Books

A few years ago, Bill Stixrud and Ned Johnson started noticing the same problem from different angles: Even high-performing kids were coming to them acutely stressed and lacking motivation. Many complained they had no control over their lives. Some stumbled in high school or hit college and unraveled. Together they discovered that the best antidote to stress is to give kids more of a sense of control over their lives. But this doesn't mean giving up your authority as a parent. In this groundbreaking book they reveal how you can actively help your child to sculpt a brain that is resilient, and ready to take on new challenges.

The Self-Driven Child offers a combination of cutting-edge brain science, the latest discoveries in behavioral therapy, and case studies drawn from the thousands of kids and teens Bill and Ned have helped over the years to teach you how to set your child on the real road to success. As parents, we can only drive our kids so far. At some point, they will have to take the wheel and map out their own path. But there is a lot you can do before then to help them tackle the road ahead with resilience and imagination.

In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. The authors explain—and make accessible—the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures. The “upstairs brain,” which makes decisions and balances emotions, is under construction until the mid-twenties. And especially in young children, the right brain and its emotions tend to rule over the logic of the left brain. No wonder kids throw tantrums, fight, or sulk in silence. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, you can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child’s brain and foster vital growth.        

Complete with age-appropriate strateies for dealing with day-to-day struggles and illustrations that will help you explain these concepts to your child, The Whole-Brain Child shows you how to cultivate healthy emotional and intellectual development so that your children can lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives.

World-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck, in decades of research on achievement and success, has discovered a truly groundbreaking idea–the power of our mindset.

Dweck explains why it’s not just our abilities and talent that bring us success–but whether we approach them with a fixed or growth mindset. She makes clear why praising intelligence and ability doesn’t foster self-esteem and lead to accomplishment, but may actually jeopardize success. With the right mindset, we can motivate our kids and help them to raise their grades, as well as reach our own goals–personal and professional. Dweck reveals what all great parents, teachers, CEOs, and athletes already know: how a simple idea about the brain can create a love of learning and a resilience that is the basis of great accomplishment in every area.

These days, the guidance on how to raise kids is so ubiquitous and so incongruous that it’s hard to know what’s right and wrong, what’s important and what’s not, what to prioritize and what to let slide, and how best to respond when a child isn’t meeting expectations. Parents feel pressured to prepare their kids for the harsh realities of The Real World while also allowing them to explore who they are and forge their own path, all against the backdrop of daily struggles with homework, hygiene, social media, and the peer culture. It’s easy to lose perspective on the most important goal of parenting: raising a human being.

In Raising Human Beings, Dr. Greene helps parents maintain the balance between helping kids figure out who they are – their skills, preferences, beliefs, values, personality, goals and direction – and ensuring that kids benefit from parents’ experience, wisdom, and values. His collaborative, non-punitive, non-adversarial approach helps parents reduce conflict, enhance parent-child communication, and forge a partnership with their kids, and also helps foster skills on the more positive side of human nature: empathy, appreciating how one’s behavior is affecting others, resolving disagreements in ways that do not involve conflict, taking another’s perspective, and honesty. 

Dr. Ross Greene, a distinguished clinician and pioneer in the treatment of kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, has worked with thousands of explosive children, and he has good news: these kids aren’t attention-seeking, manipulative, or unmotivated, and their parents aren’t passive, permissive pushovers. Rather, explosive kids are lacking some crucial skills in the domains of flexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem solving, and they require a different approach to parenting.

Throughout this compassionate, insightful, and practical book, Dr. Greene provides a new conceptual framework for understanding their difficulties, based on research in the neurosciences. He explains why traditional parenting and treatment often don’t work with these children, and he describes what to do instead. Instead of relying on rewarding and punishing, Dr. Greene’s Collaborative Problem Solving model promotes working with explosive children to solve the problems that precipitate explosive episodes, and teaching these kids the skills they lack.

In Lost At School, Dr. Greene offers a new conceptual framework for understanding the difficulties of kids with behavioral challenges and explains why traditional discipline isn't effective at addressing these difficulties. Emphasizing the revolutionarily simple and positive notion that kids do well if they can, he persuasively argues that kids with behavioral challenges are not attention-seeking, manipulative, limit-testing, coercive, or unmotivated, but that they lack the skills to behave adaptively. And when adults recognize the true factors underlying difficult behavior and teach kids the skills in increments they can handle, the results are astounding: The kids overcome their obstacles; the frustration of teachers, parents, and classmates diminishes; and the well-being and learning of all students are enhanced.

Throughout this compassionate, insightful, and practical book, Dr. Greene provides a new conceptual framework for understanding their difficulties, based on research in the neurosciences. He explains why traditional parenting and treatment often don’t work with these children, and he describes what to do instead. Instead of relying on rewarding and punishing, Dr. Greene’s Collaborative Problem Solving model promotes working with explosive children to solve the problems that precipitate explosive episodes, and teaching these kids the skills they lack.

Authored by an experienced child psychologist, this book offers a compassionate and practical roadmap for understanding and addressing the diverse needs of children who may not fit the conventional parenting molds due to ADHD, autism, anxiety, or other developmental and behavioral issues.

At the heart of this book is the belief that every child and family situation is unique, and thus, a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting does not exist. Instead, the author introduces an individualized approach that encourages parents to become detectives in their children's lives, identifying specific challenges, strengths, and triggers to tailor effective strategies that foster growth, resilience, and positive behavior change.

Through a combination of research-based insights, real-life anecdotes, and actionable strategies, "Parent Child Journey" equips parents with the tools they need to navigate their child's journey with empathy, patience, and understanding. The book covers a wide range of topics, including building strong, supportive relationships, communicating effectively, setting realistic expectations, managing crises, and advocating for your child in educational settings.

Today millions of kids are stuck in a world that doesn’t embrace who they really are. They are the one in five “differently wired” children with ADHD, dyslexia, giftedness, autism, anxiety, or other neurodifferences, and their challenges are many. And for the parents who love them, the challenges are just as numerous, as they struggle to find the right school, the right support, the right path.

But now there’s hope. Differently Wired is a revolutionary book—weaving together personal stories and a tool kit of expert advice from author Deborah Reber, it’s a how-to, a manifesto, and a reassuring companion for parents who can so often feel that they have no place to turn.

At the heart of Differently Wired are 18 paradigm-shifting ideas—what the author calls “tilts,” which include how to accept and lean in to your role as a parent (#2: Get Out of Isolation and Connect). Deal with the challenges of parenting a differently wired child (#5: Parent from a Place of Possibility Instead of Fear). Support yourself (#11: Let Go of Your Impossible Expectations for Who You “Should” Be as a Parent). And seek community (#18: If It Doesn’t Exist, Create It).

In this thought-provoking book, Diekman draws on her expertise to redefine the concept of "low-demand parenting," emphasizing the importance of providing children with the space to explore, make choices, and learn from their experiences. Through insightful anecdotes, research-backed insights, and practical strategies, Diekman guides parents on a journey to cultivate a supportive yet low-pressure atmosphere that encourages a child's natural curiosity and self-discovery.

Low-demand parenting allows you to drop the demands and expectations that are making family life impossible and embrace the joyful freedom of living life with low demands. It can be a particularly effective approach for children with high anxiety levels including neurodivergent children. Amanda talks from experience and teaches you how to identify what the big, tiny and invisible demands are for your own child and gives you the step-by-step instructions on how to drop them.

Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential

There's nothing more frustrating than watching your bright, talented son or daughter struggle with everyday tasks like finishing homework, putting away toys, or following instructions at school. Your "smart but scattered" 4- to 13-year-old might also have trouble coping with disappointment or managing anger. Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare have great news: there's a lot you can do to help. The latest research in child development shows that many kids who have the brain and heart to succeed lack or lag behind in crucial "executive skills"--the fundamental habits of mind required for getting organized, staying focused, and controlling impulses and emotions. Learn easy-to-follow steps to identify your child's strengths and weaknesses, use activities and techniques proven to boost specific skills, and problem-solve daily routines. 

"I told you, I'll do it later."
"I forgot to turn in the stupid application."
"Could you drive me to school? I missed the bus again."
"I can't walk the dog--I have too much homework!"

If you're the parent of a "smart but scattered" teen, trying to help him or her grow into a self-sufficient, responsible adult may feel like a never-ending battle. Now you have an alternative to micromanaging, cajoling, or ineffective punishments. This positive guide provides a science-based program for promoting teens' independence by building their executive skills--the fundamental brain-based abilities needed to get organized, stay focused, and control impulses and emotions. 

This book delves into the new science of ADHD, revealing insights into the brain's workings and the reasons behind the characteristic behaviors of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It challenges conventional perceptions, highlighting the potential strengths and advantages of the ADHD mind, such as creativity, intuition, and the ability to hyper-focus.

Hallowell and Ratey provide practical advice and innovative strategies designed to harness the positive aspects of ADHD. They introduce the concept of the "variable attention stimulus trait" (VAST) to reframe the understanding of ADHD and emphasize its broader implications and potential. The book covers essential topics such as managing digital distractions, cultivating healthy habits, leveraging exercise and diet, and employing cognitive and behavioral techniques to improve focus, organization, and emotional regulation.

Drawing on case studies and personal accounts from Attwood's extensive clinical experience, and from his correspondence with individuals with AS, this book is both authoritative and extremely accessible. Chapters examine:

* causes and indications of the syndrome

* the diagnosis and its effect on the individual

* theory of mind

* the perception of emotions in self and others

* social interaction, including friendships

* long-term relationships

* teasing, bullying and mental health issues

* the effect of AS on language and cognitive abilities, sensory sensitivity, movement and co-ordination skills

* career development.

There is also an invaluable frequently asked questions chapter and a section listing useful resources for anyone wishing to find further information on a particular aspect of AS, as well as literature and educational tools.

Not your typical book about autism from a professor, this book looks at how autistic individuals thrive and succeed and how we are uniquely human even though we have our differences. Uniquely Human offers inspiration and practical advice drawn from Dr. Prizant’s four-decade career. It conveys a deep respect for people with autism and their own unique qualities. Filled with humanity and wisdom.

"Uniquely Human" is not just a book about autism; it's an invitation to see the world through a wider lens. It advocates for a society where neurodiversity is celebrated, and the unique contributions of autistic individuals are valued. For educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and anyone looking to understand autism in a more profound way, this book offers insights, guidance, and hope. It serves as a reminder that when we change our perspective, we unlock the potential for growth, learning, and connection in all individuals, regardless of how they experience the world.

This book is a compassionate and insightful guide tailored specifically for children those on the autism spectrum. With a keen understanding of the challenges these young individuals face in navigating social situations, Cook presents a treasure trove of practical advice and "secret rules" to help them decode the complexities of social interactions.

In this empowering book, Cook skillfully breaks down unwritten social rules into clear, understandable concepts, offering Asperkids the tools they need to navigate friendships, communication, and daily social encounters. Through engaging illustrations, relatable examples, and interactive exercises, the book transforms the often mystifying world of social dynamics into a manageable and approachable journey.

Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions.  She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the trouble maker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.

The author of the beloved One for the Murphys gives readers an emotionally charged, uplifting novel that will speak to anyone who’s ever thought there was something wrong with them because they didn’t fit in. This paperback edition includes The Sketchbook of Impossible Things and discussion questions.

This revised and updated edition builds on the groundbreaking insights of the original, incorporating the latest research to further explore how the dyslexic mind excels in areas such as spatial reasoning, creativity, problem-solving, and intuitive understanding of complex systems. The Eides argue that when individuals with dyslexia learn to harness these abilities, they can achieve extraordinary success in a wide range of fields.

The book is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of dyslexia, starting with a detailed explanation of what dyslexia is and how it affects the brain. It then shifts focus to the 'dyslexic advantage,' highlighting four specific areas where dyslexic individuals commonly excel: material reasoning, interconnected reasoning, narrative reasoning, and dynamic reasoning. Through engaging anecdotes and examples, the authors showcase the success stories of people with dyslexia who have used their unique cognitive skills to their advantage.

While other books tell you what dyslexia is, this book tells you what to do. Dyslexics’ innate skills, which may include verbal, social, spatial, kinesthetic, visual, mathematical, or musical abilities, are their unique key to acquiring knowledge. Figuring out where their individual strengths lie, and then harnessing these skills, offers an entrée into learning and excelling. And by keeping the focus on learning, not on standard reading the same way everyone else does, a child with dyslexia can and will develop the self-confidence to flourish in the classroom and beyond.

After years of battling with a school system that did not understand his dyslexia and the shame that accompanied it, renowned activist and entrepreneur Ben Foss is not only open about his dyslexia, he is proud of it. In The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan he shares his personal triumphs and failures so that you can learn from his experiences, and provides a three-step approach for success

Is there really such a thing as giftedness? Are programs for gifted children elitist and undemocratic? Giftedness 101 addresses this extremely controversial topic with the intention of dispelling the many myths surrounding the concept of giftedness and providing a clear, cohesive conception of the psychology and development of gifted children.

Seeking to reinvigorate the study of giftedness as a legitimate discipline of psychology, the book examines numerous viewpoints of giftedness that have scientific validity. It explores the many disparate opinions about giftedness throughout history, and discusses the meaning and characteristics of giftedness throughout the lifespan. Comprehensive methods of assessment are described along with parental and educational roles in developing the abilities of gifted children. The book addresses the unique psychological needs of gifted children, often manifested as "feeling different," and examines special issues such as gifted children with learning disabilities, gender considerations, implications of socio-economic status, and more. Discussions of future trends and gifted education policy conclude the book.

This insightful book delves into the complex inner lives of those who experience the world more vividly and profoundly than others, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these intensities affect their personal and academic lives.

Drawing upon the theory of positive disintegration by Kazimierz Dąbrowski, Daniels and Piechowski shed light on the concept of overexcitabilities - heightened responses to stimuli in the areas of psychomotor, sensory, intellectual, imaginational, and emotional development. "Living with Intensity" unpacks these overexcitabilities and illustrates how they contribute to the remarkable creativity, empathy, and drive in gifted individuals, while also posing unique challenges.

The book offers practical strategies for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to support gifted individuals in managing their intensities. It provides guidance on nurturing their potentials while helping them navigate the emotional upheavals and societal expectations that can accompany heightened sensitivities.

Does your child exhibit giftedness and behavioral issues like meltdowns, power struggles, and difficulty relating to their peers? Are they out-of-the-box thinkers requiring different teaching and learning methods? It’s a widely held misconception that intellectual ability and social and emotional success go hand in hand. In fact, “twice exceptional” kids—those who are gifted and have simultaneous learning differences like ADHD, Autism, or dyslexia—are often misunderstood by parents, teachers, and themselves.

This much-needed and empowering guide reveals the unique challenges these remarkable kids face, and offers strength-based, hands-on strategies for understanding, supporting, and advocating for twice exceptional kids. In a world that labels them lazy, scattered, attention-seeking, and a problem that can’t be solved, these tools will help you reimagine the world through your child’s unique perspective—so you can help them thrive.

Do you find yourself constantly asking your child to "pick up the pace"? Does he or she seem to take longer than others to get stuff done--whether completing homework, responding when spoken to, or getting dressed and ready in the morning? Drs. Ellen Braaten and Brian Willoughby have worked with thousands of kids and teens who struggle with an area of cognitive functioning called "processing speed," and who are often mislabeled as lazy or unmotivated. 

In this illuminating book, Braaten and Willoughby explore the impact of slow processing speed on a child's academic performance, social interactions, and emotional well-being. They provide a compassionate and informed approach, guiding readers through effective methods to identify and understand the unique needs of these children. The book also presents a wealth of evidence-based interventions and tools to help these bright kids navigate the demands of a fast-paced world, fostering resilience and unlocking their full potential.

In The Out-of-Sync Child, Kranowitz explains how children who experience difficulty processing sensory information from the world around them may struggle with tasks that seem simple to others, such as brushing teeth, wearing certain fabrics, or coping with noisy environments. Through her detailed and accessible writing, she offers a lifeline to parents, teachers, and other caregivers seeking to understand and support children with SPD. The book breaks down the complex science behind sensory processing and presents it in a way that is understandable and relatable.

Furthermore, this book is filled with practical advice, strategies, and activities designed to help children who are out of sync find their footing in a sensory-rich world. From identifying signs of SPD to implementing effective interventions and coping mechanisms, Kranowitz guides readers through the steps necessary to ensure these children can lead fulfilling and comfortable lives.

Parenting a teen isn't easy, but parenting an anxious teen is especially challenging. Written by a psychologist and expert on adolescent anxiety, this essential book will show you what really works to overcome all types of teen anxiety and how to apply specific skills to support your teen. 

Based on cutting-edge research and cognitive behavioral strategies, this powerful book will help you develop the know-how to manage teen anxiety effectively.  You’ll learn the best ways to support your teen in overcoming problematic thinking and fears, discover what behaviors and coping strategies unwittingly make anxiety worse, and understand how anxiety is best defeated with surprisingly counterintuitive methods.  Step-by-step guidance, along with numerous real-life examples and exercises, will help you to:

• Sensitively redirect your teen’s worries when they intensify

• Reduce social anxiety, perfectionism, and panic attacks

• Proactively address common triggers of stress and anxiety

• Implement a proven approach for decreasing avoidance and facing fears