Customer Reviews (339)

Hitting the mark
I seem to have hit the mark recently for picking excellent books that deal with dysfunction, some sort of handicap, or bizarre coming of age stories. THE CURIOUS INCIDENT is one such book. The others were LITTLE CHILDREN (suburban dysfunction) and BARK OF THE DOGWOOD (family skeletons in the closet--and everywhere else). Of the three, INCIDENT was the most unusual.

Christopher Boone is a fifteen-year-old autistic boy who discovers his neighbor's poodle impaled on a pitchfork. As if this isn't enough to keep you reading, the story is told through the eyes of the fifteen-year-old who is determined to figure out how the event happened. Enter the genius aspect of this novel: how the autistic mind works (or doesn't). We're shown the amazing labyrinth of the psyche that Christopher tangles with in order to piece together what happened, and the thought process is truly amazing. Again, I was reminded of a similar incident in McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD where the main character takes an aptitude test and fails miserable, at least in other's eyes.

What an eye opener this Mark Haddon book is for this reason, for how many of us can even guess what goes on in the minds of those on the "other side?" And who is to say that "their" line of thinking is not the more correct one? Who is to say that their "logic" is illogical? Not me. If you've ever been on a jury you know how an attorney can twist things into an entirely different perspective and this is, in a sense, what happens, though Haddon is not intentionally manipulating us--he's just letting the story unfold via a very unseal mouthpiece that happens to see things in a different light.

This is not a lengthy read, and you'll find yourself flipping the pages (not because it's a thriller) but because it's so well written and different. I've enjoyed all of the Today Show Book Club picks and this is by far, one of the best. Highly recommended for something completely different and well done.

Different ways of thinking
This one of those treasures of a book you come across from time to time. Its rise to the fame reminds me of those exquisite low-budget movies that suddenly appear on the scene and capture audiences around the world. Mark Haddon, an award-winning children's book author, originally wrote the Curious Incident primarily for young audiences, not the general adult reader. Yet, the story and the character are anything but simplistic. Not surprisingly, given its captivating story, its moving main character, and unique style, it won literary awards for youth and children's books. Then, something curious happened as it caught the attention and imagination of the grown-ups... Having just won the Whitbread Prize for the best novel in 2003, it has achieved a rare recognition by winning awards across different literary categories.

The story is written from the perspective of Christopher, a 15-year-old youth with ambitions of becoming an astronaut. It is about experiences in his life, his "Special Needs" as an autistic youth and his surroundings. At some level he comes across like a younger child that can only react physically to uncomfortable situations, at another he acts like a very mature teenager who can explain his difficulties and reactions. He applies logic and analysis to help him understand real life problems as intellectual puzzles, such as who murdered the poodle. Given a certain rigidity of his systematic thought processes, he cannot give up on a path once chosen, whether intellectually or physically. The resulting problems have to be faced, whatever. If his parents could have read his book, they would have had a much easier time coping with him.

For me Haddon's book is a gem for a number of reasons. It is very real and touching story of a very special teenager that pulls the reader right into it and along with it. Christopher's ability to observe his surroundings and himself and describe his thought processes in "his" book allows the reader insights into a personality that we know little about. Haddon describes this environment where autism makes life complicated for Christopher and difficult for his parents with great care, yet he does not allow the special situation to become overbearing. He also demonstrates that people suffering from autism have a lot to offer and their special needs may not as far removed from those of the average normal person. It is a question of degree. [Friederike Knabe, Ottawa Canada]

Christopher's world
I do not know a thing about autism--so maybe this has something to do with why I was drawn into Christopher's tale. I found this character to be very interesting as he explained to me, the reader, how his mind works and why it works the way it does. I credit the author, Mark Haddon, for sticking to the challange of conveying such a story. There's much skill in the craftmanship and I find it to be a very intelligent read. I don't understand how another person here said they read--which caught my eye because I did as well--'Simon Lazarus' and found that to be more "worthy" and that 'A Curious incident..'is "drivel" or gimmicky. I see nothing of the sort here. Both of these works are distinct in their own right, and both are smart and quite readable. So for this reader: 'Simon Lazarus' and Christopher's story here are both entertaining and fascinating reads in their own distinct way. That's what literature is all about. Appreciate them both. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Autism   2. Fiction   3. Fiction - General   4. General   5. Literary   6. Savants (Savant syndrome)   7. Fiction / General   

Customer Reviews (36)

Arthritis and other pains
I was in so much pain that I couldn't sleep at night. I was diagnosed with arthritis (hip, back, etc), but I was not satisfied that this explained my pain. Then I found Davies' book and started to work on trigger points with the rubber ball he recommends. It didn't solve all my problems, but it reduced my pain to the point where I could sleep without pills (and demonstrated that my pain was at least partly muscular)--and all for the cost of a ... little ball! And now (several other therapies later), I still keep the book and the rubber ball by my bed, and still follow its directions to massage key areas on a daily basis.

This book is terrific--the best "self-help" book I've seen. It is clearly written, well organized, mostly well illustrated, and contains a wealth of really useful detail. It is definitely not one of those "glossy" books--all photos and no useful information. The author really does take the approach of someone who was himself helped by this therapy and who wants to make it as clear and accessible to his readers as possible. Very highly recommended.

Effective Self-Help for Pain
This book provides lots of good information on healing pain. It's written in an accessible, easy-to-read style for people who don't know anything about muscles, yet the information is not simplistic, and is useful even for professionals who want to learn about trigger points. This book is great for people who have chronic pain and are motivated to help themselves. Trigger point massage really does a lot more good than anything doctors have to offer -- most doctors are not trained to effectively help people with muscular pain. And it's cheaper and more effective to do it yourself than pay to see a massage therapist, because you'd need to go every day for most seriously chronic problems. I do have a few complaints: There are lots of illustrations, but they don't always show all the areas of referred pain. There are handy lists arranged by body part, but it would be even more helpful to have a more detailed reference guide where you could look up specific symptoms. I also think Davies is a little too enthusiastic, claiming trigger points are the cause of most pain. He is also unfairly disparaging of massage therapists. Any properly trained massage therapist knows it's not always the spot where it hurts that's causing the problem, and if you know how all the muscles work together to act on a joint, and a little about nerve pathways, you're going to address most of the areas that are likely to have trigger points. Still, he has a valid point in that consumers need to ask whether a massage therapist specializes in relaxation massage or knows how to treat specific pain and injuries.

Oh my gosh - a MUST HAVE!
I stumbled onto this book in desperation about a year ago. I was 6 months postop from a cervical spine fusion (C 5-6-7) but I continued to have pain in the scapula region and my neck was still so tight I thought I would lose my mind if I couldn't find a way to decrease my pain and improve my mobility. It actually went all the way down my left side and hip. I'd been thru all the proper medical channels and had some benefit from physical therapy but I could NOT get those people (medical) to understand how deep the pain was and how determined I was to get better. I guess they thought since I was functioning (working and going to grad school) at a pretty high level I must be OK. ARGH. We need to teach them to LISTEN better.

THis book-ALONE-helped tremendously and I immediately bought a Theracane. I started getting professional massages a couple months later and was fortunate to find a person who is well-versed in trigger point. Between the 2 of us I am 110% better but still not "perfect" (and probably won't ever be!). I start every morning with a lot of trigger point massage while I'm still laying in bed planning out my day! I'm sure people think I'm nuts when they see me driving down the road with a tennis ball in my hand!

Just yesterday during my massage, the therapist told me to go home and look up QUADRATUS LUMBORUM in my Trigger Point book. Lo and behold... I thought I was reading about myself! It's amazing how working on these trigger points also releases the tension UP my spine and in the scapula area.

I use the trigger point massage in combination with chiropractic adjustments and professional massage (every 2-3 wks) and I do still take Vioxx. Each individual has to find what works best for him/her.

BUY THIS BOOK TODAY - YOU WON'T BE SORRY! This book CAN be read by the average "Joe or Susie" and help will follow! I've bought at least 6 copies for friends/relatives and recommend it heartily. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acupuncture points   2. Alternative treatment   3. Chiropractic treatment   4. Diet / Health / Fitness   5. Handbooks, manuals, etc   6. Health & Fitness   7. Health/Fitness   8. Myofascial pain syndromes   9. Pain   10. Pain Management   11. Rheumatology   

Customer Reviews (44)

Special Education Teacher Review
I found this book to be very informative. Tony Attwood's explanation of the syndrome was clear and very easy to understand. Some professional jargon may be difficult for parents to decipher, however the overall approach to diagnostic criteria is very good. I am in the process of referring a high school student for Asperger's screening. This book was critical in my own exposure to this disability and its place on the Autistic spectrum. My 4 star rating was given only for lack of diagnostic examples for secondary level students. One would hope a child with Asperger's would be diagnosed at the elementary level. However, with such a new awakening to the topic, I feel there are probably hundreds of misdiagnosed adolescents out there waiting for help and insight. Parents, I urge you to approach your child's teachers if you suspect Asperger-like characteristics in your own child. Then, recommend they read this book!

I could have used this book in my youth!
In the Preface, Attwood mentions meeting over a thousand individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, ranging widely in age, ability, and background, and of being impressed by some of their abilities. As an AS person myself, I am impressed by Attwood's understanding of these individuals as real people, and by the simple straightforward language used. Temple Grandin's review, as printed on the back cover of this book, said that the book would have been a great benefit to her as a teenager and young adult. It also includes positive aspects of Asperger's Syndrome. Her full review summed up the book well and could well have been included in this series of reviews. There are eight main chapters, titled Diagnosis, Social Behaviour, Language, Interests and Routine, Motor Clumsiness, Cognition, Sensory Sensitivity, and Frequently Asked Questions. There are also three appendices, including Diagnostic Criteria. And there are References, Subject Index, and Author Index. Only of late has there been a widening of knowledge of Asperger's Syndrome. This is a book that has measurably helped, and will be useful for quite a while yet.

As most are aware
As most of us who deal or have dealt with this are aware, the range of the "syndromes" runs the gamut from autism to AS. Then there's DID, ADD, and just about everything else thrown in. But keep in mind that all these labels are relatively new and constantly moving around, like some giant kaliedoscopic series of diagnosis that you can't quite put your finger on. Enter "Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals." As others have said, "Thank you, Mr. Attwood" for this book that helps sort out all of the possibilities. Concise and well-written, this is THE book when it comes to this syndrome, and while many have written about AS or autism (think Haddon's "The Curious Incident" or McCrae's "Bark of the Dogwood") as fiction or fictional characters (though you're never really sure excatly WHAT the character in "Bark of the Dogwood" has), few have come to professional diagnostic arena the way Attwood does. Practial and informative, this is the book you've been looking for. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome   2. Autism   3. Children with Special Needs   4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth   5. Learning Disabilities   6. Mental Disorders   7. Mental Illness   8. Psychology   9. Clinical psychology   10. Disability: social aspects   11. Paediatric medicine   12. Psychiatry   

Customer Reviews (4)

Be careful following this advice
This book is devoted exclusively to the possibility of an adrenal hormone imbalance - but does not consider the possibility of other hormonal imbalances which may have similar symptoms. For example, your lack of energy, immune resistance, and other symptoms might be related to a different hormonal imbalance, such as hyperandrogenism (a symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrom or PCOS) instead of an adrenal imbalance.

Additionally, there is no need to buy vitamins or other special nutritional supplements, if you are willing to make dietary changes, instead. The book's primary purpose beyond educating the reader about adrenal fatigue is to hype the author's own nutritional supplements which can be ordered at http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/ - and they seem to be pricey.

I would highly recommend the book "Hormonal Balance: Understanding Hormones, Weight, and Your Metabolism" instead (ISBN: 0923521690). It is written by Scott Isaacs, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E.

Dr. Isaacs' book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about hormones, possible symptoms of imbalances (including overweight), and how to balance your hormones and maximize your metabolism using simple dietary suggestions - all in a very easy-to-read style.

As a comparison between the two authors, consider their medical credentials. The letters after James L. Wilson's name are: N.D., D.C., Ph.D. Those letters represent: N.D. - Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, D.C. - Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, and Ph.D. - Doctorate in Human Nutrition.

Naturopathic doctors treat disease with "natural remedies." Chiropractors manually adjust the body to relieve pain. Nutritionists help design meal plans to provide specific nutrients. In the United States (Dr. Wilson practiced in Canada), Dr. Wilson would probably not be able to prescribe drugs.

The letters after Scott Isaacs' name are: M.D., F.A.C.P., and F.A.C.E. Those letters represent: M.D. - Doctor of Medicine, F.A.C.P. - Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and F.A.C.E. - Fellow, American College of Endocrinology. Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine gland, hormones, and metabolism. The criteria for obtaining the F.A.C.E. designation can be found at: http://www.aace.com/college/criteria.php - the criteria require that the doctor be actively practicing and be a member in good standing for at least one year ... in addition to other requirements. In other words, Dr. Isaacs is a licensed medical doctor, who is actively practicing in the specialty area of endocrinology, which is the study of hormones and metabolism.

Thus, I highly recommend "Hormonal Balance: Understanding Hormones, Weight, and Your Metabolism" instead (ISBN: 0923521690) - or at least read it first. Otherwise you may get incomplete information.

Not impressed
I purchased this book as I have symptoms of Addison's Disease although the diagnosis has not yet been made. As I do not fancy spending the rest of my life on synthetic hormones, I was looking for something with more of a natural approach. This book was not it.

Instead, it is a hodge podge of information easily obtained from other self help books, so as stress relieve exercises and basing a diet on the glycemic index. Dr. Wilson maintains a web site devoted to adrenal fatigue, but he does not put the self diagnostic "test" on it, forcing one to buy his book. And, of course, the quickest way to regain health is to purchase nutritional supplements from this web site.

The book repeatedly stresses that the traditional medical community does not recognize adrenal fatigue as a diagnosis, and after reading this book, I can understand why.

Incredibly informative and reader-friendly book.
This is an incredibly informative and reader-friendly book about a common debilitating medical condition that goes largely undiagnosed and untreated. ADRENAL FATIGUE: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome is a very empowering work cram-packed with vital information about a condition that very likely affects millions of people. Author Dr. James L. Wilson gives us both the bad news and the good news about this situation. The bad news is how this illness is devastating so many lives, how so many people are being left without hope, and why traditional (allopathic) medicine has failed to recognize or remedy this tragedy. The good news is that this condition can be diagnosed, can be treated, and that there is hope. And Wilson ought to know. With 3 doctorate and two master's degrees all from different disciplines (including Human Nutrition, Naturopathic Medicine, and Bio/Nutrition), Wilson lectures extensively to physicians and is an internationally acknowledged expert on alternative, holistic approaches to health. Supporting Wilson's claims about adrenal fatigue are his 25 years of clinical practice and a depth and breadth of research based on over 2400 scientific references. But don't be daunted by the academic and scientific pedigree of the author; this book is a very easy read'deceptively so for the quality and import of the material.

The book opens with an overview of the function of the adrenals, and how they are prone to chronic fatigue given our hyper-stressed contemporary lifestyles. This is followed by a section on how to tell if you have adrenal fatigue, which includes a questionnaire, several simple at-home diagnostic tests that you can perform yourself, as well as thorough information on the availability (and usefulness) of different laboratory tests. The heart and soul of Wilson's book (and where you get a sense of this doctor's caring 'bedside manner') is the lengthy section on the treatment of adrenal dysfunction, 'Helping Yourself Back to Health.' This is the good news section. It includes detailed information and sage advice on multiple strategies for treatment, such as lifestyle, food, food allergies and sensitivities, dietary supplements, adrenal cell extracts, and replacement hormones. This section concludes with a suggested daily program for adrenal recovery, advice on what to expect on your road back to adrenal health, a very helpful list of questions and answers, and even a trouble-shooting guide if you discover that you still need help. The final section of the book is the most scientific; it details the functions of the adrenal glands. This section (as well as the entire book) is supported by helpful'and often entertaining'illustrations.

I discovered through answering the book's questionnaire and performing two of the self-diagnostic tests that I probably do not suffer from this ailment (although I'll bet that I have numerous friends who do). I do however suffer from migraine headaches, and since much of the book addresses general wellness, I read on with great interest. Most of Dr. Wilson's information and advice on lifestyle, food, food allergies and sensitivities (for me, especially this one), and dietary supplements, is material we can all benefit from'the infirm and the healthy among us alike. For the millions of people who do suffer from adrenal fatigue, there are several aspects of the book that I imagine will be most welcome. Foremost will surely be the confirmation that yes, there is something identifiably wrong with you, and the clear beacon of hope for recovery that his program projects. Especially for those readers who are afflicted with adrenal fatigue but are not quite ready to give up on traditional western medicine, Wilson presents a very balanced picture of what you can and cannot expect from your physician, and plenty of good advice for how to negotiate the interface between traditional and alternative healthcare. Lastly, Dr. Wilson has created a website,[URL], that offers updated information and advice, including information on the availability of products and services sure to be of help to sufferers from adrenal fatigue.

Comprehensive, yet very friendly; empowering and very hopeful, this book is certain to help a lot of people. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness   2. Diseases - General   3. General   4. Health & Fitness   5. Health/Fitness   6. HEALTH & FITNESS / Health Care Issues   

Customer Reviews (17)

Too Much Emphasis on Your Diet
The Inflammation Cure by Meggs and Svec, and The Inflammation Syndrome by Challem, both appeared in 2003 and both discuss the role of inflammation in the major diseases of our time, and the things that one can do to limit the risk of diseases related to inflammation. Both books are easy to read. Which to choose? According to the prestigious Library Journal, "While Jack Challem's The Inflammation Syndrome covers similar ground [to the Inflammation Cure], his approach leans toward the faddish and sensationalist, while Meggs takes a more levelheaded approach, weaving the latest research on various diseases into a broad picture." The thing I most prefer about Meggs' book is that it takes a comprehensive approach (including diet) to the things that affect inflammation, rather than spending the whole book just discussing the role of diet as is done in Challem's book. Challem is a health reporter who writes and publishes The Nutrition Reporter newsletter; it is natural that he would stress diet and its consequences. But diseases are caused and controlled by much more than our diet. Meggs is a practicing physician who has a great deal of clinical experience with all aspects of inflammation, and who has woven many real-life cases into the book as illustrations. So, which book should you buy? I have little doubt that you will find The Inflammation Cure by Meggs and Svec more informative and much more useful as a reference on your shelf.

Great explanation of the underlying cause of most disease
Jack Challem writes articles on health for both the general public and scientific publications. He is also co-author of the book Syndrome X.

The Inflammation Syndrome is divided into four parts: an explanation of the connection between inflammation and disease, including causes of inflammation; a 15-step diet plan to prevent and heal inflammation; supplements recommended to combat inflammation; and inflammation and specific diseases. There are multiple quizzes throughout the book on different causes of inflammation to allow you to see all the various ways your lifestyle may be currently promoting, or preventing, inflammation in your body. The book is written in a lively, easy-to-understand style, and the author helpfully provides a detailed table of contents, an index, extensive references, and appendices listing medical tests for inflammation and sources for anti-inflammatory products.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about inflammation. Its straightforward, practical suggestions are not horrendously difficult to implement, and the author includes menu plans and recipes to get you started on his eating plan. I find his quizzes especially useful as a kind of lifestyle self-diagnosis.

If you'd like to do additional reading on this subject, another excellent book is The Inflammation Cure: How to Combat the Hidden Factor Behind Heart Disease, Arthritis, Asthma, Diabetes, & Other Diseases, by William Joel Meggs. An outstanding related work is The Body Restoration Plan: Eliminate Chemical Calories and Restore Your Body's Natural Slimming System, by Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton. Dr. Baillie-Hamilton doesn't specifically write about inflammation, but provides very valuable insights on the damage done by environmental toxins to the body, which both Meggs and Challem indicate are strongly implicated in causing inflammation.

Full Coverage
The author does a first-class job of covering not only the
causes of most of our physical ailments, but also of how to
give yourself relief from them.
His theory is that so many of our physical problems come from
what we eat and drink, that we should be able to avoid those
problems by eating right. Not a new theory, but he outlines
all the problems affected by our poor diet, and he documents
scientific and medical studies showing the cause-and-effect,
and then, to cap it all off, he explains how we can specifically
change our diets to start improving our physical health.
He gives details for anyone truly interested in those questions,
and he has a direct and rather plain-speaking way of showing
us what items we need to eliminate from our diets, and then
he happily presents the better, more healthful substitutes.
The author covers everything in the field, and he not only outlines the problems, he shows us the way to a more healthful
life, and he does that in a way we can understand and follow.
For anyone suffering from any health problem, or who is worried
about their future health, this is a must.
Don't miss it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment   2. Chronic diseases   3. Diet / Health / Fitness   4. Diet therapy   5. Diets - Special Conditions   6. Diseases - General   7. Etiology   8. Health/Fitness   9. Inflammation   10. Medical   11. Nutrition   12. Nutrition And Public Health   13. Preventive Medicine   14. Complementary Medicine   15. Diets & dieting   16. Health & Fitness / Nutrition   17. Health & wholefood cookery   

Customer Reviews (2)

The best social skills book for our family
As a parent homeschooling a child with Asperger Syndrome, I've bought about a dozen books to help me teach my child social skills. This one is the most useful I've found. Most books on this topic are aimed only at teachers and are hard to adapt to use at home with one child; that's not the case with this book. While the book includes instructions for school personnel and describes how to teach the skills in classrooms and small groups, it is relatively free of educational jargon and doesn't waste too much space on things that useless to me, like reproducible handouts for the children to take home to their parents.

The skills are broken down into small steps and are very specific, which is helpful with my literal-minded child. As a socially adept adult, I sometimes have trouble finding ways to explain social conventions, like the 'Two-Question Rule,' as Baker calls it: 'When others as you a question and you answer it, you can ask a similar question right back.' I'm sure I do this every day ('How are you?' 'Fine, how are you?'), and yet it would have taken me ages to find a way to sum this up for my child.

The skills are broken down into six categories: Conversational Skills, Cooperative Play Skills, Friendship Management, Self-Regulation, Empathy, and Conflict Management. The skills range from 'Maintaining Appropriate Physical Distance from Others' to 'Giving Criticism in a Positive Way'. Each skill is covered on two pages. One page lists guidelines for following the rule, and includes a small fill-in-the-blank space where children can plan when they will try out the skill and later report how it worked. The facing page lists suggested activities for teaching and reinforcing the skill.

I was also pleased to find that Baker's The Social Skills Picture Book covers many of the skills in Social Skills Training, so I have been using the picture book as a companion to this book. Actually seeing photos of children using the skills (or making mistakes) helps to fix the rules in his mind.

Down to Earth approach
This struck me as a competent down to Earth book on social skills training. Largely the book outlines the relevant skill on the left hand page and then provides an explanation of the purpose of the skill and how it can be best developed on the right hand side. It reminded me up to a point of the Boystown Teaching Basic Social Skills manuals.

The positives of the book are that a great number of important skills are covered and the strategies for teaching and reinforcing them are presented. These features will definitely grab teachers desperate in most cases for some guidance.

In my opinion, the negatives are that not every skill is reducible to the format of the book. Many skills are more subtle and difficult to learn, and practice, than others. Also many communciation skills are primarily nonverbal and that needs to be emphasised when dealing with AS adolescents. These issues could have been addressed at greater length in the book and given the intended audience more theoretical work could have been introduced. One final quibble I have is grouping those with AS and social communication difficulties together. I think this is a mistake. AS has a distinct set of diagnsotic criteria. Social communication difficulties can arise from a variety of non AS related sources. Boundary blurring is not something I favour.

Many teachers and therapists will find this a practical book. It is not as linguistically geared up as work by say Rinaldi, but it is very accessible. Ultimately no one book is going to work with every child or group. However, I think this book in common with a few others is moving in the right direction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education   2. Education / Teaching   3. Pediatrics   4. Special Education - Socially Handicapped   

Customer Reviews (31)

TRULY A GODSEND
This book is truly a Godsend for parents, professionals and especially for persons with Asperger's Syndrome (AS). I like the way this book is broken down into clearly written and marked chapters dealing with education, legal matters, "melt downs," parent and social issues. These authors have done the world a big service. AS is a neurological spectrum condition that is on the same spectrum as autism. AS covers a series of behaviors that often make up for "undefined differences" that persons with AS contend with.

I like the way these authors provide web sites for AS related questions and issues. This book deserves a place of honor on our book shelves, in our professional dealings and in our hearts. Cheers for this book!

Outstanding book for teachers, para educators, and parents
The OASIS Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is an excellent book for teachers and para educators as well as parents. It summarizes the key characteristics of persons with Asperger's Syndrome as well or better than other books I've read on the subject. There is also a clear presentation of interventions for teachers and parents to try. In addition, the book presents the "parent perspective" more thoroughly than other books on Asperger's Syndrome.

As an autism specialist for a large school district and as a former university special education faculty member, I would strongly recommend this book to teachers and para educators. In fact, if I were still teaching at the university, I would make this book required reading for my students. I currently refer teachers I work with to key sections in the guide as we create better curriculum and instruction for students with Asperger's Syndrome.

This is a book that para educators can also read and learn from. Since many students with Asperger's Syndrome are supported by para educators in classrooms, improving the skills of para educators is critical. This book can fill that role.

This well written book provides a common point for parents, teachers, and para educators to talk about students with Asperger's Syndrome and develop instructional programs at school and at home.

the best Asperger's book I've read!
My son was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome two years ago. Of the 5-6 books devoted to Asperger's which I have read, this book is by far the BEST! It is very readable and easy for the layperson to understand and digest. Issues that were barely mentioned in other AS reference books were given time and space in the OASIS book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome   2. Autism   3. Autism in children   4. Children with Special Needs   5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth   6. Health & Fitness   7. Health/Fitness   8. Healthy Living   9. Parenting - General   10. Health & Fitness / General   

Customer Reviews (35)

A MUST READ BOOK
Just wanted to mention that the title of this book was changed to "Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns" so it's still available on Amazon (do a search)

I highly recommend this book for both parents and professionals

Straightforward and practical help
This book is extremely helpful with practical, concise instructions for understanding and helping your child with Asperger Syndrome. I have loaned or given copies to every staff member working with my two sons who have AS. It has enabled us to set up a complete program that enables to them to be safe and to learn. It addresses the behaviour while not judging the child. It if were up to me it would be standard issue in every school. The only thing better than reading this book is to hear one of the authors, Brenda Smith Myles, speak in person. She truly understands our kids.

BUY THIS BOOK
If your child has meltdowns in school, you MUST read this book. More important, it should be required reading for all school personnel who come in contact with AS kids who have meltdowns. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome   2. Autism   3. Mental Disorders   4. Psychology & Psychiatry   5. Temper tantrums in children   6. Methods of instruction in special education   7. Life skills   8. Social skills   9. Autistic children   10. Inclusive education   11. Anger   

Subjects:  1. Anger   2. Anger Management   3. Depression in men   4. Diet / Health / Fitness   5. Hormones   6. Men   7. Men's Health   8. Mood Disorders   9. Psychological aspects   10. Self-Help   11. Self-Help / Mood Disorders   

Customer Reviews (84)

I have my life back!
Thanks to "Eating For IBS", I am once again a normal person. As soon as I began using her eating strategy, a miracle transpired - my IBS symptoms disappeared entirely! Now her easy orange miso avocado & cucumber salad has become a favorite along with her cinnamon zucchini bread and many other tasty dishes. Her international "ethnic" cuisine assures great variety and zest. Heather's book is intelligently written in easy to understand language and very informative. She has created a simple yet comprehensive guide on how to eat absolutely delicious meals that actually stabilized my colon immediately. Her strategy of substituting safe foods for "trigger" foods makes sense and really works. I finally understand how my vegetarian diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole wheat were causing attacks. I was also consuming more than two entire packages of FiProFlax fiber a week (...) to control my IBS without much success because it is insoluble fiber! Doctors never told me that there were two kinds of fiber and that I needed to eat the soluble kind. But because Heather makes this very clear distinction, I have my life back. I highly recommend her book!

Best treatment against IBS
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I'm one of the many persons whose life was changed by reading Heather's book on Eating for IBS.

I've been following the book's recipes and tips for 6 months now and feel I have regained control over my health and my body. I have also rediscovered the joys of cooking and eating because it is the first time in twenty years I can eat food that will not leave me with the sad feeling that I've eaten the wrong thing again.

I've got several books on IBS and constantly scan the Web for novelties but on top of the delicious recipes it contains, this book also provides the most comprehensive list of trigger foods, alternative ingredients, and solutions I've seen so far. It has opened my eyes about the dangers of several foods, namely egg yolks, fructose, and insoluble fiber. I have also followed links to some recommended products from other companies, peppermint capsules and hypnotherapy CDs, and these have had a great effect as well.

So Heather has changed my life, really, and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
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Counterinuitive -- but brilliant
In these days of low-carb mania, it's a real mind-bender to consider that red meat, butter, whole eggs, raw veggies and whole wheat bread might be bad for you -- and that white rice, white bread, and white pasta might actually be good. But for IBS sufferers (at least those like me, with diarrhea-predominant symptoms and lots of gas/bloating) this can indeed be the case. Following Heather's basic strategies has provided wonderful relief in a matter of days -- after months of invasive tests, ineffective medications, and futile advice from docs. Her explanation of the differing effects of soluble and insoluble fiber on IBS sufferers is the key to this diet, and many will find that they can add back "forbidden" foods to some degree after getting their gut stabilized. Who would have thought that eating things in a specific order (like eating the starch before the salad!) could actually have an effect on gut spasms? But for me, that's exactly the case.

The author's sage advice about various fiber supplements and their individual characteristics would be worth the purchase price. (Reviewers who complained that her diet doesn't work for IBS with constipation must not be following her advice about incorporating fiber supplements; I don't see how they could possibly remain blocked up under the regime she outlines.) On top of that, the recipes are great. I love food and cooking and had despaired of ever having fun in the kitchen again -- always worried that what I was putting in my mouth was going to cause great suffering an hour or two later. Playing around with Heather's recipes has brought back the old thrill, and it's stuff the whole family can eat without suspecting it's some kind of special diet. The book is also packed with many interesting and tasty items you'd enjoy serving to guests.

If you're wondering about whether all these reviews can possibly be "for real," or if this is just some stupid and possibly dangerous fad diet -- take the chance and buy this book. The recommendations are healthful, the diet's not going to hurt you, and you have nothing to lose except the hours of suffering currently caused by your IBS. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Colon (Anatomy)   2. Cooking   3. Cooking / Wine   4. Diet therapy   5. Diets - Special Conditions   6. Diseases   7. Diseases - Abdominal   8. Health & Healing - General   9. Health & Healing - Weight Control   10. Irritable colon   11. Nutritional aspects   12. Popular works   

Is your company threatened by turf battles, shut out of key data sources by territorial "lords," or ravaged by hundreds of "micro-companies?" If so, your organization may be suffering from a potentially crippling case of "Fiefdom Syndrome." Robert Herbold, former COO of Microsoft, presents a wealth of case studies from the usual (and always interesting) suspects--IBM, Proctor and Gamble, Microsoft, and Wal-Mart--to illustrate an affliction that affects for-profit and non-profit organizations alike.

Herbold identifies why fiefdoms are a problem, where they typically arise in companies--finance, HR, marketing, IT, virtually in most teams and departments--and offers solutions for preventing fiefdoms from cropping up and how to dissolve existing turf control. In an approachable manner, he demonstrates how discipline, creativity, and enforcement are keys to preventing the spread of fiefdoms: "The basic human tendency to want to control one's destiny or turf runs counter to discipline in an organization. If the CEO or the manager of a unit lets people act on their own, the company will soon fall into disarray."

Like headaches, fiefdoms can become a persistent problem and if left untreated, can send organizations into an endless loop of deteriorating health and repeated investigations into the cause. Prudent companies will take Herbold's advice and learn how to prevent and treat their little fiefdom problem.--E. Brooke Gilbert ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics   2. Business / Economics / Finance   3. Business Organization   4. Business/Economics   5. Control (Psychology)   6. Corporate culture   7. Management - General   8. Office politics   9. Organizational Behavior   10. Self-interest   11. Business & Economics / Management   

Customer Reviews (4)

Got a visual learner with special needs? This is for you!
My autistic son is a visual learner. He watches TV, computer and other children and will learn from them. In addition - abstract concepts and teaching basic academics can be done with a lot of visual support vs. auditory presentations alone.

This is a strong book to identify the issues for special needs kids and using visual strategies to solving them. I highly recommend this book.

Overflowing with useful and practical ideas!
I have read a lot of books on autism and I would highly recommend this one! The author details, in a very clear way, why
"visual supports" work well for everyone, but especially for those who have communication related disorders. Then she goes beyond the explanations to give you real examples you can use and directions on how to implement them. She has a very practical approach and acknowledges the differences and similarites needed between school and home programs.

I think this book would be invaluable to a teacher of special needs children and also the "regular ed" teacher who has a wide range of children and their individual needs to consider. Parents and caregivers will also benefit greatly from this book as it has many examples that go beyond the school experience.

One of my favorite quotes from the book is "Imagine being on one of those whirlwind package tours of Europe; sixteen cities in 7 days. You discover the tour agent forgot to give you an itinerary. Every day you don't know where you are goin, what you are going to see or when you are going to eat. Frustrating? That is how many of our students feel about life on a daily basis. It is one of the reasons we see students cling to ritual and routine."

This book is literally packed with ideas and is well worth the cover price. ....

Must resource for working & living with children with autism
When I first started working with students with autistic characteristics this became an incredible tool. I continue to use this tool with these students and other students for whom a more visual learning approach helps build success! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education   2. Asperger's syndrome   3. Autistic children   4. Autism in children   5. Learning disabled children   6. Visual learning   7. Communication   8. Special Education - Communicative Disorders   

Subjects:  1. Anthrax   2. Chemical And Biological Warfare   3. Complications   4. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations   5. Military - United States   6. Military Science   7. Persian Gulf syndrome   8. Politics - Current Events   9. Science/Mathematics   10. Squalene   11. Technology   12. Toxicology   13. Vaccination   

If you're aging prematurely, getting fatter, feeling sluggish, and watching your blood pressure and cholesterol sneak upwards, you may have "Syndrome X," claim the authors, who say that up to 60 million North Americans have it. "Syndrome X is primarily a nutritional disease caused by eating the wrong foods," they write. The mysterious-sounding "Syndrome X" refers to a group of health problems including insulin resistance ("the inability to properly deal with dietary carbohydrates such as sugars"), plus at least one additional problem, such as abnormal blood fats (elevated cholesterol or triglycerides), overweight, and/or high blood pressure. Insulin resistance is "a diet-caused hormonal logjam that interferes with your body's ability to efficiently burn the food you eat." According to the authors, you probably have this problem, and if you do, eating processed carbohydrates are the root of it. Pastries, pastas, breakfast cereals, soft drinks--these refined carbos are the enemy. The book warns you that you probably suffer from insulin resistance (please get a blood test instead of relying on the admittedly unscientific questionnaire in the book, which makes everyone suspect who eats cereal or drinks fruit juice). Then the authors jump on the high-protein, low carb bandwagon. You can eat three eggs for breakfast, roast duck for lunch, and salmon for dinner, and snack on chicken slices.

It seems odd that if the problem is refined carbs that the solution is high protein and low carbs. The authors admit that most unrefined, or complex, carbohydrates do not have the excessive glucose- and insulin-stimulating effect of refined carbs, so why not recommend high-quality, unrefined carbohydrates (which are preferred over high-protein diets by the American Dietetic Association)? Consumers can't tell the difference, the authors say. So rather than educate them to the difference, let them eat meat. Go figure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Effective and informative but hard to stick to.
I have been on this diet for three weeks and have lost 6lbs. Recently diagnosed with PCOS, I have been researching insulin-resistance with a fervor. "Syndrome X" does an excellent job of explaining insulin-resistance and its causes. However the eating plan outlined in the book is too hard to follow. The advice to avoid high-glycemic foods is sound, but after three weeks I was finding this increasingly difficult. This is not a lifestyle that I could live with forever.

I just read the book, "The Insulin-Resistance Diet: How to Turn Off Your Body's Fat-Making Machine". This book is more current than "Syndrome X" and provides an eating plan more congruent with the typical American lifestyle. The book explains how to balance carbohydrates (even high-glycemic carbs such as sugar and pasta) with protein to avoid insulin spikes, promote weight loss, and avoid disease. I started the new eating plan yesterday and my energy has greatly increased. On our evening walk last night, my husband commented that I had much more energy than I used to. I think that energy was a result of allowing myself the small serving of carbohydrates with dinner (1/2 cup of pasta and 1oz of chocolate) that I had been denying myself on the "Syndrome X" plan.

The "Syndrome X" eating plan is difficult to follow but effective. I do not know how effective the plan outlined in "The Insulin-Resistance Diet" is but I will write a review of it in a few weeks and cite my progress.

UPDATE: "The Insulin-Resistance Diet" did not work for me. As difficult as the "Syndrom X" diet is to stick to, it is really the only diet that shown me good results. Therefore I have upgraded my rating from 3 stars to 4 stars. I suppose that diets are supposed to be hard, otherwise everyone would be thin...

Sound advice for a serious problem
I have seen this book in stores for a long time. Today I finally decided to sit down and read it. Suffice to say, I was quite surprised how logical and well written it is.

As a critical care physician, heart disease has always been a major interest. I have followed for several years the gradual paradigm shift among some of my more open minded colleagues away from the simplistic "cholesterol is the villain" attitude. Syndrome X or insulin resistance more and more seems to be the underlying problem not only in most patients with CAD, but also type II diabetes, and in my opinion, obesity. And to the specific point of "bad LDL" particle size (type B), it seems that there is evidence that high triglycerides, the product of course of the usual high carb/low fat diet may be related to this probelm.

The advice in this book may be hard to follow for many "bad carb" addicts, but with 2/3 of the population now obese, type II diabetes showing up in children as young as twelve, and cardiac disease a major killer beyond epidemic proportions, this is THE diet for most people.

Great understanding on insulin resistance and sound strategy
I have type two diabetes and have found this book helpful. The diet in here matches the original diet I found works best when I first got diabetes II. I've been trying to steer from out of control sugars recently to back in control and this book has provided the insight necessary to start changing my diet back onto the right track. Also, I would recommend following the nutrient guidelines on antioxidants that the authors give. I would get "needles" from my polyneuropathy every time my sugars got high 200's and above. After I started taking vitamin E along with some other antioxidant supplements, the "needles" and "burning" have almost all gone away. (I have a mild case.) This book is a must read!!!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Complications   2. Diet / Health / Fitness   3. Diet therapy   4. Diseases - General   5. General   6. Health & Fitness   7. Health/Fitness   8. Insulin resistance   9. Metabolism   10. Nutrition   11. Prevention   12. Diseases & disorders   13. Health & Fitness / Nutrition   14. Popular medicine   

Customer Reviews (1)

Great strategies!
After hearing Susan Thompson Moore speak about her book I had to buy it. It covers just about every academic and social difficulty you can think of. The author easily explains to the reader what Asperger Syndrome is and how it effects the individual through language development, social interaction, sensory integration, motor functioning, and cognitive processing. Many positive strategies are provided on organizational and curriculum accomodations as well as developing social skills and team work.

I have enjoyed reading this book and can see how easily the strategies can be put into place. I also like the charts and graphs that can easily be reproduced for my own use. I recommend this book for parents with children with AS in elementary school and younger (we need to plan!) and well as elementary teachers with special needs kids in their classroom. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asperger's syndrome   2. Autistic children   3. Education   4. Education (Elementary)   5. Education / Teaching   6. Elementary   7. Philosophy & Social Aspects   8. Special Education - Socially Handicapped   

Customer Reviews (3)

An Aspie/NLD Reader
This is an excellent resource for parents of children with Asperger's Syndrome, HFA, or similar disorders such as NLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder, a dual diagnosis of mine). Several of the techniques are of at least some potential use for adults on the spectrum.

Once the autistic traits that are academic barriers have been overcome, it is of secondary importance to overcome the social barriers that will make it difficult for your child to function in society. This book looks very useful for that purpose, though I suspect that educating the public as to the talents and the truly neurodevelopmental basis of our differences and getting society to accept these differences would be of greater and longer-lasting importance. Alas, lacking a perfect world where J.Q. Public would be knowledgable about every "disorder" that could prevent a person from acting like the average neurotypical (NT), this book runs a close second.

This book is probably not as helpful for parents with children on the lower functioning end of the autistic spectrum, since the academic barriers (especially sensory integration dysfunction) are still in place, and the child is frequently nonverbal. It is almost impossible for a nonverbal autistic child to master social techniques of any kind. Aspie, HFA, and NLD children and adults rely almost entirely upon language to achive even a minor level of social "success". I think it might be useful to note that the "best" way to pick out a child on the autistic spectrum at an early age, NO MATTER WHAT THE LEVEL OF FUNCTIONING is to (as a toddler) have the child spend time with other toddlers. I highly suggest this "early diagnostic tool" to families that have several people on the autistic spectrum - including families with multiple engineers and/or computer programers ;-). NT children can "communicate" with each other, somehow, without language. They can hold whole "conversations" preverbally (it is truly an amazing sight for adults on the spectrum). NT adults can do this to a great degree as well, and can "converse" with people who speak a different language from them by using body language. From LFA to HFA to Aspergers, children and adults on the spectrum do not have this ability. It is similarly lacking in people diagnosed with NLD.

For the academically advanced child, or for the high-functioning adult, a college-level class on primate behavior is also likely to be useful. I took one in an anthropology department that showed me some of the common characteristics between the body language of "lower" primates and humans and gave me some basic interpretation tools (even if I have to think of them cognitively, which is far slower than the instinctual reaction most people have to kinesics/body language). My class included time at a zoo and observation periods (mostly of other students from a balcony) in which we made cross-species comparisons (some of which were truly eye-opening, such as the degree of self-grooming female primates tend to subject themselves to when being regarded by a desirable male primate - a process which was drastically INCREASED in noticability in the college students).

I should mention, however, that no matter how early the intervention with an autistic child, skills such as the minimal amount of reading of body language/facial expression that can be achieved are still performed at a cognitive level, rather than at an instinctive level. This being the case, reaction/response time is markedly slower, leading to many "well-trained" children acting like social robots. Again, I am not entirely sure that this is more "functional" than educating people about the autistic spectrum and the various forms of social "blindness" that are an integral part of these disorders.

In many ways, my attempts of learning body language and their meaning to NTs has been characterized by an "intellectual-only" understanding. For me, characterizing the physical responses of NTs to the feeling of anger is like a blind person explaining that red is a color just below "infra-red" in the visual range, or that Monet is an impressionist painter noted for his wide range of color and paintings of flowers in France. This intellectual understanding of the subject does not mean that I can really utilize the information, just as the blind person cannot tell red from green or a Monet from a Picasso. All the techniques and explanations in this (or any other) book cannot change that.

Good luck!

Good if your child is able and not MR
I do some work experimenting with pragmatics teaching for autistic adolescents. This book is definitely a 'good' book in this regard. Importantly it is written by a parent for other parents. I have no doubt but that it has something for everyone, but I am less sure whether it has as much for parents with genuinely autistic as opposed to high functioning autistic children. I would still recommend the book but with that caveat.

The book seesm to be largely derived from observations and techniques related to Tony Attwood's practice in Australia. Fans of Attwood should be pleased with that. It doesn't hurt its marketing either.

The author is a medical doctor and while that may lend some authority to the text, it is her position as a parent of a high functioning autistic child that drives the text along. Many lesson plans and exercises are described in detail. A lot of form filling is recommended for recording behaviour (and hopefuly progress). Some aspects of these procedures may not be applicable to all parental situations (awkward, time consuming, presuming too much of parents, etc.) but one has to look first at what can be done, rather than ruling out options in advance.

It seems like a useful programme. I suspect it is would be very practical in the hands of extremely well organised parents.

While being as fairminded as possible, it is important to point out that the book doesn't dwell much on evaluation studies. Hence what is recommended is often the result of rewarding personal persistence and experience, rather than scientific validation.

Don't get me wrong. This is not a snake oil book by any means (and there are so many about), but evaluation studies are important to some parents in helping to choose between approaches.

Of course I would recommend this book. It is focused on the (very) able autistic child in my opinion however. Personally if I had the budget for only one social skills book I would probably be inclined more towards Kathleen Quill's work than this one. It is a personal choice, and I suspect most interested parents will buy both.

Navigating the Social World
This book is excellent! Written in simple terminology for parents, school staffs or caregivers of High Functioning Autistic children. Contains detailed "how to" information on emotional development, communication/social skills, abstract thinking skills, and behaviorial issues. Finally a plan I can follow as a parent to help my child meet some of his developmental milestones. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education / Teaching   2. Psychology   3. Special Education - Mentally Handicapped   4. Special Education - Socially Handicapped   

Customer Reviews (11)

Good resource book, lots of example stories.
This book contains hundreds of sample social stories. Kids with autism or other social challenges often behave better when they understand what the expectations are for a given situation. A simple "social story" can state the expectations in an objective, easily understandable form. I have used many of the stories from this volume, and also have written several "custom" stories, based on the instructions included. They have helped my son a lot. If the child can't read, or even if the child CAN read, you will want to read the story aloud a time or two.

TRAVELING THROUGH PARTS UNKNOWN
There are a lot of good points that are covered in this book. Many people with Asperger's, which is a neurobiological condition that is on the same spectrum as autism often miss social cues. Facial expressions, expected responses and nonverbal nuances are often not readily obvious to people with Asperger's. Many people with Asperger's Syndrome find having tasks broken down into a sequence of steps a helpful approach in processing information.

Carol Gray's book does accomplish this. This work also covers "empathy," a concept that many people with Asperger's find challenging. Empathy, or the ability to mentally and emotionally put oneself in the place of another person is something that many people with Asperger's have to be taught cognitively. This is not to suggest that people on the autism spectrum do not care about people; such is not the case at all. Empathy or being able to "see" from the vantage point of another is yet another skill that is broken down into manageable steps in this book.

Adults on the spectrum might find this a helpful tool. It provides a clear picture of how people navigate through social territory and often find mountains and road blocks instead of a clear path.

Please stop simplifying autism
As either "this technique works, so it will work for everyone", or "it didn't work for those with whom I volunteered, so it must not work with anyone with autism". To say so is a MAJOR disservice to those for whom these techniques were designed to help, and creating some imaginary 'competition' between techniques negates the purpose of instituting multiple methodologies for the treatment and support of people with autism.

I think Baron-Cohen/Hill/Golan/Wheelwright's Mind Reading program looks like an exciting new technique to assist people with autism in understanding emotion, especially those who are either high-functioning or Aspie. But as someone who has spent the last several years working in the field of PDDs and Autistic Spectrum Disorders, I can tell you sincerely that Carol Gray's social stories are as necessary to our line of work as a calculator is to an accountant. I can also tell you that there is no ONE technique that is the end-all-be-all of autism support and treatment-- there are no hard and fast rules here as all people with autism are as different from each other as anyone else, and will all respond differently to various methodologies. Professionals, parents and caregivers know that to help a person with autism succeed, they must furnish them with many tools-- social stories being only one of these. But anyone who thinks that social stories are redundant or are too "touchy-feely" for any practical use has obviously not spent any quality time teaching people with autism to perform all of the day-to-day activities that you and I take for granted.

Simply put: social stories couldn't be more practical. Two of the defining characteristics of autism are difficulty perceiving social cues/functioning in social settings and a prevalence toward visual learning. Pairing a very visual setting (i.e. pictures of the social situation) with a breakdown of the social exchanges may help a person with autism see the target behavior more clearly than just "telling" him or her how to behave, or simply expecting them to know how to perform in social situations. Adding upon social stories with other techniques such as role-play, what-if scenarios, contingencies and options mapping can give very positive results. And one of the most rewarding results is the increased level of self confidence that emerges from knowing what to expect in social situations. Predictability in autism is everything, after all.

There is a great deal of information and "serious research" on the use of social stories available to anyone who is willing to look it up. Carol Gray's method has been with us for a long time, and for good reason-- it works. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Autism in children   2. Social aspects   3. Asperger's syndrome   4. Mental Disorders   5. Child Psychology   6. Mental Illness   7. Psychology & Psychiatry   8. Special Education - Socially Handicapped   9. Learning Disabilities   10. Family & Relationships   11. Autism   12. Autistic children   

Customer Reviews (32)

Fanatastic, easy to understand.
The book was very thorough regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (FMS). It could have had more information about Myofascial Pain Syndrome and its interrelationship with FMS. It is a condition often associated with or preceding FMS. Dr. Teitelbaum reports about accompanying conditions encompassing CFS & FMS, and their symptoms, then spells out treatments clearly.

When I realized Dr. Teitelbaum's office is only about 40 min. drive from my home, I became very excited and wanted to make an appointment to see him. Then I learned that he charges $1,500 for the initial 3 hour visit, and this didn't include lab tests, which would be another $1,500 to $2,000! I feel somewhat betrayed! It might be better to make the book a gift to your regular doctor, and work with him or her.

Make Your Doctor Read This Book!
If you have Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or suspect that you may have, this book can open medical doors for you. FMS/CFS/CFIDS are illnesses that are very misunderstood by the medical community at large. Normally this disease needs to be diagnosed by a rheumotologist. If you are having unexplained joint pain and unexplainable fatigue, make your doctor read this book. It outlines the illness, symptoms, tests that should be ordered and how to correctly interpret the results. My doctor and I follow Dr. Teitelbaum's program and I am improving. It is the best source of information on Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome available. Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum is very passionate about this illness due to the fact that he has had it and knows what his patients feel. He writes compassionately and in a language that a non-medically trained reader can understand. It is less expensive than a trip to the doctor and you'll definately get more information

This is the Gold Standard, authoritative and exhaustive
There is something of a civil war going on between 'traditional' and 'alternative' medicine doctors, and this very thorough and detailed book basically discusses just about every possible cause of serious, unexplained tiredness, from the expertise of both traditional and alternative medicine. In the back there is even a section for doctors, where a few of his journal articles are reprinted. (I would also recommend 'Adrenal Fatigue, the 21st Century Stress Syndrome' by James L. Wilson as a whole book devoted to treating adrenal fatigue, which Teitelbaum covers only briefly.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chronic fatigue syndrome   2. Diet / Health / Fitness &nbs