Specific Disabilities Books

Reading this book was like speaking to Ken. Ken is a good guy who is a very talented writer. Normally, I wouldn't read a book like this, but since I know Ken personally, it was like having him in my living room. I found I had to concentrate on the text more than usual because its a bit all-over-the-place, but so is Ken. Since I like him so much, I found it easy to like the book. I think you will too. -Johnny

Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable read. Mr. Patterson's story is both funny and sad. Having ADHD myself, I found myself nodding in agreement while reading the book because I could identify with the difficulties, feelings and situations he faced.

For someone with ADHD, the value in reading this book is finding out that other people are dealing with the same issues and that you are not alone. For someone without ADHD, it is important to keep an open mind while reading this book because it may be hard to identify with the author's struggles and writing style. Yet, it will help give a better understanding of people who are ADHD.

Again, an enjoyable read that is also authentic. Highly recommended!

ADD and Me: Forty Years In A Fog is the personal memoir of a man with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which he likens to living in a fog. Impulsiveness, distractions, and obsessions complicate his life from childhood to school, military career, and personal relationships - without the natural stability of cognition that other people take for granted, author Ken Patterson has had to find alternative means to cope. An inspirational story filled cover to cover with anecdotes that are sometimes humorous, sometimes dark, but always laced with challenges above and beyond the norm.

This book is a little dry but if you dig into it there are some very helpful assessment tools and information for teachers. I used it for a class I was taking, I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise.

This is a great book. I am a teacher and it has the up-to-date things that teachers must know today. Things are always changing, the curriculum in the schools are forever changing. To be effective teachers we must continue to educate ourselves in order to educate our students. This book hold information that we must have if we want to be effective teachers. Amazon got this book to me in three (3) days. I ordered this regular standard mail and it came so fast. Book was in wonderful condition, because sometimes going through the mail things can get messed up. I am pleased with amazon.com and with the book.

Great material, helpful information. It is a somewhat heavy read, but that is to be expected with the material it is covering. My only complaint would be that the paper the pages are printed on is thin and prone to getting bent etc.

Of all the books about medical things that I have read this is the best by far. Dr. Wright's advice should be must reading for anyone with ADHD as well as families, close friends, and those who are simply interested in that subject.

Dr. Wright has some good views on the abuse and misuse of the terrible drug "Ritalin". She also shows how there is more to treating children with behavioral problems then simply giving them drugs. What I didn't like was that she still condones the use of stimulants for treating children who have been labelled with "ADHD". Drugs like Ritalin treat only the symptoms. They do not get to the root of the problem, and therefore, only work while the person is under the influence of these drugs. These are the same drugs that are sold on the streets and refered to as speed. Do you realy think we should be giving them to our children? I don't think so! If you really want to learn about treating behavioral problems, hyperativity, hypoglycemia, allergies, poor nutrition, learning differences, and other symptoms that are commonly misdiagnosed as "ADHD", please read "NO MORE RITALIN", by Dr. Mary Ann Block. After over a year of my own research on my daughters problems, I have found Dr. Block's book to be an invaluable asset. She shows how perscription drugs are big bussiness, and how they make big money off of us at our childrens expense. She helps you to solve the problems by getting to the root of the problem, not just covering the symptoms. "Do We Need Ritalin", is a good start, but "No More Ritalin" takes us all the way to healing our children into healthy and produtive adults, with out turning them into drug addicts!

I am writing this review with the intention of encouraging a much-needed re-print of this excellent little book. I have been recommending it to parents, school counsellors and teachers since it first appeared, and was shocked to hear it has become unavailabe. I have read a great number of books about ADHD, and Dr. Wright's is one of the clearest and most comprehensive works of its kind. In an easily-readable and empathetic FAQ form, she describes ADHD and its sufferers, and presents scientifically serious arguments for a global, multimodal treatment approach, explaining the use and rationale of Ritalin and other treatments, including various other medications as well as psychotherapeutic and psychosocial interventions. Dr. Wright has distilled her encyclopedic knowledge and obviously vast experience into a useful guide primarily intended for the parents of children with ADHD, but it should also be on the "must" list of all who have any responsibilities in the raising, care and education of all children and adolescents. The only change I would have wished for would be the title. A better one would have been, perhaps: ADHD AND ITS TREATMENT - WHY RITALIN AND WHY MORE. In closing, it is worthy of note that Dr. Wright, whose book was published in 1997, was already working within the framework described and implied by two excellent review articles in the current volume of the New England Journal of Medicine (1999, 340:40-46 and 780-788).

This book is a great overview of theories of reading, research on biological brain research of dyslexia,and program reviews which address dyslexia and reading difficulties in general. The chapters are dense with information, but not difficult to read. The book is a little out of date now; hopefully a new edition will update some of the information.

The book starts with a brief but well-written description of dyslexia and a discussion of the basics of various methods for dealing with it. Although not comprehensive, these sections of the book provide a clear overview that will equip the reader well for reading more technical, jargon-filled publications on the subject. The most valuable part of the book is Part III: Reading Programs for Individuals with Dyslexia. Here, there are descriptions of eleven different programs, from the most aggressively Orton-Gillingham (e.g. Slingerland, Alphabetic Phonics) to whole-language (Reading Recovery). The descriptions cover: What the teacher does; How the teacher is trained; What research there is on the effectiveness of the methods. This is an excellent first book for a student just starting to learn about dyslexia, and a good one to return to from time to time to put the fads and enthusiasms of the moment into perspective. (Students new to the subject should also read "Beginning to Read" by Marilyn Jager Adams.) Reviewed by Stowe Daviso

I borrowed a copy of this book from the Parents Education Resource Center and have so extensively bookmarked it for use in planning my sons education I felt I should purchase my own!

This book was extremely helpful. It was the first I've seen that addressed the issues faced by adults with dyspraxia, not just children, though it has much helpful advice for children and parents as well. Written by the mother (who's also a doctor) of a dyspraxic son, it's filled with practical, common-sense solutions, right down to hygiene hints, clothing suggestions, daily menus, and shopping lists. I wish America were as up-to-date with this disorder as the British are, but I'm grateful that there's somebody out there to help with this frustrating, often embarrassing, and little-known issue.

The book was okay, it did give me information, I would have preferred it was more professionally written. Because this is a relatively new diagnosis, it seems little professional literature is available, so until that happens, this little book does help.

If your "ADHD" child is "uncoordinated", "clumsy", "distractible", learn how these features differ from ADHD qualities. The dyspraxic child may have fine and gross motor issues, visual or auditory perceptual difficulties, poor body awareness or propioception. A British pediatrician with a dyspraxic son outlines the educational and social challenges facing children with this "hidden handicap" and offers parents and teachers practical suggestions for home and school support.

On the very day in August, 1986, the author gets bit by a water moccasin in Mississippi while on a canoe trip, Stephen Rondell was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with multiple disabilites. As a nurse, she found him two years later and spent the next eleven years willing him to live.

The emergency room doctor had told her that fateful day that "God must want you for something." Indeed, He did. She helped this disabled young child to grow and develop into a human being. He had celebral palsy and epilipsy, along with other life-threatening illnesses. There is a person here named David who could have been her Steve.

She adopted him and helped him learn how to cope and get around in this hectic world of ours. She had an endorsement for this informative and needed book by Patch Adams whose work with all kinds of disability, from physical to mental, as a work of art. I found a person four years ago dressed as a clown complete with Patch's trademark big red nose who told me that he actually works with Dr. Adams in his travels and work with children. I wa upset by a scene in the movie, but he told me that was pure Hollywood added to get movie goers, not the truth.

This is a story of miracles of faith, hope and love. It shows how a group of dedicated professionals work together to accomplish much more than any single individual ever could. Chrissy has been a nurse for twenty-five years and is now an expert advocate for human rights. Stephen's story will inform parents of disabled children and encourage all who go through this kind of stress that it is all worth the effort and strife.

It is the story of a child's lifelong struggle with serious disabilities; his sweet spirit enrishes all who reads this revealing account in the life of Steve and Crissy. It can be used as a primer for caregivers of children everywhere.

A powerful and touching book, showing this author's unconditional love for her child. Superbly written. Highly recommended.

"Eagle Doctor" is a truly wonderful book. I instantly felt the extraordinary love and compassion that the author has for her son. This book pulled at my heartstrings from the very first page, like no other book has been able to accomplish. I was unable to tear myself away from Stephen's incredible stories; making me feel like I was almost a part of his life. A superb book for all ages to enjoy, full of inspiration & the joys of the Miracle of Life.

Buy this book before it goes out of print. Get The Imprisoned Guest as well. You won't be disappointed if you have any intrest in this brilliant and spirited lady!

Freeberg's dual biography of Laura Bridgman and Samuel Gridley Howe is far better reading than one would expect of a revised Ph.D. dissertation. Freeberg is clear in his exposition of philosophic and religious trends, and he is absolutely fair in his of treatment the old Calvinist orthodoxy and the evangelicalism of the Second Great Awakening. Having written a children's story about Laura Bridgman more than twenty-five years ago, I was already familiar with the outlines of this narrative, but I still learned much from Freeberg's study--as for instance, the connection between Unitarianism and phrenology and the robust evangelical reaction to Howe's tentative attempts to play God with Bridgman's soul.

It's just delightful when something like this comes around. It's a page turner that isn't a paperback mystery. In fact, people who have heard of Laura Bridgman in the first place pretty much know how the story comes out. Freeberg has a taut and clear style that gives the information bones and ligaments, and he has done thorough research. There are photos and copies of things in Laura's handwriting that I have never seen before, and I have been in the field of disability all my adult life. I've read just about everything on Laura Bridgman and the Perkins school.

Freeberg did well in choosing to focus of Laura's education. The book would have been at least three times longer, and probably not as well organized had he tried to cover her entire life in one volume. By sticking just to the subject of her education, though, he shows use the brilliance of her teacher, Howe, who relied on instincts and experience, and made things up as he went along. And we see Laura's mind grow. In our day, the lay person is fairly familiar with the stages of human intellectual growth and development, and it is exciting to see how Laura is remediated for the things she missed because her communication skills were late in coming.

Freeberg is also respectful and gracious to his topic. Laura is a wonderful person in her own right. She is not Helen Keller's shadow. Helen Keller is a once-an-epoch genius. Laura was a bright and friendly woman, and I thank Freeberg for reminding us of this.

I feel that these authors included the "Asperger Syndrome" subtitle simply to find a market audience. I think "Misadventures With Poor Parenting, Drugs, and Poor Choices" is more appropriate.

I am trying very hard not to come across as judgmental, because I actually liked the "Jeanette Purkis" character in this story. She is both strong and honest, and I like that.

I am not a mental health professional of any kind but my daughter and I have both been diagnosed with Asperger's and our lives have not even remotely taken the scary path outlined by these authors.

This being said, the book is extremely well written and quite fascinating. The human touches Purkis includes are brilliant. For example, I think Jeanette was wise to become a lesbian, and foolish to choose such poor partners. This kind of foolish wisdom, found throughout the book, makes her story very touching and very believable.

Want to find out about Asperger's? Look elsewhere. Want to read a marvelous autobiography? Look no further.

This book shows the fun side to having Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger's Syndrome is a neurobiological condition that is the spectrum partner to autism. As with any spectrum, there will be overlapping behaviors. Purkis does an exemplary job of describing those overlaps.

This is a book that will make everyone, regardless of whether or not they have a place on the a/A spectrum laugh. Neurotypical and a/A alike will find plenty of humor and much to commiserate with and identify with in this book. I recommend this along with Kenneth Hall's book entitled "Asperger Syndrome, the Universe & Everything: Kenneth's Book."

With all due respect to another reviewer here, I would not describe this as a humorous book. The themes of violence and drug addiction don't naturally lend themselves to comedy. Personally I think you'd have to be a bit sick to laugh at the author's very painful story. It definitely does not show "the fun side to having Asperger's Syndrome". If anything it is quite the opposite. Sorry Beetlebangs1964 but did you actually read this book?

The author has succeeded in describing her life before she knew she had Asperger Syndrome and resisting the temptation to apply retrospective wisdom, capturing perfectly what it is like to see everything going wrong in your life and not knowing why. Neither does she shy away from dark thoughts and feelings... in that way most typical of people on the spectrum she is frank and honest, confronting the reader with sometimes harsh realities. A book like this should change you a little bit, and this one does.

That said, this is still an accessible read and is ultimately very positive and hopeful. It proves that no matter how big a hole you get yourself in to or how desperate things may seem, there is always a way forward. I don't think you can underestimate what a big step it must have been for the author to talk so publicly about these most difficult times in her life, and hopefully her generosity in sharing her experiences will help others who have faced similar challenges.

As with any auto-biography this is the story of part of one persons life, not a description of Asperger's syndrome, and I cannot stress enough to the casual reader that Asperger Syndrome does not cause or result in criminal or violent behaviour and is not at all characterised by such. The author explains herself "I tend to think we are all given a set of circumstances to deal with and that we have to do the best with what we have at our disposal". She has just happened to have a "somewhat dark and bizarre life". You probably have to already have some knowledge about what Asperger Syndrome is I think to see how it fits in to that picture, but nonetheless this is a very worthwhile read.

Lena was born without arms, and with one of her legs severely deformed. In this book she tells the story of her life. Lena could have easily become bitter and angry, but instead she has maintained a positive, courageous, and upbeat attitude. Even in her baby and early childhood photos, you can see that she radiates happiness. She had a very supportive family. Her dad said after she was born, "Arms or no arms, she needs a home anyways!" (Some felt she should be institutionalized.) They made every effort to give her a "normal" life and help her be independent.

Despite her severe disability, Lena has accomplished much in life. She has learned to function very independently - it is absolutely incredible what she can do with her one good foot!!! She was an accomplished swimmer when she was younger, and also a talented singer. She continues to travel the world singing and sharing her testimony. Lena has a strong and vibrant Christian faith. Some might have rejected their faith/beliefs in the face of such problems. But Lena believes that God makes no mistakes, and that her life is a part of God's special plan for her. In many ways, her disability has given her unique opportunities in life.

This book is an "easy read" - I read it in just a couple hours. It left me feeling inspired, encouraged, hopeful, and thankful! I have no right to complain - I have two arms and two legs!

This delightful little book is the story of a famous singer and world record-breaking swimmer. She tells of her life with refreshing sparkle, so much so that I had to constantly remind myself that this woman was born without arms. Unpretentious, simple and direct are words that spring to mind when describing this tale.

Her passionate desire is that all people should have the same joy, and she shares several keys to living a happy life in spite of obstacles. The central point is her vibrant faith in God.

One shortcoming of the book is that the editing is not always up to scratch. That said, the book is easy to read, and is a pleasure on the eye. The photographs beautifuly supplement the text.

When I finished the book, I wanted more. I wished to have a fuller account of people and times.

But the aim of the book is not to tell a history, but to inspire others. And in this regard it succeeds completely.

Hi! I am a handicapped girl myself. I live in Taiwan. I think that Lena is an extremely courageous person. I hope that I am that courageous too. I think the book is most encouraging. Life is not a bowl of cherries. The most we can do is to make life much more easier for others as well as ourselves. I would like to get in touch with the author-Lena Maria Klingvall-personally. I wonder if you can help me to make my dream come true. I'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you and wish you all healthy and joyful! Sincerely, Anneila / 2000,9,16

Hard to believe that no one else has written a review of this book because it is excellent... Oe's manner of dealing with his son's affliction and the effects it has on his family is truly amazing... His manner is truly one of love and serenity.... Without any reservations, I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about "heart"...

My first book by Kenzaburo was Silent Cry. Recently I read A Healing Family and found that I really liked it a lot. Yukari's illustrations were beautiful. This book made me feel closer to Oe's family. It is very heart-warming.

At the time I read it, I was in the process of deciding whether to get my wisdom teeth extracted by a dentist or an oral surgeon. I heard that my face would be bruised and swollen, my jaws unhinged, etc. after the surgery. It was quite unnerving just to think about it. Then I read that Hikari has to make weekly visits to the dentist, and that his epileptic pills make his gum terribly swollen. I felt that I am in a much much better situation than some people. It was a consolation to read this book.

One thing I don't quite like about most of Kenzaburo's books is that he refers to a lot of other European writers and their works, which I find hard to understand. Well, that's just my ignorance.

Kenzaburo Oe, the Japanese novelist who won the 1994 Nobel Prize for Literature, was 28 when his son, Hikari, was born. This event was the most important in Oe's life. Born with a herniated brain, Hikari has needed almost constant care since birth. "A Healing Family" is Oe's first non-fiction attempt to make sense of Hikari's life and the effect it has had on the people around him, most importantly his family.

This beautiful book shows the profound love, affection and pride the Oe family take in Hikari's accomplishments and happiness. From the age of five, Hikari has been obsessed with classical music, and eventually began to compose pieces for piano and violin. Much of "A Healing Family" concerns Oe's attempts to understand his son through music.

"A Healing Family" is a book everyone should read. Finely crafted, perceptive, intelligent and moving, it shows us again that compassion and empathy can make all the difference in the world.