Table of Contents

About the Authors. Introduction. 1. Diagnosis: General Principles. 2. Treatment: General Principles. 3. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 4. Learning Disabilities (LD). 5. Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)-An Overview. 6. Asperger's Syndrome and its treatment. 7. Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD). 8. Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID). 9. Tics and Tourette's. 10. Depression. 11. Bipolar Depression (BD) 12. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). 13. Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD). 14. Medications. Appendix: Quick Quiz on Executive Function. Further Reading: Books and Internet Resources. Index.

About the Author

Martin L. Kutscher is a pediatric neurologist with more than 18 years' experience of diagnosing neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, learning difficulties, Asperger's Syndrome, and tic disorders and helping families affected by them. He is currently Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at the New York Medical College. He lectures to teacher, parent, and professional groups and his work is widely published. Tony Attwood is a practicing clinical psychologist specializing in the field of Asperger's syndrome. Over the last 30 years he has worked with hundreds of individuals with this condition. He is the author of the classic Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Robert R. Wolff is a member of the Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology at the New York Medical College who has extensive experience with childhood neuro-behavior problems.

Reviews

A sparkling, granite-strong steppingstone from which to launch further investigations into the conditions Kutscher covers, though, given its myriad hands-on recommendations, this guide may be an end in itself.
*Kirkus Reports*

This short easy-read book takes a holistic approach, detailing clear profiles for each syndrome and the associated communication problems.

It is useful for those with limited knowledge of the syndromes, with a chapter on medication and an extensive list of therapy ideas.
*Speech & Language therapy in Practice*

It is easy to read, with an emphasis on avoidance of jargon and the use of pen portraits and insights into individual children to illuminate points. It has many excellent strategies which can be put into effect in schools, homes and elsewhere and which recognize that children may not fall neatly into individual diagnostic categories. Kutscher's underlying passion for making difficult information easy to understand is evident throughout the text.
*The Journal for Special Needs*

This book would be an excellent starting point for understanding some of these conditions more and it gives a “thumb-nail sketch” of each one, with interventions that could be applied directly. It would be a useful addition to any EPS library, as well as a good resource book for a SENCo or SEN teacher. I would assume also that parents and other professionals would find the book useful… I would highly recommend this book as it is very informative without being overly academic.
*Debate*

Children often come with complex problems that interact and complicate one another. Kutscher begins by explaining what is known about the causes of the disorders , symptoms, interactions with other conditions, and treatments. He then provides concrete behavioural strategies, additional resources and other recommendations for dealing with these disorders – whether at home, at school, or in other settings- along with case vignettes and practical tips that will be helpful to both parents and professionals... a good general reference book to dip in and out of for anyone new to the area of learning difficulties.
*Children, Young People + Families*

This book is subtitled “The one-stop guide for parents, teachers and other professionals”, and it lives up to that claim. When it becomes clear that a child has comorbid conditions, I now give her parents this easy-to-read overview instead of a stack of books... for many parents it will be all that's needed to move forward, in collaboration with a doctor and mental-health professional, toward effective treatment.
*Carol Brady, clinical psychologist on www.attitudemag.com*

The author and contributors show compassion and understanding for children who face special challenges because of their disorders. Above all, the whole approach here is positive and upbeat... Teachers and parents are assured that being well informed and empathetic puts them in a good position to help.
*School Library Journal*

This is a book that sets out to fulfil all that is promised in its subtitle 'The one stop guide for parents, teachers, and other professionals', covering a range of neurodevelopmental conditions. It is a concise, credibly structured and admirably tailored to suit its audience. A single 'stress busting' book which is not a tome is likely to appeal to any parent, teacher or professional whose time is at a premium… The book deftly acknowledges the strengths without glamourizing or minimizing disabilities.
*Journal of Intellectual Disability Research*

Written in a clear, engaging style, this readable volume, with helpful translations of scientific concepts into lay terms, is very welcome... Aimed primarily at parents and teachers, I particularly liked the structure of this book, with two introductory chapters that explain the basics of diagnosis and treatment, followed by chapters on separate diagnostic categories. There is a helpful emphasis on real-world presentation of problems experienced by children and young people, which rarely occur as clear-cut.
*Community Care*

I found the ideas and advice excellent. It would also apply to those involved with children who have behavioural difficulties.
*Nursery World*

Kids in the Syndrome Mix is an interesting extremely well written book. Easy to read, it is a concise guide to the whole range of neuro-behavioural disorders in children. From detection of the problem it also gives good advice on coping, managing and treatment for these various disorders. Invaluable help for families, teachers, etc who have a child affected in this way... It is certainly the best in it's field.
*No Panic*