Rating: 
Summary: Great Companion for Parents of Quirky Kids
Review: This is a book for parents of kids whos have, or resemble those who have, any of several closely related disabilities: Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disability - Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Sensory Integration Dysfunction. But it's about the kids, not the disorders.This is NOT the book to provide an in-depth understanding of any one of these diagnostic categories. For that purpose, a book more focused on whichever condition you're concerned about will probably serve you better. For example, my own favorite scholarly resource on Asperger's Syndrome is "Asperger Syndrome" (Guilford Press, 2000), a collection of articles edited by Drs. Klin, Volkmar and Sparrow of Yale. But what this book does so well is to serve as a wise, perceptive and sympathetic counselor and friend for parents of kids who are in this spectrum. It speaks respectfully and helpfully about the whole range of real-world issues, including schools, helpful and non-so-helpful friends, maintaining your own mental health, balancing the needs of multiple kids when one or more has exceptional needs, genuinely appreciating your kid's strengths and quirks, understanding the heartaches and long-term worries. The authors always seem to "get" that this quirkiness doesn't come in only one flavor, or even in only a few flavors. They address, frankly, realistically and with real understanding and compassion, the fears and worries that parents of these kids are experiencing. Where so many of the books I've read, and helping professionals with whom we've consulted, seem to illustrate the parable of the six blind men describing the elephant, Drs. Klass and Costello, the authors of "Quirky Kids," seem to see, and appreciate, the whole creature. I'm REALLY glad I found this book, and I warmly recommend it to parents of quirky kids.
Rating:
Summary: A Worthwhile Book
Review: This is a great book. I would highly suggest it to any parent of a child with autism or asperger's. Very good sections on both elementary school issues and chapters on post elementary school issues also--not just pure educational issues but a strong discussion on social issues as well.
Rating:
Summary: Understanding, practical help for parents w/ difficult kids
Review: This is one of those rare books that deserves more than 5 stars. As the mom of a challenging, hard-to-parent kid, this book was tremendously helpful and comforting. I only wish I'd read it five years ago, when I first started to feel as though my child was "different" and "quirky" but chalked it up to being a first-time mom and worrywart. The book does a great job of explaining different kinds of behavior that quirky kids exhibit; defines and distinguishes between different diagnoses that quirky kids may receive (like Asperger's, attention deficit and sensory integration); talks about real-world problems that arise while parenting a quirky kid; gives practical advice for how to handle troublesome behaviors and situations; offers guidance for getting quirky children the best, most effective education from infancy through the teen years; talks realistically about various therapies; and most of all, provides reassurance and comfort. I especially appreciated the quotes from real parents of quirky kids. If you've ever suspected your kid might be "different," "quirky" or "abnormal", if you've ever wondered whether your kid's troublesome behavior was normal or something more, if you've flirted with the idea of seeking professional help for a child you love, please read this book. You will be better able to distinguish between what may be a significant problem and what's just a stage, and you will find comfort, strength and hope for the journey ahead.
Rating:
Summary: A marvelous blend of expertise and compassion
Review: This unique book is a must-read for all parents with quirky kids. Drs. Klass and Costello offer an excellent roadmap for parents at all stages of adaptation and learning, from the difficult and confusing period of their child's diagnosis up through their early adulthood. Throughout the book, the authors strike a skillful balance, gently urging parents to look on the bright side -- quirky kids can be quite interesting and entertaining -- while simultaneously acknowledging how painful and stressful it can be to have children who beat to such different drummers. The writing is wise and compassionate from first page to last. And there is much in this book for readers other than the parents of quirky kids. Clearly, it is a vital resource for all those who work with children, such as teachers and pediatricians. And it's a valuable read for others as well, from aunts and uncles to babysitters and little league coaches alike. As Klass and Costello make clear, quirky kids' lives would be much less stressful -- and less lonely -- if more people reacted with understanding and recognition, accepted their oddities, and/or offered a patient ear (if even to an hour of baseball statistics). This book is likely to inspire and assist many adults to be such a supportive figure. That will surely ease the lives of many quirky kids and their parents as well.
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