Don't Call Me Special by Pat Thomas

This book explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out about individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, the book promotes positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers, and encourages kids to ask questions and confront social and emotional questions that sometimes present problems. Books feature appealing full-color illustrations on every page plus a page of advice to parents and teachers. A great lesson for students who make assumptions based on disabilities.

Knowing Yourself, Knowing Others by Barbara Cooper & Nancy Widdows

Asperger's disorder is a common neuropsychiatric condition that affects children's abilities to understand and become involved in social interaction. When a child in your life struggles with Asperger's or Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD), developing social skills will be a particular challenge for him or her. This illustrated workbook--written by the founders of SuperKids, an innovative program that treats hundreds of children with Asperger's disorder each year--offers simple exercises you can use to facilitate this important process.
Knowing Yourself, Knowing Others includes activities that will help kids with Asperger's disorder and related conditions learn how to read social cues, avoid meltdowns, understand others' needs and intentions, resolve conflicts with friends, build basic nonverbal skills, and more.

I Bet I Won't Fret by Timothy Sisemore

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders in children. It causes intense worry and anxiety that can disrupt emotional, academic, and social development. The good news is that GAD is highly treatable and children can be taught to manage and even overcome it. Child psychologist, Timothy A. Sisemore specializes in helping anxious children and in "I Bet I Won't Fret" he gives kids fun and engaging exercises to help them relieve anxiety and worry symptoms, change anxiety-inducing self-talk, and communicate about their feelings. These activities can be done on their own or as part of a therapy program. Recommended for Special Education teachers, Social Workers, School Counselors or any one working with children living with anxiety.

Helping Hands: How monkeys assist people who are disabled by Suzane Haldane

Since 1977, ``Helping Hands'' has been training capuchin monkeys as assistants to quadriplegics. Briefly summarizing the program's genesis as the idea of psychologist Dr. Mary Joan Willard, Haldane describes the monkeys' upbringing (they spend four years in a foster home before formal training begins), their education, and their capabilities (they can not only fetch small objects but perform more complex tasks like inserting computer discs). Much of the book is devoted to the monkey Willie and her introduction to Greg, a teenager whose quadriplegia is the result of a diving accident. In addition to detailing the ways Willie aids Greg, Haldane points out how great the emotional support of such animal friends can be, and how their presence can also lead to approaches by people who might otherwise hesitate to speak to someone in a wheelchair. The many b&w photos effectively convey the range of Willie's help and the appeal of the intelligent, mischievous, hard-working capuchins. An excellent report on a relatively new program. (Nonfiction. Ages 8-12) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP.

We'll Paint the Octupus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

Emma isn't happy to learn that she will soon be a big sister. After talking with her father, however, she thinks of "at least a million things my new brother or sister could do with me," and she eagerly awaits her sibling's arrival. When Isaac is born, the family is confronted with the fact that he has Down syndrome. Emma's father explains that Isaac will still be able to do all of the things that Emma has thought of; he will just do them at a slower pace. The story ends on a high note with an excited Emma and her father visiting Isaac and her mother in the hospital. A well-thought-out question-and-answer section to use with students is found at the back.

The Best Worst Brother by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen

The sequel to "We'll Paint the Octopus Red" (Woodbine, 1998) follows the relationship between three-year-old Isaac, who has Down syndrome, and his older sister, Emma, who is frustrated by his slow language and motor development. His family tries to teach him sign language because he does not yet have the skills required for speech. It is a sibling story of acceptance, understanding and celebrating success.

Do You Remember The Color Blue? by Sally Hobart Alexander

Sally Hobart Alexander lost her sight to disease at the age of 26. A writer, she also speaks to groups, and especially to young people, about her blindness. One of her goals is to help her audience feel comfortable around disabled people by being respectfully curious. After acknowledging that not everyone is willing to share experiences, she responds to some of the fairly personal questions children and teens have asked her. Her answers reveal what daily life is like for a blind person. The book also includes tools that help people who are blind, family photos, several activities to illustrate the experience of being blind. A concluding note by a physician briefly (and reassuringly) discusses Sally's personal experience of going blind and her degrees of vision loss. The information is less objective than students may need for reports; however, this book is sure to interest young people curious about how the blind interact with their world.

The New Putting on the Breaks by Patricia Quinn and Judith Sterm

All you need to know about attention deficit disorder is included in this updated edition of the bestselling classic, "Putting on the Brakes". This resource for young people, their parents, and professionals is now revised and expanded, covering the newest techniques in diagnosing and treating ADHD, including updated information about medication; organization and time management strategies; the most current techniques in relaxation including yoga, progressive relaxation, and meditation; and tips on how to ask for help, guidance, and support in managing ADHD and its symptoms. It is written in a language that children can understand and provides realistic infomation about ADHD. Recommend children read in sections as it covers a lot.

Reach for the Moon by Samantha Abeel

Samantha Abeel is learning disabled and gifted. She does not understand mathematical concepts, but she is an extremely talented writer. Samantha was on the edge of despair when a caring English teacher who recognized her hidden talents intervened, offering Samantha an opportunity to interpret in words the hauntingly beautiful paintings of artist Charles R. Murphy. The result is a visual and verbal masterpiece, a gift of inspiration for parents, teachers, and children. Samantha brings affirmation and hope to everyone who has ever struggled with a disability.

Celebrate Through Heartsongs by Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Mattie J.T. Stepanek is an award-winning poet whose struggle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy has touched the lives of people nationwide. Celebrate Through Heartsongs, his fourth inspiring collection of poetry, features works written between the ages of three and eleven, and continues to spread Mattie's message of universal hope, peace, courage, and love. Fully illustrated by the poet, the collection will appeal to people of all ages, religions, and beliefs.

Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Learn more about Mattie and his work by visiting his website.

ABC Video - check it out.

All Dogs Have ADHD and All Cats have Asperger Syndrome by Kath Hoopman

All Dogs Have ADHD takes an inspiring and affectionate look at Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), using images and ideas from the canine world to explore a variety of traits that will be instantly recognizable to those who are familiar with ADHD.
All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome takes a playful look at Asperger Syndrome (AS), drawing inspiration from the feline world. Color photographs of cats bring to life familiar characteristics such as sensitive hearing, scampering at the first sign of being stroked and particular eating habits.

The books may be helpful for some children and parents to relate to and focus on what some would call both positive and negative aspects of the disability. Each book focuses strictly on the specific disability traits and seem to generalize that individuals with either ADHD or Asperger's all share the same characteristics, which is not true. While there may be similarities between individuals, they are all very different in their own way.