Voices from the Spectrum: A Loving Autism Chorus
Robert A. Naseef, PhD and Cindy N. Ariel, PhD, have assembled insightful, often heart-warming personal accounts in Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism and Professionals Share Their Wisdom (Jessica Kingsley, $19.95).
Drs. Naseef and Ariel are co-founders of Alternative Choices, a Philadelphia psychotherapy practice specializing in counseling for families with special needs. They have pledged all of the royalties from this book to UNICEF.
In this chorus of some 60 voices, readers will find frankness, coping strategies and new understandings of the vast autism spectrum. Most of all, they will find wonderful expressions of love and acceptance.
Parenting with High Expectations
Judy Winter offers chapters and a “Bill of Rights” for kids with special needs, their parents, siblings and professionals in Breakthrough Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Raising the Bar of Expectations (Jossey-Bass, $15.95). Strategies, words of inspiration, vignettes, medical info and resource lists weave through this how-to guide.
An award-winning journalist, Winter parented a child with cerebral palsy for 12 years before his sudden death. Though not the central theme of this book, Winter courageously shares her feelings while drawing from Eric’s death and that of other special kids to offer a helping hand to grieving parents.
Winter concludes by repeating “the single-most important parenting tip you can embrace. It underlies everything you do to support a child with special needs. This belief will make you fearless. Believe in Your Child’s Value — No Matter What!”
Arc of Del. Offers Assistance
The Arc of Delaware’s Parent Mentor Program offers free technical assistance and support to families of children with a disability who are struggling with education issues. Volunteers will accompany parents to school meetings and help negotiate the education system. Mentors have been trained and many have personal experience working with school districts to obtain an appropriate education. 302-996-9400.
NJ Tourette Program Hailed
Rutgers University’s Tourette Syndrome Program has received the university’s $125,000 Academic Excellence award, which will be used to expand its partnership with the Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey.
The partnership provides services to New Jersey families dealing with Tourette syndrome as well as professional training and research. Families receive free evaluations, referrals, information and support. 908-575-7350, www.tsanj.org
Autism Benefit
Makin’ Music Rockin’ Rhythms will perform at an Autism Awareness Benefit on Sat., April 22, 11:30am at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., Phila. Proceeds will benefit Cure Autism Now, which also will give out info and seek donations at all World Café Live Saturday kids’ concerts during April, Autism Awareness Month. Tickets are $10 for all ages. Cure Autism Now funds research, education and outreach programs. www.worldcafelive.com
Bulimia Nervosa Website
A new website offers a wealth of information to those affected by bulimia nervosa. Created by ECRI, a nonprofit health research agency, the site responds to 150 questions posed by a panel of patients and families affected by the disorder, as well as professionals treating it.
The site includes information, resources, insurance tips, treatment centers and research findings. www.bulimiaguide.org