The Working Parents' Survival Guide

Lisa A. Kurtz

Understanding Motor Skills in Children with Dyspraxia, Adhs, Autism, and Other Learning Disabilities: A Guide to Improving Coordination

'The book is user-friendly and includes clear diagrams in each section, along with tables to outline key points. I found these very useful and they are an easy reference/ reminder, for example, they include a normal development chart, what assessments are available and their main aims.' - National Association of Paediatric Occupational Therapists Coordination problems often make everyday activities a challenge for children with learning disabilities. This accessible manual offers practical strategies and advice for helping children with coordination difficulties. The author explains how to recognize normal and abnormal motor development, when and how to seek help, and includes specific teaching strategies to help children with coordination difficulties succeed in the classroom, playground, and home. She describes a wide range of therapeutic methods and provides a comprehensive list of resources. Full of practical help, this is essential reading for anyone caring for, or working with, children with developmental motor concerns.

Cathy Glass

The Saddest Girl in the World: The True Story of a Neglected and Isolated Little Girl Who Just Wanted to Be Loved

The Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of Damaged tells the true story of Donna, who came into foster care aged ten, having been abused, victimised and rejected by her family.Donna had been in foster care with her two young brothers for three weeks when she is abruptly moved to Cathy's. When Donna arrives she is silent, withdrawn and walks with her shoulders hunched forward and her head down. Donna is clearly a very haunted child and refuses to interact with Cathy's children Adrian and Paula.After patience and encouragement from Cathy, Donna slowly starts to talk and tells Cathy that she blames herself for her and her brothers being placed in care. The social services were aware that Donna and her brothers had been neglected by their alcoholic mother, but no one realised the extent of the abuse they were forced to suffer. The truth of the physical torment she was put through slowly emerges, and as Donna grows to trust Cathy she tells her how her mother used to make her wash herself with wire wool so that she could get rid of her skin colour as her mother was so ashamed that Donna was mixed race.The psychological wounds caused by the bullying she received also start ...

Anne Ford

Laughing Allegra: The Inspiring Story of a Mother's Struggle and Triumph Raising a Daughter with Learning Disabilities

When Anne Ford, great-granddaughter of Henry Ford, learned that her four-year-old daughter Allegra's "differences" were the result of severe learning disabilities, she faced a challenge that neither money nor position could ease. Desperate for answers, Anne sought out doctors, teachers, counselors, and oth- ers who could help her build a support network for herself and her daughter, while fighting the many common misconceptions and myths about learning disabilities.Now, in this fiercely honest and compelling memoir, Anne tells her story, writing movingly of her feelings as the mother of a learning disabled child. "I grew to accept that life is filled with uncertainty and that answers to the most simple, yet profound, questions such as 'What is wrong with my daughter?' can be elusive. I learned to be self-reliant in ways I never had before. I learned that every spark of optimism and hope was something to be nurtured and treasured because sometimes they were the only comfort available. And I learned that worry had entered my life." In time, Anne Ford saw her daughter grow into a vibrant, loving, and independent adult with a passion for ice skating and a commitment to help other ...