Disabilities Books

This book is the answer to every person on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum's prayer. People with Asperger's are empowered with knowledge of what this neurobiological condition entails and how to act as their own advocates. For people on the a/A spectrum, please make this book your best friend. It will certainly pave the way down the Long & Winding Road to social acceptance.

Tacit Social Codes & Rules are often ambiguous and confusing to those on the a/A spectrum. This book does an excellent job of demystifying those rules. Another road block people with Asperger's face is being misinterpreted -- what seems clear and direct and perfectly a propos to somebody on the spectrum sometimes comes over as a social faux pas. George Harrison explained this aspect very well in his 1966 classic, "I Want to Tell You," with the lyric "but if I seem to act unkind, it's only me, it's not my mind. That is confusing things."

One of the major challenges people with Asperger's contend with is determining whether or not to disclose this diagnosis and if so, to whom. This book helps clarify many of those questions and serves as a link to communicating with the neurotypical (NT) population.

I love this book!

This is a one-of-a-kind resource that educators (and so many others) will find very helpful. The subject of disclosure (how, when, where, who) is not commonly covered in other texts on autism and disability-- even though it is so important. Educators and other support people will learn so much from the voices of these individuals on the spectrum. My favorite chapter is Stephen Shore's (author of Beyond the Wall) piece on how students with disabilities can participate in their own educational programs- it is such a practical AND a thoughtful chapter. Shore gives dozens of great examples of how even the youngest child can serve as an agent in his/her own life and education. Thumbs WAY up on this unique and helpful text!

In the last five years I have read many books about Asperger's syndrome as the mental health field has learned more about it and as I try to help families understand the source of a young child's difficulty and determine the best course of treatment. This book is a gift to professionals and families alike. It is a comprehensive resource with information highlighted in summary boxes throughout the text. It explains normal development of 3 to 6-year-old children and the many ways Asperger's syndrome can present, offering descriptions of three children from evaluation through treatmnet. Helpful therapies are described in depth by experienced practitioners, including parent-child play therapy, pragmatic language therapy, occupational therapy for sensory and motor issues, and Leventhal-Belfer and Coe's own specialty combined social skills / parent support groups; alternative therapies are discussed as well. The chapter on working with schools in developing collaborative relationships to help a child is excellent. With all this, one of the things I especially liked about this book is its warm, engaging, respectful tone and its focus on the parents' emotional journey in coming to terms with Asperger's syndrome in their child.

This is a very informative and indeed very important book. I say that both as a parent of a child struggling with the issues discussed in this book and as a Clinical Psychologist. The overall style of writing is neither pedantic nor dummy-downed, and the authors clearly have front-line experience. The authors review how Asperger's affects social development as well as the myriad issues surrounding school functioning. They clearly enumerate which professional services can be considered under which circumstances, both for the child and also for the parents and a variety of intervention strategies are reviewed. How to talk to and what to ask of teachers and other professionals is discussed using a helpful format. Most importantly, this book is clearly written by those with empathy for the child and the parents' journey. They adopt a non-"pathological" approach that is attuned to the child's perspective and strengths. I've read a lot on this subject -- it is my business -- and I found this book to be the best at explaining this complicated topic.
--Nina Prudden, Ph.D.

"Assisting students with Disabilities" provides clear, professional guidelines for counselors who work with special needs students. The authors never lose sight of the students whose needs are being served, write straightforward prose, and represent a lot of learning in a small space.It's the most useful book on the subject.

This well written book is must for counselors working with students who have special needs. It gives sound practical insights on to develop a plan that works for these students. Thumb ups!

Very good for Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists. Excellent for rehabilitation engineers. A very good guide for those who wish to start an AssistiveTechnology Service in rehabilitation.

This is one of the best books on Assistive Technology that I have read. Sue Hussey establishes herself as the leader of this field. The whole world wonders what will she write next? The illustrations, apparently done by her talented brother, are also incredible.

Everything you need to know about assistive technology and new laws about assistive technology.

AS a teacher in the higher education area, I found this book to be excellent in a good, solid overview for my students. I am currently using it in my class and would recommend it to anyone in a teacher education program.

Very helpful. Easy to read and understand. Have a daughter with a new Downs baby and we are all learning more about this special child. Very encouraging for new parents and grandparents.

This is a wonderful revision of the classic parent's guide to raising a child with Down syndrome. The previous edition (edited by Stray-Gundersen) has been updated with the most current terminology and research, plus dozens of photos of adorable babies and children. The book is highly compassionate, but also accurate, factual, and objective.

Barry's Sister is a wonderful book that I like because it shows some conflicts that children face in real life. This story is about a twelve year old girl, named Ellen. One day when she came back from school, her mom told her that she was pregnant. When she heard that, she felt jealous, but after all she was only beginning to face her long-hidden rage against her father a Naval officer aboard a nuclear submarine, for being away most of the time. She didn't like the idea of a new baby that would mess up her life, so she prays that the baby would disappear. When her brother Barry was born, he had cerebral palsy. Ellen felt that her terrible prayer was responsible, so she suffered overwhelming guilt. She decided that she hated Barry and wanted nothing to do with him. Then her mother's new friend, Maribeth, who had a disabled son, helped Ellen to see things differently. Maribeth explained to Ellen all about disability and cerebral palsy. So, then, Ellen understood and began to see things differently, and became dedicated to Barry, almost becoming a mother to him. She saw herself as a mother, caring for her cub, single-minded and ferociously protective. This is mostly interesting for girls but it does have appeal for any girl about age 12 or older. Mothers would also find it interesting.

Barry's Sister is a wonderful book that I like because it shows some conflicts that children face in real life. This story is about a twelve year old girl, named Ellen. One day when she came back from school, her mom told her that she was pregnant. When she heard that, she felt jealous, but after all she was only beginning to face her long-hidden rage against her father a Naval officer aboard a nuclear submarine, for being away most of the time. She didn't like the idea of a new baby that would mess up her life, so she prays that the baby would disappear. When her brother Barry was born, he had cerebral palsy. Ellen felt that her terrible prayer was responsible, so she suffered overwhelming guilt. She decided that she hated Barry and wanted nothing to do with him. Then her mother's new friend, Maribeth, who had a disabled son, helped Ellen to see things differently. Maribeth explained to Ellen all about disability and cerebral palsy. So, then, Ellen understood and began to see things differently, and became dedicated to Barry, almost becoming a mother to him. She saw herself as a mother, caring for her cub, single-minded and ferociously protective. This is mostly interesting for girls but it does have appeal for any girl about age 12 or older. Mothers would also find it interesting.

As an advocate and teacher educator, I have given away more copies of this book than I can count. Mary Falvey has created a resource that is not only user-friendly but based in research and focused on best practice in K-12 schools. It covers IEPs, assessment, curricular adaptations and more. Essential!

Author Mary Falvey's advice is so cutting edge, sensitive, practical, and visionary. She fully understands inclusive education from preschool through postsecondary options and beyond, to life in inclusive communities. Mary is personally and professionally connected to those individuals with the most significant disabilities. She shares information on to promote your child's access to the general curriculum, how to get the school to use appropriate modifications and assessment strategies, how to encourage friendships, how to work collaboratively with the school, how to problem solve, and what your legal rights are. To keep current as a special education attorney, I have read over a hundred books in this field. Believe In My Child will join the ranks of the small handful of books I recommend to my clients.

Living as we do in a society attempting to come to grips with disability in the mainstream, Dr. Condeluci's book is like a breath of fresh air. Such innovative thinking is important; Dr. Condeluci issues a challenge to those who devalue persons with disabilities and offers perspectives on change in a readable and engaging work.

Living as we do in a society attempting to come to grips with disability in the mainstream, Dr. Condeluci's book is like a breath of fresh air. Such innovative thinking is important; Dr. Condeluci issues a challenge to those who devalue persons with disabilities and offers perspectives on change in a readable and engaging work.

This book is beautifully written. I kept reading until I'd finished it, pausing along the way for my own emotional encounters with the text. The softness of the language and the storytelling gift only brought the indescribable brutality and cruelty of Caiseal's early life into stark awareness. Those with the disability were his family, his community, his doctors -homophobic Australia at its worst- and its not so many years ago. His extra-ordinary full life experiences and his clear descriptors of fragmented personalities captured my imagination. He has an amazing intellect and an equally huge capacity to move beyond "survival". As a neurotypical I have much to learn from him. As a teacher, I often tell parents of autistic children about Caiseal's story - to encourage them to THINK BIG for their children. Please read his story.

Caiseal Mor courageously told the story of his difficult childhood, and how he has risen above it. A very inspiring, and at times shocking, autobiography.