Animal Fun for Everyone! Marjorie Pitzer, $15.50 (ages 2-6)

Share the delight and wonder of kids enjoying their animal friends!

The ‘Are’ Word: Helping Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Deal with Bullying and Teasing. Dave Hingsburger, $10.50

People with intellectual disabilities are often the brunt of bullying and teasing – on the street, in the schoolyard and in the workplace. This practical and compassionate little booklet suggests new strategies for dealing with mean people, their remarks and actions. A great booklet for parents, family, educators and caregivers, The ‘Are’ Word will help you better understand and support the person with an intellectual disability.

The Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS): Complete Set Bundle. James Partington & Michael Mueller, $355.95 (Guide and Six Assessment Protocols)

The complete AFLS set is comprised of The AFLS Guide and six unique assessment protocols that assess functional, practical, and essential skills of everyday life. Although each assessment protocol can be used as a stand-alone assessment, all protocols are different modules of an extended assessment that exists on a continuum spanning throughout a learner’s life in home, school, and community settings. Each module is different yet each is connected by unifying themes and overarching goals for maximizing a learner’s freedom, independence, and opportunities. The skills assessed will vary depending on the learner’s age, level of disability, language ability, living arrangements, school setting, and other considerations. 

The AFLS Guide provides information about the features of the AFLS, how to correctly score items, and how to develop program goals and objectives that clearly define and target the needs of the learner. The AFLS Protocols are used to score performance on the task items that allow for the tracking of a variety of specific skills that are included in each assessment. Each protocol includes a set of grids that comprise a skills tracking system that makes it possible to observe and document the learner’s progress in the acquisition of skills. The AFLS Complete Set Bundle includes one each of the following:

• AFLS Guide
• AFLS Basic Living Skills Assessment Protocol
• AFLS Home Skills Assessment Protocol
• AFLS Community Participation Skills Assessment Protocol
• AFLS School Skills Assessment Protocol
• AFLS Vocational Skills Assessment Protocol
• AFLS Independent Living Skills Assessment Protocol

The protocols can also be purchased individually. Check with store for pricing.

Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Robin Hansen & Sally Rogers, Editors, $80.50

The accelerating advancement in research in neurodevelopmental disorders — including autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disorders, and more — has enormous implications for clinical practice. AUTISM AND OTHER NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS provides clinicians with up-to-date information on the impact these advances have on the standard of care in the range of disorders commonly encountered by both primary and subspecialist physicians. The authors, affiliated with the UC-Davis MIND Institute, explain the latest findings from the biological, behavioral, and clinical sciences in ways that are accessible to clinicians and helpful to patients and their families.

• Each chapter addresses signs and symptoms (including onset and developmental course); epidemiology and etiology (including known genetic and environmental contributors, biological mechanisms and relevant animal models); diagnostic criteria; differential diagnosis and co-morbidities; and evidence-based interventions.
• Practical focus on psychological/behavioral and medical issues, as well as other supports and resources for patients, their families, and the community.
• Emphasis on current, ongoing research that holds promise for future clinical care.
• Identification of new research directions and needs.
• A comprehensive chapter devoted to the effects each of the neurodevelopmental disorders has on language and social communication.
• Replete with tables, illustrative figures, key points, and suggestions for further reading.

Babies with Down Syndrome: a New Parent's Guide, 3rd Edition. Susan Skallerup (ed), $24.95

BABIES WITH DOWN SYNDROME, the trustworthy guide which has benefited thousands of families since it was first published in 1985, is completely revised and updated in a new, third edition. Covering the best practices for raising and caring for children with Down syndrome through age five, this book is invaluable to new parents who have welcomed a baby with Down syndrome into their lives.

This new edition incorporates the latest scientific, medical, educational research, and practical information available, as well as parents’ suggestions and feedback. Existing chapters have been revised, some completely rewritten by new authors, and in keeping with its parent-friendly reputation, most of the book’s contributors are parents of children with Down syndrome.

Basic Skills Checklist: Teacher-Friendly Assessment for Students with Autism or Special Needs. Marlene Breitenbach, $27.95

An easy-to-use, informal assessment tool that brings method to the madness of classroom assessment. It focuses on pre-academic, readiness, and academic skills expected from learners in the early elementary years. Author and teacher Marlene Breitenbach developed these helpful checklists in special-needs and inclusive classrooms while serving children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Simple, customizable charts make it easy to record children’s progress in skill areas such as basic concepts, reading/language, math, fine motor, and independence.

Be Good to Eddie Lee. Virginia Fleming & Floyd Cooper, $8.50 (ages 4-9)

A gentle book about the gifts of kindness and friendship.

Be Quiet, Marina! Kirsten DeBear & Laura Dwight, $10.95

Marina has Cerebral Palsy and Moira has Down syndrome, but they like many of the same things. However, Marina loves to make noise, and Moira likes quiet. The story of their friendship is beautifully told in words and photographs.

Beautiful Eyes: a Father Transformed. Paul Austin, $28.95

Beginning on the day his daughter Sarah is born, and ending when she is a young adult living in a group home, Beautiful Eyes is the story of a father's journey toward acceptance of a child who is different. In a voice that is unflinchingly honest and unerringly compassionate, Austin chronicles his life with his daughter: watching her learn to walk and talk and form her own opinions, making decisions about her future, and navigating cultural assumptions and prejudices — all the while confronting, with poignancy and moving candor, his own limitations as her father.

It is Sarah herself, who, in her own coming of age and her own reconciling with her difference, teaches her father to understand her. Time and again, she surprises him: performing Lady Gaga’s "Poker Face" at a talent show; explaining how the word "retarded" is hurtful; reacting to the events of her life with a mixture of love, pain, and humor; and insisting on her own humanity in a world that questions it. As Sarah begins to blossom into herself, her father learns to look past his daughter’s disability and see her as the spirited, warm-hearted, and uniquely wise person she is.

“Behaviour Self!” Using Behavioural Concepts to Understand and Work with People with Developmental Disabilities. Dave Hingsburger, $20.00

Disability activist, educator and trainer Dave Hingsburger writes about the importance of understanding behaviour messages from people with developmental disabilities. In his trademark straightforward, compassionate and humorous style, this book gives insight to parents and staff with new ways on how to get the message right.

Boyfriends & Girlfriends: a Guide to Dating for People with Disabilities. Teri Couwenhoven, $24.95

Everyone knows that dipping your toe in the dating pond can be a little intimidating without first seeking some expert advice! And that's exactly what Terri Couwenhoven delivers in her new book written expressly for teens and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Boyfriends & Girlfriends explains the dos and don'ts of dating and validates their normal, age-appropriate desire for companionship and romance. The book covers the biggest questions and smallest concerns of every would-be dater, including:

• Who is an appropriate dating partner & who is not
• How to read signals & judge whether the interest is mutual
• How to ask someone out on a date
• How to turn down a date
• How to handle rejection
• What sexual feelings are
• How to work through problems in a relationship
• What to do when a relationship is not working

Written and illustrated for a hi/lo reader, Boyfriends & Girlfriends is perfect for anyone who is already in a relationship, ready to start one, or still only dreaming about it. The guide is also an informative read for parents, counselors, and other support providers.

The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up: Choices & Changes During Puberty. Terri Couwenhoven, $20.95 (ages 9+)

Puberty is a time when your body changes both inside and out. All boys, including you, will go though these changes between the ages of 9-16. Have you ever wondered what happens during puberty? The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up helps you to understand what body changes to expect and how to handle them. It also explains social rules for keeping your body safe and clean. (Includes a Q & A section, many illustrations to enhance the text, and a note to parents.)

Camp Outlook. Brenda Baker, $11.95 (novel, ages 11-15)

Shannon is thrilled when her mom becomes pregnant. After years of hoping and waiting, finally she will have a little brother or sister to play with. But when her brother is born, things don't go according to plan, and Shannon has to reconsider what 'normal' really is.

Can I Tell You about Down Syndrome? A Guide for Friends, Family, and Professionals. Elizabeth Elliott, $15.95

David invites readers aged 7+ to learn about Down syndrome from his perspective, helping them to understand what Down syndrome is and how it affects his daily life. He tells us why he sometimes needs extra help at home and at school, and describes the ways that those around him can help him to feel supported.

Choosing Down Syndrome: Ethics and New Prenatal Testing Technologies. Chris Kaposy, $38.95

The rate at which parents choose to terminate a pregnancy when prenatal tests indicate that the fetus has Down syndrome is between 60 and 90 percent. In Choosing Down Syndrome, Chris Kaposy offers a carefully reasoned ethical argument in favor of choosing to have such a child. Arguing from a pro-choice, disability-positive perspective, Kaposy makes the case that there is a common social bias against cognitive disability that influences decisions about prenatal testing and terminating pregnancies, and that more people should resist this bias by having children with Down syndrome.

Drawing on accounts by parents of children with Down syndrome, and arguing for their objectivity, Kaposy finds that these parents see themselves and their families as having benefitted from having a child with Down syndrome. To counter those who might characterize these accounts as based on self-deception or expressing adaptive preference, Kaposy cites supporting evidence, including divorce rates and observational studies showing that families including children with Down syndrome typically function well. Himself the father of a child with Down syndrome, Kaposy argues that cognitive disability associated with Down syndrome does not lead to diminished well-being. He argues further that parental expectations are influenced by neoliberal ideologies that unduly focus on the supposed diminished economic potential of a person with Down syndrome.

Kaposy does not advocate restricting access to abortion or prenatal testing for Down syndrome, and he does not argue that it is ethically mandatory in all cases to give birth to a child with Down syndrome. People should be free to make important decisions based on their values. Kaposy's argument shows that it may be consistent with their values to welcome a child with Down syndrome into the family.

Climbing Art Obstacles in Autism: Teaching Visual-Motor Skills through Visually Structured Art Activities. Karen Loden Talmage & Vickie Dobrofsky, $58.95

CLIMBING ART OBSTACLES IN AUTISM is an exceptional book that offers young children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental delays an imaginative, yet structured way to explore art. It shares the visual format familiar to users of the Tasks Galore series. Young children are able to practice visual motor skills through typical childhood art projects that are described in detail and bring satisfying results.

Combating Violence & Abuse of People with Disabilities: a Call to Action. Nancy Fitzsimmons, $53.95

People with disabilities are four to ten times more likely to experience violence and abuse than people without disabilities. This book empowers everyone — professionals, families, and self-advocates alike — to solve and prevent this widespread problem. In clear and straightforward language, abuse prevention educator Nancy Fitzsimons calls readers to action and gives them the no-nonsense guidance they need to stop violence and abuse before they start.

An eye-opening sourcebook for professionals and a must-share with anyone who has a disability, this book is the key to helping people with disabilities fight violence and abuse—and take charge of their bodies and lives.

Controversial Therapies for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities: Fad, Fashion, and Science in Professional Practice, 2nd Edition. Edited by Richard Foxx & James Mulick, $117.60

One of the largest and most complex human services systems in history has evolved to address the needs of people with autism and intellectual disabilities, yet important questions remain for many professionals, administrators, and parents. What approaches to early intervention, education, treatment, therapy, and remediation really help those with autism and other intellectual disabilities improve their functioning and adaptation? Alternatively, what approaches represent wastes of time, effort, and resources?

This book brings together leading behavioral scientists and practitioners to shed much-needed light on the major controversies surrounding these questions. Expert authors review the origins, perpetuation, and resistance to scrutiny of questionable practices, and offer a clear rationale for appraising the quality of various services. The second edition of Controversial Therapies for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities has been fully revised and updated and includes entirely new chapters on psychology fads, why applied behavioral analysis is not a fad, rapid prompting, relationship therapies, the gluten-free, casein-free diet, evidence based practices, teaching ethics, and a parents’ primer for autism treatments.

Conversation Skills On the Job and In the Community: a Curriculum for Adolescents and Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Marilyn Banks, $71.95

Conversation Skills II: Extending Conversations — a Curriculum for Adolescents and Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Marilyn Banks, $71.95

Workers with developmental disabilities often lose jobs and experience other social problems because of poor conversation skills and subsequent isolation. Conversation Skills and Conversations Skils II, by speech and language therapist Dr. Marilyn Banks, cover the basic and essential communication skills that will help young people enjoy successful job experiences and more fulfilling and independent social lives.

Each book has more than 50 self-paced, self-managed lessons, and take only 12 weeks of bi-weekly, 10 minute training sessions during which students acquire a ready social repertoire. All materials in the books are reproducible. The books include a Win/Mac CD with a printable PDF containing all the reproducibles in the book.

Demystifying Syndromes II: Clinical and Educational Implications of Common Syndromes Associated with Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. Edited by Dorothy Griffiths, Shelley Watson, $71.95

This book represents a revision of a 2004 edition called Demystifying Syndromes. In Demystifying Syndromes II, the editors have selected some common and some lesser known syndromes that are associated with persons with developmental disabilities and coexisting mental or behavioral challenges, specifically Autism Spectrum Disorders, as well as Fragile X, Down, Williams, Smith-Magenis, 22q Deletion, Smith-Lemli-Opitz, and Angelman syndromes. Each book chapter provides the reader with an informative and accurate description of the disability, written by individuals with an integrated understanding of how the physical, psychiatric or biochemical influences may interact with the psychological factors (learning approaches, communication, skills) of the individual, as well as with the social-environmental aspects (supports, adaptations, and vulnerabilities).

The authors have not merely focused on the challenges presented by the syndrome, but the strengths and resiliency that each syndrome presents. New to this edition is a chapter that addresses the importance of understanding syndromes for families and various professionals. This book demonstrates how and why support and treatment can be individualized for the individual with a specific diagnosis, through a holistic understanding of the bio-psycho-social implications of the various syndromes.

Discovery: Pathways to Better Speech for Children with Down Syndrome takes the viewer into the real world of speech in children with Down Syndrome. Through examples, interviews and stories, the DVD shows how parents and professionals can bring forth better speech and communication.

Down Syndrome Parenting 101: Must–Have Advice for Making Your Life Easier. Natalie Hale, $29.95

DOWN SYNDROME PARENTING 101 is a savvy book for parents, grandparents, teachers, and anyone who shares life with a person with Down syndrome.  It's full of uplifting advice and best practices and  inspired takes on a host of important issues, from learning to recognize and celebrate your child's personality and gifts to giving your child his space as an adult. The author—equal parts mentor, humorist, enthusiast, and realist—takes readers by the hand and walks them through the various life stages, experiences, and people they will encounter with their child including: getting to know and fall in love with your child, interacting with medical professionals, literacy, discipline, school, transitioning, and independence.

Chapters are short, a plus for busy parents, and can be read individually or sequentially. Throughout, many characters—the author's son, friends, and students—appear, serving as anecdotal evidence in support of the author's points and adding to the storytelling effect. Turn to this upbeat book for credible, realistic advice and for a dose of bibliotherapy when you need validation and perspective.

The Down Syndrome Transition Handbook: Charting Your Child’s Course to Adulthood. JoAnn Simons, $33.95

The Down Syndrome Transition Handbook helps parents with the enormous and often overwhelming task of preparing a child with Down syndrome or other intellectual disability for adulthood. It is full of practical tips and step-by-step instructions for envisioning their child’s future, developing a transition plan and seeing it through.

DOWNS — the History of a Disability. David Wright, $24.95

For 150 years, Down Syndrome has constituted the archetypal mental disability, easily recognizable by distinct facial anomalies and physical stigmata. In a narrow medical sense, Down Syndrome is a common disorder caused by the presence of all or part of an extra 21st chromosome. But children and adults born with this chromosomal abnormality have an important collective history beyond their evident importance to the history of medical science.

David Wright, a Professor of History at the Institute for Health and Social Policy, McGill University, looks at the changing social responses to Down Syndrome from Medieval Europe to the present day in the first ever history of Down Syndrome.

Early Communication Skills for Children with Down Syndrome: a Guide for Parents and Professionals, 3rd Edition. Libby Kumin, $36.50

This compassionate and authoritative guide is shows parents how they can support and encourage their child’s speech and language development from birth to age 6 (or when a child can form 2- to 3-word sentences). Parents and teachers learn how to work through characteristic challenges, including hearing loss, intelligibility issues, apraxia (difficulty planning oral-motor movements), or a slower pace of development. Families soon see that many children with Down syndrome are natural and willing communicators.

This third edition of EARLY COMMUNICATION SKILLS features expanded information on the needs of children with apraxia, dual diagnosis of autism and Down syndrome, and updated terminology. An expanded chapter explains how technology and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) can help with speech and language, foster communication, and provide inexpensive transitional language systems. Over thirty forms are now included on a CD-ROM to be used for assessment, developing treatment plans, and keeping detailed records of progress. Teachers, speech-language pathologists, and parents will love the convenience of printing multiple copies of forms and organizing information for IEP meetings or periodic evaluations.

Erin’s Period Book. Barb Zimmerman, $23.95

Erin’s Period Book uses factual language, photos and illustrations to explain menstruation. A simple tool for teaching girls with developmental delays how to take care of their menstrual needs at home, school or out in the community.

Families of Children with Developmental Disabilities: Understanding Stress and Opportunities for Growth. David Carroll, $66.50

Parents of children with disabilities confront a number of challenges and may be at risk for depressive or trauma-related symptoms. Changes in family roles and routines can cause stress for parents, siblings, and extended family alike as they confront multiple issues, including behavioral problems and frequent healthcare needs. Despite such challenges, many families derive a sense of meaning from facing their difficulties in a positive way. This book surveys the most recent empirical research on families of children with disabilities and provides guidelines and strategies for the developmental and family psychologists who support these clients.

The book follows a developmental progression, first examining the immediate effects that a child's disability can have on his or her family and looking at the changes that occur as the child grows and faces new challenges. In doing so, the author examines studies employing a variety of methodologies, including quantitative research, meta-analyses, and qualitative methods such as narrative analysis.

The book also describes cognitive behavioral interventions and programs that train parents to more effectively manage child behavioral problems and thereby improve family well-being.

Fasten Your Seatbelt: a Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters. Brian Skotko & Susan Levine, $24.50 (ages 12 and up)

With nearly 100 questions and answers on a broad range of issues, Fasten Your Seatbelt is a complete guide to the joys and challenges of growing up with a brother or sister who has Down syndrome.

Fine Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome: a Guide for Parents and Professionals, 3rd Edition. Maryanne Bruni, $32.50

The popular book, Fine Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome is now available in a completely revised third edition. The author, an occupational therapist and parent of an adult with Down syndrome, describes how the characteristics of Down syndrome can impact the acquisition and progression of fine motor skills. She presents a thorough overview of the building blocks of fine motor development, from infancy through to adulthood:

• Early arm and hand control
• Stability, Bilateral coordination, Sensation, Dexterity
• Activities to build daily living skills for home and school
• Scissor skills and Pencil grasp development, pre-printing, printing & cursive writing
• Keyboard skills, computer & tablet skills
• Dressing, grooming, and feeding skills

Throughout the book, the author suggests ways to incorporate fine motor skill development opportunities into as many day-to-day activities as possible, recognizing how impractical it is to constantly be in "therapy" mode with a child. Suggestions for gift ideas are offered in "Grandma's and Grandpa's list" at the end of each chapter.

With expanded and updated information on fine motor skills and computer and personal electronic device use, keyboarding skills, postural support, sensory processing, and the adult years, readers will have at their fingertips a cornucopia of information and guidance to support the fine motor development of children and adults.

Fun with Messy Play: Ideas and Activities for Children with Special Needs. Tracey Beckerleg, $22.95

Funny smells, sticky hands and squishy textures are all part of the way in which children develop sensory awareness. Fun with Messy Play is an exciting activity book that heightens the sensory perception of children with special needs through the imaginative use of everyday 'messy' materials like baked beans, condensed milk, jelly or glue. The activities in this book are fun for children and help to improve their co-ordination, communicative and cognitive abilities, as well as their self-esteem and social skills. This is an easy-to-use, practical resource for parents and professionals. It includes ideas and examples from practitioners along with helpful suggestions for different types of equipment that can be used.

Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives. Edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper, Foreword by Martha Sears, $29.95

In this candid and poignant collection of personal stories, sixty-three mothers describe the gifts of respect, strength, delight, perspective, and love, which their child with Down syndrome has brought into their lives. Their diverse experiences point to a common truth: The life of a child with Down syndrome is something to celebrate. These women have something to say--not just to other mothers but to all of us.

The Girls' Guide to Growing Up: Choices & Changes in the Tween Years. Terri Couwenhoven, $20.95

Here's a book just for girls beginning a new phase of their lives. This appealing and easy-to-follow guide for girls with intellectual disabilities is an introduction to the physical and emotional changes they'll encounter during puberty. Written on a third-grade reading level for preteens or young teenage girls to read by themselves or with a parent, it's filled with age-appropriate facts, realistic illustrations and photos, icons, and a Q&A. The Girls' Guide to Growing Up advises girls about their changing bodies, privacy issues, and how to feel their best.

Gross Motor Skills for Children with Down Syndrome: a Guide for Parents and Professionals, 2nd Edition. Patricia Winders, $38.95

This thoroughly updated second edition is a cornerstone of our Down syndrome collection and an essential resource for thousands of parents and professionals. In parent-friendly language, the author explains the many physiological reasons that children with Down syndrome experience delays in their gross motor development and presents a physical therapy treatment plan for birth to age six. Over 400 photos accompany step-by-step instructions to help readers assess a child's gross motor readiness and teach skills for head control, sitting, crawling, standing, walking, using stairs, running, kicking, jumping, and riding a tricycle.

Growing Into a Young Lady. Barb Zimmerman, $15.95

Using simple language, photos and illustrations, this book shows girls with developmental delays what to expect and how to take care of their changing bodies.

The Guide to Good Health for Teens & Adults with Down Syndrome. Brian Chicoine & Dennis McGuire, $40.50

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.

The Handbook of High-Risk Challenging Behaviors in People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Edited by James Luiselli, $73.50

Aggressive and destructive behaviors are an ongoing challenge for many children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This comprehensive text is a compendium of knowledge on addressing challenging behaviors using evidence-based, empirically supported practices. With contributions from more than 30 prominent clinicians and researchers, this book gives readers cutting-edge research and clear assessment and intervention guidelines in six key topic areas:

• Self-Injurious Behavior
• Aggressive Behavior
• Sexual Offending Behavior
• Health-Threatening Eating Disorders
• Criminal Behavior
• Therapeutic (Physical) Restraint

Ideal for use as a graduate-level textbook or a valuable in-service reference for psychologists, social workers, educators, and other professionals, this book gives professionals the knowledge and proven best practices they need to assess high-risk challenging behavior, intervene appropriately, and improve quality of life for the people they serve.

Health Matters: the Exercise and Nutrition Health Education Curriculum for People with Developmental Disabilities. Beth Marks, Jasmina Sisirak & Tamar Heller, $76.95

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.

Health Matters for People with Developmental Disabilities: Creating a Sustainable Promotion Program. Beth Marks, Jasmina Sisirak & Tamar Heller, $48.95

How to Break Bad News to People with Intellectual Disabilities: a Guide for Carers and Professionals. Irene Tuffrey-Wijne, $25.95

This book offers unique and flexible guidelines that can be used by practitioners to ease the process of breaking bad news to people with intellectual disabilities. The guidelines, which are adaptable to individual communication ability and level of understanding, address the many complex needs of people with intellectual disabilities who can find understanding and accepting news that has a negative impact on their life a very difficult task. In the book, Irene Tuffrey-Wijne covers a range of different types of bad news, from bereavement and illness to more minor issues such as a change of accommodation, and offers highly practical and effective tips that will help carers and practitioners ensure that bad news is relayed as sensitively and successfully as possible.

An easy-to-use and comprehensive guide, this book will be an invaluable resource of information for carers, health professionals such as doctors and nurses as well as families of people with intellectual disabilities.

I Like Berries, Do You? Marjorie Pitzer, $15.50

Explore the world of healthy foods!

I Want to Be Like Poppin' Joe: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $12.95 (ages 3-8)

Dylan and Joe have Down Syndrome, and this is a story about a great friendship. Dylan has an awesome friend. His friend, Poppin’ Joe pops and sells popcorn.  Poppin’ Joe has a very fun job. It’s noisy fun! Dylan learns from Poppin’ Joe how to do a job you love.

Job Success for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. David Wiegan, $38.95

The majority of persons with developmental disabilities are unemployed, underemployed, or still work in sheltered programs where it is almost impossible to reach their full potential. Job success is possible, but it requires a system based on a business model, rather than the traditional social services model. Job Success for Persons with Developmental Disabilities demonstrates that by employing a step-by-step procedure for gaining insight into the client, analyzing market opportunities, matching the client to a job, and supporting the client after placement, service providers can help individuals make a successful transition into good community-based employment.

Kaitlyn Wants To See Ducks: a True Story Promoting Inclusion and Self-Determination. Jo Meserve Mach, Vera Lynne Stroup-Rentier & Mary Birdsell, $9.95 (ages 3-8)

Kaitlyn loves ducks. Her family loves all the animals. Seeing those apes and lions and elephants and goats and giraffes and bears, just isn’t what Kaitlyn wants to do. What's a girl to do, when it's family day at the zoo? 

Kids Like Me Learn ABCs. Laura Ronay & Jon Wayne Kishimoto, $16.50

Kids Like Me Learn Colors. Laura Ronay & Jon Wayne Kishimoto, $15.50

Featuring adorable and diverse children with Down syndrome on every page, and many of their siblings too, these chunky, sturdy books are perfect for youngsters who are ready to start learning their colors and ABCs.

Kids With Down Syndrome: Staying Healthy and Making Friends DVD. Will Schermerhorn, $41.95 (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.

Leah Marie and Her Down Right Perfect Path to Math. Marilyn Leinenbach & Anne Raymond, illustrated by Audie Spencer, $22.95

This is a story of a little girl, Leah Marie, who has Down syndrome. As she spends a week with her Gram, she shares with the reader fun ways that she and her Gram recognize and write numbers during the week. Leah Marie also takes the reader on an exciting journey as she shares mathematical shapes that she sees in her world. Leah Marie's message to all the readers is that math can be fun for everyone.

Literacy Skill Development for Students With Special Learning Needs: a Strengths-Based Approach. Leslie Broun & Patricia Oelwein, $40.95

Literacy Skill Development for Students With Special Learning Needs is a practical approach based with strength-based strategies and reinforcement activities designed for the acquisition and development of literacy skills. Authors Oelwein and Broun demonstrate how the initial use of personal, meaningful vocabulary and making the reading process relevant to the students’ experience creates a positive climate for the acquisition of literacy skills. As their skills develop their access to and participation in the school curriculum is facilitated. This valuable resource can be used by both teachers and parents.

Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: a Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges. Dennis McGuire & Brian Chicoine, $33.95

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.

The Model Me Kids Video Series for Modeling Social Skills DVDs

THE MODEL ME KIDS VIDEO SERIES FOR MODELING SOCIAL SKILLS was created for children and youth with autism, Asperger syndrome, nonverbal learning disorders, social anxiety, learning disabilities and other developmental delays. The DVDs demonstrate a wide variety of social skills and are great teaching tools for visual learners.

MODEL ME KIDS TEACHING MANUALS AND STUDENT WORKBOOKS complement the video modeling DVDs and help extend the lessons taught in the live-action DVDs. These resources help teach social skills at home, in a classroom, social skills group, or other teaching setting. The Teaching Manual comes complete with lesson plans and the Student Workbook has numerous social skills worksheets and activities. Sold separately from the DVDs.

Teachers - Speech Language Pathologists - 
School Psychologists - Autism Service Providers
Model Me Kids® Autism Training Workshops

Model Me Kids® now offers professional training workshops. Schedule an in-service workshop for your school, designed to teach staff how to implement social skills training for children with autism using video modeling. For more information, or to schedule a training workshop, please contact: info@modelmekids.com

Learn More

Model Me Interactive™: Practicing Conversation CD-ROM, $71.95 (Ages 7-13)

MODEL ME INTERACTIVE™: PRACTICING CONVERSATION combines video modeling teaching tools with the interactive capability of software. First, video models a conversation between children. Then, the student practices the conversation using a webcam. The practice conversation is recorded and a feedback area allows teachers to comment on and grade a student's recordings.

The interactive conversation can be prompted with text or this feature may be turned off once the user becomes familiar with the lines. The text prompts may be changed by the user for an endless number of possible responses to the conversation prompts. The software is intuitive and easy to use. Clear text buttons allow for navigation by young users.

Ages 15 to 21:

Model Me Job Skills. Watch as young adults model social skills helpful for gaining and maintaining employment — from interviews and greetings, to understanding rules and workplace expectations. The DVD comes with bonus software that combines video modeling teaching tools with the interactive capability of software, allowing a student to practice a conversation using a webcam. DVD, $49.95 (80 minutes)

Ages 9 to 17:

Model Me Confidence & Bullying Prevention. Modelling skills to prevent bullying and build self-esteem. DVD, $42.95 (63 minutes); Teaching Manual and Student Workbook Set, $72.95; Teaching Manual & 4 Student Workbooks $102.95; 5 Student Workbooks $102.95

Model Me Conversation Cues. Modelling conversation skills. DVD, $40.95 (68 minutes); Teaching Manual and Student Workbook Set, $72.95; Teaching Manual & 4 Student Workbooks $102.95; 5 Student Workbooks $102.95

Model Me Friendship. Modelling how to initiate and maintain friendships. DVD, $42.95 (75 minutes); Teaching Manual and Student Workbook Set, $72.95; Teaching Manual & 4 Student Workbooks $102.95; 5 Student Workbooks $102.95

Model Me Movement, Balance & Calming. Movement activities developed by an Occupational Therapist to improve balance, increase core strength, and promote self-calming.  DVD, $42.95 (60 minutes)

Model Me Organization & Motivation. Modelling skills for staying organized and persisting. DVD, $45.00 (63 minutes); Teaching Manual and Student Workbook Set, $72.95; Teaching Manual & 4 Student Workbooks $102.95; 5 Student Workbooks $102.95

Model Me Tips and Tricks. Demonstrating social skills tips and tricks. DVD, $42.95 (67 minutes); Teaching Manual and Student Workbook Set, $72.95; Teaching Manual & 4 Student Workbooks $102.95; 5 Student Workbooks $102.95

Model Me Yoga demonstrates yoga activities that promote the social and emotional development of children ages 7-17. Developed to help address challenges with attention, Autism Spectrum Disorders, social skills, self-regulation, learning, and low muscle tone, this DVD can be used in classrooms, camps, and other group settings as well as in-home.  DVD, $42.95 (153 minutes)

Ages 5 to 12:

Model Me I Can Do It! Presents social skills in the context of challenging circumstances. It features elementary school-aged children demonstrating appropriate behavior in a variety of difficult situations. DVD, $42.95 (53 minutes); Teaching Manual and Student Workbook Set, $72.95; Teaching Manual & 4 Student Workbooks $102.95; 5 Student Workbooks $102.95

Model Me Time for a Playdate. Presents social skills in the context of several playmates. It features elementary school-aged children demonstrating appropriate social skills on a playdate. DVD, $40.95 (67 minutes); Teaching Manual and Student Workbook Set, $72.95; Teaching Manual & 4 Student Workbooks $102.95; 5 Student Workbooks $102.95

Model Me Time for School. Presents social skills in the context of school. It features elementary school-aged children demonstrating appropriate social skills in the classroom, library, on the playground, and in the hallway. DVD, $40.95 (61 minutes); Teaching Manual and Student Workbook Set, $72.95; Teaching Manual & 4 Student Workbooks $102.95; 5 Student Workbooks $102.95

Ages 3 to 14:

Model Me Airplane. Presents the essential elements of air travel. Follow Owen as he goes through the airport, security, and boarding. Then join him on the plane as he listens to the flight attendant, buckles his seatbelt, and enjoys the plane ride. DVD, $37.95 (50 minutes)

Ages 2 to 8:

Model Me Faces and Emotions. Watch as young children demonstrate a wide range of faces and emotions. This is a great teaching tool for visual learners. DVD, $35.95 (27 minutes)

Model Me Going Places. Models appropriate behavior in community locations including the hairdresser, grocery store, dentist, doctor, mall, and more. DVD, $35.95 (42 minutes)

Model Me Training: Practical Strategies for Using Video Modeling for Teaching Social Skills to Children with Autism. Elizabeth Delsandro & Jennifer Cerbasi, $40.95 (2 DVD set)

This workshop examines video modeling as an evidence-based method of improving social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD often have social skills deficits that interfere with success. Video modeling has been found to be an efficient and effective method of teaching social skills to children with ASD. This DVD workshop addresses how to implement a video modeling program, pairing video modeling with other social skills training approaches, and strategies for generalization of skills.

This recorded video of our live professional training workshop is for teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals, speech language pathologists, and Autism service providers. Run Time: DVD 1 approx. 83 minutes, DVD 2 approx. 64 minutes

My Friend Has Down Syndrome. Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, illustrations by Marta Fàbrega, $9.95 (Grades 2-4)

The young narrator has been asked to be Tammy’s special friend at camp and she is a bit nervous, but soon the two are best of friends. Simple and dynamic illustrations help children understand their peers with special needs. Grades 2-4

My Heart Can't Even Believe It: a Story of Science, Love, and Down Syndrome. Amy Silverman, $25.50

All parent stories about raising a child with Down syndrome are special and unique, but in the hands of a good writer, they can have the power to reach, change, and resonate far beyond family and friends. And that is the case with My Heart Can’t Even Believe It, by journalist, blogger, and NPR contributor Amy Silverman.

Amy bravely looks at her life, before and after her daughter Sophie was born, and reflects on her transformation from "a spoiled, self-centered brat,"— who used words like retard and switched lines at the Safeway to avoid a bagger with special needs — into the mother of a kid with Down syndrome and all that her new identity entails. She describes her evolution as gradual — one built by processing her fears and facing questions both big and small about Sophie, Down syndrome, and her place in the world.

Funny, touching, and honest, this wonderful book looks at a daughter and her power to change minds and fill hearts with love so deep that, as Sophie once remarked to her mom, "I love you so much my heart can’t even believe it!" Theirs is a story worth reading. 

A New Day: a Story about Losing Someone You Love. Fiona McDonald, $22.50

Brown Mouse is too sad to get out of bed and the other mice can do nothing to make her feel better. Grey Mouse has died which has made all the mice sad. Grey Mouse was kind and sweet and made perfect tea. Brown Mouse needs some time and space to remember her. That night Brown Mouse wakes up and sits with the other mice drinking hot tea and sharing special memories of Grey Mouse. Brown Mouse's memories of Grey Mouse make her smile, and as the sun rises, Brown Mouse feels ready for a new day.

This gentle and comforting illustrated book will help children and young adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) grasp the difficult concept that is the death of a loved one. Featuring appealing black and white artwork and strong characters, Brown Mouse's story will assist parents, family and carers in giving children and those with PMLD a safe way to process loss and bereavement.

No Fighting, No Biting, No Screaming: How to Make Behaving Positively Possible for People with Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Bo Hejlskov Elvén, $24.95

Fighting, biting, screaming and other behaviours that challenge the people dealing with them are often triggered by unsuitable surroundings or unrealistic demands. In this fresh and effective approach, Bo Hejlskov Elvén explains how to reassess difficult situations and offers easy and effective strategies for eliciting positive responses without resorting to restraint and punishment.

Based on the successful low-arousal approach, it is a proven method of stepping away from distress and towards calm, improving the quality of life of everyone involved. Helpful examples covering a wide range of developmental disabilities from autism to Down's Syndrome illustrate the positive changes that can be achieved.

Pablo Pineda. Albert Bosch & María Sala, $25.50

Pablo Pineda is the first European with Down Syndrome to obtain a university degree. A teacher, a writer, and an actor, he radiates charisma and the will to learn. This is his endearing story, which reminds us that the only disability is not understanding that all of us have different abilities.

The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome: Advice, Information, Inspiration,, and Support for Raising Your Child from Diagnosis through Adulthood. Jen Jacobs & Mardra Sikora, $19.99

As a parent of a child diagnosed with Down syndrome, you may be feeling unsure of what to do next or where your child's journey will take you. In this book, authors Jen Jacob and Mardra Sikora share their experiences and guide you with expert advice from diagnosis to adulthood. Each page teaches you ways to support your child through major milestones; nurture their development; and ensure that they succeed behaviorally, socially, and cognitively. With The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome, you will have the tools you need to raise a happy, healthy, and thriving child.

Picture Directions: Building Independence Step by Step. Pat Crissey, $71.95

Many students can perform activities independently by following picture directions. This reproducible book features 46 lessons divided into five categories: Cooking, Crafts, Life Skills, Play and Discovery. Each lesson features an illustrated "You will need" checklist plus step-by-step instructions — four to a page. Teacher Tips help you plan your instructional strategies. The goal of this book is to teach students to follow picture directions in sequence, complete important activities independently and recognize sight words paired with the illustrations. Includes photocopy rights and CD-ROM with a printable PDFs.

Plan for People Play. Fern Sussman & Elaine Weitzman, $16.00

Children learn a variety of skills during their play experiences. In fact, everything that your child needs to learn — vocabulary, language skills, social skills and even how to solve problems — can be learned through play. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or social communication difficulties often have a challenging time learning to play, which means they might miss out on important learning opportunities.

PLAN FOR PEOPLE PLAY helps you create enjoyable play situations that encourage your child to participate so that he can have the best possible opportunities to both have fun and build important social communication and interaction skills.

This booklet centers around “people games” — games that focus on interaction instead of on toys. People games are particularly helpful for children with social communication difficulties because they provide many opportunities to build some of the key interaction skills that these children often find difficult. Based on current research on what helps children with ASD learn best, Plan for People Play gives you practical, easy-to-use strategies for:

• Choosing the most appropriate people games for your child based on his sensory preferences.
• Identifying the next skill your child can learn in a people game.
• Using specific interaction strategies during people games to help your child develop more advanced social interaction skills.

Psychological First Aid for People with Intellectual Disabilities Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse: a Step-by-Step Programme. Asfke Scharloo, Simone Ebbers & Martine Spijker, $70.00

People with intellectual disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse, and offering them psychological support at the earliest possible moment greatly increases their ability to cope with the event and return to daily life. This book provides a complete, structured, evidence-based programme for providing this help to survivors of sexual abuse with developmental disabilities, both adults and children.

Step-by-step session plans, as well as comprehensive background information and downloadable worksheets, provide the means by which to offer effective help to clients and recover their feelings of safety and trust. Sessions are also included for helping parents and caregivers to cope with their own reactions and emotions on the discovery of the abuse. Each session is adaptable for the needs of people with severe, moderate and mild intellectual disabilities in order to provide exceptional care to every individual who needs it.

Put Pretending into Your Child’s Play: Building Pretend Play for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Social Communication Difficulties. Elaine Weitzman & Lisa Drake, $16.00

Put Pretending into Your Child’s Play focuses on helping parents expand their child’s pretend play skills during fun, everyday play activities. Children with social communication difficulties often find it challenging to pretend, so adults must take some extra steps to provide them with the opportunities and encouragement they need to learn. Booklet highlights include:

• A checklist for identifying your child’s current stage of pretend play and the next step he can take
• Guidelines on the best toys to use and how to use them to encourage your child’s development
• Concrete examples and illustrations of parents using the strategies in the booklet to build their child’s play skills
• A Pretend Play Plan to help you plan your child’s next play step and how you’ll help him take it

Ready, Set, Potty! Toilet Training for Children with Autism and Other Developmental Disorders. Brenda Batts, $22.95

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.

Relationship Building & Sexual Awareness for Kids with Autism: S.T.A.R.S. 2. Susan Heighway & Susan Kidd Webster, $33.95

The original S.T.A.R.S. publication was designed for older teens and adults with developmental disabilities. After meeting and talking about sexuality issues with parents, teachers, service providers and persons with developmental disabilities, the authors became aware of the need for a corresponding training guide for children. Many of the problems in the area of sexuality and sexual abuse that adults with disabilities face could be lessened by early education and prevention. This new volume is an essential tool that provided information and assistance in this field. The same comprehensive approach to sexuality education that was used for the original S.T.A.R.S. guidebook is found in the new volume, Relationship Building & Sexual Awareness for Kids with Autism.

• Why sexuality education?
• Guidelines for parents and support providers
• Learning appropriate behaviors for each type of relationship
• Identifying body parts and understanding their functions
• Building a positive self-image and identity
• Understanding public and private behavior
• And many more!

When Jennifer Groneberg and her husband learned they'd be having twin boys, their main concern was whether they'd need an addition on their house. Then, five days after Avery and Bennett were born, Avery was diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Here, Jennifer shares the story of what followed. This book is a resource, a companion for parents and above all, a story of the love between a mother and her son, as she learns that Avery is exactly the child she never knew she wanted.

Sexuality and Safety with Tom and Ellie Series.

Ground-breaking and honest, these books will be invaluable additions to the shelves of parents of children with ASD and other developmental challenges, as well as mental health and legal professionals, teachers, carers and other professionals working with individuals with special needs. Each book teaches and reinforces ideas about safety, privacy, and boundaries, while teaching about normal physical and emotional changes during puberty and adolescence.

Ellie Needs To Go: a Book about How to Use Public Toilets Safely for Girls and Young Women with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $15.95

When Ellie is in the park with her father, she needs to go to the toilet. Ellie knows that public toilets are different to her toilet at home. This visual resource helps parents and carers teach girls and young women with autism and related conditions about how to use public toilets safely. It covers the subtleties of social etiquette including where to stand and look, as well as practicalities such as remembering to lock the cubicle door. With simple and effective illustrations throughout, the book is the perfect starting point for teaching independence when using public toilets.

Tom Needs to Go: a Book about How to Use Public Toilets Safely for Boys and Young Men with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, Illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $15.95

When Tom is out shopping, he needs to go to the toilet. Tom knows that public toilets are different to his toilet at home. There are urinals and cubicles and he has to decide which to use. This visual resource helps parents and carers teach boys and young men with autism or other special needs about how to use public toilets safely. It covers the subtleties of social etiquette including where to stand and look, as well as practicalities such as remembering to lock the cubicle door. With simple and effective illustrations throughout, the book is the perfect starting point for teaching independence when using public toilets.

Things Ellie Likes: a Book about Sexuality and Masturbation for Girls and Young Women with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $15.95

Ellie likes lots of different things. She likes listening to music and making pizza. There are also things that Ellie enjoys doing in private, like touching her vagina. This accessible and positive resource helps parents and carers teach girls and young women with autism or related conditions about masturbation. It covers when and where it is appropriate and helps to establish boundaries surrounding privacy more generally. With simple but explicit illustrations, this book provides the perfect platform to discuss sexuality with girls and young women with autism or related conditions.

Things Tom Likes: a Book about Sexuality and Masturbation for Boys and Young Men with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, Illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $15.95

Tom likes lots of different things. He likes singing and watching TV in the family room. There are also things that Tom enjoys doing in private, like touching his penis. This accessible and positive resource helps parents and carers teach boys with autism or other special needs about masturbation. It covers when and where it is appropriate and helps to establish boundaries surrounding privacy more generally. With simple but explicit illustrations, this book provides the perfect platform to talk about sexuality with boys and young men with autism or special needs.

What's Happening to Ellie? A Book about Puberty for Girls and Young Women with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $15.95

Ellie notices that her body is changing. Hair is growing in new places and there are other changes happening too. Ellie's mum helps her understand that she has started growing into a woman. Following Ellie as she begins to notice changes to her body, this simple resource helps parents and carers teach girls with autism and related conditions about puberty. It covers all the changes that they will experience, both emotional such as new feelings and physical such as periods. This fully illustrated positive and entertaining book provides the perfect opportunity to talk about puberty with girls and young women with autism or related conditions.

What's Happening to Tom? A Book about Puberty for Boys and Young Men with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, Illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $15.95

Tom notices that his body is changing. Tom's voice is different and hair is growing in new places. There are other changes happening too. Tom learns that he has started growing into a man. Following Tom as he begins to notice changes to his body, this simple resource helps parents and carers teach boys with autism or other special needs about puberty. It covers all the changes that they will experience, both emotional such as new feelings and physical such as wet dreams. This fully illustrated positive and entertaining book provides the perfect opportunity to talk about puberty with boys and young men with autism or special needs.

The Shape of the Eye: a Memoir. George Estreich, $18.00

When Laura Estreich is born, her eyes present a puzzle: Does their shape indicate Down syndrome, or simply the fact that she has a Japanese grandmother? In this powerful memoir, poet George Extreich reflects on his daughter’s inheritance — from the family history that precedes her to the legacy of her genes, to mistaken portrayals of Down syndrome today. Against this backdrop hew shows us a child who is quirky and real — and loved for everything ordinary and extraordinary about her.

The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for Brothers and Sisters of Adults with Disabilities. Edited by Don Meyer & Emily Holl, $28.95

If you're a teenaged or adult brother or sister of someone with a disability, then this book is expressly for you. It offers a sense that you're not alone, tips on how to talk to your parents about plans for your sibling, and a crash course in guardianship, medical & legal issues, and government benefits if you're already caring for your sib. Edited by experts in the field of disabilities and sibling relationships, The Sibling Survival Guide focuses on the topmost concerns identified in a survey of hundreds of siblings. The chapter authors — experienced siblings and service providers — offer practical information and anecdotes about:

• statistics & research about siblings
• younger siblings' feelings
• impact on your life decisions
• caring for multiple generations
• aging and disability
• taking care of yourself
• getting services & advocacy
• future planning

Sleep Better! A Guide to Improving Sleep for Children with Special Needs, Revised Edition. V. Mark Durand, $33.50

From bedtime tantrums to bedwetting, sleep problems can be one of the biggest sources of worry and frustration for parents of children with special needs. Help is here in this down-to-earth, nonjudgmental guide, packed with widely tested, easy-to-use techniques that work for all children, with and without disabilities. This fully updated edition includes help for parents who usually struggle with nighttime problems. Without preaching or proposing a “one right way” to solve problems, psychologist and father Mark Durand helps families tackle sleep issues with optimism and proven strategies drawn from clinical and personal experience. A must-own for tired parents everywhere, this warm and wise guidebook will put sleep problems to bed and help whole families get the rest they need. 

This flexible book includes valuable background information on understanding and assessing sleep problems, with highly effective strategies for children with special needs such as autism, Tourette syndrome, and cerebral palsy. It helps parents develop a positive outlook and attitude as they work to resolve their child’s challenges, and includes help for parents who struggle with their own nighttime problems. SOLVE SLEEP ISSUES LIKE:

• Bedtime tantrums
• Night waking
• Sleep terrors
• Bed wetting
• Sleep schedule problems
• Sleepwalking and sleep talking
• Insomnia
• Tooth-grinding
• Periodic limb movements

Small Steps Forward: Using Games and Activities to Help Your Pre-School Child with Special Needs, 2nd edition. Sarah Newman, $27.95

Small Steps Forward includes up-to-date research and practice, providing parents and caregivers with the information they need and a host of ideas to encourage their child's development. The games and activities use toys and materials which most children will already have, and involve no special preparation. Sarah Newman divides skill development into six areas — cognitive, linguistic, physical, sensory, social and emotional — for convenient reference. The book also deals with issues like behavior management, toilet-training and sleep problems.

S.T.A.R.S. a Social Skills Training Guide for Teaching Assertiveness, Relationship Skills and Sexual Awareness. Susan Heighway & Susan Kidd Webster, $27.95

Specially designed for teaching adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, the STARS model focuses on four areas: Understanding Relationships, Social Skills Training, Sexual Awareness and Assertiveness—with the goals of promoting positive sexuality and preventing sexual abuse. Assessment tools help identify the strengths and needs of each individual, and then the activities can be catered to address specific needs. Goals and activities cover a variety of important skills:

• Building a Positive Self-Image • Making Choices • Learning Relationship-Appropriate Behaviors • Engaging in Mature Relationships • Identifying Body Parts and Understanding Their Functions • Understanding Public and Private Behavior • Understanding Sexual Feelings and Behaviors • Understanding Reproduction • Health Issues Related to Sexual Awareness • Recognizing a Situation as Potentially Unsafe • Learning to Say “No” and Using Basic Self-Protection • And many more!

Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome: The Respond but Don't React Method. David Stein, $27.95

Common behavior issues in children with Down syndrome can quickly become engrained and may even persist into adulthood. Supporting Positive Behavior in Children and Teens with Down Syndrome examines how the brain of a person with Down syndrome works, how those differences impact behavior, and why bad behavior should not be viewed as a willful act. Governed by this new awareness, parents are in a better position to change and manage their child’s behavior using these guiding principles:

• Be proactive, not reactive
• Be consistent
• Use visual schedules & Social Stories to direct behavior
• Develop a token reward chart
• Keep gut reactions in check
• Teach siblings to ignore bad behavior
• Learn effective disciplinary techniques
• Know when professional help is needed

Some of these parenting concepts are intuitive, others are not, but when they are followed consistently, children and teens with Down syndrome do their best behaviorally and the parent-child relationship remains as positive and loving as it should be.

Take Out the Toys. Fern Sussman & Elaine Weitzman, $16.00 

This booklet focuses on expanding your child’s “functional play” — the kind of early toy play that involves doing conventional or “expected” actions on toys, like putting shapes into a sorter or building a tower with blocks. Why Is Early Toy Play Important? Many studies have shown that the better the play skills of a young child with autism, the better his play and language skills will be later on. Your child’s play may not be as complex or creative as that of typically developing children. But by using specific interaction strategies during your everyday play activities, there’s a lot you can do build his skills.

Take Out the Toys offers simple, research-based strategies for building your child’s early toy play through imitation — helping him learn to copy the actions he sees you perform on toys. Imitation is a critical skill that not only helps to develop play skills, but is also connected to social interaction and language skills. 

Teaching by Design: Using Your Computer to Create Materials for Students with Learning Differences. Kimberly Voss, $45.95

Teaching by Design shows readers how to use the computer to design meaningful educational materials for children and adults with special needs. A synthesis of computer graphics, education, and crafting, this book represents the author’s considerable expertise in customizing educational materials for her daughter with multiple disabilities as well as teaching other parents and teachers to create them too. Full of instructions for designing and adapting materials and strategies for using them, including a time-saving CD-ROM of templates, Teaching by Design is useful to parents and teachers of students of all ages with a wide range of disabilities. Design and customize lotto boards, interactive spelling cards, game pieces, playing cards, matching games, menus, fill-in-the-blank decals, handwriting transparencies, and more, to teach visual perception, math, language, communication, reading, handwriting, and self-help skills.

Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality: a Guide for Parents and Professionals. Terri Couwenhoven, $33.95

Drawing on her unique background as both a sexual educator and mother of a child with Down syndrome, the author blends factual information and practical ideas for teaching children with Down syndrome about their bodies, puberty, and sexuality. This book gives parents the confidence to speak comfortably about these sometimes difficult subjects.

In an easy-to-read, non-clinical style, the book covers relevant issues and concerns for children of all ages, as well as later issues that affect teenagers and young adults, including:

• Anticipating and understanding puberty
• Dealing with periods, bras for girls
• Masturbation
• Sharing parental values about sexuality
• Explaining sexual relationships
• Preventing sexual abuse
• Understanding how Down syndrome affects puberty & fertility rates

Each chapter highlights important points with key messages, teaching activities, parental pauses, and anecdotes, all of which prompt readers to stop and consider concepts or values associated with a particular topic. The final chapter covers the special concerns of parents who are now teaching teenaged or adult children about sexuality for the first time. It concludes with extensive appendices containing invaluable teaching materials and illustrations of body parts and functions.

Teaching Communication Skills to Students with Severe Disabilities, 3rd Edition. June Dowling, Amy Hanreddy & Kathryn Peckham-Hardin, $68.95

How can educators and therapists support effective communication for students with severe and multiple disabilities? Today’s best research and strategies are in the newest edition of this trusted textbook and teaching guide. Current and future education professionals will get up-to-date information and practical guidance on the entire process of supporting communication for students of all ages, from assessing their communication skills to involving peers and adults in intervention. An important textbook and professional reference, this comprehensive volume will help educators, paraprofessionals, SLPs, and other school staff skillfully support every student’s right to communicate.

TOPICS COVERED: communication assessment * intervention strategies * identification of natural opportunities to teach skills * augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) techniques * collaborative teaming * challenging behavior * Functional Communication Training * literacy instruction * peers as communication partners * teaching a wide range of skills that go beyond simple requesting, from commenting to gaining attention

Teaching Language Arts, Math, and Science to Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities. Diane Browder & Fred Spooner, editors, $66.50

The first major research-to-practice resource on this critical topic, this text goes beyond functional and access skills and shows educators how to make the general curriculum accessible to students of all ages with significant cognitive disabilities. Twenty-five of the best-known researchers in the field prepare educators to:

• adapt lessons in language arts, math, and science for students with disabilities
• identify meaningful instructional content
• create effective learning environments through instructional procedures such as peer tutoring, cooperative learning, and co-teaching
• set appropriate expectations for student achievement
• align instruction with state content standards and alternate assessment

For each content area, future teachers will get a solid research foundation blended with teaching examples, guidelines, and helpful figures and tables. A timely textbook for pre-service educators and a valuable reference for in-service teachers seeking guidance, this important resource will raise expectations for students with disabilities and ensure their progress in key academic areas.

Teaching Math to People with Down Syndrome and Other Hands-On Learners: Strategies and Materials, 2nd Edition. DeAnna Horstmeier, $38.95

Children and adults with Down syndrome need math for the real world — counting with meaning, adding the scores in a game, and tracking time in order to keep to a schedule. Written in a straightforward and user-friendly style, the new second edition of Teaching Math to People with Down Syndrome provides strategies and activities that are relevant to daily living, are concrete and practical, offer hands-on practice, and provide opportunity for successful completion. It covers:

• Pre-number Concepts
• Counting
• Recognition & Writing of Numbers
• Time & Measurement
• Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication & Division
• Fractions
• Money
• Calculator Use

The included appendices, available to photocopy, are chockfull of over 150 activities — worksheets, games, and teaching aids — to practice math skills. Parents and teachers can use the comprehensive coverage of math concepts to tailor lessons to students’ needs at home and in the community, incorporate goals into IEPs, and help students access the general education curriculum.

Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome: a Guide for Parents and Teachers. Patricia Logan Oelwein, $32.50

Reading is an essential, enriching, and attainable skill for children with Down syndrome. This guide presents a nationally recognized reading program for children with Down syndrome that can be used to effectively meet a child's unique learning needs and style. The reading method and lessons presented here are specifically designed to be motivating, fun, and rewarding. Filled with sample flash cards, games, charts, and recommended story books, the program emphasizes the visual learning style typical of most children with Down syndrome. Parents can customize lessons to capture their child's interests and set the learning pace to a level for greatest success.

This step-by-step guide to reading allows parents to work with their child at home and helps them coordinate reading lessons with teachers, ensuring the continuity of their child's education year after year. The book includes a CD-ROM of all the visual supports. Print out the Appendices — picture and word cards, lotto games, charts, and more — as often as you need!

Think College! Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual Disabilities. Meg Grigal & Debra Hart, $45.95

More and more students with intellectual disabilities are "thinking college." That means high schools, colleges, and universities must be fully prepared to meet the needs of students with disabilities—and this comprehensive resource is just what they need. Developed by two of the most respected experts on this hot topic, this book uncovers the big picture of today's postsecondary options and reveals how to support students with disabilities before, during, and after a successful transition to college.

Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or Other Developmental Issues, 2nd Edition. Maria Wheeler, $26.50

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.

Toilet Training Success: a Guide for Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Frank Cicero, $18.95

TOILET TRAINING SUCCESS is a helpful guide for effective toilet training interventions for individuals of different ages, and with a wide range of development disabilities. 

This practical handbook tackles one of the most important daily living skills: toilet training. Comprehensively written, this book guides parents and professionals from the beginning of the toilet training process to the end, from knowing necessary pre-requisite skills, to doing a complete skills assessment, followed by detailed descriptions of the steps necessary for basic toilet training and bowel training processes. Dr. Cicero then tackles the issues of independent request training, the problem of and treatment for regression, as well as overnight toilet training. 

Each section is divided into clear and understandable parts, and feature call-out boxes that list important points discussed in that section for easy reference. Users of this guide have the flexibility to tailor toilet training interventions to their students needs, using all or some sections of the book. TOILET TRAINING SUCCESS also features an extensive FAQ section covering a range of common questions and concerns, as well as a helpful appendix with sample training charts, data collection table, and example training programs.

An Uncomplicated Life: a Father's Memoir of His Exceptional Daughter. Paul Daugherty, $18.50

Jillian Daugherty was born with Down syndrome. The day her parents, Paul and Kerry, brought her home from the hospital, they were flooded with worry and uncertainty, but also with overwhelming love, which they channeled to "the job of building the better Jillian." They were resolved that Jillian's potential would not be limited by preconceptions of who she was or what she could be.

In this charming and often heart-stirring book, Paul tells stories about Jillian making her way through the world of her backyard and neighborhood, going to school in a "normal" classroom, learning to play soccer and ride a bike. As she grows older, he traces her journey to find happiness and purpose in her adult life, including vignettes about her inspiring triumphs and the guardian angels — teachers, neighbors, friends — who believed in Jillian and helped her become the exceptional young woman she is today. In her uncomplicated life, we see the possibility, the hope, and the beauty of our own.

Victoria’s Day. Maria de Fatima Campos, $11.99

Four-year-old Victoria is going to school, playing with friends, dancing at ballet class, helping Mummy with dinner and reading a story … This is a day in the life of Victoria, a young girl with Down syndrome.

We’ll Paint the Octopus Red. Stephanie Stuyve-Bodeen & Pam DeVito, $20.95 (Down syndrome) (ages 3-6)

Emma has big dreams for her new baby brother. But when she learns that he has Down syndrome, she worries that he won't be able to do many of the fun things she's imagined they'd do together. This is a reassuring story for young children as well as parents adjusting to Down syndrome and what it means for their relationship with their sibling or child. It concludes with helpful questions and answers for children about Down syndrome.

This comprehensive overview of speech intelligibility problems is useful to parents of young children who speak but are not easily understood. The DVD features dozens of boys and girls with Down syndrome, from preschool age to young adulthood, showing various levels of speech intelligibility. The DVD also features a bonus section with useful tips on writing effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals related to speech intelligibility. What Did You Say is also an excellent companion to Libby Kumin's book Early Communication Skills for Children with Down Syndrome.

When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect: a Guide to DS-ASD for Parents and Professionals. Margaret Froehlke & Robin Zaborek, $38.95

WHEN DOWN SYNDROME AND AUTISM INTERSECT offers a thorough examination of the unique profile of a Down Syndrome-Autism Spectrum Disorder (DS-ASD) diagnosis and best practices for screening, treatment, and caretaking through the lifespan. This one-stop resource, the first of its kind, will greatly benefit families whose child is already diagnosed, and also those who suspect something more than Down syndrome. Professionals, too, will find information on how to distinguish DS-ASD from a diagnosis of just Down syndrome, and guidance on providing services for children and adults.

When Young People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Hit Puberty: a Parents' Q & A Guide to Health, Sexuality and Relationships. Freddy Jackson Brown & Sarah Brown, $25.95

Puberty, personal hygiene and sex can be difficult topics to broach with your child, especially when they have an intellectual disability or autism. The authors of this guide provide honest answers to challenging questions and provide solutions to the dilemmas that many parents face on a daily basis. Structured around issues related to puberty and emerging sexuality in children with disabilities or autism, such as physical changes, mood swings and sexual behaviour, the book presents practical guidance on how to overcome problems that commonly arise.

Written for parents and carers of young people with an intellectual disability or autism, this guide provides answers the questions that you may have felt too uncomfortable to ask before. Supported by case studies, the authors offer professional guidance on supporting and responding to your child's emerging sexuality.

Whole Child Reading: a Quick Start Guide to Teaching Students with Down Syndrome and Other Developmental Delays. Natalie Hale, $24.95

Discover the keys to teaching children and adults with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities how to read for meaning. Written for today's busy parents and teachers, this easy-to-use guide explains how to "go in through the heart" to hook beginning and struggling readers with high-interest, individualized materials — flashcards, personal books, and modified trade books. The simple strategies described are designed to "teach to the brain" and are based on research about how we learn most easily and naturally.

The methods in the book can be adapted for learners of any age who are reading at a third grade level or below. The crux of the instructional method described in Whole Child Reading is to teach the child to sight read for content before focusing on phonetics. The book emphasizes providing new or struggling readers with books that are intensely interesting to them about topics they love in order to get them excited about reading. With the help of plentiful illustrations, author Natalie Hale explains how best to motivate new readers using a combination of home-made and adapted materials.

Whether or not you have any formal teaching experience, you can easily work the reading activities described in Whole Child Reading into your child's routine at home. If you have at least five minutes a day to spend on reading, you have enough time to get started using Whole Child Reading!

Writing with Grace: a Journey Beyond Down Syndrome. Judy McFarlane, $22.95

“Put her away and forget about her.” This was the blunt advice Grace Chen’s grandfather gave Grace’s parents when she was born with Down syndrome.

Twenty-four years later, Grace writes, “I always dream to be a famous writer.” When Judy McFarlane is asked if she will help Grace, she realizes she holds deep, unacknowledged fears — that Grace will be a dull-eyed young woman who can’t read, let alone write, that she might become agitated, even lash out. But the idea that Grace wants to be a writer, a dream McFarlane gave up when she was young, captures McFarlane. She helps Grace write her book and travels with Grace when she gives a copy of it to her grandfather.

Writing with Grace is the inspiring and informative story of the journey Grace and Judy have taken together. With honest introspection and keen insight, McFarlane delves into what it takes to face one’s own prejudice, what it means to live a full life and believe you are worthy. From a young woman who is marginalized by society, McFarlane learns how much courage it takes to follow a dream when everyone tells you it’s impossible.

Yoga Therapy for Every Special Child: Meeting Needs in a Natural Setting. Nancy Williams, Illustrated by Leslie White, $22.95

Yoga therapy is gaining rapid recognition as a form of treatment that can improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children with a variety of complex needs. This book contains a specially-designed yoga program for use with children of all abilities, and provides both parents and professionals with the knowledge they need to carry out the therapy themselves.

The program consists of a series of postures, each of which is explained and accompanied by an illustration. The postures are designed to help children understand and use their bodies, and work towards positive changes such as realigning the spine, encouraging eye-contact, and promoting calm and steady breathing. Consideration is given to creating the right setting for carrying out the therapy, assessing an individual child's particular needs, and making the sessions fun using games and props. Sections on yoga therapy for specific conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy are included, and the book concludes with child and parent reports on how the program has worked for them, and a list of useful contacts and resources.

This practical book is a must for parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals, and anybody else who wants to help a child to develop through enjoyable and therapeutic yoga sessions.