Your Mind and Body

Resources: Books and Articles

Children with Starving Brains A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition by Jaquelyn McCandless, M.D.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author:

Jacquelyn McCandless received her M.D. from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and is certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Since the early 1990s, her interest in women's issues and sexuality has led to an alternative medicine practice with a focus on anti-aging, brain nutrition, and natural hormone therapy. In 1996, after her granddaughter was diagnosed with autism, she returned even more to basic medicine and began working with biomedical aspects of developmentally delayed children. She now utilizes the knowledge she gained searching for treatments for her grandchild to help other ASD children.

Book Description:

In the midst of a worldwide epidemic of autism, ADD, and ADHD, this book is a message of hope to parents embarking on the challenging journey of finding proper medical care for their Autism Spectrum Disorder children. Genetic susceptibility activated by "triggers" such as pesticides and heavy metals in vaccines can lead to immune system impairment, gut dysfunction, and pathogen invasion such as yeast and viruses in many children.

This is the first book written by an experienced clinician that gives a step-by-step treatment guide for parents and doctors based on the understanding that ASD is a complex biomedical illness resulting in significant brain malnutrition. Dr. McCandless, whose grandchild with autism has inspired her "broad spectrum approach," describes important diagnostic tools needed to select appropriate treatment programs. Her book explains major therapies newly available and identifies safe and effective options for parents and physicians working together to improve the health of these special children.

Now in a second edition, the book has new material and includes an index.

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The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping With Sensory Integration Dysfunction by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. and Larry B. Silver

Editorial Reviews from Amazon.com

Do you know a child who plays too rough, is uncoordinated, hates being touched, is ultra-sensitive (or unusually insensitive) to noise or sensations of heat and cold? Many pediatricians and other experts are beginning to recognize a link between some of these apparently unrelated behavior patterns. Children with perfectly normal "far senses" (such as sight and hearing) may have, because of a poorly integrated nervous system, serious problems with their ""near senses," including touch, balance, and internal muscle sensation. It's called Sensory Integration Dysfunction, or SI. The announcement of yet another new syndrome is bound to raise skeptical eyebrows--and with good reason. (How do we know which child really has SI, and which one just happens to share some of the same symptoms?) Author Carol Stock Kranowitz argues convincingly, however, that for some children SI is a real disorder, and that it is devastating partly because it so often looks like nothing so much as "being difficult." And, whatever the scientific status of SI, Kranowitz carefully details many routines and remedies that will help children--and the parents of children--who exhibit the behaviors described. This book is a must-read for all doctors, pediatricians, and (perhaps especially) childcare workers. --Richard Farr

From Publishers Weekly

Kranowitz, a teacher who has worked for 20 years in the field of sensory integration dysfunction and has developed a screening program for its early identification, writes intelligently about a bewildering topic. Fairly common (an estimated 12%-30% of children are affected), the disorder is nevertheless baffling to experts and parents alike, in part because of its diverse, contradictory symptoms: such children may be either hypo- or hypersensitive. Often erroneously diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or labeled "difficult, picky, clumsy, oversensitive, or inattentive," children with SI dysfunction exhibit unusual responses to touching and being touched, and/or to moving and being moved. In concise, well-organized chapters, Kranowitz reveals how the tactile, vestibular (pertaining to gravity and movement) and propriaceptive (pertaining to joints, muscles and ligaments) senses operate. Checklists and sidebars throughout the text compare the "normal" child in various situations to the child with sensory integration dysfunction. Asserting SI dysfunction is best treated by occupational therapy, not by medication, Kranowitz helps clear the way for families to understand a disorder that they may suspect but not have been able to pinpoint. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description

"Difficult." "Picky." "Oversensitive." "Clumsy." "Unpredictable." "Inattentive." Children who have been labeled with words like these may actually be suffering from Sensory Integration Disorder-a very common, but frequently misdiagnosed, condition that can manifest itself in excessively high or low activity levels, problems with motor coordination, oversensitivity or undersensitivity to sensations and movements, and other symptoms. This guide, written by an expert in the field, explains how SI Dysfunction can be confused with ADD, learning disabilities, and other problems, tells how parents can recognize the problem-and offers a drug-free treatment approach for children who need help.

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When Listening Comes Alive A Guide to Effective Learning and Communication by Paul Madaul, Ph.D.

The personal story of the author, his very troubled youth, and the man who helped him overcome his severe problems - Alfred Tomatis. After overcoming his difficulties, the author started treating others with the same method. In a nutshell: the Tomatis Method relies on the ear and it's function (listening) to treat conditions as different as Autism, Hyperactivity, singing, reading and writing problems and many more. This is a facinating book for it combines a very moving personal story with a VERY CLEAR presentation of the method. Any parent with a child diagnosed as hyperactive or the like should read the book. Any person who is interested in a very unique and original approach to the way our body functions shouldn't miss this one. And actually it is a must-read for all teachers.

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Ritalin Free Kids Safe and Effective Homeopathic Medicine for ADHD and Other Behavioral and Learning Problems by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, N.D., M.S.W. and Robert Ullman, N.D.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

As its title indicates, this book strongly argues against the use of the drug Ritalin in the treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD). The key to the authors' viewpoint lies in Chapter 3, headed "An Epidemic of ADD or a Matter of Overdiagnosis?" They point out that children, like the rest of us, live in "an extremely overstimulated society," with Nintendo replacing outdoor play, movies and TV stressing violence, and beepers providing instant and overly urgent communication. Children respond to the resulting stresses differently from adults and accordingly require different treatment. Because the authors are homeopathic physicians, they not unexpectedly prefer homeopathic solutions to the problem?a "whole person approach" that in some cases may be combined with traditional treatments. In any event, they make a reasonably convincing case for the idea that drugs can be both misapplied and overused and that chemical panaceas are not always the best answer. Recommended for public libraries.?Natalie Kupferberg, Ferris State Univ. Lib., Big Rapids, Mich. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. -- This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Ingram

The most common treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in children are Ritalin and Dexedrine, both amphetamines with common side effects such as headaches, appetite loss, insomnia, depression, and growth retardation. This book offers a homeopathic approach to ADD that has fostered profoundly positive changes in about 80% of the children receiving the treatment. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Book Description

Does your child really need drugs to get through the school day? More than six million children in the United States are taking stimulant medications, including Ritalin, to treat behavioral and learning problems such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But there may very well be a better way to manage your child's emotional and learning problems, and you owe it to yourself and your child to find out. Ritalin-Free Kids offers you a safe, effective, and natural alternative to stimulants.

"Before you give your child stimulants, read this book." From the preface by Edward Chapman, M.D., clinical instructor, Harvard Medical School

"I recommend this book to all parents searching for an alternative treatment to ADHD. The Ullmans demonstrate that every child can benefit from care tailored to their unique characteristics and temperment." Charles Moore, M.D., child and adolescent psychiatrist, New England Medical Center

"As a physician who evaluates many inattentive and overactive children, I feel that we, as a society, are using stimulant medications far too often for the treatment of ADHD. I was very impressed by Ritalin-Free Kids and definitely recommend it." Richard Solomon, M.D., director, Allegheny Behavioral and Child Development Services, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"This clear, balanced, and persuasive book will really open your eyes to the possibility of homeopathic medicine to treat . . . ADHD and a number of emotional and learning problems." From the foreword by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.

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The Power of Sound How to Manage Your Personal Soundscape for a Vital, Productive, and Healthy Life by Joshua Leeds

Editorial Reviews

The Power of Sound is the first important book on sound therapy for the twenty-first century. . . . Bravo, Mr. Leeds! Randall McClellan, Ph.D., author of The Healing Forces of Music

An indispensable guidebook to a new awareness of sound, and an exceptional resource for personal and professional use. Sheila Smith Allen, MA, OTR, BCP, Codirector of Pediatric Therapeutics

Book Description

What we hear--and how we process it--has a far greater impact on our daily living than we realize. From the womb to the moment we die we are inescapably surrounded by sound, and what we hear can either energize or deplete our nervous systems. It is no exaggeration to say that what goes into our ears can harm us or heal us.

In The Power of Sound Joshua Leeds explores the importance of healthy auditory function. He investigates how noise- or stress-induced auditory dysfunction may result in difficulties in learning, communication, and social interactions, and he explains new techniques designed to invigorate auditory skills. The accompanying CD of psychoacoustically refined classical music provides immediate examples of the benefits of music explained in the book. Readers can experience the effects of a variety of sounds and begin the life-enhancing design of their own soundscapes.

Includes detailed guides for musicians and healthcare professionals

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Vibrational Medicine The #1 Handbook of Subtle-Energy Therapies by Richard Gerber M.D., William A. Tiller, Gabriel Cousens (Introduction)

Editorial Reviews

Words Dr. Richard Gerber has provided a valuable step in thinking about the higher reaches of human beings. Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Healing Health World

A landmark book, written with profound understanding, but in simple and readable language.

Book Description

The original comprehensive guide to energetic healing with a new preface by the author and updated resources.

• More than 125,000 copies sold.
• Explores the actual science of etheric energies, replacing the Newtonian worldview with a new model based on Einstein's physics of energy.
• Summarizes key points at the end of each chapter to help the serious student absorb and retain the wealth of information presented.

This combination of ancient wisdom and new science is the definitive introduction to health care for modern times. The standard reference book on energetic healing, Vibrational Medicine has gained widespread acceptance by individuals, schools, and health-care institutions nationwide as the textbook of choice for the study of alternative medicine. Trained in a variety of alternative therapies as well as conventional Western medicine, Dr. Gerber provides an encyclopedic treatment of energetic healing, covering subtle-energy fields, acupuncture, Bach flower remedies, homeopathy, radionics, crystal healing, electrotherapy, radiology, chakras, meditation, and psychic healing. He explains current theories about how various energy therapies work and offers readers new insights into the physical and spiritual perspectives of health and disease.

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Awakening Ashley Mozart Knocks Autism On Its Ear by Sharon Ruben

From the Publisher

At 18-months, Ashley still didn't talk. When she wouldn't turn around when her name was called, her hearing came into question. She fixated on minute pieces of dirt and only ate a diet of crunchy foods. She wrapped herself up in a thick fog--impenetrable to everyone, except for Barney the Dinosaur. She worked puzzles like a kindergartener and was computer savvy before she was two-years-old. Late-night searches on the Internet hinted at a reason. A neurodevelopmental specialist confirmed it. AUTISM--a communication and social interaction disorder--a diagnosis that shook the foundation of a family and shattered a mother's world.

Ashley could hear. But she couldn't listen. A therapy to retrain her ears to perceive sound better took her back to the time in the womb--where listening begins. With the help of Mozart, Ashley was awakened! Her brain's desire to communicate was kindled, fostering a connection with her body, her family, and the world around her. Ashley had recovered!

But how could Sharon Ruben, a clinical researcher in her own right, convince the skeptics without clinical trial data to prove its effectiveness? She didn't need data. She had Ashley--it was all the proof she needed!

"Too many families are devastated and left without hope by a diagnosis of autism. Awakening Ashley restores that hope. This is a story of Sharon Ruben's courage to move beyond the label and her undying efforts to educate and advocate for her daughter's recovery." Valerie Dejean, Director, Spectrum Center, Bethesda, Maryland

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The Mozart Effect: Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit by Don Campbell

from Amazon.com

With a subtitle of Tapping the Power of Music to Heal the Body, Strengthen the Mind, and Unlock the Creative Spirit, the casual reader might jokingly ask if the book could also improve chances for world peace, bring free and open elections to third world countries, and give your wash whiter whites and brighter brights. Don Campbell's premise is, however, reasonably straightforward: he asserts that the kind of noise to which one is exposed can have important effects on mental and bodily health. As a trial, try protecting your hearing for a few days from the continuous barrage of noise in a typical urban environment; it really does seem to improve one's attitude and fatigue levels.

Where Campbell's ideas become more provocative is in the realm of music. Supported by much anecdotal evidence, he proposes that Classical music with a big "C" (the music of Mozart's period) can reach out to those who are mentally isolated from their fellows, like the autistic, and can help infants react and think better. (Will prenatal music classes be the next big trend for yuppie babies?) In addition, the music of Mozart contributes to the improved functioning of the higher cerebellar functions, including the ability to deal with logical and mathematical concepts, while contemporary rock actually decreases mental acuity. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Book Description

Anyone who has ever seen a two-year-old start bouncing to a beat knows that music speaks to us on a very deep level. But it took celebrated teacher and music visionary Don Campbell to show us just how deep, with his landmark book The Mozart Effect.

Stimulating, authoritative, and often lyrical, The Mozart Effect has a simple but life-changing message: music is medicine for the body, the mind, and the soul. Campbell shows how modern science has begun to confirm this ancient wisdom, finding evidence that listening to certain types of music can improve the quality of life in almost every respect. Here are dramatic accounts of how music is used to deal with everything from anxiety to cancer, high blood pressure, chronic pain, dyslexia, and even mental illness.

Always clear and compelling, Campbell recommends more than two dozen specific, easy-to-follow exercises to raise your spatial IQ, "sound away" pain, boost creativity, and make the spirit sing!

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Listening for Wellness: An Introduction to the Tomatis Method by Pierre Sollier

This book is based on the Tomatis method of helping people with dyslexia, ADD Autism, etc. The late Dr. Tomatis's wife says the following about this book: "This is not a simple introduction, but a masterly presentation of the discoveries of my late husband, Dr. Alfred Tomatis"

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