Books with author Joyce Libal

Jeff's family and friends described him as "good-looking," "fun-loving," "quick-witted," and "talented." He was kind, friendly, ambitious and always succeeded at every task he undertook. No one was surprised when Jeff was selected to represent his school in an international exchange program. But when Jeff returned to Ridgemont High a year later, everyone was shocked at his change in behavior. Why was Jeff so angry and out of control? Could it have something to do with his health? Many medical conditions have serious psychological components and effects. Sometimes, a medical condition in the body can lead to medical disorders of the mind. These are called mental disorders due to a medical condition. Adolescents are among those who suffer from medical conditions, and they are not immune to the accompanying psychological issues that may be involved. But mental disorders caused by medical conditions bring additional challenges to adolescents. Everyday care, management, regulating medication, and the emotional ramifications of medical conditions can be difficult for anyone. Attempting to balance these challenges while maintaining schoolwork, jobs, and extra-curricular activities can add to the stress for young people. In this book, you will learn about some medical disorders, the psychological complications that can result, and the treatments available to fight them. Along the way, you will explore the advances in drug treatment for psychological disorders, how such drugs work, and the risks and side effects associated with these treatments. Numerous case studies and stories of young people like Jeff who are coping with mental disorders caused by medical conditions illustrate the realities of these illnesses, while a chapter on alternative treatment adds information about additional treatment options.

Speech impairment is a common challenge among youth. Unfortunately, it is a challenge that, despite its frequency, can cause severe emotional and social distress for those who experience it. Stigma and prejudice can present particularly difficult emotional trials and social roadblocks to youth with speech impairments. All too often, these young people are assumed to be less capable, immature, or even unintelligent because of their communication barriers. Education is the key to dissolving the common assumptions and prejudices held against those with speech impairments. Fortunately more and more people are learning that speech impairments do not mean these children are less intelligent or less capable than others. Today many doctors, teachers, and organizations are committed to educating the public about speech impairment. They are helping youth with these conditions break down their communication barriers and reach their full potential. In Finding My Voice: Youth with Speech Impairments, you will learn about different types of speech impairments and about speech therapy. Along the way you will meet David, a boy who struggles with stuttering, and Martha who conquers problems with articulation. As David and Martha navigate the many challenges speech impairments pose, you will learn about the struggles, fears, joys, disappointments, and triumphs they meet while on their journeys.

When a young person can't speak easily, sometimes other kids think he's not very intelligent. That's often not the case, though. A person with a speech impairment may be just as bright as anyone else. In this book, you'll read about David, who struggles with stuttering, and Martha, who has difficulty articulating certain sounds. You'll discover how they overcome their challenges—and how they rise above the prejudice they each face.

Find out what it takes to be a member of the military... The military has several branches: •Army, •Navy, •Air Force, and •Marines. Each branch offers a wide variety of opportunities, including the elite forces. Do you think you might like to dedicate a portion of your life to the service of your country? The major requirement for military service is strength of character; that means you must posses qualities like trustworthiness... Respect... Responsibility... Fairness... And citizenship. If these traits are yours, a career in the military may interest you—and it could lead to successful civilian employment as well. Military & Elite Forces Officer will tell you how.

Find out what it takes to be a professional athlete or sports official... The sports world offers many opportunities. Professionals work as: •Athletes, •Coaches, •Umpires and referees, and •Other sports officials. The world of professional sports is exciting—and demanding. You'll need physical coordination, strength, endurance...and a good character. As an athlete, coach, or sports official, you must demonstrate integrity, so that others will trust your leadership... Have the courage to stand up for what is right... Be self-disciplined enough to stick to your career until you succeed... Act on behalf of your community, demonstrating your citizenship. Find out more about this exciting career—read Professional Athlete & Sports Official.

If your parents were unable to care for you, where would you go? Do you have family or friends who would take you in and support you? Unfortunately, many children don't have this option. The foster care system was put in place to help young people who find themselves without homes. As you follow the story of Bobby and Cara, two children whose family was torn apart, you'll discover more about the foster care system. You'll learn about the history behind the system, from the Orphan Trains in the United States to the British Home Children who were originally sent to Canada—and you'll discover some of the challenges young people in the foster care system face today.

Substance-related disorders are among the most prevalent of all mental disorders. They affect people in every part of society, and their consequences can be painful, traumatic, expensive, and even deadly. Furthermore, the negative consequences of substance-related disorders do not only affect the substance user; they touch the lives of the user's friends, family, coworkers, and other relations as well. From caffeine to alcohol, spray paint to cocaine, glue to nicotine, many different chemicals, both legal and illegal, can cause substance-related disorders. With so many substances available for use and misuse, how do you know which substances are addictive? Furthermore, why are they addictive, and what dangers do they pose? This book provides answers to many of these difficult questions. In addition to learning about addictive substances and substance abuse, you will learn about the treatments available for substance-related disorders and how some doctors are using medication to treat drug abuse. Take the first step toward understanding this all-too common category of mental disorders by reading Substance-Related Disorders.

Not every child is lucky enough to live in a safe, loving home. Many young people live in difficult, unhealthy, or even dangerous conditions. Luckily, there are systems in place to help kids caught in theses situations. Child protective services are working hard to help children in need. Ryan Delaney is one of these kids. He spends most of his time living in a fantasy world, because that's easier than facing his real life. He lies to his friends about his parents and his home—but eventually, the truth catches up with him, forcing him to get the help he needs. As you read Ryan's story, you will learn about the history of the child protective services and find out about the programs and services offered today.

When a young person cant speak easily, sometimes other kids think hes not very intelligent. Thats often not the case, though. A person with a speech impairment may be just as bright as anyone else. In this book, youll read about David, who struggles with stuttering, and Martha, who has difficulty articulating certain sounds. Youll discover how they overcome their challengesand how they rise above the prejudice they each face.