Books with author Shirley Brinkerhoff

ADHD is a common condition in which kids are too energetic and have problems concentrating on one task. All too often, students with ADHD are simply thought to be "problem students," students who aren't trying hard enough or have discipline problems. Today, though, more and more people are becoming aware that ADHD is a serious medical condition, and there are medications and therapies that can help those who have it. As you read Connor's story in this book, you'll find out what it's like to live with ADHD. You'll see some of the challenges he faces as a result of his condition—and you'll discover what schools and families are doing to help kids like Connor live with their disabilities.

Learning disabilities are extremely common. Teachers and parents often make the mistake of thinking children with these disabilities aren't trying hard enough or simply aren't as intelligent as other students—but in reality, young people with learning disabilities simply need special attention and a different approach to learning. Read about Charlie Begay, who thought he liked school, at least until he got to first grade. Now, no matter how hard he tries, he just can't make the words on the pages make sense—and his teacher doesn't seem to understand how hard he's trying. As you read Charlie's story, you'll discover some of the issues young people with learning disabilities face in today's educational system—and you'll learn how the educational system can help students overcome their disabilities.

At twenty-seven, Sheila is already on the verge of a second divorce. She has a degree in early elementary education, but still can't decide on a career. Suffering from a continual feeling of emptiness and unsure of who she is, Sheila is terrified of losing her husband, yet seems to do everything she can to drive him away. With almost no friends and a strong compulsion to cut herself, Sheila's future looks bleak. Trent knows that everyone is out to get him. One by one, he spoils every chance for friendship by suspecting everyone wants to hurt him. He's sure that his wife, Angela, is having an affair, and nothing she says or does can convince him otherwise. Now, he's begun to hear voices...but no one is there. It is estimated that 15 percent of Americans suffer from at least one personality disorder; many have more than one But what is a personality disorder? Can it be treated? If so, how? What can Sheila, Trent, and people like them do about their troublesome symptoms? These are just a few of the questions Personality Disorders answers. Learn about these common forms of mental illness and the treatments that bring new hope to those who suffer with them.

A high school student allows herself to eat less than six hundred calories a day. Months go by as her body withers. Her friends and family are aghast at her emaciated appearance. Nevertheless, she still agonizes over being "too fat." A college student regularly downs six or seven thousand calories in a single hour. Then she makes herself throw up before her body can digest the massive amount of food. Eating disorders like these affect five million people each year in America alone, and many more millions in other countries. Ninety percent of those who have eating disorders are females. More than ten percent of the people hospitalized with anorexia nervosa will die as a result of the disease. Eating Disorders tells the stories of two young women who struggle with anorexia and bulimia and how they found help. Although eating disorders are among the most difficult of psychiatric illnesses to treat, new advances in care are being made. Many individuals with eating disorders are helped by concerned health professionals and by treatment programs that use the latest medical, behavioral, and pharmacological therapies. In this book, you will learn about eating disorders, the devastating effects they can have, and the treatments that can bring hope back to sufferers' emaciated lives.

Find out what it takes to be a social worker with character... Social workers help children and adults identify their problems, decide on effective solutions, and find reliable resources. They do this in a variety of settings, including: •Community centers; •Settlement houses; •Schools; •Hospitals; •Prisons; and •Nursing homes. In order to enter the field of social work, a bachelor's degree is required, and many jobs require a master's as well. Academic knowledge alone is not enough, though. Because social workers enter their clients' lives in times of trouble, need or crisis, they need to possess all the qualities of a good character. Clients need a worker who is trustworthy, compassionate, and fair; one who is responsible in his or her work, and who practices self-discipline and good citizenship toward all clients. Social workers with these qualities will have the opportunity to do a world of good in their communities. Read Social Worker and find out how.

From living with blindness, deafness, autism, or brain injury to struggling through the juvenile court or foster care systems, there are many types of special needs among youth today. This 15-book series explores the challenges facing youth with special needs, as well as the many types of services available to support these young people in their quest for personal achievement and social acceptance. By combining factual information with fictional stories, these books bring to life the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of youth with special needs, providing an education of the heart as well as the mind.