Visual Thinking by
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE NAUTILUS GOLD AWARD "A powerful and provocative testament to the diverse coalition of minds we'll need to face the mounting challenges of the twenty-first century." --Steve Silberman "An absolute eye-opener." --Frans de Waal A landmark book that reveals, celebrates, and advocates for the special minds and contributions of visual thinkers A quarter of a century after her memoir, Thinking in Pictures, forever changed how the world understood autism, Temple Grandin-- "an anthropologist on Mars," as Oliver Sacks dubbed her--transforms our awareness of the different ways our brains are wired. Do you have a keen sense of direction, a love of puzzles, the ability to assemble furniture without crying? You are likely a visual thinker. With her genius for demystifying science, Grandin draws on cutting-edge research to take us inside visual thinking. Visual thinkers constitute a far greater proportion of the population than previously believed, she reveals, and a more varied one, from the photo-realistic "object visualizers" like Grandin herself, with their intuitive knack for design and problem solving, to the abstract, mathematically inclined "visual spatial" thinkers who excel in pattern recognition and systemic thinking. She also makes us understand how a world increasingly geared to the verbal tends to sideline visual thinkers, screening them out at school and passing over them in the workplace. Rather than continuing to waste their singular gifts, driving a collective loss in productivity and innovation, Grandin proposes new approaches to educating, parenting, employing, and collaborating with visual thinkers. In a highly competitive world, this important book helps us see, we need every mind on board.
How We Learn by
In the tradition of The Power of Habit and Thinking, Fast and Slow comes a practical, playful, and endlessly fascinating guide to what we really know about learning and memory today--and how we can apply it to our own lives. From an early age, it is drilled into our heads: Restlessness, distraction, and ignorance are the enemies of success. We're told that learning is all self-discipline, that we must confine ourselves to designated study areas, turn off the music, and maintain a strict ritual if we want to ace that test, memorize that presentation, or nail that piano recital. But what if almost everything we were told about learning is wrong? And what if there was a way to achieve more with less effort?
David and Goliath by
Explore the power of the underdog in Malcolm Gladwell's dazzling examination of success, motivation, and the role of adversity in shaping our lives, from the bestselling author of The Bomber Mafia. Three thousand years ago on a battlefield in ancient Palestine, a shepherd boy felled a mighty warrior with nothing more than a stone and a sling, and ever since then, the names of David and Goliath have stood for battles between underdogs and giants. David's victory was improbable and miraculous. He shouldn't have won. Or should he have?
Made possible : stories of success by people with learning disabilities - in their own words by
Success is a crucial part of being human. But what if society thought success and aspiration didn't apply to you There are 1.5 million people with learning disabilities in the UK today but our media and our politicians barely pay them lip service. When learning-disabled people do get a mention they are often presented as a burden on the state or objects of pity, but rarely invited to speak for themselves. Made Possible is a powerful, one-of-a-kind anthology that challenges the dominant narratives and shatters these lazy stereotypes. It presents the authentic experiences of a range of professionals from diverse backgrounds, who have all made remarkable achievements - in sport, the arts and politics, among other fields - regardless of the fact they happen to have a disability. Here they tell the stories behind their success, in their own words.
Living Fulfilled Lives: Empowering People with Learning Disabilities by
Living fulfilled Lives is for anyone who wants to make a positive difference to the lives of those with a learning disability. This includes church leaders, professionals, teachers, carers, parents, researchers and the general public. It draws together skills and knowledge from different disciplines but without the jargon. Its aim is to make us all aware of the hopes, dreams and aspirations of those with a learning disability and empower them to live the fulfilled lives they deserve.
Thinking Differently by
An innovative, comprehensive guide--the first of its kind--to help parents understand and accept learning disabilities in their children, offering tips and strategies for successfully advocating on their behalf and helping them become their own best advocates. In Thinking Differently, David Flink, the leader of Eye to Eye--a national mentoring program for students with learning and attention issues--enlarges our understanding of the learning process and offers powerful, innovative strategies for parenting, teaching, and supporting the 20 percent of students with learning disabilities.
Shame's Prisoner by
An inspirational and practical guide - the first of its kind - to help parents, students and teachers understand the less talked about emotional side of learning disabilities (LD). In Shame's Prisoner, Cindy Lumpkin, a special education teacher who experienced the struggles of growing up with a learning disability first hand, draws attention to and increases our understanding of how the shame of having a learning disability can impact a student's self-worth even more than the academic challenges LD causes. An overcomer who has learned to strive in spite of her learning differences, Cindy offers tips and academic strategies for ultimate student success. Shame's Prisoner is a brilliant, compassionate work that details Cindy's experiences being educated in a public school special education program with essential insights crucial for parents, educators, and students on learning to embrace who they are, overcoming the academic effects of learning disabilities and becoming a self-advocate.
A Special Education by
Dana Buchman knew almost nothing about "learning differences" when her oldest daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with neurological, spatial, and motor skill disabilities as a toddler. Furthermore, from the Ivy League to the launch of her own fashion label, Buchman had encountered a few obstacles that couldn't be overcome through hard work and determination. Unfortunately, Buchman's well-developed ability to "fix" things would not serve her in her efforts to deal with Charlotte's disabilities; she would have to develop a new skill set to be able to see Charlotte as a person with unique abilities.
The Dyslexic Advantage by
"A must read for parents, educators, and people with dyslexia." -Gordon F. Sherman, Ph.D., Past-President International Dyslexia Association Revised and updated edition with groundbreaking scientific insights and eighteen new profiles of individuals with dyslexia forthcoming in February 2023: https://bit.ly/DArevised Did you know that many successful architects, lawyers, engineers--even bestselling novelists--had difficulties learning to read and write as children? In this groundbreaking book, Brock and Fernette Eide explain how 20% of people--individuals with dyslexia--share a unique learning style that can create advantages in a classroom, at a job, or at home. Using their combined expertise in neurology and education, the authors show how these individuals not only perceive the written word differently but may also excel at spatial reasoning, see insightful connections that others simply miss, understand the world in stories, and display amazing creativity. Blending personal stories with hard science, The Dyslexic Advantage provides invaluable advice on how parents, educators, and individuals with dyslexia can recognize and use the strengths of the dyslexic learning style in: material reasoning (used by architects and engineers); interconnected reasoning (scientists and designers), narrative reasoning (novelists and lawyers); and dynamic reasoning (economists and entrepreneurs.) With prescriptive advice and inspiring testimonials, this paradigm-shifting book proves that dyslexia doesn't have to be a detriment, but can often become an asset for success.
Misnamed, Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood: Recognizing and Coping with NVLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder) from Childhood Through Adulthood by
Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD or NVLD) is a learning disability characterised by poor visual, spatial, and organizational skills. As well as incredible difficulty processing nonverbal cues. The name “Non-Verbal Learning Disorder” suggests that those affected have trouble speaking. However, this is not the case with NVLDers usually having above-average intelligence and firm mastery of complex vocabulary and language.
Maybe an Artist, a Graphic Memoir by
A heartfelt and funny graphic novel memoir from one of the first Black female cartoonists to be published in the New Yorker, when she was just 22 years old. When Liz Montague was a senior in college, she wrote to the New Yorker, asking them why they didn't publish more inclusive comics. The New Yorkerwrote back asking if she could recommend any. She responded- yes, me. Those initial cartoons in the New Yorkerled to this memoir of Liz's youth, from the age of five through college--how she navigated life in her predominantly white New Jersey town, overcame severe dyslexia through art, and found the confidence to pursue her passion. Funny and poignant, Liz captures the age-old adolescent questions of "who am I?" and "what do I want to be?" with pitch-perfect clarity and insight. This brilliant, laugh-out-loud graphic memoir offers a fresh perspective on life and social issues and proves that you don't need to be a dead white man to find success in art.
What Are Learning Disorders? by
Learning disorders can cause difficulties with reading, writing, and math. This can lead to frustrations at work and school. Therapies can help people with learning disorders establish the skills they need to succeed in life. What Are Learning Disorders? covers the history, symptoms, and treatment of notable learning disorders.
Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities by
Based in cutting-edge research in neuroscience, education, and the principles of attachment-based teaching, this important guide for parents offers tools and practices to help children transcend language-based learning difficulties, do better in school, and gain self-confidence and self-esteem. If your child has a language-based learning difficulty--such as dyscalculia, dyslexia, and auditory processing disorder--they may have to work twice as hard to keep up with their peers in school. Your child may also have feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, or shame as a result of their learning differences. As a parent, it hurts to see your child struggle. But the good news is that there are proven-effective strategies you can learn to help your child be their best. This book will show you how. Helping Your Child with Language-Based Learning Disabilities outlines an attachment-based approach to help your child succeed based in the latest research. This research indicates that a secure attachment relationship between you and your child actually optimizes their learning ability by enhancing motivation, regulating anxiety, and triggering neuroplasticity. In this book, you'll discover why it's so important to accurately assess your child, find new perspectives on LBLDs based on the most current studies, and discover tips and strategies for navigating school, home life, and your child's future. Most importantly, you'll learn how your own special bond with your child can help spark their interest in reading, writing, and math. Every child is unique--and every child learns in his or her own way. With this groundbreaking guide, you'll be able to help your child thrive, in school and life.
Nolo's IEP Guide by
How to advocate for your child's education Many children have learning disabilities--and it's up to parents and schools to work together to ensure that each child's unique educational needs are met. But what if the school disagrees with your goals for your child? You are at a disadvantage if you don't know the law. This book teaches you to: identify a learning disability understand your child's rights to education untangle eligibility rules and evaluations prepare and make your best case to school administrators develop IEP goals and advocate for their adoption, and explore and choose the best programs and services. Written by an expert who's fought for kids for many years, the 8th edition includes summaries of important court decisions and expanded information on independent evaluations and bullying, and provides the forms, sample letters, resources, and encouragement you need. With Downloadable Forms: download forms, letters and resources (details inside).
A Practical Guide to Mental Health and Learning Disorders for Every Educator by
An updated edition of an indispensable resource offers practical strategies for teaching and supporting students with mental health and learning disorders. Covering topics including PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and many others, this accessible, ready-to-use reference explains how each disorder or difficulty might be exhibited in the classroom and offers straightforward suggestions for what to do (and what not to do). Using clear, jargon-free language, the book helps all educators--whether in inclusive classrooms, general education settings, or other environments--recognize mental health issues and learning disabilities that are often observed in students. Fully revised and updated to correspond to the DSM-5, this edition addresses newly diagnosed disorders, as well as incorporating the latest research and interventions for existing disorders. The book also includes current information about educational practices such as creating a culturally responsive classroom and supporting students' social-emotional learning. Digital content includes customizable forms from the book. A free downloadable PLC/Book Study Guide is available at freespirit.com/PLC.
Making the Grade by
Designed to be a valuable resource, this book provides educators, administrators, practitioners, and families with a clear understanding of how to meet the instructional, emotional, and social needs of students with learning disabilities. Readers will benefit from the extensive research provided and will gain an appreciation for the importance of collaboration, creating safe and supportive learning environments, as well as effectively implementing interventions.
Emotions and Education by
Written by an experienced team of practitioners and scholars, this text attempts to fill the gap in texts that specifically address the needs of LD students in the socioemotional and mental health domains. By providing a foundational understanding of some of the salient issues facing students with learning disabilities, we hope to empower all of those who are working to ensure their success by providing the particular challenges that LD students and their families may face, and strategies and best practices for building creativity, resiliency, prosocial behavior, and positive mental health. As a practitioner and family-oriented text, this book seeks to offer a truncated review of relevant literature followed by suggestions to guide practice.
The boy with the butterfly mind by
Jamie Lee wants to be normal. But his ADHD makes him feel like his brain is full of butterflies. Elin Watts wants to be perfect. If she can be, surely her dad will come home. When Jamie and Elin's families blend, the polar opposites of chaotic Jamie and ordered Elin collide. As their lives spiral out of control, Jamie and Elin discover that they're actually more alike than they'd admit. Maybe there's no such thing as normal, or perfect. And perhaps, just like families, happy-ever-afters come in all shapes and sizes. Uplifting and moving, The Boy with the Butterfly Mind is an inspiring story of acceptance, blended families, and discovering that in the end, being yourself is more than enough.
Fish in a Tree by 
Focused by
Following Braced, which had three starred reviews, comes a story of a girl caught between her love of chess and her ADHD. Clea can't control her thoughts. She knows she has to do her homework . . . but she gets distracted. She knows she can't just say whatever thought comes into her head . . . but sometimes she can't help herself. She knows she needs to focus . . . but how can she do that when the people around her are always chewing gum loudly or making other annoying noises? It's starting to be a problem-not just in school, but when Clea's playing chess or just hanging out with her best friend. Other kids are starting to notice. When Clea fails one too many tests, her parents take her to be tested, and she finds out that she has ADHD, which means her attention is all over the place instead of where it needs to be. Clea knows life can't continue the way it's been going. She's just not sure how you can fix a problem that's all in your head. But that's what she's going to have to do, to find a way to focus. In a starred review, Booklist called Alyson Gerber's first novel, Braced, "a masterfully constructed and highly empathetic debut about a different kind of acceptance." With Focused, she explores even further how, when life gives you a challenge, the best way to face it is with an open mind, an open heart, and the open support of the people around you.
Lakelore by 
Percy Jackson and the Olympians the Lightning Thief Illustrated Edition by In an effort at full disclosure, it should be noted that the collaborators in this guide occupy some of the oppressed identities outlined here but not all. This guide has attempted to bring together relevant resources for anti-oppression issues. Still, we are not immune from the limits and hidden biases of our privileges and perspectives as allies.
We welcome any feedback and suggestions for the guide, particularly from the perspectives and experiences of the marginalized groups listed and not listed here.