Disability-and-Health Books

An outpouring of beautiful emotions even for a very short read! With great pictures that capture true love, patience and understanding.

This is a wonderful book told from a kid's perspective! Great! We have 2 kids with Down syndrome, so this subject is very dear to our hearts. It even discusses the use or misuse of the word retarded. Loved it!

My daughter loves the pictures of little Jai, but the text is too detailed for young readers on one page, appropriate on all the others. My biggest concern is the line "there is nothing we can do to make Down syndrome go away" -- which teaches siblings the assumption that it should. My son has Down syndrome and I wouldn't change him for anything, nor do I want his sisters to think that we would prefer him to be someone else.

Quentin

By Kerry Kenihan

Published by Penguin 1985

206 pages with photos

Quentin Kenihan's bones are as fragile as eggshells. Born with severe osteogenesis imperfecta, he has experienced, in his ten short years, at least 160 fractures.
Until he was four, his parents accepted specialists' opinions that Quentin would never walk - mere gravity would shatter his bones. It was claimed that nothing could be done for him. Four years later, not only had Quentin achieved mobility, but had developed into an intelligent, witty and stubbornly independent boy.
Quentin's story is inspiring for its courage and determination. His mother's frank telling of it gives a moving insight into the dilemmas and hopes of families with disabled children.

I am writing to say that I don't think the review from the person in Yugoslavia is about this book. I read it many years ago, and am sure it is not about about a boy going to Alaska to kill a bear with his bare hands. It is a true story of a boy who has OI (brittle bone disease). Very touching.

Quentin is the heartbreaking story of a good kid done wrong. After graduating from a suburban high school he travels to Alaska with some friends. In Alaska, however, he almost gets eaten by a grizzly bear. In order to save himself and his cherished friends, he slays the beast with his bare hands. . . Much to the dismay of the enviromentalists. Oh My!

Thus begins the journey of young lad confronted by danger at every turn. In Argentina, he wrestles a alligator, in Thailand he swims with sharks and in Colorado, he out-skis an avalanche. Gripping stuff. A modern day robin hood.

I have been teaching almost 12 years and I WISH I had read this book when I was student teaching. What a FANTASTIC resource! Having read this book explains so, so very much. I found it particularly helpful in allowing me to see how some children w/ ADHD may be misdiagnosed when in fact they have SPD. In general, I found it so very easy to read b/c of it's Question and Answer format and the simple layout of the book makes it easy to use as a desk-reference. The author's way of presenting the information is in understandable terms, not medical or psycho-babble! I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who works with children and especially to parents who seek to better understand the SPD world their children live in daily. Very informative, very important and a book I WILL NOT put up on a shelf and periodically dust off. This is one to dog ear, pass on and wear out!

I have always lived with hydrocephalus and have grown up with SPD. Age has helped tremendously, but there are still some sensory "quirks" I have to deal with. They are nothing like those my son, who is autistic, has to deal with, but they're there. This book makes perfect sense of them! It gives a good lay-friendly explanation but also includes the technical terms that help me understand my own issues (and explain them to others) as well as my son's, and it gives some great ideas on how to deal with them.

If I could, I'd give it 4 1/2 stars, only because it goes into some conditions that make SPD a problem, but there is no mention of hydrocephalus (which is much more common than even doctors think), or even more commonly-known conditions, such as cerebral palsy. Many of those mentioned are more mental conditions (i.e. affecting the mind), rather than the brain. Minus that tiny oversight, I'd recommend it to anyone who loves or cares for anyone who has SPD.

I'm an occupational therapist who works in a clinic and school setting.I just finished reading SPD answer book and it provided the specific information I've been looking for! It's a perfect resource for parents and for adults living with SPD. The book's written in a question answer format, so you can easily get your questions answered immediately. The author does an amazing job of breaking down the science of this disorder while explaining it in practical terms. It's like a mini encyclopedia on SPD, describing the physiology, everyday functional strategies to handle sensory overloading situations, therapeutic activities, and a list of concise resources in the back.

Dr. Amen is very committed to this work. His son has ADHD and he has dedicted is time to helping others and their quest for wholeness. I discovered I had ADD while researching the subject for my son. I fit the criteria for ADD. WOW what blow. But now I understand myself and my son. Since then I have taken alternative avenues to help my situation. Phytonutrients/aloevera products have helped an healed me and my son. Also he addresses the issue of alcoholism as an issue in some families and this may play a role in the family history contributing to undiagnosed ADD and or ADHD. From there I bounced to vision therapy issues for my other son and he has been helped and healing has begun physically and emotionally for him as well with the phytonutrients. I owe this healing continum blessing to God and to his soverignty for allowing Dr. Amen's book to come my way. I pray blessing on Dr. Amen for his time and caring for people with this disorder. Now, however, I do not call this a disorder. I call it a blessing, I know now that my son has genius qualities in certain areas and I am now homeschooling him as a result. What was a terrible blow to my pride and a frightening experience has now become a turning point to healing. I highly suggest you read the book,however, for those biblically trained, ignore the meditation and hypnosis approach, but, don't disregard the whole book because of these. Presently from here I'm writing a book on ADD and the bible all because of the initial book by Dr. Amen. I also suggest another book by Dr. Amen. Healing the Caos within, I believe this is the correct title name. Blessings on your journeys, God is in control and He loves you.

Bonnie Homeschoolmom

This should be a must read for every parent of an Adder or an Adult Adder. Dr. Amen has treated thousands of patients, but what assisted me tremendously is that he is both a father of two ADD children and a husband to an ADD adult. He has walked it so he can truly talk about it. I have two ADHD children and I am ADD. We got on the right track from reading this book shortly after being diagnosed. He covers the MANY angles of how ADD effects ones life and how to deal with it. The most technical part, understanding the frontal lobe where the disorder originates, is written in laymen terms. There is even a quiz that can be taken that will help direct you to where you may need to go next in receiving the help you need. AMEN to Dr. Amen

I've been sharing this book with friends of mine who also have ADD. How do I know they have it? I run them through the surveys.

Why didn't I give it a 10? It is full of typographical errors. Other than that, very useful!

We haven't used this one yet, but looking it over shows how much is out there that we didn't know about. It is helpful that the book differentiates between "slow walkers" and "wheelers", as this is something that a lot of B&B hosts don't get. Too many think "accessible" is accessible to everyone & those of us who live with "wheelers" are often frustrated to find "it ain't so". This book will help us plan our vacations more carefully and yet not be stuck with typical look-alike chain hotel rooms.

There Is Room At The Inn: Inns And B And Bs For Wheelers And Slow Walkers by Candy B. Harrington is a resource and travel planning compendium of thoroughly researched information on Inn and B&B accommodations throughout America. An extensive and reliable guide for identifying and booking ideal locations for physically disinclined people traveling anywhere in the country, Candy Harrington has compiled and expertly organized an informative grouping of handicap accessible Inn and B&B lodgings by state. There Is Room At The Inn notes important details regarding the access features of each inn and B&B guest room, while offering useful comments from innkeepers regarding their own attitudes about access. Additionally enhanced with suggestions for easily-accessed sights in surrounding areas, and a checklist of questions for travelers to ask innkeepers, There Is Room At The Inn is very strongly recommended for anyone in need of a comprehensive and accurate information resource on America's most handicap accessible inns, suites, B&Bs, dude ranches, safari parks, and mountain retreats.

This book is a must for anyone who is challenged, needs a wheelchair or is a slow walker, which includes many senior citizens who love to visit inns and bed and breakfast places for their nostalgia. Most of these travelers have found it difficult in a previous inn or b&b and have decided not to try any others. However, with great research and care for detailed descriptions of handicap services and amenities available, Candy Harrington has opened a whole wonderful world of travel to the challenged traveler, one that is most comforting as well as accessible. She describes these places even in safari parks and most unexpected places.This is a MUST for any slow traveler or wheelchair traveler. Excellent!

Deborah Merlin shows how conventional medicine totally failed to deal with these boys who had various traits of autism, ADHD, aspergers and Tourette's syndrome. Alternative medicine ended chronic ear infections, and later brought remarkable mental recovery with amino acid supplementaiton.

However, I have to rate the book lower, because a large section of the book by another author is not reliable information. As I have had a terrible time searching for what I could believe in nutrition, in the process of writing HONEST NUTRITION, I recognize what looks like exaggerations, perhaps bigotry; at least carelessness with truth. What Larry Cook writes could be very important, if you can discern what parts of it you can believe.

The last chapter, by a third author, brings our vital, generally unknown information about mercury toxicity. Read it!

Deborah Merlin's story of raising twin boys with ADHD is both compelling and instructive.

You will find yourself rooting for the boys as you read of their struggles growing up, and for their mother as she fights the traditional health-care system.

Larry Cook adds his expertise in holistic medicine, making a solid scientific case for a more natural approach to ADHD and related conditions.

This is an excellent book that will change the life of any family with kids experiencing these problems.

Imagine having twins. It could be twice as much fun or it could be double the trouble. Now imagine having twins with special needs. That's what Deborah Merlin went through when she delivered two premature babies in 1988. One of her children was so ill that he remained in intensive care for several months after his birth, and Deborah had to visit him and take his brother along with her.

Both boys had developmental delays and were diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. Numerous doctors insisted that Deborah and her husband, Chris, put the boys on Ritalin. Chris refused so Deborah searched for a natural solution.

Not only did she find help for her two sons, but she also discovered a new way of living that improved her own health tremendously: it decreased her allergies and her son's, improving their stamina and energy, at the same time as reducing sinus and ear infections.

Victory over ADHD is a fascinating book. The first half is a mother's account of her battle against the health-care system. Even if we have not experienced Deborah's struggle, we instantly empathize and relate to the sad fact that many of us have been disappointed or forsaken by conventional medicine.

The second half of the book is written by Larry Cook, who has written and studied holistic medicine extensively. He discusses the potential toxicity of vaccinations, mercury, toxic metals, allergies and neurological deficits in great detail.

Merlin and Cook make a great team. They have written a powerful book that will resonate with all parents of children with special needs, as well as those with healthy children. The book also makes a strong argument for early intervention for children with developmental and neurological problems.

If you are a health professional, and you've ever wondered how to ask the difficult/awkward questions, you should read this book. I would in fact recommend it to anyone who knows, or works with, a disabled person.

... Suffice it to say that I read the book, enjoyed it despite the dry clinical parts. The author gave me lots of insights and made me change therapists... My new therapist was threatened at first that I had read this book but she asked to borrow after two weeks.

As a life long disabled person struggling with new and more debilitating problems due to Post Polio Syndrome I found the book informative and was glad I read it...

i have a disability and am a compulsive reader, so i've seen what's out there. this is one of the best books on working with and relating to disabled people that i've encountered. i'd guess it would be useful to almost any kind of professional or educator working with people with disabilities--not just psychotherapists.

the ideas hang together well, are well thought out, and well explained. there's an excellent mix of theory and concrete examples. the author's personal pespective adds a lot to the book and clearly enhances her professional skills and insights.

If you have been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome or know someone who has been, this book is esential as well as short and informative about what to expect. Frequently asked questions are answered in simple form. Written with first hand expierence about the Tourette disorder, this book is a great purchase.

This book give you the words to explain the child with Tourette Syndrome what's going on with him/her. It's a complete and easy book to read that explain everything about TS and the most important how to communicate the child in a natural way, what is the Tourette Syndrome and what expect about it.

I was looking for a book explaining Tourettes to a 6 yr old and , although this book is well written, it is better souited for older children.

I found this little book practical and insightful. Tony Atwood knows his stuff and has compressed it into language that is easy to understand and can be read in a short period of time. This book is more of a booklet, and not intimidating for someone who may be novice to autism.

Comparing "Why Does Chris Do That?" with "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome", I noticed both have something in common: Dr. Attwood's writing style ends by suggesting the summaries of every chapter.
Ironically, however, "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome(CGAS)" is easier to read than "Why Does Chris Do That?(WDCDT)"
First, CGAS involves lots of specifics and other related symptoms, while WDCDT seems to focus mainly on Autistic Spectrum Disorder(ASD). Certainly, I thought WDCDT was easier to deal with in order to start learning about Asperger syndrome(AS) because I assumed it has fewer pages. But in retrospect, I'm afraid WDCDT seems to lack up-to-date information to tackle with ASD and AS. To be quite honest, WDCDT didn't attract me enough to enhance my knowledge.
Second, I found out CGAS would be better than WDCDT when it came to closer analysis on AS. On top of that, CGAS involves more plain and up-to-date sentences although CGAS has more pages than WDCDT. I dealt with WDCDT earlier than CGAS, yet honestly I didn't catch what WDCDT was all about even right after I read it through. Of course, I know it wasn't the author's fault. Rather than that, maybe I wasn't smart enough to comprehend it.
In the long run, CGAS is more suitable for me than WDCDT to strengthen my knowledge and strategies to know more about AS traits because I bet any developmental impairments have a lot to do with other specific symptoms.

This is a much needed work about autism and how autistic behaviors affect people of all ages. I like the way Dr. Attwood has explained autism and its related behaviors in adults.

Dr. Attwood is a leading expert and authority on autism/Asperger's Syndrome. Autism and its related condition Asperger's Syndrome are neurobiological conditions that affect sensory processing and integration as well as communication skills. The a/A spectrum covers a vast array of behaviors and this, as with any spectrum shows overlapping behaviors. No educator, parent, medical professional or other interested person should be without this book. This work is for everybody and does a sterling job of uniting the a/A and NT (neurotypical) population. It deserves a place of honor among all; it provides much needed insights into the rationale for certain responses and accompanying behaviors.

Let's raise our glasses to Dr. Attwood! THANK YOU, DR. ATTWOOD!

Is true peace truly possible? "The World I Imagine: A Creative Manual for Ending Poverty and Building Peace" comes to readers with a simple message, that ending poverty and ending peace are two goals in the same, and if one is gone, the other shall fade as well. Peace can't coexist with poverty, and within, Debbie Johnson puts her mind to work and tries to put forth answers to the many questions that the world asks. "The World I Imagine" is food for thought for any reader who wants to work towards a better world.

The author wrote a magnificent piece of literature. I think this should be read by all the poltical candidates for US president this year

We've all thought about how we would change the world were we given the chance or asked. Debbie Jordan has taken the bull by the horns and put forward her thoughts on ending poverty and building a truly peaceful society, two things she feels go hand in hand.

This is a book richly overflowing with ideas. Well put together and eminently readable her thoughts broken down into a encyclopedic version of how to run the world, she works from the axiom that the cost for all basic personal goods and services would be collected as a basic tax that was no more then half the amount earned by the lowest paid fulltime worker on the planet.

Descriptions of how needs differ from wants, how placing everyone on a level playing field and updating systems that in some form, have been in place since medieval times, are just a selection of the ideas she touches on. Our healthcare system, the current political farce and education also are covered.

Skeptics will of course find flaws and rationalize that a total change in how we have come to view ourselves and live our lives would be necessary for this to work. But hey, what does every dialog with the taxi driver, every discussion in the break room and every chat at the beauty parlor land on, what a gosh awful mess we're in and how come no one can seem to find a way to change things.

Debbie Jordan may not have all the answers but if this little book gets into the hands of some of the movers and the shakers and a few grassroots groups with some backbone things could begin to change incrementally. Having a guide such as this one to open dialogs and get people thinking is our best bet of obtaining the peace we all have imagined.