Disabled Books

Beautifully written. Striking. You can feel the struggles of her life, not being able to remember locker combinations, count change, do five minus two. She goes through her story with detail and feeling, through middle school, high school, and college. She describes her panic attacks, which included muscle spasms and nausea, which happened all through middle school and returned during college; she described the effects and responses of her self-published poetry book; and she described the struggles of having an LD {learning disability}. No one else could tell her story but her. Even though she always turned to her mom for backup, her mother wouldn't be able to represent the feelings of living up to the "smart girl" persona Samantha was given. Her father wouldn't be able to explain how she always forgot little things at her hotel maid job, like new towels here and an empty trash can there. Her brother Zack can't describe the emotional responses Samantha had received after her book of poems, Reach for the Moon. Even those closest to her didn't understand her. This book was Samantha Abeel's story, and hers only.

Samantha Abeel has done a great service for kids, parents, and educators by sharing her story about what it means to be twice exceptional, a student with gifts and simultaneous disabilities. We learn of the pain and the triumphs of an individual that was so highly gifted that she published a beautiful book of poetry, "Reach for the Moon," at the age of thirteen, but at the same time needed the support of special education because she couldn't make change, tell time or do basic calculations. She shows us the importance of self acceptance and self-advocacy. We also see the powerful impact that her mother had in tirelessly advocating for attention to both her strengths and her needs. This is a book that should be read by all educators as well as parents of students with special needs and most importantly by the students themselves.

I almost felt like I was reading my own biography.

This book hit very close to home and is an accessible and easily understood look into what it's like for "smart people" with learning disorders.

The publishers ate a star on this one. I bought the mass market paperback and the print was so tiny it was hard to read.

I am a third grade teacher and I bought this book because I thought a child in my class might have the same learning disability that is talked about in this book. The book is very enlightening to those who otherwise wouldn't know much about LD's but it is a memoir so it doesn't neccessarily help you deal with a student or person with an LD any differently. It was very inspiring!

Although this book is supposed to be about a girl's struggles with dyscalculia, it focuses far more on her many other psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. She dramatically describes her daily panic attacks in school, fear of staying overnight at friends' houses as a young teen, fear of going out with friends in college, etc., but almost none of it is related to dyscalculia. Because of this, there isn't much in the book that provides kids or teens with hope that dyscalculia doesn't have to ruin their lives or make them miserable. Dyscalculia is a definitely struggle (and the anecdotes in this book validate that), but the disorder doesn't have to cast such a dark shadow over every aspect of life. I was disappointed to see that the one available book about life with dyscalculia was so negative.

I just received this book which I have been meaning to buy for a while. I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't put it down. Mr. Shore did a great job not only taking us through his life's journey through autism, but also sidelining it with various observations. I am always amazed at those who ventured on the autism spectrum before the word autism was even recognized by many people. Reading books written by those with autism offer such wonderful insight and perspective. I highly recommend this book for parents who are trying to better understand their child with AS as well as those with AS who are navigating high school and/or college futures. There are some great suggestions and ideas.

I especially like how Mr. Shore talked about many of the jobs he held and why he succeeded or what he learned from his not so successful job situations. I think having a supplemental book on this subject alone would be very worthwhile...especially if it came from a variety of viewpoints. Hmmm.

Great Job!
Joanna Keating-Velasco
In His Shoes, A Short Journey Through Autism
A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism

This articulate man gives us an autobiographical view at the difficulties faced as a person with high-functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome grows up and tries to join the working world. It is tough, and he is often misunderstood, yet he very intelligent and has a great deal to offer the world. Although he will always have his "social skills" disability, it is heartening that he is now happily married and has found a career path.

Very interesting to read first hand what it is like to live with autism.The author's accomplishments are amazing, but also his awareness of his limitations. A good book to learn more about this condition, also easy and enjoyable reading.

I recently had a young family member diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and wanted to know more about experiences and views from persons with Asperger Syndrome. I believe Stephen was able to inform the reader of what it is like to exist in a world without having the social skills we non Aspies take for granted. The book lets one know the challenges that might exist in the future for someone diagnosed with Aspergers during an early age.

I purchased this book to gain a better insight about Aspergers. Instead, it left me with many unanswered questions. The book is the equivalent to a boring, monotonous `Dear Diary' that gets stuck in one era: His college years and his interest in music. (This is understandable as the author is terrified of life outside of college, & music is all he knows.) Yet I craved more details, I wanted to know more about Mr. Shores' childhood, his parents, the stims, and the chaos...DETAILS!

It felt as if the author was trying to prove how intelligent he is, boasting of his accomplishments and how he's almost neurotypical. His failures were blamed on other people out to get him for unknown reasons. Lets say it for what it is: A man who looks kind of disheveled and a bit `odd' (Unabomber) gets a job in a financial institution, he rides his bike in, hangs out in the shadows getting dressed, doesn't socialize - and no one wants him around. It's BECAUSE HE'S WEIRD! Yet the author blames his co-workers.

I'm sorry but the reality is, the author probably can't see and understand that he IS different because he has Aspergers! I mean, most typical people can spot someone that is odd/weird/different a mile away. They avoid them not because they're being hurtful, they just can't relate to that person.

I wished he had focused in much greater detail about his feelings, emotions and behaviors when he was younger-to gain a better understanding of what shaped him into the person he is now. The book was written as if he fast-forwarded through his entire youth and got stuck on `pause' when he got to college. While this is obsessively interesting to him, it was tiring reading page after page of redundant accounts of his college days.

There is no depth to the book, it was shallowly written and there is not enough elaboration to make me understand, (or want to for that part) what makes Stephen Shore the person he is. While this may be due in part to his disorder, it left so much to be desired.

I'm sorry to anyone who takes offense to this review, as this is not my intention. I applaud Mr. Shores accomplishments and the hurtles he's overcome. He must be MUCH more dimensional than the book conveys. I wanted to know more about HIM and not what he's done in his life.

I'd suggest a better read would be one of Temple Grandin's books. I got a true feeling of who she is and an understanding of how she got there and how autism fits in. She goes into details about what she was thinking as a girl, teenager and adult. Her pranks, her temper, the metaphors and their importance..everything.

I bought this book based on reviews, and I felt it necessary to give mine.

Rozelle's book protrays an interesting story about his personal journey. Well worth the read.

CPT Dave Rozelle is a true hero and American Patriot. This amazing true story is a must read for any of the War on Terrorism's many critics. Whereas many in our great country sit back and point fingers at those making decisions and fighting overseas, CPT Rozelle is actually doing his part. It's easy to sit on the sidelines, but Dave has fought, been severely wounded, and fought again. He now commands amputees at Walter Reed, getting them in shape to fight again. You can't help but feel even greater respect for our men and women in uniform after reading this one. CPT Rozelle and his men are true Americans, and need to be acknowledged by reading this book.

This book was tough for me. As a military wife I was drawn to Capt. Rozelle's story. However, his book didn't live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong, Capt. Rozelle is to be commended for all that he has accomplished and all that he is still accomplishing. The problem, for me, was that in his attempt to show the military in such a great light he came off as somewhat unrelatable. During the first part of the book, he seemed unable to show any sort of failure or flaw. It wasn't until after his injury that he let the reader see his humanity. He finally told stories of how he let himself down and how he eventually picked himself up and went forward. My only gripe is that he failed to show this same side of himself in the earlier portions of the book.

I was eager to read Capt. Rozelle's book and compare with others by combat veterans from previous conflicts as far back as the American Revolution. Though the Captain has been exemplary in his actions as a soldier, and in his determination to overcome his disability, I was dissapointed and offended by the use of profane and vulgar language in the text. I realize the useage is common in the military, (I am a veteran myself), but it is never appropriate in an historical text to be read now and for generations to come.

I am also dissapointed in Regnery for not providing better editing.

If you believe that troop-morale is low this book should change your mind. I've heard Capt. Rozelle on Laura Ingraham's show telling his story and each time I hear him I'm more confident, proud and optimistic about what we're doing in Iraq. Rozelle provides great insight on what's really going on and is highly critical of the poor press coverage of the War in Iraq.

This author is a great story teller.The main character Jimmy is a young boy who has mental limitations and is considered by many to be "slow". However he is a very loving boy tries to help everyone and is extremely close with his family. He has a special gift of remembering very clearly everything he sees and hears. He is also a very spiritual boy who sees "watchers" whom his mother calls angels.

Jimmy lives in a small southern town with his father, a lawyer, and his stepmother who has been in Jimy's life since he was 5 yrs. old. Jimmy loves his parents and his grandparents who live a few streets away. He is especially close to his grandfather who teaches Jimmy many things and tells him he can do anything he wants.

This is a book that takes us from a court room trial to a bittersweet ending, entering deep into our hearts and keeps you wanting more.

Hope the author writes a seqel to this moving story. I'll be watching for it.

This book is definately different from "The List" and "The Trial", but demonstrates the many facets of love: maternal love for a child not born of her womb and sacrifical love. Humility to care for others outside of your comfort zone, and the desire to want to know more "Jimmys" within our pompus society; simplicity and childlike faith needed to endure the difficult days and appreciate joy that is not found in earthly treasures.
I wish I had known about the ending, as I was disheartend, but that leads me to want to know more people like Jimmy, as stated above, and was thankful to know Mr. Whitlow wrote an alternate ending, of which I'm looking forward to reading.
Mr. Whitlow also demonstates the evil within man's heart, without being perverted and leading your imagination astray.
I'm hopeful whomever reads this, will be changed.

Robert Whitlow is known for his John Grisham-like legal thrillers, but in JIMMY he diverges from his normal courtroom dramas to write a heart-tugging tale. The story revolves around a mentally handicapped boy whose discovery of a crime puts his life in danger.

At 13 years old, Jimmy knows he's "special." Writes Whitlow: "He'd been special all his life, and it had created a lot of problems for him, especially at school....However when Mama told Jimmy he was special, the word took on another meaning. Coming from her mouth, the word wrapped around him like a hug." Jimmy also has near-perfect recall for things he hears spoken, which foretells future trouble from the opening pages.

Whitlow shines when he is developing characters, and in JIMMY his talents are in full force. He adeptly explores the loving relationship between a stepmother and her "very special boy," as well as Jimmy's relationship with his father, who he views as rather distant and difficult to please. Readers will also enjoy the relationship between Jimmy and his grandmother and grandfather, retired from the Georgia Power Company and proud owner of a 45-foot climbing pole in his backyard. He's determined that Jimmy will learn to climb it and build his confidence, a situation that foreshadows a tug of war with Jimmy's parents. Jimmy worries about his Grandpa because of his heart attack and needs constant reassurance that his Grandpa's heart will keep beating.

Whitlow knows how to craft a smooth, well-paced story, and in JIMMY he is able to make the simplest things (such as Jimmy's longing for a bike) a subject of absorbing interest for the reader. There's plenty of humor and some of the loose ends of the story remain unresolved by the closing pages, which adds to its authenticity.

It's difficult to strike the right balance of respect for a mentally handicapped adolescent and portraying them realistically, but Whitlow does an admirable job here. Whether Jimmy is helping to manage the football team or interacting with his parents, his interior life is believable and his dialogue is expertly portrayed. (Jimmy tends to ask people whatever is on his mind, something we'd all enjoy doing if we could.) A tension point in the story revolves around Jimmy's birth mother wanting visitation and joint custody. Jimmy's confusion over her and his loyalty to his father and stepmother is believable and poignant.

This is a sweet novel that flirts with sentimentality in places, but doesn't sidestep cruelty and evil. The random acts of kindness, such as when Jimmy is able to buy his first bike, are balanced with the depravity of others (a cousin who takes every opportunity to hurt and malign Jimmy). The endearing character of Jimmy is guaranteed to melt the hardest heart. Whitlow handles the supernatural themes of the novel with a sure hand, letting the angels or "The Watchers" have just the right amount of page space without becoming overly dominant.

The novel's ending will shock many readers and disappoint others. Whitlow has anticipated this reaction and, in an interesting bit of promotion, offers an alternative ending on his website for those who were hoping for a different outcome. Although a sampling of readers on Amazon.com preferred the alternative ending, I found the print conclusion more brutal and realistic. Enough said. No matter which ending you prefer, JIMMY is a good choice for any faith fiction reader who desires a thought-provoking, enjoyable read.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

This book is not my usual read. I like the thrillers & legal twists of Whitlow's other books, but this was the only thing available when I wanted to read Whitlow...so I started it. Jimmy drew me in & captured my heart. Anyone would want to have such a child, certainly w/o guile, but so obedient & so willing to please, respectful and loving. How many of you have that kind of child, regardless of mental capacity?
I checked out the alternate ending in which Jimmy is rescued, but do believe the published version is the best. I definitely recommend this book to any and all...just let it take you to his world & his understanding of it.

For the longest time I didn't want to read this novel. I consider Robert Whitlow one of my favourite's authors, but I was used to his novel having a predominantly legal angle to it. This novel centres on the life of Jimmy, and his interactions with his world. Being a fiend for reading, and after having this on my wish list for a while, I decided to read this. I'm so glad I did. It starts off slow, as we are introduced to Jimmy and his family, and friends. Their is a legal angle to this, but the greatest revelation for me is learning to see the world through Jimmy's eyes, and developing a child like faith. In places I laughed out loud, and I was also driven to tears, on a few occasions. This novel questioned my role as a father, as I read how Jimmy related to his father. To read this book was an enjoyable occasion, and i would recommend it to one and all

I picked up this book almost as an afterthought. The topic looked interesting and I thought it would make a good quick read...instead I was enthralled with each story and found that after every chapter I needed to take a little time to digest what I had read.

The Short Bus is an excellent read...a story of a journey for one man to understand himself through traveling in the very symbol of his own "imprisonment" He gains insights which come from looking at and examining the idiosyncrasies in the lives of others. Mooney is honest about himself..his own prejudices and judgements..each story enlightened me about various learning disabilities..and demonstrated how categorizing can easily limit people or cause them to be ostracized. While I felt saddened by the treatment of many of the people Mooney visits, none of them caused me to feel anything but hope and amazement at the power of the human spirit to survive. Mooney is insightful and humorous while honoring each of his stories with truth and compassion.

So thrilled to have randomly come across such an entertaining, inspiring, and truly engrossing story that is both refreshingly honest and open heartedly spiritual, (in the best sense of the word.) The message of unconditional love and acceptance for those different then ourselves, while acknowledging his own and society's past shortcomings in this regard, needs to be heard! A hoot besides: despite my own unique wiring, I zipped through the book- allowing no distractions and laughing heartily all the way. from Suzi in Rye, NH

What a must-read for all of us! And I do mean all of us. In The Short Bus, Jonathan Mooney travels far outside his own experience and across America to discover for himself (and us) what it means to experience life in America if one is not "normal." His journey and the conclusions he draws from it provide profound contributions to America's self view as a society and culture. It offers a much needed look in the mirror.
The short bus for Jon, and for all students labeled LD, symbolizes the well intentioned but nonetheless painful humiliation administered daily to the children relegated to it. Our children were labeled and then separated from their peers and their classroom because they didn't fit or belong in the classroom with the "normal" kids. Hoping to rediscover and heal from the pain inflicted by these experiences, Jon tours some of America's other labeled individuals: a deaf and blind student who curses her teachers in sign language, an eccentric man with Aspergers who creates his own community connections in remarkable ways, and a young woman with Down Syndrome who is so unforgettable, her story continues to both haunt and comfort me long after putting the book down. With each individual, Jon explores his own feelings of wariness, prejudice and confusion that most of us experience but rarely admit when we confront folks who are clearly "not normal" or "disabled." He comes to know each of them, overcoming his feelings and soon understands their incredible gifts and how important they are to us as a community. We see, as he sees, the important and precious place each holds in the fabric of society. As we become increasingly engaged with our new acquaintances and learn to appreciate them in inimitable ways, we begin to cry out against "the tyranny of normalcy" because we discover how thoroughly the notion of "normalcy" threatens the heart of humanity.
It is a coming of age story, to be sure, but The Short Bus is far more important and much bigger than a personal journey. In addition, Jon's research and analysis provide us with a historical, medical and sociological context for the labels assigned to each of the marvelous individuals we meet on the short bus. Jon's voice is always honest and questioning, his insight intelligent and boundless, and of course, the book, like the author, is rich in humor.
The Short Bus is ultimately a celebration of life, providing a roadmap to empowerment and a deep appreciation for diversity, underscoring society's need to do so. It's an honest, painful, humorous and always engaging journey, and it's well worth the ride.

I didn't ride the short bus; I came from a previous generation. However, Jonathan's experience rang true. I didn't hear any false notes. Getting my doctorate didn't take away the scars from the educational system. But I came from a different era. That's why I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the one negative review posted by J O'neil.

Certain words have an emotional impact and are only said to hurt. To publically shame a LD person for mispelling something is familiar and one of the most abusive things we can experience. It's a not-so-sublte way in our culture to win an agrument or to announce to the world that you think someone is stupid. Spelling is a gift that many LD people don't have, even though we possess many marvelous gifts. Yet O'Neil, a principal of a LD program no-less, did this. What is most disturbing is that this person seems blind to the irony. There are good teachers who fight this sick system, where these attitudes are tolerated. Thanks to J O'neil, the problem is all there in a paragraph--everything that Jonathan articulated. As I said, I found his insights about school true and I thank him for expanding the conversation.

Jonathan also takes on the issue of "normal," something that gets kicked around loosely but seldom discussed in depth. His reflections allowed me to look beyond myself, again, to the bigger question of how we all fit in this larger community. He does this in a way that's both fair and sensitive. Thanks.

I thought this book was going to offer some hope and practical wisdom.
Rather, its a chronicle of the author's search for validation that offers no real insight into how one can deal with ADD (unless railing against norms helps.) Though the heart of his "success" story is to have graduated from Brown, he does not actually seem to have overcome anything to do so - its just another adventure on his way to who knows where. He's a likeable character and the stories of his trip across country are amusing enough. But I was pretty sick of his obsessive musings about his girlfriend and seriously worried about the families that reached out to him for advice and encouragement for their own "beyond normal" children. He was admittedly not equipped for either, other than to say: I was once a "tard" on the short bus but now I'm here!! I wish him all the best anyway.

Ellen Notbohm has succeeded in coming up with more "things" to let the reader understand the child with autism (which shows the respect learned in the first book of recognizing the child first and the diagnosis second instead of saying the autistic child). Teachers are taught little to nothing on child development and child psychology as they learn to be teachers. This includes the teachers going into special education or emotional / behavioral disorder areas.

This book should be a must for all who work with these children, from the teachers and paras (and administration)to the staff for the cafeteria, library, and front office. There are too many negative assumptions about the motives of the behaviors of these children. 10 Things will help them to walk in the shoes of these children for a moment, hopefully developing a better understanding and empathy for what they are going through, and allowing for more support and accommodations that will allow them to learn and grow as individuals.

Good for information on autism for any person who has an autistic child or is working with a student with autism.

As a general education teacher who has never worked with autistic children before, I found this book to be very enlightening. It gave me a better idea of the type of students I will be working with this next year and how to better adjust my plans to help them learn in a gen ed class.

I bought this book to prepare my son's new, mainstream school for him coming to 1st grade next year. It gives a great overview of ASD, and speaks directly to teachers about having children with autism spectrum disorders in their classroom. I donated a copy to the teacher's library at the school, and they were very receptive.

Ellen Notbohm's second book about autism, TEN THINGS YOUR STUDENT WITH AUTISM WISHES YOU KNEW, is every bit as informative and encouraging as her first. She gets to the point, writes from personal experience, provides practical insight, and she cares. Her first book, TEN THINGS YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM WISHES YOU KNEW, addressed matters pertaining to the very young. This book continues with the older child's development. After reading her book(s), anyone who deals with the mysteries of autism should feel greatly encouraged and better equipped to help these children grow.

Good technical book to help you write your first or Fifth Iep. My son's Iep has been very sucessful.

This book is slow reading and quite boring, honestly....BUT, the information is worth its weight in gold. I've been thru 3 preschool IEP meetings and pretty much rolled over and played dead. Not anymore. We are in the middle of "big school" (leaving preschool) IEP now and I feel so much more knowledgable and incredibly prepared this time around, thanks to this book. Knowledge IS power and this book can make you a superhero for your child!

This book is a great resource for people new to the IEP world, especially before the first IEP meeting. This manual will give a great introduction into what to expect in the meeting, the jargon, the paperwork, and the placement. This book would also be a good first step if the process gets litigious. It gives the basics on how to file complaints and go through due process.

However, the book is a basic overview of the whole process. I gave it only 3 stars because it is far to general in dealing with formulating goals. Even though there are vastly different goals necessary in every individual's IEP, everyone might benefit by reviewing a wide variety of examples. I would like to see many examples of real life goals for various disabilities using the actual wording, style, jargon, and technique used to indicate the goal and its measurability.

I bought this to prep for my first IEP Meeting and found it to be very helpful. It's an easy read, well organized and has tons of sample tear-outs in the back for you to reproduce and use in your dealings with the school district. A great introduction to the wild world of IEPs.

The 5th updated edition of Attorney Lawrence M. Siegel's THE COMPLETE IEP GUIDE: HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR YOUR SPECIAL ED CHILD provides the latest legal information on how parents can work with the school system to develop an Individualized Education Program. There's lots of steps and paperwork to developing such a strategy, but with the help of this guide, parents learn eligibility rules, options, tailoring the IEP for a child's abilities and needs, and more. A 'must' reference for any concerned special education child or for any library catering to parents.

I love Dr. Sears and this book made me love him more! We were not certain that our 4-year-old was ADD until we read this book. I was scared to give her that "label". But Dr. Sears taught me why she does things and how to deal with them! I know more about my child because of this book, it was like he was writing about her! I have learned the positive things that will come because she is able to "hyper focus". He talks about the different treatment options, including biofeedback which is very fascinating. The different discipline techniques have been very helpful and they work! Open your mind and give this book a try!

This book is the best book I have read about ADD/ADHD. I have purchased several books, and checked many out from the library. Each book seems to be "missing something". Well, this book covers it ALL! It contains information on what ADD is and what it isn't, strategies for improving behavior, how to deal with certain situations ie: telling lies, breaking things, etc. Also, there's information on "setting up for school success", neurofeedback, medication, diet and "understanding ADD laws". This book has information on these subjects, plus everything in-between! It's a very well written book that's easy to understand and is hard to put down! This book is interesting from page 1 through page 293! I recommend this book to anyone who has/knows a child with ADD/ADHD!!

I didn't find this book until my son was a junior in high school. He was not a behavior problem and his IQ was above average but he just had trouble with listening and focusing. He was nearly failing all his classes at the time and was very upset because he truly wanted to do well. I reviewed the neurotherapy section of the book and decided to give it a try. He did the sessions over the summer and it made all the difference in school. He had good grades his senior year and now has a full academic scholarship in college. He is happy and proud of himself. This book helped me understand him better and gave me options. This book helped me help him. I highly recommend it.

After reading almost all the ADD books out there, I turned to this one. I admit that many times I find Dr Sears to be a bit too permissible and touchy-feely. I was very surpised and pleased with this book! His approach to ADD as being more of an issue of trying to fit children into "one-size-fits-all" places in the classroom makes sense. After reading this book I felt that my children are just less mature and developed in some areas of their development. I felt that I could address their problems, and he offers many different approaches. Read this book!

Of the many, many books I have read on ADD, this is by far my favorite. If you want to be educated on the topic for your child's best interest, this is the best place to start. There is no pressure to feel you should be giving your child Ritalin. There are so many positive alternatives and approaches that work. For example it really explains neurofeedback, which does work, I have been using this approach for my daughter with excellent results, no drugs!! It has become my significant bedtime reading.

At age 3, my son was kicked out of play school. At age 4, my son was kicked out of preschool. I read the book and I could relate to a lot of the stories. Now he is 5 and is doing a lot better. He is not the most behaved, but still has shown improvement.

I recommend this to anyone who has a kid that doesn't fit the traditional mold.

Most of this book was good. It was more of an explanation and reassurance than any kind of solution.

While the basic premise is good, the book feels thin--as if it should have been a magazine article. Too general and it seems as her examples are not well supported. Better to read a Mel Levine book or Driven to Distraction

This is a wonderful book. After hearing about all the things my son wouldn't be able to do, and how he'll never fit in etc. Here's a book that takes those "bad" traits and shows me how he can be sucessful with them. This book gave me hope for my son who was diagnosed very late (age 9) with Aspergers Autism. I now have a powerful ally to take to my family and his school that is based on hope and not on negitivity. It's changed my life and is changing the life of my son. How cool is that!!!

This book first lists traits that may or may not fit your child, but are considered to be part of "The Edison Trait". Then, they give ideas on how to deal with children who think differently than many other children.

a great book for parents of borderline, functional quirky kids. it focuses on the possibilities and not labels.

I bought this book in conjunction with "the Out-of-Sync child". I read this after the other book. While it offered some insight into quirky kids, it really provided the same info as other books I have read on the subject.

There were two things that I did find appealing about the book. The first being that it followed the child from young quirky toddler through adolesence and into adulthood. I will keep this book as a reference source just for that reason.

The second thing I liked about the book was that it was continually reassuring that eventually these quirky kids find their niche. That is something that any parent wants for their child - a place to fit in.

Overall, I think that there are other books on the market that might address varying types of ASD better than this book. However, with the exception of this book, I have yet to find one that deals with the age progression of these children. For that reason alone, I would recommend it.

Quirky Kids was written by two pediatricians who have special knowledge of developmental delays in children. Their book is helpful and hopeful while being realistic. It breaks the news about the nature of children's developmental delays without scaring parents and it immediately offers many ideas of how and where to get help. Experienced parents' stories give hope and light at the end of the tunnel of diagnosis and treatment.

No matter how much you love and admire your child, learning he is different and will likely have a more challenging life is heartbreaking. I have always loved and adored my quirky son and this book helped me better understand him. When he started learning his letters and reading all before the age of 2, we just thought he was precocious. When he recently started preschool and shut down, I realized there was more to the picture which led to a diagnosis of Asperger's. This book has such a loving title and attitude and yet sets a realistic tone for the challenges of raising a quirky kid. It covered almost every aspect I could hope such a book would cover (schools, playdates, puberty, etc.). My only complaint is that it gave short shrift to a discussion of tantrums and other disciplinary issues unique to raising a child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and how best to approach these in a loving but effective way. Nevertheless, an excellent resource for parents, teachers, grandparents and others who care for a quirky kid. Highly recommended.

When I was a little kid, so-called "quirky" kids were just called "weirdo-" or worse- and ostracized. Now, the subtleties of developmental disorders and learning disabilities are better understood, and the kids get a diagnosis. But we all know how inexact this still is. The difference between a kid with Asperger's, pervasive developmental delay, nonverbal learning disorder, sensory integration dysfunction or attention deficit disorder might have something to do with the child's unique blend of strengths and weaknesses, but might also have a lot to do with what doctor is doing the diagnosing and through what particular lens they happen to see the world that week. It's just the limitations of the science at this point, but the good news is that that isn't the most important part of the story. Forget the labels. Let's just figure out how to help kids make the most of their strengths and best accommodate or compensate for their weaknesses. The concept of "quirky" kids is a nice one for getting beyond the distraction of diagnostic labels. Drs. Klass and Costello defend the term in their introduction but pointing out that it's "not pejorative. In fact, it's sometimes a compliment." It suggests unusual characteristics, "challenging yet often charming."

Dr. Klass and Dr. Costello are not psychiatrists or child development experts. They are practicing primary-care pediatricians who are also parents. They appreciate the stress parents are under, and I think they strike the right tone in this book. Helpful, factual information is provided in a way that is mostly reassuring but also does not minimize legitimate obstacles. You don't want to patronize parents dealing with real issues, but overly anxious parenting is not in the best interest of the family either.

There are reasons to be optimistic. While there are kids with profound disabilities out there, the quirky kids, those who would have gone undiagnosed a generation ago, mostly end up okay. As the authors point out, "adults are infinitely more accepting than children and teenagers," and quirky kids often thrive when they find a suitable niche in the adult world, whether it be academics, computers, or whatever other vocation where they can pursue their interests.

So the goal is for parents to be educated. Not for parents to try and be experts, but for them to know the right questions to ask their children's doctors, to anticipate what types of situations will be particularly challenging for their children, to know how to talk about their children with relatives, friends, the babysitter. For parents to know that it doesn't make them bad parents if they get irritated and frustrated by their children at times. And for parents to remember to treasure their children for who they are, for the gifts and perspectives they bring to the world.

Between best-selling books and internet sites, there is no shortage of information out there for parents, but it is a mixed bag. For my money, this is the book I would recommend for parents of quirky kids looking for one reliable resource to guide them through their next steps.