This comprehensive and clinically useful resource provides a multisystems perspective on childhood disability and its effects on family life. The volume examines the many variables that shape the ways families respond to childhood disability and the extent to which they can overcome the physical, cultural, and social barriers to a satisfactory lifestyle. Integrating theory and research with evocative first-hand accounts from parents, siblings, and grandparents, the authors demonstrate how to apply a social and family systems-based approach to assessment and intervention with diverse families.
After 35 years of teaching and conducting research at the University of Pittsburgh, I retired in 2005. I continue with my private psychology practice on a part-time basis. I am also writing a book for parents, siblings, and grandparents to hopefully help them cope with the vicissitudes of raising a child with a disability. The publisher is Jessica Kingley Publishers (JKP), based in London and Philadelphia. Although I have writtten a number of books this is the first one I've authored for a family audience. I am hoping that it will be published in 2011.
I have two daughters, one 41 and the other 39. My 39 year old (Lori) is mentally retarded and struggles with significant weight issues. Lori is an independent young lady---so much so that we call her our "go-go girl". She is a collector of Wizard of Oz items and goes to the bi-yearly Munchkin convention. My other daughter is married and is an art teacher in Pittsburgh. My daughters are very close and supportive of each other.
While writing and conducting psychotherapy after retiring, I also take courses at Carniegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh---these are just for fun courses for folks over 55.
In addition to books in the area of children with disabilities and their families, I have authored books on group psychotherapy and clinical supervision. But my main interest continues to be with families and I am giving thought to writing a book on siblings of children with special needs, and one for grandparents and their grandchildren with disabilities. These are members of the family that do not receive the attention they should be receiving by authors and researchers. There are special issues that these family members face which I touch on in the book I am writing for JKP. There has been some research on sibs but virtually nothing on grandparents. Hopefully, I can make a future contribution in these areas.
I like to get email from professionals and family members who have been touched by childhood disability so feel free to write and let me know about your interests as they pertain to this area. My email address is: mseligma@pitt.edu.
