Book Reviews

"The Elephant in the Playroom"
by Denise Brodey

"Ordinary Parents Write Intimately and Honestly about the Extraordinary Highs and Heartbreaking Lows of Raising Kids With Special Needs"
Need I say more.

If you insist. I like the book because the stories are true and take away some of the feelings of loneliness. Other people are going through what you are going through.

I guess that should make me feel better and I have to admit it does. Not that I want other parents to go through this, I just feel better knowing I am not alone.

People out there are making the same mistakes I am. That is scary, but helpful. I like the section about going public, where raising a child with special needs is compared to owning a dog and raising average child is compared to owning a cat.

You may never know your neighbor owns a cat, they are quiet and neat and as they get older from a kitten to a cat they become quite self sufficient.

You will know however if your neighbor owns a dog - they are loud and make messes outside and are in constant need of attention.

The author and I share a lot in common with getting a lot of "bad owner" looks when going out in public.

I can appreciate the author putting all of these stories in one book. It is sort of what I am trying to do here. Putting the stories of advocates together so we understand that we are not alone and maybe we can learn from each other, because we know what it's like.

Meghan's World
by Diane M Renna
The Story of One Girl's Triumph over Sensory Processing Disorder
Click here for Meghan's World Website

As an Advocate for her child, Meghan, Diane looked at many avenues to help with her daughter's everyday struggles to live with things to loud, things to feeling to uncomfortable, not eating properly, things to bright, things smelling to strong and afraid of movement.  Meghan found that following a sensory diet helped her cope with the stress of not being able to control the outside world.

The book is a social story that looks at Meghan sensory processing issues and how her mom went on a quest to cure her and let her lead a normal life and now  "Meghan is happy, healthy and feels great about herself."
  
Meghan also provided some of the illustrations for the book.

It is great! It provides a happy ending and I am glad an Occupational Therapist was there to help.

A note from the Author:

Hi Kelly:

Nice to quickly meet you at Diana's Workshop. Your site is nice and helpful. Thank you for wanting to put "Meghan's World" on it. A mother's love can move mountains! "There is always a first" - if it wasn't for all the moms' love and care (and some dad's too) many things would not be changed in this world! I hope my book helps you with your daughter and others.

Epson Salt baths are great - Baths tells about them - click around to find it. Diana's "Tool's for Student's" helped me many years ago when I was at my witts end. Another great book, which I read, but did not put on the site was "The Sound of a Miracle" by Annabelle Steighly (not sure of the last name spelling). It is about a mom and daughter who had severe autism and how Berard AIT helped her. I believe the daughter has written a book too - she is grown up now. Due to delays at the airport, I was able to finish Jenny McCarthy's book today - "Louder than Words" - it is a great book - I think it is the fastest book I read in my entire life. It is inspirational and will help many. She will make big changes!

I believe that our children choose us and teach us what is important in life. I learned a lot about myself in helping my daughter. Your daughter knows and feels love and know she is happy that you are her mom. Trust your "motherly instincts" and follow this - it is always right! Know that you are helping many families thru your experience as well - you too will make a difference in many people's lives. I am going to add your site to mine was well.

Thanks again.

Best Wishes,

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