Below is our list of recomended books. We have grouped the books into categories so that you can find a book more easily.

The book summary has either been written by or for the Parents Protecting Children website and as such we hold the copyright. The back cover text has been lifted directly from the reverse cover of the book and therefore the copyright is held by the author or the publisher.

If anyone has any questions, comments or suggestions for the book list then please feel free to contact the webmaster using the contact us page located here.

ADD/ADHD

Title Driven to Distraction Author Edward M Hallowell and John J Ratey Year Published 1995 ISBN 0-684-80128-0 Back Cover "Through vivid stories of the experiences of their patients (both adults and children), Drs. Hallowell and Ratey show the varied forms ADD takes - from the hyperactive search for high stimulation to the floating inattention of daydreaming - and the transforming impact of precise diagnosis and treatment." Our Review Recommended to me by Consultant Paediatrician Dr Alan Franklin, so it should be good but I still haven’t found time to read it. Jan LB. ©

Title Understanding Attention Deficit Disorder Author Dr Christopher Green and Dr Kit Chee Year Published 1995 ISBN 0-09-180844-8 Back Cover "[This] is an outstanding book which balances an authoritative overview of ADD with a well proven, practical approach to its management." Our Review A popular book which amuses as well as educates. I believe that Christopher Green is the originator of the oft-quoted statement that “there are many single women caring for difficult sons whose difficult fathers are no longer around”. Jan LB. ©

Allergy

Title ABC of Allergies Author Stephen R Durham Year Published 2000 ISBN 0-7279-1236-4 Back Cover "[This] is a comprehensive and practical guide to the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. It contains chapters on all major allergies and includes food allergy, adverse reactions to drugs, venom allergy and anaphylaxis. There is also in-depth coverage of asthma, rhinitis and allergic diseases of the skin and eye." Our Review Recommended to me by our new GP Dr K Dodds. A useful, large format, book full of pictures and coloured diagrams, which help explain allergic symptoms and response. Jan LB. ©

Title Complete Guide to Food Allergy and Intolerance, The Author Professor Jonathon Brostoff and Linda Gamlin Year Published 1998 ISBN 0-7475-3430-6 Back Cover "[This] is the definitive work in this field, and has become an invaluable handbook for all food allergy sufferers." Our Review This is the “bible” when it comes to understanding food allergy and intolerance. Professor Dr Jonathan Brostoff of University College London is almost certainly the greatest authority on his subject in the UK, maybe the world. He transformed my son’s life when he saw him in clinic at the age of 9 or 10. Jan LB. ©

Title Fragrant Pharmacy, The Author Valerie Ann Worwood Year Published 1997 ISBN 0-553-40397-4 Back Cover “This illuminating and imaginative book of aromatherapy is the household manual of the future. It is a treasury of information about precious life- and health-enhancing liquids that work in complex harmony with people and planet alike.” Our Review Lots of people advocate aromatherapy to calm distressed or difficult children, but some oils can actually cause problems. (e.g. pine and related oils really upset both my kids.) This book and its companion volumes provide full information to allow you to work out which oils may be helpful and which may cause difficulties. Recommended to me by Dr Marysia Kratimenos. Jan LB. ©

Asperger's Syndrome

Title Asperger Marriage, An Author Gisela & Christopher Slater-Walker Year Published 2002 ISBN 1-84310-017-7 Back Cover “Five years ago Chris was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. For Chris, this was an explanation of why he had always regarded himself as socially handicapped. For Gisela, it meant coming to terms with a marriage in which there would never be an intuitive understanding despite Chris’s good intentions.” Our Review Readable. Thought provoking. Many Autistic sons may have undiagnosed autistic fathers. Recommended to me by one of the family support workers at Autism London. Jan LB. ©

Title Eating an Artichoke Author Echo R Fling Year Published 2000 ISBN 1-85302-711-1 Back Cover "[Echo's] biography of [her son] Jimmy will be a tribute to his courage and bravery and of great value to fellow parents and professionals who seek an understanding of Asperger Syndrome." Our Review When I read this I kept saying “But how did she know?” She told her son’s story but it was my son’s story too, right down to the troubles with packed lunches and Thomas the Tank Engine. Wow! Jan LB. ©

Title Pretending to be Normal Author Liane Holliday Willey Year Published 1999 ISBN 1-85302-749-9 Back Cover "[This book] tells the story of a woman who, after years of self-doubt and self-denial, learned to embrace her Asperger's Syndrome traits with thanksgiving and joy." Our Review Worth a read if you recognise your children’s difficulties in your own or other family members experiences. Jan LB. ©

Autism/PDD

Title Access and Inclusion for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders Author Matthew Hesmondhalgh & Christine Breakey Year Published 2001 ISBN 1-85302-986-6 Back Cover “Based on pioneering work at their school in Sheffield, the authors of this book explore the universal issues of access and inclusion in employment and education for children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD).” Our Review Recommended by friends. I must find time to read it. Jan LB.©

Title Autism Handbook, The Author Andrew Nye Year Published 2000 ISBN 1-899280-24-3 Back Cover “The original idea behind the Handbook was to bring together in one document information that covered the various needs of all relevant groups: people with autism themselves, parents of children with the disability and professionals working in related disciplines.” Our Review Lots of useful contacts and information.

Title Biological Treatments for Autism and PDD Author William Shaw Ph.D. Year Published 2002 ISBN 0-9661238-1-6 Back Cover "New, up-to-date, comprehensive and easy-to-read guide to the most current and most effective therapies for the treatment of autism and pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)." Our Review Good stuff. Puts lots of things together. Sets in context some of the recommendations in Lisa BB’s “Reweaving the Autistic Tapestry” reviewed elsewhere on this site. Jan LB. ©

Title Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help Author Mitzi Waltz Year Published 1999 ISBN 1-56592-530-0 Back Cover “[This book] is for parents (or newly diagnosed adults) who struggle with this neurological condition. Medications, therapies, and educational techniques can address symptoms and improve the lives of people with PDD. In some cases, the results can be spectacular. Weaving in a range of stories from parents who are raising children with PDDs, author Mitzi Waltz covers topics such as [getting a diagnosis, treatment options, and coping with diagnosis and treatment.]” Our Review American but relevant. Good practical tips on getting a diagnosis – especially keeping a diary. Jan LB. ©

Title Reweaving the Autistic Tapestry Author Lisa Blakemore-Brown Year Published 2002 ISBN 1-85302-748-0 Back Cover "Practical and relevant for parents as well as professionals, this groundbreaking book demonstrates how a deeper understanding of the complexity of human development can lead to more appropriate early intervention and treatment plans for children who manifest complex symptoms, thus helping them to lead happier and more fulfilling lives." Our Review A “Must Have” book for all parents of ASD kids and all professionals in the field. Full of wisdom and insight and straight forward common sense. Order it from the “Tapestry Life Centre” website and show your support - see links section. Jan LB. ©

Title Understanding and Working With the Spectrum of Autism Author Wendy Lawson Year Published 2001 ISBN 1-85302-971-8 Back Cover "Wendy's ability to convey the essence of her autistic world to others is remarkable. As an adult educator, with training in psychology and family issues, Wendy offers a valuable contribution to understanding and working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder." Our Review When I first heard Wendy speak in the 3rd person about herself I suddenly understood so much about my son which I had previously completely missed. Highly recommended to all parents and partners of ASD people and to all ASD people themselves. Jan LB. ©

Diet

Title E for Additives, The New Author Maurice Hanssen and Jill Marsden Year Published 1988 ISBN 0-7225-1562-6 Back Cover “Cracks the ‘E’ number code and enables you to understand the lists of additives that appear on the packs of the food you buy, so that you can see exactly what has been added, where it comes from, why it has been added, what it does to the food an – if anything – what it might do to you.” Our Review The most essential book for all parents of kids with any kind of food allergy or intolerance. Take it to the supermarket to avoid mistakes. Jan LB. ©

Title Food and Mood Handbook, The Author Amanda Geary Year Published 2001 ISBN 0-00-711423-0 Back Cover "Amanda Geary, nutritional therapist and founder of The Food and Mood Project, has put together an invaluable guide for all those who wish to explore the relationship between diet, nutrition and emotional and mental health." Our Review Lots of really useful lists of food groups – it is amazing to realise which foods are linked – helps sort out diets to avoid unsuspected food intolerances. Highly recommended.

Title Prescription for Nutritional Healing Author Phyllis A Balch and James F Balch Year Published 2000 ISBN 1-58333-077-1 Back Cover "[This] is the nation's number-one-bestselling guide to holistic health. For ten years and more, people interested in alternative healing and preventive therapies have relied on this invaluable reference as a guide to improve health through nutrition and supplementation, avoiding traditional drug therapies." Our Review Very large, very American, very useful. Jan LB. ©

Dyslexia

Title Computers and Dyslexia Author Chris Singleton Year Published 1994 ISBN Back Cover “Dyslexia is a hidden handicap which can cause great frustration. Computer use is a powerful way of helping dyslexic learners of all ages to fulfil their potential through success and improved self-esteem. [This book] provides an overview of the best in current technology and educational practice, and previews the most promising new developments in computer applications for dyslexia and special needs.” Our Review When someone from iANSYST came to teach my son about his new computer, my dyslexic daughter watched with ever wider eyes – access to Dyslexia specific computer software and hardware has given her new belief in herself and new hope for her educational future. There may be more up to date books than this but it is a good basic on computing for dyslexic students.

Title Dyslexia and Stress Author T R Miles and Ved Varma Year Published 1997 ISBN 1-897635-22-2 Back Cover "Most of us experience stress at some time in our lives, but experience suggests that dyslexics are particularly vulnerable to it. This is the first book to present documented evidence on this subject. The book comprises a series of essays on stress in dyslexics at different ages and in a variety of circumstances." Our Review Being Dyslexic in a literate world is extremely stressful like being blind in a sighted world or deaf in a hearing world. Clinical Psychologist Dr Gerald Hales' chapter is well worth a read and he is well worth listening to if you get the chance – he is a thought provoking and entertaining speaker. Jan LB. ©

Title Dyslexia Handbook, The Author Mike Johnson and Lindsay Peer Year Published 2003 ISBN 1-872653-33-2 Back Cover “A compendium of articles, checklists, resources and contacts for dyslexic people, their families and teachers. The Dyslexia Handbook is substantially updated and revised each year.” Our Review An annual collection of vital information for parents of dyslexic kids. Jan LB. ©

Title Overcoming Dyslexia Author Dr Bevé Hornsby Year Published 1997 ISBN 0-09-181320-4 Back Cover "Dr Bevé Hornsby combines her experience as a psychologist, teacher and speech therapist to specialise in helping children with dyslexia. She has written this excellent book for them, their families and schools in order that the problems of dyslexia can be understood and tackled effectively." Our Review This is widely regarded as the best standard text to provide help and hope for dyslexic kids. Jan LB. ©

General Medical

Title Alternative Dictionary of Symptoms and Cures, The Author Dr Caroline M Shreeve Year Published 1995 ISBN 0-7529-0006-4 Back Cover “[This] is an essential reference book for every home. In clear, layman’s terms, Dr Caroline Shreeve provides the most comprehensive guide yet to orthodox and alternative approaches to medical problems and your health.” Our Review Useful and interesting – easy to use – simple explanations – good ideas. Jan LB. ©

Title British National Formulary - Number 45 (March 2003) Author British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain Year Published 2003 ISBN 0-72791-772-2 Back Cover “Compiled with the advice of clinical experts this essential reference provides up-to-date guidance on prescribing, dispensing and administering medicines. It details all medicines that are generally prescribed in the UK, with special reference to their uses, cautions, contra-indications, side-effects, dosage and relative costs.” Our Review When anything is prescribed for you or your kids it’s as well to look it up in the book the GPs use.

Title Freedom from Asthma: Buteyko’s Revolutionary treatment Author Alexander Stalmatski Year Published 1998 ISBN 1-85626-268-5 Back Cover “Dr Konstantin Buteyko’s revolutionary theory suggests that the solution lies in our breathing patterns. Most of us breathe too deeply and all asthmatics have incorrect breathing patterns. Buteyko’s observations suggest that a higher proportion of carbon dioxide […] is essential if the body is to function properly.” Our Review This is a disputed treatment but it is drug free and some people recommend it and in some situations anything is worth a try.

Title Vaccination Bible, The Author Lynne McTaggart Year Published 2000 ISBN 0-9534734-0-6 Back Cover “One of the most important decisions you will ever have to make about your child is whether or not to have him/her vaccinated. But how necessary are the individual jabs? How effective are they? And most important, are there any possible risks? In this groundbreaking book […] you will find copious scientific evidence […] about the true risks and effectiveness of each childhood vaccine.” Our Review Read and think before deciding. Jan LB. ©

Title What Doctors Don't Tell You Author Lynne McTaggart Year Published 1996 ISBN 0-7225-3024-2 Back Cover "By letting you in on the real trade secrets of medicine, this groundbreaking book is your insurance against becoming just another medical statistic. It also offers up-to-the-minute proven scientific alternatives for diagnosing, preventing or treating many illnesses." Our Review What the Doctor’s don’t tell you but you might actually need to know….! Jan LB. ©

Learning Disabilities

Title Gifted & Talented Children with Special Educational Needs Author Diane Montgomery Year Published 2003 ISBN 1-85346-954-8 Back Cover "Gifted pupils who also have special needs often receive provision for the special need whilst the giftedness is overlooked. This practical text based on international research and practice enables the reader to identify highly able pupils with special needs such as ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia and Down's Syndrome; and then make provision for them within the mainstream school." Our Review Both of my children have IQs in the gifted range and both have learning difficulties. I know from bitter experience just how totally kids like this are misunderstood by the education system. This book is new in 2003. I wish I’d had it years ago. Extremely useful if you have doubly exceptional children. Jan LB. ©

Title Hearing Equals Behaviour Author Guy Bérard Year Published 1993 ISBN 0-87983-600-8 Back Cover “Millions of TV viewers and tens of thousands of readers thrilled to the dramatic story of Georgiana Stehli’s escape from the lifelong prison of autism, as recounted on television’s ‘20/20’ and in her mother’s book ‘The Sound of a Miracle’. Now the doctor who cured Georgiana explains his therapeutic approach and the scientific breakthrough behind it, and shows how it has profoundly helped thousands suffering from a variety of problems such as hyperactivity, dyslexia and depression.” Our Review We live in a very hearing world which can be frightening for children whose hearing is impaired permanently or more often temporarily through glue ear and similar difficulties. Hearing undoubtedly affects behaviour. Jan LB. ©

Title Mind Map Book, The Author Tony & Barry Buzan Year Published 2001 ISBN 0-563-53732-9 Back Cover "Have you ever wanted to improve your memory, creativity, concentration, communicative ability, thinking skills, learning skills, study skills, general intelligence and quickness of mind? [This book] introduces you to a single thinking tool [...] which allows you to accomplish all these goals with one thinking apparatus." Our Review Frequently recommended to help kids with the executive function difficulties associated with ADD/ADHD, Autism/Asperger’s, ME/CFS, and Dyslexia/Dyspraxia etc. New related computer software is available from iANSYST – see links. Jan LB. ©

ME/CFS

Title Better Recovery from Viral Illnesses Author Dr. Darrel Ho-Yen Year Published 1994 ISBN 0-951-1090-3-0 Back Cover "The first edition of this book [...] was the FIRST book published on Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue syndrome). [...] Unlike other books, the emphasis in this book is what the patient and doctor should do to best cope with the illness." Our Review Comes highly recommended by the Tymes Trust and by Martin Earl who is one of my longest standing friends and the first person I ever knew with CFS/ME. Jan LB. ©

Title ME - The New Plague Author Jane Colby Year Published 1999 ISBN 1-8608-3215-6 Back Cover "[This book] finally kills the myth that ME is 'all in the mind'. It explores the hidden links between ME and polio, and shows how we are failing our children as we did in the polio years." Our Review This should be placed on the desk of every headteacher who has any doubt that a pupil might be only pretending to be ill. Highly recommended. Don’t forget to look at the Tymes Trust website – see links. Jan LB. ©

Title Somebody help ME Author Jill I Moss Year Published 1995 ISBN 0-9525783-0-1 Back Cover "[This book] is written primarily for young people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, and their families, but it is equally readable by sufferers and friends of all ages who need a straightforward approach to understanding this illness." Our Review The diagrams of brain receptors as boats are useful to parents and kids with other executive function difficulties such as ADD/ADHD and Dyslexia/Dyspraxia as well as CFS/ME. They really have helped my kids understand what has been difficult for them. Some of Jill Moss writings about the Cytokine kid may well prove to have been insight ahead of its time into the matrix of Autistic Spectrum and Fatigue illnesses with an underlying immunological cause. Jan LB. ©

Title Zoe's Win Author Jane Colby Year Published 1999 ISBN 0-9537330-0-9 Back Cover "ME is the biggest cause of long-term sickness absence from school. [...] Through the medium of storytelling, Zoe's Win demonstrates the nature of the illness itself, and shows young people how it is possible to adapt and win through." Our Review Gives vital information, hope, courage and understanding to children and teenagers afflicted by CFS/ME. Jan LB. ©

Other

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