Aspies on Mental Health: Speaking for Ourselves. Luke Beardon & Dean Worton, Editors, $25.95

People with Asperger Syndrome (AS) can be particularly at risk of developing mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. Here, adults with Asperger Syndrome speak out about their own experiences of mental health issues, offering sound advice for other Aspies and providing valuable insights for family, friends and also for mental health professionals.

Touching on everything from difficulties at work and college to coping with low self-confidence, self-harm, alcohol, misdiagnosis, sectioning, counselling, medication and battles with mental health services, the book provides a window into how people with AS experience mental health issues, and what can be done to help. The individual accounts describe innovative coping strategies and methods for maintaining emotional and psychological wellbeing as well as practical advice on things like how to stay positive and deal with day-to-day stress and meltdowns.

Autism and Its Medical Management: a Guide for Parents and Professionals. Michael Chez, $24.95

Bridging the communication gap between medical professionals and parents, this book offers accessible explanations of medical terminology and treatment relevant to Autism Spectrum Disorders and is an important tool for parents and professionals working with children with ASDs.

A Child in Pain: What Health Professionals Can Do to Help. Leora Kuttner, $52.95

This comprehensive book is designed to help child health professionals of all disciplines gain understanding and skill in how to approach and treat children’s pain, and help children understand and cope with their own pain. The book examines children’s fears and anxieties that accompany their need for pain relief, and gives health professionals communications skills and words to calm these fears.

Chronic Health-Related Disorders in Children: Collaborative Medical and Psychoeducational Interventions. LeAdelle Phelps, editor. $91.50

This engagingly written text provides current diagnostic and treatment information on a broad range of chronic health-related disorders that tend to be first diagnosed in childhood. A group of widely recognized psychologists and experts in their respective fields address common ailments, such as intestinal and respiratory disorders, as well as less frequent but challenging disorders such as neurocutaneous syndromes and disorders arising from sex chromosome anomalies. Two introductory chapters frame the overarching themes for psychologists by discussing contemporary issues in collaborative practice and service delivery.

Fourteen chapters provide concise and current reviews of specific disorders, including cancer, kidney disease, endocrine disorders, and craniofacial anomalies. Each chapter defines the disorder, reviews etiology and risk factors, and provides prevalence data; outlines the behavioral, medical, psycho-educational, and socio-emotional consequences of the disorder; and presents evidence-based interventions that are intended to mitigate the negative outcomes of the disorder and improve the life-long functioning of children with chronic health-related disorders. The comprehensive medical discussions are tailored for psychologists.

The Eating Game: Get Awesome Meals Everyday. Jean Nicols, $79.95

After more than 25 years working with children with Autism and witnessing the difficulties many of them have with eating healthy meals, Jean Nicols decided the time had come for a creative solution to this challenge. The result is The Eating Game, a unique planning kit based on recommendations made in Canada’s Food Guide, for children, adolescents and adults.

Using Velcro-backed pictures of a wide variety of foods form all the food groups, the kit creates a visual support that helps the user to actively participate in daily food planning.  The routine of using the kit to plan the next day’s meals provides a structure that should have positive results day after day and make mealtime more relaxing and rewarding for the whole family.

Extreme Parenting: Parenting Your Child with a Chronic Illness. Sharon Dempsey, $26.95

Extreme Parenting is a solid source of support for parents of children with long-term illnesses. The guide is packed with practical advice, models of exploration and lists of action points, and will empower parents to be good advocates for their children. It also provides health professionals with invaluable insights into the demands of living with chronic illness.

Feeding and Nutrition for the Child with Special Needs: Handouts for Parents. Marsha Dunn Klein & Tracy Delaney, $165.00

When working with the feeding and nutrition concerns of parents children of all ages, OTs, therapists and home care visitors can refer to this library of handouts for information on how and what to feed children with special needs. Select from 195 reproducible, illustrated handouts that guide parents in their understanding and implementation of therapy programs. All handouts are cross-referenced with a list of related materials to supplement educational activities. Customize recommendations by adding individual information in the special instructions section provided in each handout.

Gluten-Free Kids: Raising Happy, Healthy Children with Celiac Disease, Autism and Other Conditions. Danna Korn, $27.50

As public awareness has grown about the gluten-free (GF) diet being a requirement for anyone with celiac disease, so has evidence that suggests the diet can help improve other conditions; it seems to reduce the symptoms of autism, and helps diabetics lower their glycemic index. The author’s conversational, can-do attitude gives anyone the confidence and know-how to manage the challenges of the GF diet, especially those who need to maintain the diet for a lifetime. Parents, doctors, dietitians and other medical professionals who prescribe GF diets will find this a useful and practical resource.

The Guide to Good Health for Teens & Adults with Down Syndrome. Brian Chicoine & Dennis McGuire, $34.99

The authors of the bestselling Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome turn their attention to the physical health of teens and adults with Down syndrome. Drs. Chicoine and McGuire provide invaluable insight into what health problems are more common in their patients, and how medical issues can “present” differently in people with Down syndrome. In a clear, empathetic style, they discuss how to promote a healthy lifestyle to prevent problems, and how to recognize health problems early on to ensure appropriate care and the best outcome. The Guide to Good Health is a resource families and caregivers can refer to over and over again, whether it’s to find strategies to get a teen or adult to cooperate with treatment, or to consider if a symptom is being misdiagnosed or misunderstood.

Health Matters: The Exercise and Nutrition Health Education Curriculum for People with Developmental Disabilities. Beth Marks, Jasmina Sisirak & Tamar Heller, $66.50

Adults with developmental disabilities are at significant risk for health problems. Effective health promotion can improve outcomes — and that's why adult day and residential agencies, schools, and other organizations need this invaluable program development guide. An urgent call to action and a start-to-finish framework for health promotion, this book shows administrators and service providers how to increase supports for health education, exercise and nutrition by implementing their own successful program.

Health Matters for People with Developmental Disabilities: Creating a Sustainable Promotion Program. Beth Marks, Jasmina Sisirak & Tamar Heller, $30.95

Adults with developmental disabilities are at significant risk for health problems. Effective health promotion can improve outcomes — and that's why adult day and residential agencies, schools, and other organizations need this invaluable program development guide. An urgent call to action and a start-to-finish framework for health promotion, this book shows administrators and service providers how to increase supports for health education, exercise and nutrition by implementing their own successful program.

Healthcare for Children on the Autism Spectrum: a Guide to Medical, Nutritional and Behavioral Issues. Fred Volkmar & Lisa Wiesner, $27.50

The first book of its kind, Healthcare for Children on the Autism Spectrum is a valuable guide for parents and healthcare providers alike. This practical guide offers a wide array of information on medical, nutritional and behavioral concerns from birth through adolescence. It is an essential medical reference for all families with a child on the Autism spectrum.

Helping Children and Adolescents with Chronic and Serious Medical Conditions: a Strengths-Based Approach. Nancy Boyd Webb (Editor), $72.00

Providing an innovative inter-professional model, Helping Children and Adolescents with Chronic and Serious Medical Conditions provides a multi-disciplinary approach so that practitioners from a diverse range of helping fields, working in hospitals, out-patient clinics, agencies and schools, may be better equipped to foster children's resilience and build on their emotional strengths. This is a vital tool for a broad range of health care professionals, including social workers, school counselors, play therapists, nurses, and many others.

Hygiene and Related Behaviors for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders: a Fun Curriculum with a Focus on Social Understanding.  Kelly Mahler, $22.95

Beyond showers and tooth brushes — this fun and ready-to-use curriculum stresses the role of perspective-taking and the social impact of good hygiene.

Kids With Down Syndrome: Staying Healthy and Making Friends DVD. Will Schermerhorn, $34.95 (120 minutes)

Kids With Down Syndrome: Staying Healthy and Making Friends brings together parents and professionals from around the world to give a comprehensive guide to the health and social challenges — from the toddler years to adolescence

• Part One/Staying Healthy includes current and practical information on potty training, nutrition, hearing, sleep issues, exercise and general health care.
• Part Two/Making Friends looks at the steps to independence, building conversation skills, friendships, behavior and life with Down syndrome.

Managing Anxiety in People with Autism: a Treatment Guide for Parents, Teachers and Mental Health Professionals.  Anne Chalfant, $22.95

Anxiety is one of the biggest challenges facing people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families. They can experience anxiety in all areas of their lives — school, family, and social life — and it compounds the difficulties they already may have with communicating, interacting socially, and controlling their emotions. MANAGING ANXIETY IN PEOPLE WITH AUTISM is one of the first books to provide practical information about dealing with anxiety in people with ASD.

MANAGING ANXIETY IN PEOPLE WITH AUTISM explains a range of different types of strategies that can help manage and treat anxiety in school, home, and clinical settings and takes into consideration the different roles people play in a child's or adult's life: parent, sibling, teacher, etc. Readers learn about ways to modify behavior and/or the environment to indirectly reduce anxiety, as well as interventions, such as medication or psychotherapy, which deal with symptoms directly. The discussion of more formal interventions — psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and medication — show how these methods can target specific anxieties. Because anxiety is generally more common in parents and siblings of a child with ASD, the author also offers ways they too can reduce their symptoms.

Mental Health Aspects of Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Mohammad Ghaziuddin, $27.95

The first book to address the increasingly urgent need for information about psychiatric problems in people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), Mental Health Aspects of Autism and Asperger Syndrome systematically explains the emotional and psychological difficulties that are often encountered with ASDs. The author, an experienced psychiatrist specializing in autism, describes each of the conditions that are commonly seen in autistic children and adults, including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and tic disorders, and gives sound guidance on their early detection and treatment. Easy to use and authoritative, this book is an essential tool for use by both family and professionals.

Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: a Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges. Dennis McGuire & Brian Chicoine, $28.95

Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome is an invaluable resource for parents, mental health professionals, teachers and caregivers who want to understand better how to promote mental health and resolve psychosocial problems in people with Down syndrome. This authoritative, easy-to-read guide clarifies the common behavioral characteristics of Down syndrome, how some can be mistaken for mental illness, and what are the bona fide mental health problems that occur more commonly in people with Down syndrome. In addition, the authors discuss the importance of regular assessment and how behavior and mental well-being can be affected by environmental conditions, social opportunities, and physical health.

Optimizing Care for Young Children with Special Health Care Needs. Elisa Sobo & Paul Kurtin, $48.95

Primary care physicians and other health care providers can help families get the best care and services for young children with special health care needs (CSHCN) in this one-of-a-kind field guide to the critical issues, policies, and practices affecting medical care for CSHCN from birth to age 5.

Pain in Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Tim F. Oberlander, & Frank J. Symons, Editors, $51.95

Essential reading for a wide range of professionals across disciplines — including physicians, nurses, psychologists, rehabilitation therapists, direct care staff, and special educators — this research-based book will help professionals deliver the best possible pain management and improve the quality of life for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

The Parents’ Guide to Psychological First Aid: Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Predictable Life Crises. Gerald Koocher & Annette La Greca, $34.50

Compiled by two seasoned clinical psychologists, The Parents' Guide to Psychological First Aid brings together articles by recognized experts who provide you with the information you need to help your child or teen navigate the many trying problems that typically afflict young people.  An encyclopedic reference for parents concerned with maintaining the mental health of their children, this indispensable volume will help you help your child to deal effectively with stress and pressure, to cope with everyday challenges, and to rebound from disappointments, mistakes, trauma, and adversity.

Prescription for Success: Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Medical Environment. Jill Hudson, $28.50 (comes with CD-ROM)

Because of the unique needs of children with ASD, it is important to pay special attention to the details of their experience in the medical environment. Designed to help make the medical experience easier for all involved, this book presents information on ASD, the varying developmental levels, interventions, and assessments that medical staff, parents, educators, and key service providers can use to more effectively interact with and support children with ASD while in the medical setting. The information and techniques presented in Prescription for Success can be used by doctors, nurses, medical technicians, residents, interns, and even administrative staff to support children with ASD and their families in what can otherwise be trying circumstances. A CD at the back of the book includes forms and worksheets that can be printed and duplicated.

Promoting Psychological Well-Being in Children with Acute and Chronic Illness. Melinda Edwards & Penny Titman, $34.95

Living with a chronic illness can have a significant psychological impact on a child and his or her family, and it is essential that this aspect of their care is not overlooked.

Promoting Psychological Well-Being in Children with Acute and Chronic Illness provides a comprehensive guide to promoting the psychological well-being of children with chronic illnesses and medical conditions, covering support within health, social services and education. It discusses issues such as the impact of diagnosis and the experiences of children and their families in managing their medical condition and treatment. Strategies to support children and help them to cope with medical conditions are demonstrated, including cognitive behavioural and systemic approaches, and techniques such as relaxation and motivational interviewing. Case examples from clinical practice are given to illustrate the application of psychological ideas and frameworks to a variety of medical conditions and psychological difficulties. The book also includes a comprehensive resources section of where to look for further information.

Ready, Set, Potty! Toilet Training for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disorders. Brenda Batts, $18.95

Potty training a child with developmental disorders can be a real challenge, and sometimes the extra difficulties make you feel as though you've tried everything, and failed.

Bursting with ideas on how to see past conventional strategies and adapt toilet training to suit your child, this book outlines methods that have helped even the most despairing of parents and caregivers. Examples of success stories range from two-year-olds to adults aged 20, and show that no matter how difficult it may seem, a little creativity and adaptation can get anyone toilet trained, even when all previous attempts have failed. The program itself is supported by plenty of helpful hints and tips, and covers all you need to get your child past the diaper stage and help them to achieve a big step towards independence.

Special Diets for Special Kids. Lisa Lewis, $36.95

Over 200 gluten-free, casein-free recipes are included in this new edition of Special Diets for Special Kids. Combining volumes 1 and 2 into a new and updated edition, this jam-packed resource includes information on the latest research into the effects of diet for children with autism, ADHD, allergies, celiac disease and more. The recipes are easy to make and delicious. Best of all — this new edition comes with a CD-ROM of printable recipes.

Teach Toileting. Deborah Bialer, $21.95

A revolutionary approach for children with autism spectrum disorders and other special needs.

Therapeutic Activities for Children and Teens Coping with Health Issues. Robyn Hart & Judy Rollins, $54.95

Building on children's natural inclinations to pretend and reenact, play therapy is widely used in the treatment of psychological problems in childhood. This book is the only one of its kind with more than 200 therapeutic activities specifically designed for working with children and teenagers within the healthcare system. It provides evidence-based, age-appropriate activities for interventions that promote coping. The activities target topics such as separation anxiety, self-esteem issues, body image, death, isolation, and pain. Mental health practitioners will appreciate its “cookbook” format, with quickly read and implemented activities.

Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork for Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Guide for Parents and Caregivers. Virginia Cowen, $22.95

Massage techniques are widely and effectively used in treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to address sensory issues, motor problems and touch receptivity. This practical guide explains how massage works, how the body senses touch, and how touch therapy can benefit children with ASDs. With recommendations for selecting the right style of massage, advice on locating a practitioner, and tips on preparing a child with an ASD for massage, this book is the perfect resource to find a therapy — or combination of therapies — to suit the individual needs of each child.

Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or Other Developmental Issues, 2nd Edition. Maria Wheeler, $20.95

Maria Wheeler offers effective strategies that take the child’s sensibilities into account rather than trying to make traditional methods fit the child. Tips, case examples, and cautions help make the process more of a lesson and less of a battle for all involved. Practical and comprehensible, this book will help guide families and caregivers working with children and youth in a supportive and compassionate manner.

Your Family Health Organizer: Record Parents' and Kids' Medical Information All in One Place. Jodie Pappas, $21.95

A 3-ring organizer for the entire family's vital medical data, this remarkably user-friendly organizer ensures that accurate medical records for every member of the family, especially children, are carefully filed and readily available. Your Family Health Organizer has a separate section for each family member. The organizer provides space for recording all the family's medical information, including:

• Identification profiles, allowing for fingerprints of each person for security and safety
• Medications prescribed and any reactions to them
• Wellness checkups, immunizations, doctor's appointments
• Tracking information for each child's growth and other milestones
• Tracking information for baby teeth, dental appointments and results
• Dates and other details of hospital stays

This organizer accommodates two parents and as many as three children. More profiles can be ordered. Convenient plastic zippered pockets allow for filing of all insurance cards, appointment cards and other loose items.