Customer Reviews

Handling the Young Child with Cerebral Palsy at Home, 1e

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I'd been a special education teacher before our son was born, then served for 15 years as a Developmental Disabilities Specialist (mental health DD case manager). Now I'm back with special education, and our son, who has multiple developmental disabilities himself, is doing wonderfully. I came across Nancie's book by chance when our son was 1 year old when an OT checked in Nancie's book in my presence. After seeing how valuable it was (it was used as a text book at PSU at the time) I determined I would not go home (two hours away) until I owned a copy! That was an excellent decision.

Even after 20 years, I still useNancie's book. I recommend her book to everyone who loves, lives with, or works with young people with ANY type of motor impairment. It has many useful applications. For instance, it describes ways to play, set up a room, cope, physical handling, toileting, eating, sleep, ways to make stuff inexpensively, enjoy, and it also describes typical development, grief, and growth. Her illustrations are simply and convey useful information in realistic situations. Nancie writes forthrightfully and constructively. Challenging, too, in a bracing manner. There is no wallowing in pity or mincing of words. Yet, in all of this, Nancie conveys positive acceptance, focuses on forward movement, and she somehow shares that disabilities, after all, are part of all that is normal. Then she sets about showing you how to teach, love, and care for a child.

If you want an informative, practical "how to," this is the book you want. I've always felt, as a parent, that this book is something like having a PT/OT/friend/teacher/mentor in my pocket. That is in spite of being a special educator, myself. Someone who supposedly knows what to do. Sorry, no one is prepared for everything that can happen. Nancie provides a holistic and realistic guide... one that speaks directly, constructively, and respectfully. She focuses on taking action and on results. As a professional, her book can be very useful when working with individuals, families and/or staff. For young people growing up with disabilities, it can offer good illustrations to show how to do things. The text, however, at least in my 20 year old copy, is written for adults, not children.

This book is one of two books I'd like every person to have who lives or works with people who have motor impairments, neurological disorders, or cognitive impairments, to have. Social workers, doctors, RNs, therapists, interventionists, students, teachers, and fellow parents, this is a tool I believe you will value, use, and enjoy. (My other "must have" is the classic "Your Child's Self Esteem" by Dorothy Corkille Briggs. It is good for any relationship as well as for interacting with anyone. It certainly is not "just" for use with children.)

My best wishes to all of you who are searching for help, information, and/or direction. This book will not let you down.

I read this book when my son was first diagnosed with CP 10 years ago. It contained a wealth of useful information but also contained information on how a "normal" baby/child would develop. I did not care for that portion of the book although I understand the authors reasoning in so doing. I also read the book Children with Cerebral Palsy -- I found it easier to read.

Apparently this book has been taken over as a textbook, so the price is now higher than I think a guide for parents should be. I am a the mother of a 2.5 year old with moderate-severe cerebral palsy. I've had it for about a year and so far I haven't really found it that helpful. Most of the position ideas and activities presented have been above my child's level of functioning. Isn't that a big downer?! I have found this to be true of most books on the subject. There is so much that can be done for kids like mine. It would be nice to have a book that would go into detail about how to interact and engage the more severe kids. The most helpful resource I've found so far is the movie "My Left Foot".