On Their Own: Creating an Independent Future for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and Adhd: A Family Guide - Softcover

Ford, Anne; Thompson, John-Richard; Shaywitz, Sally

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1557047251 ISBN 13: 9781557047250

Publisher: William Morrow & Company, 2007

Synopsis

An indispensable guide to the special challenges faced by parents of learning-disabled children as they enter adulthood, by the author of Laughing Allegra, a leading activist and parent of an adult child with LD.

In 2003 Anne Ford (great-granddaughter of Henry Ford) published Laughing Allegra, about the struggles of raising her learning-disabled daughter, and received a flood of letters from parents of children with LD, ADD, and ADHD, many expressing concerns about what to do as their children age.

On Their Own is an invaluable road map to ease these parents' fears and answer their questions, especially the one that haunts them daily: Will or can their child be on their own, and how? In a candid, sympathetic style, laced with real-life stories, the book covers such topics as:

• Social skills and dating
• Staying healthy
• Sibling relationships
• Interaction with employers and co-workers
• Job hunting
• Finding the right college or trade school
• Estate planning

Also included are a comprehensive resource guide and exclusive interviews with prominent professionals who have surmounted their learning disabilities: CEO's Sir Richard Branson, John Chambers, David Neeleman, and Charles Schwab, and former governor Gaston Caperton.

About this title

Review:

"This poignant, intimate portrait opens an often hidden world and illuminates the many ways learning disabilities shape the lives of families."

"Anne Ford could have lived an easy, frivolous life. Instead, she has devoted herself to caring for a child with a learning disability. As such, she has gained wisdom and knowledge, which she shares with us in an inspiring story that any parent with a 'special child' can relate to."

"A remarkably helpful book for families dealing with the impact of LD as their children move up and out." --James Wendorf, Executive Director, National Center for Learning Disabilities

"A wise, warm, witty roadmap that will enrich the life of every parent of an adult child with learning disabilities." --Joseph A. Califano, JR., Chairman and President, National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse

"A wonderful companion to "Laughing Allegra". These books should be required reading for teachers as well." --Joel Klein, Chancellor, New York City Department of Education

"Anne Ford is the perfect guide to help us see our children through the transitions they will meet throughout life." --Henry Winkler, author of the "Hank Zipzer" children's books

"Answers every question you might have about people with dyslexia and ADHD. I could not recommend this book more highly." --Edward Hallowell, M.D., author of "Driven to Distraction" and "Delivered from Distraction"

"Filled with personal insights, tough observations, and important resources." --Ann Kornblet, advocate for people with LD

"Honest, full of hope. Guides the reader with the heart of a devoted parent and the wisdom of personal experience." --Emerson Dickman, J.D., President, International Dyslexia Association

About the Author:

Anne Ford is the author of the acclaimed memoir "Laughing Allegra" about raising her severely learning disabled daughter, "On Their Own: Creating an Independent Future for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD," and "A Special Mother: Getting Through the Early Days of a Child's Diagnosis of Learning Disabilities and Related Disorders." She served as Chairman of the National Center for Learning Disabilities from 1989 to 2001, and remains a committed advocate and frequent speaker on LD issues. The great-granddaughter of Henry Ford, she lives in New York City.
John-Richard Thompson is an award-winning playwright and novelist, who has collaborated with Anne Ford at NCLD and on her three books. He lives in New York City.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1557047251
• ISBN 13: 9781557047250
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320