Beyond the Label: A Guide to Unlocking a Child's Educational Potential [Paperback]

Beyond The Label is a book every parent, professional, and psychology student must have at their fingertips. The authors do a phenomenal job demystifying and educating the layman and the professional alike why a child may struggle in school based on a myriad of complex issues. These issues include but are not limited to: attention, concentration, memory, language, speech, executive functioning, and social skills. In addition, the authors explain when, why, and what other professionals (such as psychologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, educational therapists, speech language pathologists, and occupational therapists) need to be involved. Not only do the authors give a behind the scenes glimpse of what issues the professionals face when ferreting out and resolving problems a child encounters, but also, the authors cite a multiplicity of practical no-nonsense and realistic examples each person involved with the patient, including the mother, the father, and/or the teacher encounters intellectually, behaviorally, and emotionally. The powerful impact of this book first came to light when I began reading the story about Claire. I received a telephone call from a frantic single, yet loving and caring mother, regarding her child. This wonderful mother thought she was all alone in what she was experiencing with her son. She expressed her profound frustration and anger because her son was misbehaving and out of control. She said to me, "What am I doing wrong as a mother? No matter how many times I ask him to do his homework or get up for school he fails to do so. He is such a bright young man and yet is not able to achieve his potential." I asked this dedicated mother if she had a few minutes. She said she did. I then took the time to read her Claire's story. At the conclusion of the story, I heard a huge sigh of relief from the mother on the other end of the phone. The mother thanked me and said this is exactly what she needed to hear. I subsequently, told her, "You should not be thanking me - you should be reading this book." In fact, I gave her my copy!!

Beyond The Label is an invaluable resource for parents, educators, and anyone working with school aged children and teens. In my work with children, teens, and families, I see firsthand how difficult it can be to hear that your child has a learning struggle. Parents often find themselves with more questions than answers especially after meeting with well intentioned school staff concerned about that child's ability to learn and "access the curriculum". Beyond The Label provides answers as well as thoughtful explanations about learning, behavioral, and social challenges that may inhibit or prevent school related success. The books structure is linear and well conceived so that parents can learn more about their child's: academic rights to receive an education that meets their needs even with the presence of a learning disability; the kind of professional or assessment your child may need based on the presenting problems; help parents and school staff explore accommodations or remedial services that will foster a successful learning experience; and provide specific interventions so that parents and teachers can meet the needs of that child in and out of school. Beyond The Label has become a prominent resource in my practice and will continue to be a "must read" for parents that have a child with learning difficulties.

Karen Schiltz, Ph.D. has written a book that I wish were around years ago when I was raising my own children. Now, as I have been involved in the rearing of my grandchildren, I find "Beyond the Label" to be a great handbook for an aging grandparent like myself. It is clear, concise, and to the point. The book is set up in a way that it's very easy to locate and read about a solution to a specific problem. I will definitely keep my copy nearby and refer to it when I, or others around me, have questions that deserve educated answers.