Collection: Shop Neurodiverse

Help gifted children realize they're not alone, they're not "weird," and being smart is a bonus, not a burden. Based on a survey of 1,000 gifted kids, this retitled edition of the classic Gifted Kids' Survival Guide is fully updated with the latest research. Readers learn how to cope with high expectations, perfectionism, labels, bullying, friendships, and more. Upbeat, informative, friendly, and compact, The Survival Guide for Gifted Kids is a must for young gifted children. At a time when many school gifted programs are scaling back, it's more important than ever for kids to have this essential guide to growing up gifted.

Survival Guides for Kids
Helping Kids Help Themselves(R)
Straightforward, friendly, and loaded with practical advice, the Free Spirit Survival Guides for Kids give kids the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive. With plenty of realistic examples and bright illustrations, they are accessible, encouraging, kid-friendly, and even life-changing.

Ido in Autismland opens a window into non-verbal autism through dozens of short, autobiographical essays each offering new insights into autism symptoms, effective and ineffective treatments and the inner emotional life of a severely autistic boy. In his pithy essays, author Ido Kedar, a brilliant sixteen year old with autism, challenges what he believes are misconceptions in many theories that dominate autism treatment today while he simultaneously chronicles his personal growth in his struggles to overcome his limitations.

Ido spent the first half of his life locked internally, in silence, trapped in a remedial educational system that presumed he lacked the most basic comprehension, and unable to show the world that he understood everything. But at the age of seven, Ido was finally able to show that he had an intact mind and could understand. This led to the quest to find a system of communication that he could use despite his impaired motor control. Through the use of a letter board, and now an iPad, Ido has triumphed communicatively, enabling him to flourish in a regular high school in all general education classes.

But Ido has a larger goal. He does not want to be seen as an isolated autistic exception with miraculously advanced cognitive and communication abilities. He wants people to see that thousands of other severely autistic individuals have the same capacity, but remain trapped and locked-in, as he was, unable to show their true capacities. These individuals desperately need new theories and new methods to help them break free too. Of importance to neuro-researchers, educators, psychologists, doctors, parents, friends, family and people with autism, Ido in Autismland will change our collective understanding of severe autism.

PRAISE FOR Ido in Autismland "There are doubtless many Idos in this world, unable to speak, yet possessing good intellectual ability and, most certainly, a rich emotional life. And yet, precisely because they cannot communicate, nonverbal individuals with autism are nearly always consigned to the junk heap of mental deficiency, branded as incapable of understanding language or even having feelings... We need to help change things for this terribly neglected group... Reading Ido's book is a good beginning." - Portia Iversen, Co-founder, Cure Autism Now and the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange Gene Bank. Author of Strange Son

"Ido is a brilliant communicator. His words bring us inside the world of autism. His gift of writing enlightens, inspires, educates. Every person who loves or works with someone with autism - educator, therapist, karent, grandparent, neighbor - should read Ido in Autismland." - Elaine Hall, Author of Now I See the Moon, co-author of Seven Keys to Unlock Autism. Featured in Autism: The Musical

"Ido's book touches any heart, not only because it is well written, but because it reveals a mind that has learned how to speak to the world through spelling every word on a letter board and keyboard. His book is indeed a great gift to the world. Thank you, Ido." - Soma Mukhopadhyay, Executive Director of Education, HALO, Author of Understanding Autism through Rapid Prompting Method

Parents of children with autism or other special needs frequently struggle with toilet training their child. Toileting a child with special needs is more difficult because there are often additional challenges such as communication difficulties, sensory issues, behavioral concerns, resistance to change, inability to generalize a newly learned skill, and the need for routine.

Using traditional toilet training books and methods are not always helpful because the autism population does not think the same way a neurotypical child does. The child with autism may not care about pleasing parents or receiving verbal praise. Because there may be significant developmental delays, the toileting process may not be started until after the age of four. Using a diaper to eliminate has been the routine for several years and this can be hard to change. Children's books to introducing toilet training may not be appropriate because the child is too big for a potty chair or using the potty chair then transitioning to the toilet becomes yet another change and obstacle in this process.

All of these concerns may feel insurmountable and overwhelming when making the decision to begin toilet training. Judith Coucouvanis has come to the rescue with her new book The Potty Journey: Guide to Toilet Training Children with Special Needs, Including Autism and Related Disorders that empowers parents and professionals with practical information to make this journey a success. I would recommend reading the book in its entirety first before starting toileting because Ms. Coucouvanis equips the reader with a plan and presents the overall picture for this process. She uses the concept of a journey/trip and all the things one would need to do to make the trip a successful one. It is these planning tips and manageable steps that make toileting "do-able".

One of the biggest quandaries parents face is not knowing when to start toileting. Judy outlines considerations when to begin toileting in the second chapter. She discusses mental age which is not the same as chronological age, the ability to remain dry for 1 - 2 hours at a time, and being over the age of four when bodily functions are more mature. It is also important that you as the parent are emotionally ready for this commitment which takes several weeks, and that there are no additional life stressors such as a move, divorce, job change, or major illness.

One key to successful toileting is using a team approach. Everyone who spends time with that child should be involved in the toileting process. Children with autism don't generalize from one situation to the next so for success to occur there has to be a consistent toileting routine and approach throughout the child's day which may unfold in several places.

The author introduces the Daily Progress Record (DPR) in chapter 3 which is the foundation of the toileting process. She provides lots of examples and a template in the appendix. She teaches how to practice toileting, use rewards, and supports the child's learning with visual examples. She dedicates two chapters to troubleshooting problems. The book is peppered with thoughts from parents and professionals who have gone through this journey. Their comments offer positive support and encouragement. The final chapter is dedicated for stories from those who have completed the toileting journey.

Ms.Coucouvanis also writes about creating independence with toileting - how to fade prompts and your presence in the bathroom. She also discusses bathroom use in other locations such as the school and public restrooms. The hidden curriculum rules for boys and girls public bathroom use are outlined. Most mothers are not aware of how different a men's public bathroom is from a women's.

There is a helpful appendix at the end which includes charts for determining toileting readiness, the Daily Progress Record, records for your team members (known as the travel crew), a checklist to prepare for this journey, suggested rewards, Sitting Practice Record, and a visual breakdown of the toileting steps.

The Potty Journey takes parents and professionals through the toileting journey which is a challenge but well worth the effort. Toileting with independence and confidence is a life-long skill; without this skill, a person's choices are limited and they are dependent on someone else for one of their most basic needs.

As a mom of a newly diagnosed child with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), I relentlessly sought experts in SPD, as well as top nutritionists, biopsychologists, and neurologists. I figured that if I understood the major functions of the brain, and how it's supposed to take in, process and respond to stimulation, I could discover how SPD interferes with these functions. Understanding the whole picture - the combination of body, brain and nutritional health - led me to embrace the "Sensory Diet." In this book, I share the keys of a well-balanced nutritional diet and the activities and exercises that truly work. Use the resources in this book to create a whole picture of your own child's conditions and customize a Sensory Diet for him/her.

"If you're the parent, teacher, relative or friend of a sensory kid, The Sensory Processing Diet will give you unique insight into his or her world. Reading it was a breath of fresh air, as I could relate to so many of her parenting struggles and found her recommended interventions to be both doable and helpful."
-- CAMERON KLEIMO, sensory mom

"Chynna Laird has written a sensational book about a little known disorder, but one that is becoming increasingly more identified in children. As a child psychologist, I found the book to be interesting, informative and complete. I recommend it highly to parents and professionals. I loved it."
--LAURIE ZELINGER, PhD, ABPP, RPT-S, board certified psychologist, author of Please Explain "Anxiety" to Me

"I work with many children in play therapy that also experience sensory issues. The Sensory Diet gives an in-depth look at contributors to SPD, what types of treatments are available and adjustments families can make so that a child with SPD can cope in life in a way that he/she hasn't understood before. I wholeheartedly recommend it to therapists and parents."
--JILL OSBORNE, EDS, LPC, CPCS, RPTS, author of Sam Feels Better Now!

CHYNNA LAIRD - is a mother of four, a freelance writer, blogger, editor and award-winning author. Her passion is helping children and families living with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), mental and/or emotional struggles and other special needs. She's authored two children's books, two memoirs, a parent-to-parent resource book, a Young Adult novella, a Young Adult paranormal/suspense novel series, two New Adult contemporary novels and an adult suspense/thriller. Website: www.chynnalairdauthor.ca

From Loving Healing Press www.LHPRess.com

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

One of the best ways for children with autism, Asperger's, and sensory processing disorders to learn is through play. Children improve their motor skills, language skills, and social skills by moving their bodies and interacting with their environment. Yet the biggest challenges parents, teachers, and loved ones face with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders is how to successfully engage them in play.

Pediatric occupational therapist Tara Delaney provides the answer. In 101 Games and Activities for Children with Autism, Asperger's, and Sensory Processing Disorders, she shows you how to teach your children by moving their bodies through play. These interactive games are quick to learn but will provide hours of fun and learning for your child. And many of the games can be played indoors or outdoors, so your child can enjoy them at home, outside, or on field trips.

More than one hundred games that help your child:

• make eye-contact, stay focused, and strengthen his or her motor skills
• associate words with objects and improve language and numerical skills
• learn how to interact with others, how to take turns, and other social skills needed for attending preschool and school

The Behavior Code Companion delivers a helpful inventory of concrete and practical resources for the development and implementation of successful behavior intervention plans for students.

Special educator and behavioral analyst Jessica Minahan, coauthor of The Behavior Code, delivers a companion guide for educators and parents who want to better support students with challenging behaviors. Used by countless educators, the FAIR Behavior Intervention Plan has been proven to improve proactive classroom management, encourage positive teacher-student relationships, and reduce the need for school discipline.

In this book, Minahan offers a wealth of supplemental materials for each stage of the FAIR Behavior Intervention Plan--which involves determining the function (F) of the behavior, offering appropriate accommodations (A), implementing proactive intervention strategies (I), and practicing positive response strategies (R). Among other invaluable supports, she provides clear and direct exercises for brainstorming and reflection, a series of checklists to help with implementation and monitoring progress, and planning activities and templates that can be customized and put to use immediately. The author also recommends apps and other technology that can assist and simplify plan implementation.

Throughout the book, Minahan offers illustrative case studies, with a special focus on students with mental health diagnoses and those with anxiety-related or oppositional behaviors.

Filled with actionable advice, this highly useful resource gives educators and parents the tools to meet challenging behaviors with both confidence and compassion. This volume will help educators create optimal learning environments for all students.

Traffic! Road works! Ambulances! Where do you go when the hustle and bustle of the city gets too much?
The Spaces In Between weaves between the busy lives of several children who are all seeking secret spaces where they can go to find peace and quiet.

With themes of anxiety, fear, kindness and joy, join the children over the course of one day, and explore how each of them copes with their emotions. From the warm embrace of a loved one, finding joy by splashing through puddles, and feeling the crunch of autumn leaves on the pavement, this book is full of ideas on how to find calming spaces in the middle of the hubbub.

Tips and suggestions at the back of the book are full of ideas that are accessible to all children, wherever they are in the world.

When students' behavioral, emotional, and social needs are met, they are better able to excel in school and in life. Take strategic action to begin closing the systematic behavior gap with the guidance of Behavior Solutions. This user-friendly resource outlines how to utilize the PLC at Work(R) and RTI at Work(TM) processes to create a three-tiered system of supports that is collaborative, research-based, and practical.

Use this resource to assess the current reality of your school or district's systemic behavior gap:

• Become familiar with student behaviors, emotions, and mental states and the challenges they provide to the implementation of educational initiatives.
• Learn why it is necessary for schools to embrace the PLC at Work and RTI at Work processes to ensure students' behavioral success with a multitiered system of support (MTSS).
• Study each tier of behavioral support--prevention, intervention, and remediation--to foster social-emotional learning (SEL).
• Understand how to construct successful behavior intervention processes at each behavioral tier.
• Read real-world examples and case studies of schools that implemented effective multitiered systems of behavior supports, then create your own action plan.

Contents:
Introduction
Part One: Building the Case--the Why
Chapter 1: Assessing Your Current Reality
Part Two: Connecting PLCs, RTI, and Behaviors--the What
Chapter 2: Developing the Structure for Integrating PLCs, RTI, and Behavior
Part Three: Implementing Behavior Solutions for Each Tier--the How
Chapter 3: Implementing Behavior Solutions Tier 1--Prevention
Chapter 4: Implementing Behavior Solutions Tier 2--Intervention
Chapter 5: Implementing Behavior Solutions Tier 3--Remediation
Epilogue
Part Four: Improving and Sustaining the System--the Now What
Appendix A: Establishing and Sustaining a System for Success
Appendix B: Tier 1 Behavior PLC and RTI--From District Office to Every Classroom Case Study
Resources and References
Index

From acclaimed Autistic Irish comedian Aoife Dooley comes a fresh and funny debut middle-grade graphic novel about fitting in and standing out.

Frankie is different from everyone in her class, and she can't figure out why. She has trouble concentrating, and her classmates tease her for not having a dad at home. To try to make sense of the world, Frankie doodles her daily adventures in a journal. One day, when Frankie sneaks into her mom's room and sees her biological father's name on her birth certificate, she decides to go on a mission to track him down. Could Frankie's father be the key to finding out why Frankie feels so adrift?

A unique story told with a light touch and an abundance of warmth and wit, Frankie's World is laugh-out-loud funny and a love letter to daring to be different.

A captivating and powerful exploration of the opioid crisis--the deadliest drug epidemic in American history--through the eyes of a college-bound softball star. Edgar Award-winning author Mindy McGinnis delivers a visceral and necessary novel about addiction, family, friendship, and hope.

When a car crash sidelines Mickey just before softball season, she has to find a way to hold on to her spot as the catcher for a team expected to make a historic tournament run. Behind the plate is the only place she's ever felt comfortable, and the painkillers she's been prescribed can help her get there.

The pills do more than take away pain; they make her feel good.

With a new circle of friends--fellow injured athletes, others with just time to kill--Mickey finds peaceful acceptance, and people with whom words come easily, even if it is just the pills loosening her tongue.

But as the pressure to be Mickey Catalan heightens, her need increases, and it becomes less about pain and more about want, something that could send her spiraling out of control.

iParenting Media Award Winner
Mom's Choice Award Gold Recipient for Self Improvement
Young Voices Silver Award, Children's Interactive

This interactive self-help book is the complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering children to fall asleep and stay asleep.

What to Do When You Dread Your Bed guides children and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques used to treat problems with sleep. Fears, busy brains, restless bodies, and overdependence on parents are all tackled as children gain the skills they need for more peaceful nights. This interactive self-help book is the complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering children to fall asleep and stay asleep -- like magic!

Wouldn't it be great if you could climb into bed, snuggle under your covers, and fall asleep without any fuss or fear? Without listening for noises or thinking about bad guys? Without an extra drink, or an extra hug, or an extra trip to the bathroom?

Bedtime is tough for many kids. If you're a kid who dreads your bed, and you're convinced that nothing short of magic will make nighttime easier, this book is for you.

This book is part of the Magination Press What-to-Do Guides for Kids series and includes an "Introduction to Parents and Caregivers." What-to-Do Guides for Kids are interactive self-help books designed to guide 6-12 year olds and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of various psychological concerns. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, these books educate, motivate, and empower children to work towards change.

A nerdy high schooler learns to embrace his main-character energy in this witty and heart-healing ode to movie tropes, meet-cutes, and LGBTQ+ love.

Photographer and film buff Daniel Sanchez learned a long time ago that the only way to get by in an allistic world is to mask his autism and follow the script. Which means he knows that boisterous, buff, and beautiful soccer superstars like his best friend, Mona Sinclair, shouldn't be wasting time hanging out with introverts who prefer being behind the camera.

So when Daniel meets a new classmate, Gabe Mendes, who is tall, mysterious, nonbinary, and--somehow--as cool as Mona, Daniel knows exactly how this is going to play out. Mona and Gabe will meet cute, win their nominations for Homecoming Court, and ride off into the sunset together. Daniel just needs to do a little behind-the-scenes directing.

But matchmaking means stepping into the mystifying and illogical world of love, dating, and relationships, where nothing is as it seems and no one knows their lines. And when Daniel finds himself playing a starring role in this romance, he'll question everything he thought he knew about himself and his place in the world.

An updated edition of the classic self-help book for people with Attention Deficit Disorder

With over a quarter million copies in print, You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy? is one of the bestselling books on attention deficit disor

Nearly six million Americans suffer from the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can manifest itself in many ways: paralyzing fear of contamination; unmanageable "checking" rituals; excessive concern with order, symmetry, and counting; and others.

Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder provides Dr. Jonathan Grayson's revolutionary and compassionate program for finally breaking the cycle of overwhelming fear and endless rituals, including:

• Self-assessment tests that guide readers in identifying their specific type of OCD and help track their progress in treatment
• Case studies from Dr. Grayson's revolutionary and profoundly successful treatment program
• Blueprints for programs tailored to particular manifestations of OCD
• Previously unexplored manifestations of OCD such as obsessive staring, Relationship OCD (R-OCD), obsessive intolerance of environmental sounds and chewing sounds
• Therapy scripts to help individuals develop their own therapeutic voice, to motivate themselves to succeed
• New therapies used in conjunction with exposure techniques
• "Trigger sheets" for identifying and planning for obstacles that arise in treatment
• Information on building a support group
• And much more

Demystifying the process of OCD assessment and treatment, this indispensable book helps sufferers make sense of their own compulsions through frank, unflinching self-evaluation, and provides not only the knowledge of how to change--but the courage to do it.

Grow your executive functioning skills with CBT for ADHD

Living with ADHD can be challenging--especially as an adult--but cognitive behavioral therapy can help! This friendly and encouraging workbook examines the most common obstacles that ADHD adults encounter in their personal and professional lives and offers CBT-based techniques for navigating them successfully.

• Get to know your brain--Start with a clear overview of how ADHD manifests in adults, and the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that influence your symptoms.
• Dive into CBT--Learn what makes CBT such a powerful approach for managing ADHD, and explore simple exercises to help build organizational skills, emotional regulation, and confidence.
• Feel seen and understood--Find reassuring advice and proven coping strategies from a licensed therapist who specializes in ADHD and lives with ADHD herself.

Achieve greater focus, flexibility, and self-esteem with The CBT Workbook for Adult ADHD.

Revised and updated edition helps educators increase rigor and depth for all advanced and gifted learners to fulfill their potential.

With increasing numbers of students receiving gifted services every year, it's more important than ever for differentiated instruction to go beyond adjusting content levels, task complexity, or product choice--it must truly challenge and support learners on all levels: academic, social, and emotional. This award-winning resource in the field of gifted education has been revised and updated to include:

• a discussion of underserved learners--particularly English language learners, students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and economically disadvantaged students
• updated information on learning standards, MTSS, and universal screening
• new guidelines for honors courses
• a focus on scholarly questioning, ethics, and empathy
• a novel new strategy to increase curricular depth and complexity
• information on learning orientations
• new research on neurological differences of gifted learners
• the pros and cons of co-teaching and how to assess its progress
• new tools to increase achievement, plus a discussion of "underlearning"
• the benefits of coaching and lesson study
• the authors' perspectives on and guidelines for grading

Downloadable digital content includes customizable reproducible forms and a PDF presentation; a free PLC/Book Study Guide for use in professional development is also available.