Genius!: Nurturing the Spirit of the Wild, Odd, And Oppositional Child [Paperback]

George T. Lynn (Author), Joanne Barrie Lynn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2005

Genius! is an inspiring guide to nurturing the remarkable abilities of "attention different" (AD) children diagnosed with conditions such as autism, Asperger Syndrome, AD/HD, bipolar disorder, or Tourette Syndrome (TS). Drawing on their experiences with their own son, who has TS, George T. Lynn and Joanne Barrie Lynn offer a positive parenting philosophy and successful strategies for creating an affirmative social and emotional environment that unlocks the potential genius in 'neurologically eccentric' children. The authors emphasize the importance of identifying the signs of giftedness, providing the necessary care and mentoring, and using medication with due consideration of its benefits and limitations. They also acknowledge the need to confront the 'dark side' of atypical neurology - obsessiveness, self-centredness and hyperactivity - and offer helpful advice on ensuring parents' and carers' own emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. This book will be an essential tool for parents and carers to help bring out the best in their AD child and help him explore his full potential in life. This revised edition also includes additional material on working with older age groups.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A rare and precious gift to all those working with neurologically challenged children.' --- Dr Gabor Mate

About the Author

George T. Lynn MA is a Certified Medical Health Counselor who pioneered the use of psychotherapy for adults and children with neuropsychological issues. When his son was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in 1991, he realized that personality can be powerfully impacted by brain chemistry independent of environment. George T. Lynn works with children and adults with ADD, Tourette Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and AS. He is the author of Survival Strategies for Parenting Children with Bipolar Disorder. Joanne Barrie Lynn is the Mother of an adult son with neurological disorders. She is an award-winning writer, published in magazines, literary journals and anthologies. She teaches natural wood sculpture, and has taught ballet, jazz and tap. Before her son was born she was a management consultant.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 271 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; Revised edition (November 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843108208
• ISBN-13: 978-1843108207
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #509,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing and Inspiring to families with real burnout, January 9, 2005

By 

R. Kennedy - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Genius!: Nurturing the Spirit of the Wild, Odd, and Oppositional Child (Paperback)

I am a parent who has read many parenting books looking for help with my extraordinary daughter. Off and on I would tire of reading and trying to find answers, and just wing it. Other times I would come back around to books, often gleaning just one new idea or suggestion of use to me, in a book loaded with information otherwise useless to my parenting challenges. My family and I plodded painfully on.

This book takes a very positive perspective on kids with neurological brain disorders, choosing to call them "attention different", rather than disordered, which is so completely accurate, I love it! When in the trenches working with, or raising, a child with severe difficulties a fresh view like this can be a real life line.

We hear every person has a "genius" to discover and nurture. Children with attention differences need extraordinary support and guidance in finding and growing their "genius". Learning the most effective ways to support them, helps them move forward to independent and full lives. The book is full of practical methods to do just this.

Maybe the part I like the best is the focus on finding our own genius, and practicing a high level of wellness in our own lives, being the best gift we give our kids to help them do the same for themselves. When you are in the thick of the struggle, and there is hardly time to breath for yourself, this is a message that is so needed. And there are detailed suggestions to practicing such wellness.

The Lynns share from their own family life adding a very personal touch that rings true for those of us who have "been there". This is a great read for anyone looking for new inspiration and directions for their family.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A True Message of Hope!, January 1, 2005

By 

Bobbie Oxford (Woodinville, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Genius!: Nurturing the Spirit of the Wild, Odd, and Oppositional Child (Paperback)

There are really no words that could even begin to describe my feelings after I finished this book tonight. I just sat there and held it to my heart and said "thank you" for telling my child's Great Story, for telling their child's Great Story. For each of our special children have their own Great Story to be told.

George Lynn and Joanne Barrie Lynn have unfolded their wings and allowed the incredible story of their son Gregory to be shared with all of us. This powerful book will move you to a deeper awareness, and maybe truly realize for the first time that our special kids are so much more than their diagnosis! Pay attention world, they have so much to teach you.

This book is like no other I have ever read on special needs children. It truly is a light in the darkenss, and the greatest message of hope for our children's future. I am deeply greatful.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Genius! Is purely genius!, January 22, 2005

By 

L. E. Lynn (Dublin, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Genius!: Nurturing the Spirit of the Wild, Odd, and Oppositional Child (Paperback)

I have a collection of law books but my collection of Bipolar Disorder books far outnumbers any interest of law I may have. I have twins, boy/girl and my boy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 6. I have read practically every book written about this disease so that I can advocate and speak to the professionals about my son from a human point of view as well as diagnostic. Bus this book...Genius! had me near tears before I ever got to chapter one. The married authors each tell their story of their bipolar son who has graduated from high school, a mere miracle in our world. The authors told me something I need to hold on to as a face yet another IEP with a school who has no idea about bipolar children. My son is not some kid that can be ignored but that he has wonderful talents that need to be nurtured and not buried under a pile of suspensions, suicide attempts and grandiose remarks he makes to the 92 year old lady in the elevator "You're old!" He can sing perfectly in Japanese when the japanese cartoons come on (yugi-oh) He can talk with the knowledge and sencerity about the galaxy we live in and its beautiful planets, the "other" worlds, as well as the pyramids of Eygpt. Did I mention my son is 9? George Lynn and his wife know and I hope if you are a parent, teacher or friend of a bipolar, ADD, OCD, tourettes, aspergers- all on the scale of autism READ this book with a well deserved smile.
PS I am not related in any way to the Lynn's, however if I find in some way that I am I stand only in pride for their eloquent writing and knowledge of a very confusing disease...to outsiders.
Louisa Lynn
GRATEFUL mother of a bipolar child