 Ever wonder if a child was just clumsy or something more? Could it be Clumsy Child Syndrome? Did you know there was a Clumsy Child Syndrome? ALPHABET KIDS – FROM ADD TO ZELLWEGER SYNDROME: A Guide to Developmental, Neurobiological and Psychological Disorders for Parents and Professionals (November 2008, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Hardcover, $29.95; ISBN: 978-1-84310-880-1; 416 pages) by Robbie Woliver, editor of the Long Island Press, explains some of the most common developmental, neurobiological and psychological conditions. “One in six,” writes Woliver, “That’s how many children are estimated to have special needs due to what I refer to as Alphabet Disorders: those interconnected neurobiological, developmental, and genetic illnesses that are rising in prevalence. According to studies, almost every family is somehow impacted by a child with an Alphabet Disorder.” Woliver covers over 70 childhood disorders from common conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Learning Disability and Dyslexia to more exotic ones like Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder and Williams Syndrome. In reality, the rarer disorders may be more common than we think because they are often misdiagnosed. Woliver provides information on signs, symptoms, causes, cures, treatments and prognoses. Alphabet Disorders are comorbid—existing together simultaneously—and the mix makes for significant trouble. If a doctor only diagnoses one condition, he or she may have missed others. “Often parents’ gut feelings are correct—they know something is wrong—but they are intimidated into submission by medical professionals until, unfortunately, the condition exacerbates into something more serious,” writes Woliver. “That’s bad news because, for almost all ALPHABET KIDS, early intervention is the key to success.” True-life stories of a child with the particular disorder illustrate each chapter—often heartbreaking, but always inspirational. ALPHABET KIDS serves as a roadmap to guide a family’s journey for correct diagnoses, effective treatment and better understanding of children. Robbie Woliver is an investigative reporter, who has thoroughly researched this subject for 20 years. He is a New York Times bestselling author and an award-winning journalist and editor. He was a columnist for Newsday, senior editor at Village Voice’s suburban edition, and writer for The New York Times. He is currently the editor-in-chief of the Long Island Press, where he also helms the newspaper’s award-winning series “Our Children’s Brains.” He is also the author of several books: Wyoming & Mark, Bringing It All Back Home, Hoot! And If I Knew Then, which won the 2005 Independent Publisher Book Awards for “Outstanding Book of the Year” and “Most Inspirational to Youth.” He lives in New York with his wife, Marilyn, son, Cory, and daughter, Emma.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers specializes in producing accessible professional and academic books in the social and behavioral sciences. In 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers was named both the Academic & Professional Publisher of the Year and the overall Independent Publisher of the Year at the Independent Publishing Awards in London. The prizes coincide with Jessica Kingsley Publishers' 20th year as an independent company. Jessica Kingsley books are available worldwide through distributors, local bookstores and online bookstores. The company has offices in London and Philadelphia. More information can be found at www.jkp.com. |
