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CHILD DECODED by Marijke Jones

CHILD DECODED

Unlocking Complex Issues in Your Child’s Learning, Behavior or Attention

edited by Marijke JonesRobert E. McEvoyKim Gangwish

Pub Date: Feb. 16th, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-9976165-0-7
Publisher: L.E.A.R.N., L.L.C.

A comprehensive, wide-ranging guidebook to child psychology and child-rearing.

In this generous volume, debut editors McEvoy, a developmental neuropsychologist; Gangwish, a neural acupressurist specializing in learning issues; and Jones, a copy and developmental editor and an essayist, take readers through how to draw up “master checklists” regarding a broad selection of learning and behavioral issues. They point out that many parents feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information they receive from well-meaning health care and educational professionals as they travel what Jones refers to as “strange, mapless territory.” The book discusses the psychological, biomedical, social, and even nutritional components of such issues as ADHD, ADD, and disorders on the autism spectrum; along the way, it gives a thorough breakdown of symptoms, presentations, and therapeutic approaches. The editors are careful and evaluative but come down firmly on the side of parents’ judgment; the editors unhesitatingly advise readers to “trust their gut” when a pediatrician tells them that their child is fine but their own instincts tell them otherwise. While dispensing advice on a host of “Sensory Processing Disorders” and other problems, they consistently remind parents of the emotional needs of the little people they’re trying to help: “Remember to keep coming back to your child, too,” they write. “Look your child in the eye and let him know you’re there and will listen.” Each chapter is written in clear, accessible prose, and there are numerous sidebars scattered throughout to break up the text and focus on particular details. The editors patiently lay out the many levels and kinds of pediatric care involving behaviorists, psychologists, neurologists, and others and also soberly assesses their limitations. At all points they remind parents that the final responsibility lies with them: “Educate yourself,” they write, “and be prepared to be your child’s main advocate.” This calm, supportive, and immensely informative book will serve as a bible to such advocates.

A systematic demystification of some of the most frightening problems that afflict youngsters.