succinctly presented. Need anyone say more? Thak you Dr. Millichap, if you read this!

Most Up-to-Date & Comprehensive ADHD Fact Finding Tool

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 1998-11-17

In short, this is the one and only text you need. Since 1995, when my eldest son was diagnosed with ADHD, I have spent a great deal of money and time ordering and reading almost every text published on this disorder. As a single mother, and now an authority on finding the right source of information on this subject, my experience to share is that you will not find a more complete and ACURATE text on ADHD and Learning Disorders, anywhere. Questions & Answers provides more scientifically backed facts on every aspect of ADHD and related Learning Disorders than all of the other books on my shelf combined - and that's saying alot!

I have been searching for clear and reliable information related to causes, methods of diagnosis, medications, diet, alternative therapies and, generally, the most up-to-date medical opinion's on this disorder. Having bought just about every text on the market without feeling I was getting the best authority on the subject, a friend recommended Dr. Millichap's book. Since discovering it was such a relief to me, I have felt obliged to pass on the recommendation to everybody and anybody who has gone through the same frustrating search for a scientific, yet easy to understand, treasury of helpful facts that this text embodies.

Use this text, and feel properly informed - as for the rest, good luck!

The Autism Answer Book: More Than 300 of the Top Questions Parents Ask

Published in Paperback by Sourcebooks, Inc. (2007-09-01)

Author: William Stillman

List price: $14.95

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Average review score:

AUTISM ANSWER BOOK

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-22

I THINK WHOMEVER HAS A CHILD WITH AUTISM OR ASPERGERS, IT WAS A GREAT BOOK, AND ANSWERED A GREAT DEAL OF QUESTIONS. MY ONLY PROBLEM WAS, I DON'T HAVE A CHILD, I HAVE A TEENAGER. BELEIVE ME, ONCE HORMONES KICK IN, YOU HAVE A GREAT MANY "NEW" QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ANSWERED. ALL THE BOOKS THAT I HAVE PURCHASED, (I HAVE A SMALL LIBRARY), SEEMS TO DEAL WITH CHILDREN, NOT SO MUCH YOUNG ADULTS. BUT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN, IT WAS EXCELENT READING.
KK

Rethinking Autism

Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-12

My son was recently diagnosed as a child with autism. This book simply and thoroughly answered all the questions my husband and I had. We knew very little about autism before the diagnoses and what we knew wasn't completely accurate. It has helped us rethink what we knew and look at autism as just a part of who our beautiful and bright son is and not something horrible we have to face alone or in shame. The perspectives he shares from adults with autism were really empowering to hear. We are going to be buying copies for friends and family members to help them understand our son better. I would recommend this book for anyone new to this world and looking for answers!

Autism spelled out

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-13

This book is a good introduction or complement to information about Autism. Lots of good info

I wish this book was written sooner!!

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-03

How I wish this book was written sooner!! My son was diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder at age 2, he is now 4. This is the first and only, in my opinion, book that looks at Autism from a more positive and less "cynical clinical" perspective. These are REAL questions from REAL parents that may not make sense to some who read this book that do not have children on the spectrum, but for us this book is a God send. Thank you Mr. Stillman for taking the time to give your wisdom to this book. I have recommended this book to all of the parents that are just starting out on the Autsim Journey with their child. This book truly is a breath of fresh air into a society where most books on this subject leave parents feeling hopeless and depressed. This book leaves one with understanding. Once again Thank You Mr. Stillman!! God Bless You!!
Julia A. Howerin
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Before and After Zachariah: A Family Story About a Different Kind of Courage

Published in Paperback by Academy Chicago Publishers (1998-09)

Author: Fern Kupfer

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Average review score:

If I ruled the world, every parent would have to read this!!

Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 1999-07-23

This book is especially helpful and insightful for those of us who have handicapped children, but I really believe every mom or dad could learn from it. Although the "I'm so glad it's you and not me" phrase is thrown at us "special" parents way too often, there's some truth to the fact that most parents never have to deal with anything that remotely comes close to the things that happen daily when a family includes a disabled child. I especially appreciated the stories in the book from other parents of disabled children. Ms. Kupfer hit it right on the mark when she brought up the issue about "accepting" her child's disability. I wish the therapists and care providers and docs could get hold of that concept and really understand it. Awesome, wonderful book. It's old, but still good -- and very applicable in our society today that is pushing to do away with institutions for the disabled. What has always made our country great is our freedoms and our wonderful ability to choose out of all the opportunities available to us. Some would take this choice (to make use of institutions) away and call it a step in the right direction. They are sadly mistaken. Read this book and you will not be disappointed.

Before and After Zachariah: A Family Story About a different Kind of Courage

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-09

Fern Kupfer captures the essence of raising a child with special needs. She expresses all the mixed emotions, including anger and rage, that most families in this situation wish to express, but fear what others will think of them, if they do. Our society has told parents that raising a child with special needs can be done, and done well. Parents are often told that they have been specially chosen by a higher power to carry out this noble task. Fern Kupfer questions all those platitudes. She and her husband are doggedly committed to doing all they can for their child, and she realistically examines the effects this has on them as a couple, and a family as a whole.
This book should be required reading for all individuals working with children and families with special needs. This book would help many families in this situation understand that ALL of their feelings are normal,and that only they can make the best decision for their child and family, and not a society that shows little regard for individuals in this situation.
I applaud Fern and her husband for their courage to do what they believe is best for Zachy and the family.

A Good, Realistic Picture of a Child w/Multiple Challenges

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-01

The world was first introduced to Zachariah in a 1980 article of "Redbook" magazine. Fern Kupfer writes with a clear, clean, crisp and very direct style that is sure to reach all readers.

In more recent years, her severely developmentally delayed son's progress has been updated in this book. It made the reader feel somewhat bonded to the Kupfers (Fern Kupfer has written some delightful fictional stories that have appeared in "Redbook" and other magazines) and all the more interested in the approaches used to teach and raise this perpetual infant.

Zachariah's older sister, Gabi, provides comic relief. Bright and verbal, Gabi possesses a savvy that shows up at a very early age. Wonderfully original, Gabi is never at a loss to express herself and her mixed feelings about her brother. One does sense that Gabi feels a real loss. Her brother is on the developmental plane of an infant and most likely will remain an infant for the rest of his life. She is funny, lovable and unflinchingly honest in her assessments. It is through Gabi that one gets an even clearer picture of life with a loved one who is severely developmentally delayed.

Some years have passed since the latest update on Zachariah's progress. The residential program in Iowa where we last checked in with Zachariah sounded like a wonderfully humane place and one where persons living as perpetual infants got good, loving care and full protection.

An important and rarely-heard perspective

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-22

As the sister of a profoundly retarded young man, I recommend this book to anyone related to or otherwise close to a person whose mental functioning is severely impaired. While there is much material available on the mildly and moderately retarded, few books are written about the lives of the severely and profoundly retarded and their families. Fern Kupfer tells her family's story well, and by including quotations from many other parents of severely retarded children, she also puts that story into perspective. Her family's decision to place Zachariah in residential care was not made lightly or easily, and those who are struggling with their choices in caring for their relatives will find this book compassionate and helpful, as well as refreshingly honest. This book is also an important reminder to all that while the vast majority of retarded people can be "mainstreamed" with success, a significant minority do need a level of lifetime care that is extraordinarily difficult for a family to provide.

Born on the Wrong Planet

Published in Paperback by Autism Asperger Publishing Company (2008-04-01)

Author: Erika Hammerschmidt

List price: $21.95

New price: $13.11
Used price: $14.23

Average review score:

Aspergers Syndrome can drive a wedge between one and society...

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-15

Aspergers Syndrome can drive a wedge between one and society... "Born on the Wrong Planet" thinks it can be enough that it may seem that the sufferer is not of this world and it's strange ways and customs. Author Erika Hammerschmidt speaks of her difficulties overcoming what many people find so easily overcome in their lives, but is an uphill battle due to her Aspergers and Tourettes syndromes. An inspirational tale, "Born on the Wrong Planet" is the perfect gift for any intermediate reader of a young age trying to cope with their own Aspergers.

One for the Girls!! An Alien Journey with Priceless Insight!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-26

Erika Hammerschmidt provides a wonderful autobiography which enables us to journey onto her "planet of Asperger Syndrome" to better understand what it feels like to live on the autism spectrum. This unique and wonderful insight about Asperger Syndrome is priceless. I would highly recommend this book for parents and educators of individuals (of all ages) on the autism spectrum especially those with Asperger Syndrome. I also think that the book provides a wonderful journey for others on the spectrum to read to see that they are not alone on this journey. By offering us this insight, Erika has opened doors of understanding for all of us as we interact together on this planet.

Thank you Erika!

Joanna L. Keating-Velasco, Author, A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism

Erika you rock!!!!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-01-15

After reading the book,I recommended it to everyone I know and don't know. It is a book you can't put down once you start. Erika has done a great job giving her life experiences that have helped me understand my son a little bit better. I have also seen her and her husband John speak in person and wow are they good. Any chance anybody gets to read the book and/or see them speak, you won't regret it. When's the next book coming out?

Fascinating look at Asperger's, from the inside

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-02-25

This is a quick read, and a fascinating book. It's a look at the world from the inside of a person with Asperger's Syndrome, Tourette's, and OCD. I found the book to be a real eye-opener, as I have a child who has PDD and may experience some of the same things as the author.

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