Special Needs Children Books

I received this book as a gift when my daughter was born without the ability to swallow and everything that went into her mouth drained into her lungs. This book really helped me overcome alot personally with being a mother of a special needs child. You always dream as a little girl your babies are going to be "normal"--But Maddison was the Special gift and just what I needed in my life and so was this book. Realizing that God gives these special children to special parents/people really helped change my attitude

If you are a parent struggling with your special children this book is for you. It gave me so many heart warming stories to remember and share. I also know that Carrie, the author, goes and visits families all over the US that are struggling. I have been priveleged enough to have her come and visit me and my son, who has a cleft lip and palate.

This book brought me through a very difficult time. My youngest daughter was born with a cleft palate and club feet, and it threw me into post-partum depression. I am a Christian believer and I trusted in God's Word and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit to help me through...and the book was definitely a gift from Him! It is very encouraging, yet deals with reality. The author truly understands the gamut of emotions that parents go through when facing the challenge of raising a child with special needs. I would highly recommend this book to ANY parent though, because it will help you to see your child through God's eyes.

I just finished reading A SPECIAL GIFT by Carrie T. Gruman Trinkner, a book that addresses the parents and relatives of special needs children. This is not the sort of book that I would choose to read, but it came highly recommended, so I took a shot. I'm so glad I took that shot because A SPECIAL GIFT turned out to be a great deal more than a devotional for parents and relatives of children with unique challenges--it speaks to every individual about life and how we choose to get the most out of living. I came away feeling spiritually nourished, having been given important lessons about so many of the psychological aspects we must confront in life. Written in an uplifting and inspirational style, this book has general appeal for anyone seeking happiness. It would make a VERY special gift.

This is a remarkable book. It is a compilation of 41 short stories, all written by women, united by the bond of mothering a "special needs" child. That is the current, politically correct, phrase to indicate a child who is somehow outside two or three standard deviations of "normal," meaning that physically, emotionally and/or mentally all is not quite right. In various stories much significance is attached to finally finding the "label" to characterize a child's behavior, be it Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), Down's Syndrome et al. The label all too often obstructs understanding of a child's true condition rather than illuminates, and the PDD-NOS one truly boggles the mind.

Each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, as Tolstoy once wrote. Ms. Schusteff selected stories depict a broad spectrum of "special needs" possibilities. (I wish she had explained her selection criteria). Yet there are the common themes that are woven into many of the stories: the initial denial; the hopes for a cure; the frustrations with the medical and educational establishments; the guilt of "did I do something wrong during the pregnancy"; the fear of ridicule, and the desire to protect the child; the desire to simply flee, and never come back; the callousness of strangers, and even the clumsiness of the well-intentioned.

I looked for the weak story, and perhaps there are a couple. But the vast majority are well written, in lean, no-nonsense prose. I hesitate to select certain passages that moved me, at the exclusion of others, but still: there is Kimberley Winters' child Elena looking at the picture that was once a healthier herself, yet saying: "I'm happy now too...just like her."; there is Heide Kaminski saying: "My mom gave up on me, but I never gave up on myself. And now I can't give up on him..."; there is Caryn Sullivan's plea: "Can't someone develop a universal medical history form?" and later, illustrating that she is cut off from other women her age: "I realize, though, that when they are looking for someone to have a good laugh with, I'm not on the short list to call."; Janice Noble on the clumsiness of the well-intentioned: "I received the compliments that I grew to hate. `God knew you were special enough to give a special child to.' How I despised that one in particular."; and there is the painful description of neglect, from Marie LaConte, as she describes the Down's syndrome child she has just received from a prior marriage: "... and teeth creamy yellow, an overgrowth of plaque obliterating the boundaries between her teeth."

In at least four of the stories it is the "special needs" child that helps the parent, as illustrated in Jessica Thompson's story: "When I have practically drowned in tears as a result of my despair, my son has stroked my hair, wiped my eyes and comforted me with, `It's okay Mommy."

The cover picture to the book is haunting, capturing the anguish of a troubled little girl.

And there is: "The dog that did not bark." The other voices that need to be heard, and in some cases, merely described. All those "minor characters," the men. Some were depicted as absolutely supportive, other callous and/or indifferent and in denial, and others simply "cut-out." But what did they think? And there are the all too many cases of the "special needs" children who were abandoned by their mothers to the state, and now often roam the by-ways of America, sleeping under the overpasses, struggling with their own demons, surrounded by the indifference and hostility of those far more fortunate.

And there but for fortune go I. I am one of the lucky ones, two wonderful children who never had to ride "the short bus." So much of the "poverty of human existence" is due to the hubris and ignorance of people's behavior, from the stupidity of war, the greed of Wall Street, to the addiction to television. The pain and occasional joy involved with having a "special needs" child is different: it is the "bad cards" that fate deals, with no correlation to the merits of the receiver. This is an absolutely essential book for all professionals in "the field," be they in the medical or educational establishments, and should be required reading. For the rest of us, those that drew "better cards," the book should be mandatory also; to increase our empathy, as well as gratitude to a more favorable karma received.

Whether you have a child with special needs or know someone who does, this book will touch you. In these essays moms write about their hopes and dreams as well as frustrations and feelings of inadequacy. As a mother of an ADHD son, I know all too well the isolation and desperation that walks hand-in-hand with a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder or one of the many other behavioral and emotional disorders. I have often said that if my son had diabetes or cerebral palsy people would feel sympathetic and want to help. But, when my impulsive son yells or hits, no one really cares that he has ADHD. But, these moms do...they get it and it is very cathartic and validating to hear their stories.

Having no children of my own yet, much less a child with special needs, the essays in this book do a wonderful job of reaching a wide audience. The insight that these women writers provide on their everyday experiences, frustrations, and triumphs will truly win your heart while sharing devastating moments that evoke your deepest sympathies. Each writer has her own unique voice, ranging from touching philosophies on parenting to the darkest corners of a mother's mind that require an unspeakable amount of courage to write. Each essay is a short 5-15 minute read, making it an easy read while you have a few moments (I read 5 essays while getting the oil changed in my car). In short, I highly recommend this book.

This is the kind of book every teacher and family member who knows a special-need kid (and who doesn't?) should read. It is not a how-to or medical manual but rather insightful and heartfelt stories from the people who really know best what living with many challenges can be like.

I got this product right away and my daughter and I started reading it as soon as we got it. She loves it. She will stop me when I am reading and tell me "Mommy, that is me." or "Mommy, I do that."
It is an easy to read and understand book.

The Fisher/Cummings series of books on dealing appropriately with LD in school is one of the best out there. In this particular book, aimed at elementary schoolers, they demystify LD and help kids develop personal coping strategies for success in school and in life. Children with developmental or emotional disorders might also benefit from the authors' casual, spot-on approach to doing what must be done in a world where you've been labeled as different.

This book is a GREAT way for kids to learn about their own Learning Disabilities (the book calls them Learning Differences). I read this book to my son to help explain to him why he's noticing that he's different from some of the other kids in school. The book creates such a relaxed, non-threatening attitude about LDs, and asks some really great questions to help the kids see which LD(s) fit them. It addresses ADHD as well! It has picture drawings of kids having trouble in school that my son could really relate to! He was at once interested, urging me to read more and more, even though he was learning that he was in fact "different". What a wonderful tool for families and kids to learn about each other and themselves. It's a positive book about the harsh reality of LDs - and it's written specifically for kids! Do your child a favor - read this book with them! It will open up conversations and give you both the language and courage you'll need to tackle the days and years ahead!

Now in a revised and updated edition, The Survival Guide For Kids With LD* (*Learning Differences) by University of Nevada-Reno professors Gary Fisher and Rhoda Cummings, is a simply presented and easily accessible guide written especially for those dealing with children who have "learning differences". Emphasizing that having one of the many kinds of learning disabilities or cognitive restrictions doesn't preclude a child from learning, from having friends, or from growing up to be a successful adult. The readable prose is packed with tips for dealing with teasing, providing encouragement, simple black-and-white artwork, study tips, and more. The Survival Guide For Kids With LD* is highly recommended reading for parents, teachers, tutors, day-care staff members, -- and most especially, for kids ages 10 and up. Also highly recommended for teen readers is The Survival Guide For Teenagers With LD (0915793512; [$$$]); for parents, When Your Child Has LD (0915793873; [$$$]); and for educators, The School Survival Guide For Kids With LD (0915793326; [$$$]).

This book is real and is great! I love how nothing is sugar coated!!! I would recommend this book to all Mother's and Father's!!!!

This book is a wonderful collaboration of stories by everyday mothers. It invites you into the birth stories of many mothers from many generations. Each account is filled with the love of a new parent. Each story is recounted with the parents emotion of bringing a new child into the world -- the stories cover all new parenting experiences from adoption to multiple births. This is a must have for new mothers as it is a wonderful look into the reality of parenting. If you are not a new parent, the book will bring back memories of your birth experience and is a valuable addition to your personal library.

This book is fantastic. I often wanted a book like this when I was pregnant. This book is written by real moms who have been through it and understand. I just received the book and its almost half read already. Its facinating to read and some of the stories and tearful and incredible. I highly recommend this book!!!

This book is a wonderful collaboration of stories by everyday mothers. It invites you into the birth stories of many mothers from many generations. Each account is filled with the love of a new parent. Each story is recounted with the parents emotion of bringing a new child into the world -- the stories cover all new parenting experiences from adoption to multiple births. This is a must have for new mothers as it is a wonderful look into the reality of parenting. If you are not a new parent, the book will bring back memories of your birth experience and is a valuable addition to your personal library.

I love this story. When I was quite young, in the mid 70's - I used to read all of the time (still do). Even when I was suppose to be doing something else, I couldn't resist a book that was just lying there screaming at me to pick it up. One day I was outside helping my parents do farming chores. We were, among other things, burning brush. My mother told me to run up to the house to get a shovel and I made a detour and got a book too. Of course a 2 minute task turned into a 15 - 20 minute one. When I brought my mom the shovel she realized that I had gotten distracted by a book - yet again - and burned my "Tall and Proud" book. With that seemingly terrible event, I learned prioritizing, responsibility and obedience. Since that day, this book has been very special to me, not just for the wonderful story, but for the lessons learned.

I have never forgotten this book from when I was a kid. My sister gave it to me and unfortunately I have lost my copy in the many moves. I'm so happy to have found a copy again and will try and find others from my students that I teach riding lessons. It's a wonderful story and gives a young girl who wants a horse some hope that there is the perfect horse out there for her. Great story, great plot and great for young readers!

I can't believe there are others who, like me, have searched for Vian Smith's "Tall and Proud" for years. I now look forward to sharing this triumphant story of a girl and her horse with my own 10 year old daughter! "Tall and Proud" is well-written and a timeless classic - I used to read it again and again! It is sure to be treasured by any young girl (or boy) who is lucky enough to receive it!

I recall really enjoying this book as a young adult, but all I could remember about it was the cover illustration, basics of the plot -- a girl stricken by polio for whom her parents buy a recovering racehorse -- and the back flap copy: "There he stood, tall and proud, like a king on a hill." For ten years I have been hunting for this book under the title of "King on a Hill"! Terrific story of perseverance, of both the girl's struggle with her affliction, and of the petrified parents, to whom most of the well-horse care falls until the girl can perform the tasks herself. Ably accompanied by an estimable equestrian artist with pen-and-ink illustrations. Ultimate heroic ending!

This book provides clear, easy to use strategies for teaching and communicating with children on the autism spectrum. The author's contend that behavioral problems exhibited by children with autism are most often the result of frustration that comes from their inability to communicate effectively. Behavioral problems can be successfuly addressed by focusing on what the child is trying to communicate. Rationale for the strategies suggested is provided. I recommend this book for educators and parents.

There are so many books on autism and not all are applicable to our family's situation. I tend to read a library copy before purchasing. When it came time to return this book, I decided that this was one for our personal library. It's easy to read and I will refer to it over and over. Methods are easy to understand and implement. As a parent of an autistic child, it's one of the few books I've felt that will be invaluable.

This is the best book to own if you are working with a child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder(ASD). It is amazing how much the editors fit into this little book. The overall philosophy of the book is towards an eclectic approach to ASD. It presents many different ideas from different people, all of which could be added to a program, method, approach for a particular child. If you are dogmatic about one method, this is not the book for you. The book starts out with several chapters looking into what we know about autism, a Temple Grandin chapter on what it is like to have autism and a Charles Hart chapter on what parents want (required reading for educators!). Then there are chapters on enhancing communication in nonverbal children, echolalic, and verbal children. These chapter are by Prizant, Rydell, Twachtman . Then there are a bunch of chapters on strategies for social stuff. Carol Gray wrote one chapter on social stories. This book is readable, full of ideas. I hope the authors plan to keep the book fresh with a new edition in a few years. As a parent of a child with ASD, I own two copies, and lend out the second to others who work with my son.

This book is a wonderful resource for learning how to approach children with autism. It is very easy to read and deals with a variety of different methods that can be used to deal with just about any level on the autistic spectrum. As a speech therapist working with variety of children with autism, I continually return to this resource to help plan my assessments and intervention. It is an excellent resource that addresses communication, play, pragmatics, parent desires, and self-control at a variety of levels. The chapters that deal with specific areas, such as enhancing social communicative interactions, often provide you with the necessary paperwork for assessment and/or intervention in the appendix. This is a must buy book! I would highly recommend this book to anyone working with children with autism.

Mrs. Roberts is not only known as an author to me. My brother Josh and I both had her as our Kindergarten teacher! We've both read the books as they come out and love to read them remembering our times we had when we in her class room! This book truly brings out the kid in you!

Even though I'm not a second grade girl, as I read this charming little book I found myself remembering my own childhood and saying, "That's me all right!" This book is a valuable resource for any parent with an ADHD child. In plain language, using an interesting story, Barabara Roberts portrays the dilemmas that haunt every child with attention deficit disorder. "But, Mom, let me tell you what really happened" is their theme song. This is a MUST have and MUST read for every parent of an ADHD child.

I would urge Ms. Roberts to consider a similar series with a male character.

Phoebe is an enthusiastic, creative girl. Because of her high activity level, she has has to struggle to pay attention in class, and has only one good friend. Girls with hyperactive AD/HD as well as other active kids may see something of themselves in Phoebe.

Phoebe's principal and her mother are sympathetic but also help Phoebe see that she has some responsibilities for her actions. In the end, Phoebe's energy and daring make her the class heroine. She takes quick action to rescue the class pet.

This book is uses superb, sensitive illustrations to follow the text. I especially liked how the pictures conveyed the strong bond of affection between Phoebe and her mother.

In the story, Phoebe is never formally identified as having AD/HD. I like having such a book because it can be used to explore behaviors without limiting ourselves to a specific diagnosis.

Carol E. Watkins, M.D.

Phoebe is an enthusiastic, creative girl. Because of her high activity level, she has has to struggle to pay attention in class, and has only one good friend. Girls with hyperactive AD/HD as well as other active kids may see something of themselves in Phoebe.

Phoebe's principal and her mother are sympathetic but also help Phoebe see that she has some responsibilities for her actions. In the end, Phoebe's energy and daring make her the class heroine. She takes quick action to rescue the class pet.

This book is uses superb, sensitive ilustrations to follow the text. I especially liked how the pictures conveyed the strong bond of affection betwen Phoebe and her mother.

In the story, Phoebe is never formally identified as having AD/HD. I like having such a book because it can be used to explore behaviors without limiting ourselves to a specific diagnosis.

Carol E. Watkins, M.D.

Riane Eisler's new book is a stunning contribution to multicultural pedagogy. Using her macrohistorical theory of dominator/partnership swings, she offers a new framework, structure and content for education. This is one of the most important books to come around in a long time. I hope my children will grow up in a world that has realized the blue print for partnership education that she offers. Rigourously argued, detailed in documentation, this book offers and creates a new future for all.

Tomorrow's Children is an innovative and remarkable book for the contemporary educator. It provides an indepth understanding of the struggles of teaching and is an amazing resource for people looking to reform the educational framework of our country. This book needs to be in the hands of every parent, teacher and educator.

Eisler puts forth a formula for hope for a future that works for everyone. It does start with the children and every teacher AND parent should read this book...PLEASE!

Cudos to the author for putting forth a recipe for a more hopeful future for the world.

Riane Eisler's Tomorrow's Children is a thought provoker and conversation starter. So many education books are about getting the knowledge and skills to "fit in" to society's opportunities. Tomorrow's Children challenges the reader to expand their vision and expectations of education. This follow-up to the Chalice and the Blade offers practical and hopeful examples of how to access the "hidden curriculum" beyond textbooks and polemics. If you want to know how to find materials to encourage meaningful and relevant learning, this book is for you. If you want to know the specifics of making change in your local schools (concerning the content, process and structure of education) this book is for you. If you are interested in finding kindred spirits to promote practical examples of collaborative problem-solving, a peaceful response to adversity, gender equity,and environmental sensitivity this book is for you. If you appreciate thoughtful and thorough and careful writing free from jargon this book is for you. If you are interested in specific references of books, websites, curriculum packages and supportive organizations this book is for you. I am a Professor of Education. I am fussy about what I read in this field. I am drawn to clear and concise writing which honors the intelligence of the reader. Tomorrow's Children does not disappoint.

Un libro muy útil para saber la inteligencia que tiene nuestro niño y que ellos puedan desarrollarla conferme su inteligencia....

que immpedirá que miles y miles de niños genios pasen por el mundo como SOMBRAS, COMO PAÍSES NO DESCUBIERTOS !

Ya no es la idea de que el GENIO SE DESARROLLA SOLO ! NUESTRA CONCEPCION MODERNA DE LA EDUCACION, SIMPLEMENTE LOS APLASTA PARA CONVERTIRLOS Y ADAPTARLOS A NIÑOS "NORMALES " y les corta las alas..
Este libro tiene el ÚLTMO DESCUBRIMIENTO CIENTÍFICO y lo pone en palabras tan simples, QUE PODEMOS VER A QUE TIPO DE LAS SIETE INTELIGENCIAS GENIALES DETECTADAS Y COMPROBADAS PERTENECE EL NIÑO O LA NIÑA !

Los padres de familia de este milenio ya contamos con instrumentos como este libro, que evitan la ignorancia dolorosa del pasado,cuando no se detectaba a tiempo si uno de los hijos tenìa nivel de genio.

Esta obra, sencilla pero con bases absolutamente cientìficas, examina con los padres LOS SIETE TIPOS DE INTELIGENCIA GENIAL QUE APENAS SE DESCUBRIERON A FINES DEL SIGLO PASADO...para que sean los padres quienes puedan detectar y actuar en consecuencia.
Datos como que el niño genio ( con cierto tipo de estas siete inteligencias ) suele ser fìsicamente torpe, sin gran aptitud para deportes, pero GENIAL PARA CIENCIAS ABSTRACTAS.
Otra de las caracterìsticas, es SU CURIOSIDAD IRREFRENABLE.
Esa inquietud constante que lo convierte en la pesadilla de los maestros . . . porque entiende antes que los demàs niños y se fastidia con las explicaciones que èl o ella ya considera inùtiles.
Y muchìsimas otras caracterìsticas, dependientes de su tipo especial de inteligencia...

Consideramos que este libro ES MUY IMPORTANTE PORQUE IMPEDIRÀ QUE miles de genios se pierdan en el anonimato !

WE HAVE THE DUTY AS PARENTS AND ALSO AS HUMAN BEINGS, to read this book.
Otherwise, we could be denying A GIFTED CHILD ALL THE OPORTUNITIES HE-SHE HAS A RIGHT TO...AND WOULD BE DENYING ALSO THE WORLD A TALENT THAT IS SO NEEDED

What they say in the write up was true. Book came quickly and in great shape. I will order from them again. Besides the book is darling.

An excellent book which provides am insight into life in Church work and overcoming a physical handicap.

This book is very inspirational, kind of like a Marley and Me for children. But the illustrations are amazing. It should win a Caldecott!

The illustrations in this book are wonderful. The colors are so rich and the images bring home just what a pastor's life must be like. The fact that the pastor is blind and must depend on her dog Walter makes this a beautiful story. It is a satisfying nonfiction book and one that will inspire many to accept the challenges that life presents to them. I recommend this book to children and adults. It will be a beautiful addition to any library.