REASONS AND REMEDIES

Dyslexia, Autism, Speech and language difficulties, Behavioural problems, Stammering, Tics, Dyspraxia, Convulsions, Mental illness, ADHD

REASONS AND REMEDIES is a highly readable, ground-breaking approach to children’s difficulties. It is based on the consistent clinical findings and revelations of an experienced Speech and Language Therapist / Pathologist and takes the reader on a journey of discovery.

It is a book written to help both parents, and professionals working with children, to understand how and why difficulties develop. It explains why labels are limiting. Dyslexia, autism, stammering (stuttering), tics, dyspraxia, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, etc., each have problems which overlap with one another - the "conditions" are not separate and have common causes. Understanding the problems is fundamental to finding a remedy for them.

The book includes Patricia Sims's "no-failure" method to prevent and treat reading difficulties and dyslexia, a method which prevents negative feelings associated with failure from interfering with learning.

Although conditioning of behaviour is normal and essential to our existence, it can have some negative effects to which we need to become desensitized. It is involved in many developmental difficulties.

We often become repetitive when tension levels rise - as demonstrated by the conditioned on-court behaviour of top tennis players and off-stage behaviour of some performing actors or comedians. Stammering (stuttering) begins with repetition of words in early childhood and likewise arises during times of heightened tension. The author explains its development.

Males are at least 3 to 4 times more likely than females to develop developmental problems and there are many more male inmates of prisons too. Having evolved as hunters and fighters and as protectors of women and children they have needed the extra tension which they appear to possess.

We need to consider early personality traits.

REVIEWS

'While the book seeks to raise understanding, it is written by a practitioner whose aim is to go beyond theory and present a reality that fellow practitioners and parents can use. It is refreshing and challenging to see a fellow professional write so compellingly and insightfully. As Patricia says, “if there is an understanding of the person there is also an understanding of his difficulties.”’ Rob Long, Educational Psychologist

'I found Reasons and Remedies totally absorbing. I identified with it all the way through and I have LEARNT! I thought I knew ADHD back to front, but it has filled in many ‘missing pieces’ from the puzzle. It gives a real, true insight into problems that cause immense emotional and often destructive pain to families.’ Gill Mead, President, ADD/ADHD Family Support Group UK

'This refreshing book is full of insights into a whole range of special needs. I wish I had had it 20 years ago!’ Edwina Cooper, Special Needs Teacher

‘A very enthusiastic and personal book. Easy to read, it should stimulate creative thought, however experienced the reader.’ Speech & Language Therapy in Practice

‘Reasons and Remedies is an absorbing book. I would welcome further analysis of epilepsy in this context.’ The National Society for Epilepsy

‘This book gives a refreshing and holistic insight into how to help children struggling with communication skills... gives an insight into the behaviour of children with a wide range of learning disabilities, and should increase understanding and improve services. It should be useful to anybody involved with such children, especially their parents.’ Journal of the Community Practitioners’ & Health Visitors’ Association

‘The whole book is grounded in practicalities that make it accessible to parents as well as professionals.’ REACH (National Advice Centre for Children with Reading Difficulties)

‘I found the (personality) checklist at the back to be particularly useful.’ Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice

‘Brilliant in every way! And so readable! My wish is that anyone and everyone who comes into contact with children would read it – it’s a must!’ Val Bleasdale, Parent