Special Needs Children Books

This book, written for the elementary grades, offers a glimpse of what autistic children face and feel. It would be a good book for teachers to use for disability awareness or to read to classes during autism month (April). As autistic children participate more in classroom activities, it is important for other students (and their parents) to understand how they think and react.

Another book worth reading after this book is "The Boy Who Ate Stars" by Sarah Adams (recommended for ages 9-14).

This book is an ideal teaching tool for young readers about autism. The drawings are especially delightful and I just love the grid the young author makes of herself and Matthew. She applies several adjectives to Matthew with a corresponding drawing with the last one being "Matthew is autistic." She emphasizes other aspects of Matthew and his personality; autism is a part of identity. It is not his ENTIRE identity.

I like the way questions for young readers are included, e.g. "when was the last time you helped somebody?" This delightful book focuses more on commonalities than differences; Jeanette and Matthew will certainly teach you a lot regardless of age. This is the ideal companion book to ALL ABOUT MY BROTHER by Peralta.

Sundays with Matthew is a wonderful, whimsical book emphasizing "how to be a good person", and focusing on areas that autistic kids sometimes have problems with. By drawing out abstract concepts, visual kids can understand these ideas more fully. There is a great section of sketchbook tips at the end that encourage others to find their own sketchbook buddy, and use drawing as a form of communication.

Not only is this book full of delightfully entertaining drawings, it's also bursting with gems of wisdom about relationships and life in general. The perspective of an autistic child adds a poignant message about what truly matters in life. The Sketchbook Tips at the end of the book can be used by anyone who wants to start drawing but isn't sure how. "Sundays with Matthew" is a wonderful read for kids and adults of any age. It should be required reading in any school that has autistic students. I highly recommend it!

As an educator I have worked with several autistic students over the years and this book is a perfect model for what can be accomplished by these talented children with a little guidance. The book is an inspiration for all those working the field of education as it helps us imagine the possibilties for success that all exceptional learners possess. I read this book to my class and we came up with the idea of "response journaling" through art and text as a classroom project to issues we face daily and throughout the year. This book has given my class the motivation to create similar products. The book is well done and would be a welcome addition to any classroom library, especially if the class includes an autistic student. This book will help the other students in class more clearly understand autism and some issues that surround it. Great read-aloud.

I loved this book. It is worth every 5 stars. It was a great read. M. Lavora Perry did a wonderful job creating all of her characters. My only complaint about the book is it is way too short. So much could be added to this wonderful story.

Taneesha's Treasures Of The Heart is a young adult novella by M. LaVora Perry and sparsely illustrated in black-and-white by Chris R. Seaman. Taneesha is a young girl who stands up to bullies for the sake of her best friend. The power of understanding to unlock kindness in the human heart is a core theme of this inspirational and highly recommended story, which will also admirably serve to present a Buddhist approach to such friendship issues as faith, hope, and courage.

Taneesha's Treasures of the heart is a fantastic example of true friendship, heart and compassionate understanding! It shows that through a compassionate and understanding spirit, one can maintain good friendship and achieve the best of happiness regardless of race or religion. Ms. Perry's Buddhist perspective on happiness via friendship and compassion is an excellent example on how kids should treat situations of bullying and harassment from their peers. I loved this great book, and its a delightful gift to give a kid in any day. Kudos.

TANEESHA'S TREASURES OF THE HEART resonates with messages of kindness, friendship, and the social conflicts that children sometimes encounter while growing up. Our protaganist, Taneesha Bey-Ross, has been taught by her parents to treasure her friendship with her best friend Carli Flanagan because it is something special...something from the heart. Though they are different races and practice different religions, the girls are inseparable and hold tight to the strength of their friendship.

M. Lavora Perry has presented a wonderful story with loving characters that will inspire while teaching children the importance of hope, faith, and friendship. This book is a much needed treat that should be placed in every classroom across the country. ...

Taneesha's Treasures of the Heart is a sincere story that centers on a problem many school age children face from time to time - bullies! I found the Buddhist perspectives presented by Ms. Perry in this book to be a very good introduction into the religion and, one that will give young readers another perspective on dealing with social conflicts. This story filled with kindness and tolerance is an excellent read for all ages!

The book is pretty detailed and talks about many different laws that back up special students in education. It also talks about all the different types of special students that one ca n have in the general education classrooms. Overall I recommend this book if you have little or no knowledge of what is classified under Special students and how to go about helping them in their Education.

The book I received was brand new at an excellent price and the delivery was surprisingly speedy! I would definitely recommend this seller!

The book arrived quickly and in perfect condition. I consider this book to be a good resource for new teachers.
I have no complaints.

I've been a faithful user of the Lewis & Doorlag book since its first edition. Each subsequent revision has added substance and useful information that makes buying it worthwhile. Of all the introductory texts on special education, this one is the most concise, reader-friendly, practical and up-to-date. It has invaluable teaching strategies and resources to inform the practice of special educators and diagnosticians. The only downside that is consistent across all editions is the unevenness of its content. In virtually every chapter about a given exceptionality, say mental retardation, more emphasis is placed on nature of the disability and teaching strategies than on its causes. Therefore, when using this book as a teaching tool in college, it has to be supplemented with other resources that do more justice to the etiology of each special need.

I am a contract instructor who uses this book for an undergraduate level "Exceptional Children in the Classroom" class. I chose this text because it is practical and not as dry as Heward, another widely respected author of special education texts. Many strategies are provided for meeting the needs of students with disabilities as well as gifted students, those who are at risk, and those who are linguistically and culturally diverse.

After my daughter was diagnosed with Autism. I searched everywhere for stories about other families and how they were coping and living. This book has packaged it all up and sorted it into catagories. Very clever.

Easy to read and I especially like these features:

1. Real stories from real families
2. Tips from the parents at the end of their story
3. Ages of children are included in the story intro
4. Well-organized catagories to easily find a story to read about

This is a great book and would even make an excellent gift to a parent of a child with autism. Excellent book!

This book is an Excelent resours for Parents just learning an Autism Diagnosis because it shares what other parents and children have already lived thru and lets them say they are not alone .Autism really isnt the end of the world .It hurts but it but it also teaches us so much and in that we grow as people and as parents
Angela AKA Codys Mom

I found that this book helped me in many ways. Ideas for correcting problems with my autism spectrum child as well as encouragement and the acknowlegement that we are not fighting this battle alone. I highly recommend this book. It is easy and fun to read. I have marked several of the pages for later reference and frequently pull it out to quote to a friend.

So I purchased a couple copies (of my own book) to give to friends. I reread the 1st couple of stories and I was crying by the third. Lots of personal accounts. Helps you feel like you aren't the only one dealing with some really hard stuff.

I am a teacher and summer residential camp director who has the pleasure of working with children, adults and their families on the autism spectrum. This book was a great read and provided me with much insight that I have already shared with my coworkers at school and plan to share with my staff at camp this summer. It provides a real down to earth outlook. Thank you!

An uplifting account of one boy's struggle to overcome a disadvantaged life. If you liked this, definitely check out "The Wanderer" by Ken Grant of Massachusetts (1993)

How many broken windows and hearts can one family endure? Obviously for the Miniter's there is no finite answer to that! What a family! I picked this book without having any clue of what it was about. Saw the jacket, the title caught my eye and that was all it took. I was drawn in almost immediately. I am a 20-something woman, that is not married, has no children and is not adopted. I have not encountered many, if any, foster children and I still found this book to be an incredibly moving story. To Richard and Sue and the entire family- you have most certainly earned my respect and admiration. If only we could all be as patient, understanding and as loving as you are! What a great testimony to the good in the world- thank you for sharing your story. I truly hope that you encounter only good fortune in the future, no one family deserves it more than you!!

This book is not only for those who are adopting or work with disturbed children, but it can serve as a valuable lesson for those who have never been in these situations. It is necessary to know that trouble derives from the early years of a child's life and how important it is to show affection, trust and caring to children at all ages.

This book is the best personal account of fostering/adopting an older child that I have ever read. It is a natural for a "made for TV" movie, with its dramatic story, picturesque setting, and cast of "characters." I laughed, I cried, I sobbed. In Miniter and his wife, we see the mixture of naivete/ignorance, denial, and audacity that goes into the decision to bring a "disturbed" youngster into one's family. The book also reflects the reality that formal treatment plans are limited (and sometimes unrealistic) and that "real life"-- honest emotions and reactions, normal expectations, natural consequences-- can be a strong motivator in turning around dysfunctional behavior. To the reader who is NOT an experienced foster/adoptive parent, I would offer a few minor cautions: 1) Miniter makes no mention of receiving any kind of training before taking the boy into his family. If that was indeed the case, that's a major flaw in the "Harbor" program. Prospective foster and adoptive parents of kids in the child welfare system should receive fairly extensive training in areas such as what to expect when the children come into your home, how the system (and particular agency) works, and how to manage difficult behavior. 2) Miniter would probably be one of the first to point out that this book is not a blueprint for others but is instead ONE case study, of ONE youngster, in ONE family. The Ministers' experience notwithstanding, psychotropic medication and/or psychotherapy are important-- if not essential-- components in some youngsters' healing, and respite care and parent support groups can be lifesavers for some "therapeutic" parents. 3) Miniter says he ignored some of the safety precautions recommended by his agency, and suggested that (hunting) guns were readily accessible in his home. Having weapons easily available in ANY home with kids (even "normal" children!) is foolhardy, and most agencies REQUIRE pretty sensible safety precautions.

This book teaches many lessons. First and foremost that the husband-wife relationship plays such a major role in raising children, and it showed in this book. The relationship between Rich and Sue is an admirable one, one that not is not so common after so many years of marriage. With that bond of love, they raised a house full of kids and later in life, were able to take on one more kid, very different from their own. They gave it 1000% and stuck with it through thick and thin. What they did for "Mike" is untouchable, precious and blessed. God Bless the Miniters and the best of luck to "Mike" in his future endeavors to become a chef.........This book more than once will put a lump in your throat and a tear or two in your eye...To learn more about children, about sacrifices, about life, you must read this beautiful story !!

Kiesa Kay has drawn together heartfelt essays from parents, wisdom from school administrators, and research from many of the top experts in the field. It is an excellent resource woven together with intelligence and compassion. Parents, teachers, principals, counselors, and psychologists will all benefit from reading this book.

In Uniquely Gifted: Identifying And Meeting The Needs Of The Twice-Exceptional Student, Kiesa Kay has amassed a wealth of insightful, informative, and occasionally challenging contributions from some of the finest minds in this specialized area of modern education theory and practice. The contributed essays are divided into four major sections: Family Matters - Perspectives from Family Members; Teaching Strategies - Learning and Leadership; Research and Theory - Discovering Possibilities; Administrative Options - Working Together. A highly recommended addition to education studies reading lists, Uniquely Gifted is further enhanced for the reader with a bibliography, Sandra Berger's "Internet Resources for Expanding Options in the Classroom; George Betts and Jolene Kercher's "The Autonomous Learner Model"; a section of notes on the contributors, and a striking conclusion "If Not You, Who?".

This book teaches volumes in wonderfully written real-life stories from parents, teachers, and the children themselves.

It also has common-sense advice.

This book is like a breath of fresh air. It shows what "Gifted-LD" is REALLY like, with both compassion as well as respect. It gives permission to parents to address their child's NEEDS rather than go with what the "system" says.

I LOVE the unique perspectives presented, and I learned new USEFUL terminology that would have been so helpful in explaining to people why a highly gifted child, let alone one with an LD, might have unique educational needs.

I could not put this book down.

I'm not going to summarize the contents because others have done so. I am just going to say that this book, in my opinion, is far superior to many other books I've read on giftedness. That's because in this book, there is a very strong stress on treating children as individuals, rather than lumping them into a category called "gifted" (or moderately, profoundly, etc. etc. gifted) and then making generalizations about them. It's clear that a lot of research and painstaking effort went into the writing of this book, and it shows.

There are just a couple of things I would have liked to see. Sensory dysfunction is discussed, and so is dysgraphia and other learning/motor problems, but the impact of prematurity is never mentioned. I was a preemie (born at 29 weeks) and I have no depth perception, am very clumsy, and have trouble with my handwriting. This is not due to the sensory integration disorder described here - I've never been diagnosed with that and my muscle tone is normal. I've been told it's due to the poor motor skills, strabismus, etc. that often show up in children who were born prematurely.

I would have also liked to see more information on the impact of anxiety - one of the writers repeatedly states that the 2E children she works with are often quite anxious. That can impair school performance and test results.

The one essayist I disagreed with was the mother whose daughter had severe emotional problems. The mother blamed it all on school, although she was a single parent and there were likely other stresses. I'm not saying she was a bad mother or that school was OK, only that her analysis seemed too simplistic. She also states that her daughter could have gotten help by being declared as having emotional disturbances; the mother did not pursue this because of the stigma around labels of mental illness. While I understand that perspective, her daughter was hitting herself and banging her head against the wall. I have been a patient in the mental health system for some time, so I have experienced these issues. I have unfortunately found out that it's not enough to get treatment, because much of the help doesn't help. If one's "case" is complicated, it may be necessary to go through 5 or even 10 professionals before finding the one who can really help. That has been my experience. The mother states this as well, but she has a very high amount of anger towards the professionals who didn't help, which suggests to me that she may still not really have gotten the help she needed.

I understand that anger though. Boy, do I. I started treatment in 1988. I began *effective* treatment in 2001. In those 13 years, I went through 5 therapists, 2 psychiatrists, 1 psychiatrist consultant, 1 psychologist who administered IQ and personality testing, 1 hospital program, many support groups, and 2 aptitude tests, and at least a couple other professionals I saw on a short-term or one time only basis.

And a partridge in a pear tree. Just kidding.

Some of these helped to some degree; none was sufficient. I finally had to go to a therapist who had published several books and was very well-known. I assumed she wouldn't give me the time of day, but I got a very good referral.

I am still angry about the help that didn't help, *especially* because these professionals did not know or care enough to do a good referral. But now I am receiving excellent treatment, so I'm a lot less angry than I used to be. Although I still wish it hadn't taken 13 years to get there.

The fields of psychology and education are maturing (in at least *some* places) to reflect better research, and I hope someday others won't go through all this.

Anyone who has a twice exceptional child simply must buy this book. They are such an perplexing combinations: unusual and confusing, brilliant and constrained, with an unfortunate dose of 'needing what there ain't'. Simply helping them navigate childhood in one healthy piece is a challenge of mammoth proportions; seeing them reach their real potential can seem a distant dream. However, this book has just given us both a path and the guide book.

I have finally found the closest thing to an instruction manual for raising my son, and I needed it more desperately than I could ever say. Ms. Kay has done something of real significance. Many people write books - some are more helpful than others. She, however, has done something more momentous for parents like me. There are many things in that one book - something to clutch in the dark times of self-doubt - something to give to others showing glimmers of willingness to understand - a reference library for calm moments of learning - a "been there done that, survived it too" hug for the times when we just can't go another step. So much more.

The book doesn't preach, or prescribe - it gives options that have worked for others, insights that only come from years of desperate struggle, and hope that springs cautiously from the knowledge that others have been here, and survived.

If you have (or work with) a 2E child, or a "he's so clever, if he would just... " child, or a "I just don't know what we're going to do to help her" child, then order it now.

When we learned our second daughter had mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears, I was filled with so many emotions and confusion. From the moment I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. It was nice to be able to relate to someone's else's story and it helped put my emotions and fears into perspective. It helped me see the bigger picture in all of this. I have since recommended it to the speech and developmental therapists that work with our daughter and they have added it to their school's library. We were lucky enough to catch our daughter's hearing loss right at birth and thanks to this book, are better educated and aware of what to expect and questions to ask.

I really enjoyed this book. I ordered it as soon as my infant son was diagnosed with a mild-to-moderate hearing loss and it proved to be a valuable resource for us. It was a great introduction into the world of audiologists, hearing aids, ENTs, etc. I highly recommend this book for the initial diagnosis period, when you need to understand all you are about to deal with.

I've been trying to get my parents and grandmother to wear hearing aids for decades -- all to no avail. They say that hearing aids don't work and they'd be embarrassed by the looks. So when I came across this book, which describes in close, interesting and lively detail everything you need to know about different types of hearing loss, how hearing aids work, the strengths and weaknesses of various assistive devices, the importance of hearing to proper language and social development, and most importantly, the emotional aspects of hearing loss for both parents and children, I knew this was the book for me. No matter that this is meant for parents of young children; the information is useful to anyone who knows anyone hard of hearing, and the writing intimate and engaging even if you don't. After reading the book, I understand better some of the old attitudes and social constraints that keep my family from taking responsibility for their own health -- and now I have the facts (and a long list of inspirational stories!) that will give them the courage to get the help they need.

This book explains to parents of hearing impaired children the various procedures and types of devices developed to meet the needs of these children. In concise language that the laymen can understand, this story gives accurate information regarding the use of hearing devices and some of the problems that may arise from their use. It also presents to the professionals the feelings and needs of the parents, The author uses both humor and pathos to describe the many problems faced by both the parents of hearing impaired children and the professionals who work with them.

I wish this book had been available when my son was diagnosed with a mild to moderate hearing loss 12 years ago. It is very informative and provides great information. I had found it difficult to find information regarding the hard of hearing child when my son was first diagnosed. It is also wonderfully comforting to read the experiences of other parents - it made me realize that I certainly was not alone. I bought an extra copy and gave it to my son's hearing itinerant so she could share it with other families.

For parents interested in or beginning the adoption process, this book answers questions you would never have known to ask while clarifying the mysteries of the adoption system. For parents like me who have finalized two adoptions, it informs me of a wealth of options that are (or should be) available to help me and my children and gives me the strength and courage to seek those options. Thank-you to Babb and Laws for providing what I believe will be used as a workbook of knowledge in implementing services for children. I sincerely hope every family and professional that works with "special needs" children will take the time to read this wonderful, informative book. These children are our future...and Babb & Laws give us the much needed information to help them on their journey! Again, many thanks and blessings to the authors, Eileen W.!!!

Love is not all a child needs to make an adoption work, and the authors show us this truth in their vast personal and professional experience in adopting special needs children. Prospective adoptive parents of special needs children, both domestic and international, will greatly benefit from the important information and insights into critical emotional, educational and criminal issues dealt with in this wonderful book. I heartily recommend it to everyone.
Gisela Gasper Fitzgerald, author of ADOPTION: An Open, Semi-Open or Closed Practice?

Adopting and Advocating for the Special Needs Child is well written, interesting and knows its audience (written in layman's terms). This book should be given to all parents of foster children who are considering adoption.

This book should be required reading for everyone considering "Special Needs" adoption. I recommend the book be read before you start the process. It's a wealth of current information. This book is written so well that you will enjoy reading it.

If you are going to read only one book on adopting children with special needs let this be the one. With their vast personal and professional experience in adopting special needs children, Babb and Law clearly explain the most important information and most critical emotional issues which pre-adoptive parents need to consider. My husband and I have adopted three special needs children. This book helped us understand how to advocate for ourselves as we moved through the process of adoption, how to advocate for the children both before and after the adoption and how to address some of the many complex emotional issues faced by a family which chooses to care for and love special needs children. My hearfelt thanks go out to Rita Law and Anne Babb for this wonderful gift of book.

This book was perfect for my 8yr old daughter. My son is 10yrs and has Asperger Syndrome so this book helped my daughter out tremendously with the millions of questions she has been asking. My daughter has the option of reading it on her own (which she does sometimes) and also we read it together. We are very pleased with this book.

This is a nice book to use to explain to "typical" kids what is my son's situation. It has examples that speaks to their age. Even without sitting there and reading the actual books to kids, I use the ideas to speak to friends' kids and others.
Very good.

I loved reading this book with my nine-year-old. She really got a better insight into her sisters behavior. It gave us a starting point for discussion.

I am 10 and I have a 12 year old sister who has Aspergers Syndrome. My mom and dad have been trying to help me understand it for years. My sister always seems to get away with a lot of stuff and she embarrasses me a lot. I like this book because it really explains how I feel. I get annoyed just like Emily and then I feel guilty because my sister has autism and can't help what she is doing. This book let me know that it is OK to get annoyed and for some reason that makes me less annoyed with my sister. I don't know why but it does. Emily says that she feels like the big sister and that is exactly how I feel! I don't like worrying about my sister so I don't like it when we do the same activities. This made my mom understand a little better too. I really recommend this book because it is really true. I haven't really liked any of the other books my mom got me on autism because they weren't really about how I felt but this one is great.

This is a sterling work that I highly endorse. This is an invaluable work for people who have siblings with autism; for families; for educators and other interested persons.

Emily's older brother Daniel has autism. She naturally wants to know why she cannot communicate with him consistently and what prompts him to behave and respond as he does. Emily's parents acknowledge Emily's anger, concern and other feelings and allow her to explore. I like the conversations they had. I also like the way Daniel is accepted and how some of his more outlandish behavior is explained and not condoned. Reasonable expectations are set for Daniel, always with the hope of contant, continued improvement.

The dynamics among this family are what makes this book so strong. It is a book that will resonate in one's mind long after finishing the last page.

I think this is an excellent book. It gives alot of good ideas on how to take daily or special events to let your child transition better and communicate about these events. It is for high functioning kids which the book does state, but I found myself trying to make the schedules or the trip to the store more my own so I think lower functioning kids could benefit. The reason why I gave it 4 stars is that the pictures are not colored and the mini idea schedules: going to the store and getting ready for bed will not be necessarily the same order you have your kids do it, so you will have to change it anyway. It did give me a good start on some things to help with communication. It's an easy read!

I bought this book before my son was diagnosed. We thought that perhaps he was on the Autism Spectrum. It was such a blessing to find practical, easy to use ideas. He was only 2 1/2 at the time, but there was plenty for me to use. Soon after my son was diagnosed as having Sensory Integration Dysfunction. I still love the book and use many of the ideas to break into his world. It gives hope and encouragement to find the little things that help my son break out of his world and into ours. I have never handed out my modified version of the "Don't Look At Me That Way" cards, but I feel empowered just carrying them around. I am grateful for all of the strategies and games and encouragement this book offers.

We were fortunate to get to know Phil Abrams personally. He provided therapy for our daughter (and lots of laughs for us). Phil's insight and use of humor helped our child join our world, as well as to help us see that all is not so bad. I'm happy to know that he is sharing his abilities and insights with every parent who wants them. They were a great blessing to us.

The Autistic Spectrum Parents' Daily Helper is a pracitical, wonderful, and loving guide and workbook for parents guiding their children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder through daily tasks and enriched and empowered lives.

This workbook is simple, attractive, and engaging. It is full of love and good humor - The writers reach out to parents facing the, at times, daunting task of helping their children learn the necessary skills, like getting dressed, telling time, and navigating daily schedules, that will help lead them to independent lives and communicative relationships within the range of their own abilities.

There are loads of strategies, games, and visual aids in this workbook. Many of the sheets are designed to be torn out or cut up so you can adapt them to your own or your child's specific needs. There are plenty of games and fun ways to attack simple tasks.

What struck me most of all was the palpable sense of love and fun that permeated this workbook. It is a rare and fine example of how simple and good it is to reach out to those you love and how powerful it is when you empower your children to order their own reality.

WOW..... how many self help books can you relate to ,and implement from the first page to the last? This was absolutly the case with The Autistic Spectrum Parents' Daily Helper.
As a parent of an autistic child, not only did I think the ideas in the book were suberb, but it gave me comfort in realizing that I am not alone.
This book gives parents great ideas and help in making everyday tasks that can be so challenging for parents and kids easier. I especially like the cards that you hand out to people who may be looking at you or your child in a funny way.
I highly recommend this book to parents who are just starting out on this journey, or have been involved for a while. You will all walk away with some great practical information.