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

~ (Author), Joanne Barrie Lynn (Editor) "The Greeks believed that one's daemon has an intention all its own, separate from the rest of the personality..." (more)
Key Phrases: oppositional child, neurotypical children, positive genius, Nurturing the Spirit of the Wild, Great Story, Attention Different (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'A rare and precious gift to all those working with neurologically challenged children.' - Dr Gabor Mate" --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

Genius! moves past survival strategies to give parents of children diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, bipolar disorder, AD/HD, and Asperger Syndrome a practical plan for bringing out the best qualities in their kids while taking care of themselves in the process. It is based on the premise that the genius of neurologically different children is necessary for the survival of humankind. Through historical analysis, modern brain research, and the wisdom of myth, George T. Lynn shows us how the disturbing and wildly creative character of these children is required if we are to avoid stagnation as a species.

Throughout the book, Joanne Barrie Lynn weaves poems and anecdotes about the authors' son, Gregory, diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and high-functioning autism, to ground it in the reality of the joys and difficulties of nurturing the genius of an Attention Different child. As she writes in her foreword, "It is in the small intimate details of a life that eccentric neurology is illuminated, and it is in these details—the good, the bad, the painful, the sublime—that genius is recognized."

It's time for a positive vision for children with Tourette Syndrome, bipolar disorder, AD/HD, and Asperger Syndrome. Genius! does an admirable job of providing that vision.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 207 pages
• Publisher: Hats Off Books (December 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587363585
• ISBN-13: 978-1587363580
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,125,295 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 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)

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

6 of 6 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)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars should be required reading for all psych professionals, March 19, 2005

By	Flora - See all my reviews

Most helpful, thought-provoking, positive book I've read in a long while. Almost didn't because although my son is bi-polar, he's not wild and is only mildly oppositional, but all the many things George Lynn touches upon in his book hit me right between the eyes. POW! His view of these kids as not damaged but as biochemically different, perhaps for good reason, was refreshing. His tips for finding and nurturing their special gifts were concrete. He's the only author that's really helped me "get" my son. Few other books look forward, as does this one, into young adulthood. Few interweave pain and promise so eloquently.

I intend to buy copies for all the folks in my son's circle of support...med doc, counselor, teacher, grandparents.
Not just yet ready to pass my copy around because I find myself returning to it time and again for support and renewed insight.
Thanks to the Lynns for a great book!