NEW! From the makers of the 4 book TASKS GALORE series!

NEW! From the makers of the 4 book TASKS GALORE series comes this new book on literacy enhancement!

We are excited to introduce to you the newest title published by our friends at Tasks Galore, Literacy Enhancement Strategies by Thomas Daly.
This book’s premise is that students with high functioning autism typically have deficits in perspective taking and interpreting others’ emotions and these deficits lead to deficits in reading comprehension. To promote gains in both social and reading comprehension the author has devised lesson plans that work on both simultaneously. This book’s lesson plans are also built on the foundation of instructional methods found in research-based interventions like TEACCH. These methods include, predictable expectations for group discussion, use of visual strategies and consistent routines. Each lesson includes Goals, Teacher Directions, Tasks, Discussion Topics and Handouts. This straightforward book is useful for both teachers and therapists in a variety of settings and grade levels. A CD is also enclosed with all of the reproducible handouts. (Softcover; 157 pages)

This book is now available on our website www.autismbookstore.com and comes highly recommended to therapists and teachers, both in inclusive and autism only settings.

When you buy from us you help people on the spectrum!

Great New Early Intervention Resource

I was so impressed by one of the newest titles that we've added to the Bookstore this month that I deemed it blog-worthy (the ultimate honor). The title that I am referring to is Early Intervention: Fast Facts. The author, a doctor by the name of Raun D. Melmed, has packed a great deal of useful information into this small pamphlet-sized resource guide. Dr. Melmed has taken the knowledge that he has gained through his years of experience working as a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, and used this knowledge to predict some commonly asked questions that parents of newly-diagnosed children might have. Some examples of these questions are: "What are the Signs of Autism?"; "What is Autism and What is Not?"; and "What to Expect and When to get Concerned?" The best part is that for all of the great information that you are getting, the price of this book is a very reasonable $9.95. Get your copy here.

ASNC Top Ten Bestsellers List for December

December 2007 Top 10 Bestsellers

1. Accessing the Curriculum
   
   
2. Functional Independence Skills Handbook (FISH)
   
   
3. More Than Words
   
   
4. Social Skills Training for Children & Adolescents
   
   
5. Tasks Galore
   
   
6. TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile (TTAP)
   
   
7. TalkAbility
   
   
8. Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Autism
   
   
9. Tasks Galore for the Real World
   
   
10. Tasks Galore: Making Groups Meaningful
    

Please visit our website to read detailed descriptions of these and other popular titles. We are also adding new books weekly, so check out our New Items category to see our latest offerings.

A Beautiful Story of Friendship

I recently had the pleasure of reading one of the newest children's books that we have added to our inventory here at the bookstore. Celeste Shally's, Since We're Friends, is one of those books that you come away from feeling good about the message that it contains.

The premise is simple; a young boy, Matt, has autism. Despite their differences, Matt has become good friends with a typically functioning child who lives across the street. Matt's friend (his name is never mentioned) looks out for him, and has even devised several strategies for making sure they both get the most out of their relationship. For example, if Matt has a hard time accepting when it is time to say goodbye for the evening, his friend will invite him over for breakfast the following morning to give him something to look forward to.

Although essentially this is just a children's story, the acceptance and love shared between these two boys really is heartwarming. This is a story that every child could benefit from hearing. Compassionate children grow into compassionate adults, and this world could certainly use more compassion.

I should also mention that the artwork in this book is really incredible. The brightly colored, glossy illustrations are sure to evoke a smile from all but the toughest critics.

Beautiful Photography and Touching Personal Accounts in "Autism Heroes"

I was very impressed with Dr. Barbara Firestone's new book, Autism Heroes: Portraits of Families Meeting the Challenge. The first thing that struck me about this book was the gorgeous black and white photographs arranged throughout its 218 pages. These photographs represent the real faces of children and young adults on the autism spectrum, and the families that love and support them.

The internationally acclaimed photographer, Joe Buissink, has a gift for capturing real moments in time. He is able to simultaneously portray the innocence of the children and the strength of their families. Perhaps this gift comes from the fact that Buissink himself has a child on the spectrum.

The 38 families portrayed in this book are arranged in four sections: Dignity, Hope, Opportunity, and Love, each of which begins with an essay by Dr. Firestone on the accompanying subject. These essays are touching and eloquently written, but the real heart and soul of this book is the candid and heartwarming accounts of real families living with the all of the heartache and joy that comes along with having a child on the autism spectrum.

It was nice to see the diversity among these families. They come from all different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Two-parent and single-parent households are also represented. Several of the families featured in this book may be well known names to many of us-- for example, Joe Montegna and his family are featured, as are Gary and Teddi Cole, and actor John Schneider and his family, which includes a son with Asperger syndrome.

All author royalties from this book will go to The Help Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving children with special needs. Founded in 1975 by Dr. Firestone, now President and CEO, the group operates several day schools in southern California for children with autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADHD, ADD, learning disabilities, mental disabilities, abuse, and emotional problems.

Autism Heroes is featured on the cover of the Summer 2007, The Autism Perspective magazine (if you are not already registered you will have to create a free account). Once you are logged in you will have access to the entire issue, including the eight pages of excerpts and photographs from Autism Heroes.

This is not a book that should be read and then placed on a bookshelf to be forgotten and collect dust; it is a book that you will want to display on your coffee table or shelf for others to share. Better yet, this would make a wonderful holiday gift for any family that might benefit from the support and information shared in this book. Don't forget, the bookstore is offering a 10% discount on this book and your entire order throughout the month of December. Just type in the coupon code Holiday at checkout.

ASNC Top Ten Bestsellers List for November

November 2007 Top 10 Bestsellers

1. You're Going To Love This Kid!: Teaching Students With Autism in the Inclusive Classroom
   
   
2. TEACCH Structured Teaching Assessment: Guides to Individualizing the Schedule and the Work System
   
   
3. Tasks Galore
   
   
4. Tasks Galore: Making Groups Meaningful
   
   
5. Strategies for Organization: Preparing for Homework and the Real World (Workbook)
   
   
6. Tasks Galore for the Real World
   
   
7. Simple Strategies That Work!: Helpful Hints for All Educators of Students with Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilities
   
   
8. Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew
   
   
9. Visual Supports for People with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
   
   
10. Ten Things Your Student With Autism Wishes You Knew
    

Please visit our website to read detailed descriptions of these and other popular titles. We are also adding new books weekly, so check out our New Items category to see our latest offerings.

Local Author Featured in "Our State" Magazine

At Home in the Land of Oz, written by North Carolina author Anne Clinard Barnhill, is featured in the November 2007 issue of Our State magazine in the "quick lit" section. This is a well-written and illuminating work, and below is the book description from our website:

Anne Barnhill and her younger sister Becky grew up in small town America in the 1950s and ‘60s, long before autism was a common diagnosis. Becky was diagnosed with “emotional disturbance” early in her childhood, and Anne chronicles her family’s struggle to maintain a normal life amid the chaos of her sister’s behaviors and ever-changing needs. Anne recounts how the decision to place Becky in institutional facilities early on, for rehabilitation and reprieve, left marks on her family that will endure forever. Many details Anne did not discover until she became an adult are revealed in this tale of two sisters, such as the struggle to find a proper diagnosis and the financial and emotional burdens her parents endured, but kept from her. She also frankly discusses her own coming of age against the backdrop of disability and the guilt, pain, faith, courage, and acceptance she found along the way. As the girls grow up, their similarities and differences shine through, from Beatlemania and The Wizard of Oz to boys, jobs, and leaving home for good. At the age of 37 Becky began a new chapter in her life when she was properly diagnosed with autism, and Anne began her new journey as, what she has called, "her sister’s keeper."

ASNC Top Ten Bestsellers List for October

October 2007 Top 10 Bestsellers

1. Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew
   
   
2. Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew
   
   
3. Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism
   
   
4. Tasks Galore
   
   
5. Tasks Galore: Making Groups Meaningful
   
   
6. TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile (TTAP)
   
   
7. Tasks Galore for the Real World
   
   
8. Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum
   
   
9. Visual Supports for People with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
   
   
10. How To Take the Grrrr Out of Anger
    

Please visit our website to read detailed descriptions of these and other popular titles. We are also adding new books weekly, so check out our New Items category to see our latest offerings.

National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week is Oct. 21–27, 2007

This week is National Bullying Prevention Week.

The Autism Society of North Carolina Bookstore has a few key recommended titles on the subject of bullying. We would like to highlight a few of those titles here to alert parents and professionals about the resources we have available on this important topic. The titles we're featuring include a DVD and three books.


Being Bullied: Strategies and Solutions for People with Asperger's Syndrome is a 30-minute DVD program based on a presentation by Nick Dubin on the effects of bullying in school on children with Asperger Syndrome (AS). His presentation is primarily aimed at teachers and administrators, in order to give them ideas on the steps they can take to minimize the incidence of bullying in their schools. He provides sobering statistics on the number of children bullied each year, and he also offers constructive, encouraging advice on how to break down the culture of "bystander apathy." In addition, he introduces strategies for empowering the bullied child as well as the bully, so they can utilize their energy for more constructive purposes. His presentation is interspersed with clips of people with AS giving their thoughts on how bullying has affected their lives.


Gray's Guide to Bullying is an issue of The Jenison Autism Journal that features a series of articles on bullying written by educator and internationally known author Carol Gray. This publication is devoted to helping children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) deal with circumstances in which they encounter bullying. Gray, the creator of the Social Stories™ method, published this series of three articles in response to numerous questions she received about helping children with ASD who are bullied in various situations. This issue combines those articles on ASD and bullying into one useful guide that can be used by adults who live and work with children who have ASD.


Perfect Targets: Asperger Syndrome and Bullying is also an excellent resource on bullying. As the author notes, children and adolescents with Asperger Syndrome (AS) have a lack of social understanding that can lead to bullying by their classmates. These children are not only hurt emotionally and sometimes physically, but they are also deeply confused because they cannot make the distinction between manipulation and friendliness. This practical resource examines the social phenomenon of bullying and the social challenges and needs of children with AS. The author provides many insights and effective strategies for creating a bullying prevention program, and she also discusses specific environmental factors that foster bullying behaviors. The book also includes a chapter that offers a variety of personal perspectives on the subject. Written for parents and professionals, this book focuses on a whole-school approach to bullying prevention that involves administrators, teachers, parents, and students.


We also carry a children's book about bullying. Titled Nobody Knew What To Do: A Story About Bullying, this beautifully illustrated book for readers ages 4 to 8 tells the story of how one student gained the courage to deal with bullying. Ray, a student, is frequently the target of bullying. The other students don’t like it, but they are afraid to inform their teachers. One day, after having been beaten up the day before, Ray does not come back to school. A classmate hears the bullies talking about their future plans for Ray, and he gains the courage to tell his teacher. When Ray returns to school, the teacher and principal intervene, and the classmate tells of his pride in learning to stop bullies by working together with others. On the last page of the book, there are bullying prevention tips for educators and parents.

ASNC Top Ten Bestsellers List for September

September 2007 Top 10 Bestsellers

1. TEACCH Structured Teaching Assessment: Guides to Individualizing the Schedule and the Work System
   
   
2. Asperger Syndrome in the Inclusive Classroom: Advice and Strategies for Teachers
   
   
3. Tasks Galore for the Real World
   
   
4. Behavioural Concerns and Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Explanations and Strategies for Change
   
   
5. Tasks Galore: Making Groups Meaningful
   
   
6. More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
   
   
7. Tasks Galore
   
   
8. TEACCH Transition Assessment Profile (TTAP)
   
   
9. Visual Supports for People with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
   
   
10. Climbing Art Obstacles in Autism: Teaching Visual-Motor Skills Through Visually Structured Art Activities
    

Please visit our website to read detailed descriptions of these and other popular titles. We are also adding new books weekly, so check out our New Items category to see our latest offerings.

Learning How to Mind Read

Mind Reading: The Interactive Guide to Emotions DVD-ROM is finally, finally, finally out! After a great deal of delay, illustrated by how much the Harry Potter actor pictured on the cover has aged, they seem to have worked out the formatting issues. We've been excited about this product for a while, because it seems like it offers so much more than the standard "let's learn emotions" books and videos out there. From the description:

"This disc contains an Emotions Library, which features 412 emotions organized into 24 groups. Each emotion is illustrated using 6 video clips, audio clips, notes, and mini-stories. There is also a Games Zone, which allows users to have fun with emotions and encourages informal learning about emotions in a less structured setting. In addition, there is a Learning Center, which contains lessons and quizzes to help users improve their emotion recognition skills."

The use of real photographs, instead of line drawings, is a definite strength, as is the use of photographs of people of all different ages and appearances, to help support generalization of the emotion identifcation skills learned from the computer activities.

Teachers and parents can also learn more strategies for teaching children with ASDs to recognize emotions in the book, Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read: A Practical Guide For Teachers and Parents, by Patricia Howlin, Simon Baron-Cohen, and Julie Hadwin, all renowned researchers in the field of ASDs. The strategies presented are divided into three core areas: teaching children about emotional understanding, including facial expressions; teaching children about informational states, including taking another person's perspective; and teaching children how to develop pretend play.

Visually Supporting Food Choices

We just got in a new CD-ROM from the "Picture This!" people, called Visual Foods. It contains over 3500 photos of food and cooking-related procedures, more than 300 pre-made layouts, and formatting software. This photo collection can be used with any age group. For young children it can be used to teach sequencing, receptive vocabulary words, and equipment labels. For older individuals it can be used to teach sequencing, meal preparation, and nutrition. It can also be used to assist nonverbal individuals who need a picture menu. It is designed to help provide support to visual learners (including early readers and nonverbal persons) in gaining new life skills and independence.

We think this is a particularly good item to pair with our customer favorite, Visual Recipes. This book contains 35 recipes grouped in the following categories: breakfast; lunch; side dishes; snacks, desserts; and drinks. The recipes consist of picture-based directions, and each step is framed for visual clarity. Simple text directions also accompany each step, and the importance of safety is highlighted. The book can also be used to teach functional math and beginning reading skills. It was designed by a parent of a child with ASD in order to teach her son fundamental skills in the kitchen, so it can serve as an excellent guide for creating further recipes of your own with the Visual Foods CD-ROM above, or with your own pictures.

General Explanation of ASDs in Spanish

We've been working on expanding our selection of Spanish-language autism titles in the bookstore, but we've been finding that there aren't all that many out there, or at least, not very many accessible to us here in the US. Therefore, we are always thrilled when we find a new one.

Our latest addition is El niño autista: Detección, evolución y tratamiento. It provides a general overview of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), with good explanations of the kinds of behaviors, language delays and/or disorders, and cognitive differences associated with autism. It also provides information on how caregivers can spot signs of autism, and where families can go for diagnosis and treatment.

This book seems particularly valuable in our Spanish selection because it does offer this nice general overview. Many of our other books focus on specific tasks, strategies, or only Asperger Syndrome, as opposed to ASDs as a whole. It offers a good place to start for newly diagnosed families, or teachers and other caregivers who would like to know more.

However, for those Spanish-speaking individuals who are ready for a lot more information, we do have another book to offer: Los Trastornos del Espectro de Autismo de la A a la Z. Presented in an easy-to-read format, the comprehensive information and strategies included in this handbook will help families, teachers, and other professional staff support individuals with ASD through the lifespan to achieve the best possible outcome. The two authors have a great deal of experience between them; Emily is the mother of a young man with ASD and an educational advocate, and Barbara has been a professional in the field of special education for more than 32 years. They decided to translate their original English version of this book into Spanish to help Spanish-speaking parents overcome the feeling of "double isolation," first due to the ASD diagnosis, and also because of the lack of information in Spanish about the disorder. The Spanish version won the 2006 Autism Society of America "Outstanding Literary Work of the Year" Award.

Two New "Topics in Autism" Books

We really like the "Topics in Autism" series from Woodbine House here at the ASNC Bookstore. Each book is written by professionals in the field, who present their information in a clear, knowledgable manner, accessible to professionals, paraprofessionals, and parents alike. Here are the two newest books in the series.

Self-Help Skills for People with Autism: A Systematic Teaching Approach stresses the importance of teaching self-help skills, reasoning that they are the foundation for many other more complex skills needed to reduce long-term dependence on others. It is appropriate for use with individuals between the ages of 24 months to the early teen years; however, it can also be used with older individuals working on skills typically taught within that age range. The core self-help skills presented in this guide are eating, toileting, dressing, and personal hygiene. Although the authors recommend a systematic approach, individualized instruction is stressed to help ensure successful skill acquisition. Emphasis is placed on developmental milestones, adhering to individual readiness to learn, and what the family or professional is prepared to teach. The authors also discuss determining what to teach, the context for learning, and motivating the individual to learn. Step-by-step examples include identifying target skills, baseline task analysis, instruction plans, and planning for the generalization of skills across settings.

Visual Supports For People with Autism: A Guide for Parents and Professionals was written by experienced professionals who currently head the Adult and Transitional Services Division at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University. They have written this resource to provide parents and professionals with the tools they need to accommodate the visual learner in any environment. The book provides valuable information on how to identify individuals who need visual supports, and also offers guidelines for use and determining the effectiveness of chosen supports. Illustrated visual support examples are presented in areas such as classroom organization; daily schedules; developing language; increasing memory; facilitating attending; motivation; and teaching sequential, math, reading, and social skills. The book is filled with more than 140 visual support ideas, and it also contains numerous tips, strategies, and case examples.

At Home in the Land of Oz:

Autism, My Sister, and Me.

Anne Barnhill, a LOCAL AUTHOR , has written this endearing memoir about her experience growing up in the 1950s and 60s with a disabled sibling. Her sister Becky was not formally diagnosed with autism until the age of 37, but rather spent most of her life labeled "emotionally disturbed." Anne's parents struggled to find a proper educational and residential setting for Becky at a time in history when institutionalization was the norm. Her parents' relentless searching and determination to find services for Becky never end even through mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. Anne also candidly talks about the full range of emotions she felt for her sister growing up and the ever increasing responsibility she now has as her parents grow older.

I fell in love with Anne's writing and her family when I reviewed this book in June, but recently I was reminded of it again when I saw a segment on CNN about Jeff Daly and his struggle to find his sister Molly who was institutionalized in 1957 at the age of 3. His heartbreaking story turns around when he not only reunites with his sister after almost 50 years, but also since he has now vowed to help other siblings and family members find their lost loved ones as well. Heed my warning: if you watch the CNN video clip of his family's story above- get Kleenex! Visit theARClink.org or the National FindFamily Registry For People with Disabilities for more information about this resource.

I was struck by the similarities in the two families. Each struggled with the same decisions for their loved ones but because of various resources, guidance from "experts", and the restraints of societal norms each family took different paths that resulted in positive and negative consequences.

Anne's history will ring true for many other siblings who endured the same past and gives hope to those of us who can see how her family and the Daly family have helped change the course that families now take when faced with providing what is best for their loved-one with a disability. I highly recommend this special sister's memoir.

ASNC Bookstore Top Ten Bestsellers List for July

July 2007 Top 10 Bestsellers

1. The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
   
   
2. Tasks Galore
   
   
3. More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
   
   
4. Tasks Galore for the Real World
   
   
5. Skillstreaming In Early Childhood: New Strategies and Perspectives for Teaching Prosocial Skills
   
   
6. TEACCH Structured Teaching Assessment: Guides to Individualizing the Schedule and the Work System
   
   
7. Tasks Galore: Making Groups Meaningful
   
   
8. Asperger's and Girls
   
   
9. Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and Social-Communication Problems
   
   
10. Exploring Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety
    

Please visit our website to read detailed descriptions of these and other popular titles. We are also adding new books weekly, so check out our New Items category to see our latest offerings.

Autism Sibling Issues Hit NPR

Yesterday on NPR's All Things Considered, I heard this powerful story by a girl who has a younger brother on the autism spectrum. She is the oldest of 4 siblings, and she has long been in charge of them when both of their parents have to work, which means a lot of taking care of her brother with autism. In addition, she serves as a translator for her parents for almost all public events, such as school meetings and doctor's appointments, because they do not speak English, and she serves as an ear for their worries about their son's future. She talks about how these burdens effect her, and how she is learning to cope better. I urge everyone with an interest in sibling issues and/or bilingual family issues to listen.

Sibling issues are truly a big topic, and several new resources have come out recently. One, Brotherly Feelings, we've talked about here before, which offers honest views of the emotions experienced from a sibling's point of view.

Another fantastic resource that we just added to the store is the new DVD, Understanding Brothers and Sisters on the Autism Spectrum. This is from the always wonderful and highly recommended Coulter Video series, and offers 4 different explanatory programs for siblings. Program one features puppets and explains autism to siblings who are ages 4 to 7. Program two includes interviews with siblings and additional narration, and is appropriate for siblings ages 7-12. Program three includes sibling interviews as well as narration, and is aimed at siblings age 12 through adulthood. Program four includes interviews with parents of children on the autism spectrum, and is designed specifically for parent viewing.

To see our entire list of sibling-related resources, check out our Sibling Issues page.

TalkAbility

We are very excited to announce that we have finally received our copies of the new Fern Sussman book, TalkAbility: People Skills for Verbal Children on the Autism Spectrum. This book is a fantastic follow up to her exceptionally popular More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children.

TalkAbility focuses primarily on promoting social communication skills in children with ASD who already have verbal skills. Its writing is aimed specifically at parents, though certainly practitioners will find it useful as well, and it contains many concrete examples and practical strategies. Chapters 1-9 focus on parent-child interactions, showing parents in detail how to support and increase their child's communicative efforts and social understanding. Chapters 10-13 focus on peer interactions, with advice on how to prepare the child for a play date, and also how to facilitate a play date most effectively.

One of the things I personally enjoyed about this book was actually a rather minor detail: the accompanying illustrations are extremely multicultural. Though it would have been quite easy for the illustrations to have shown the same family throughout the book, but instead they depict many different families, of many different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. It also shows both moms and dads interacting with their children. A subtle touch, but one that makes the book feel like it really is aimed at everyone.

Needless to say, this book is highly recommended for its ease of use, clear explanations, and practical strategies, as well as its lovely illustrations.

ASNC Bookstore's Top Ten Bestsellers List for June

June 2007 Top 10 Bestsellers

1. Tasks Galore
   
   
2. Tasks Galore: Making Groups Meaningful
   
   
3. ABA Program Companion
   
   
4. Tasks Galore for the Real World
   
   
5. Social Skills Picture Book: Teaching Play, Emotion, and Communication to Children with Autism
   
   
6. Five Is Against the Law: Social Boundaries: Straight Up!
   
   
7. Brotherly Feelings: Me, My Emotions, and My Brother with Asperger's Syndrome
   
   
8. Social Skills Picture Book for High School and Beyond
   
   
9. How To Teach Social Skills and Plan For Peer Social Interactions
   
   
10. KidTalk: Conversation Cards
    

Please visit our website to read detailed descriptions of these and other popular titles. We are also adding new books weekly, so check out our New Items category to see our latest offerings.

Special Needs Planning

Special needs planning is the topic that all my friends and fellow parents of children with autism avoid. After all, we already feel as though we live in this bubble in which we have to plan everything else, from the time we wake up, to John's school schedule, to John's therapist appointments, to making sure he remembers to go to the bathroom - and don't forget the medication. Obviously we do what we do out of love for our children and will continue to perform these acts as long as they are needed. But I too wonder from time to time, who will do these things when I am no longer able?

It is one of those thoughts that comes to me and elicits the same initial reaction as when we are one hour from the beach and I think - Did I lock the front door? However, this "planning for the future" thought doesn't go away, as I know it is one of the most important things I will ever do for my child. Even with these panicked thoughts, I was successful at avoiding the dreaded process until the following two resources were placed on my desk for review.

Special Needs Trusts and The Special Needs Planning Guide are must-have resources. Special Needs Trusts guides you through the process of setting up a trust yourself, or you can use the information in the book to research the topic before selecting a lawyer yourself. The Special Needs Planning Guide not only helps with Estate planning, but with all aspects of your child's life when you are present and when you must rely on the help of others to meet the needs of your child.

Knowing that decisions you make now may negatively effect your child as an adult can be very scary. Did you know that setting up a 529 College Savings Plan may make your special needs child ineligible for government benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid? Did you know that your child is also only allowed to have $2,000 in assets before losing those same benefits?

Do you know what your child's future looks like after high school? What about how he will pay for needs that government benefits won't cover? Knowing the law and how trusts can help you provide for your loved one without taking away benefits is a must. I highly recommend both titles to help start the important process of special needs planning.