Emotional, Social, and Mental Health Book Recommendations |
The following includes recommendations of websites, parenting books, and self-help workbooks*. These resources may be helpful for minor problems, in conjunction with professional care, or if you are on a waiting list with a professional and want to get started right away.
These cannot take the place of an evaluation and treatment by qualified medical or mental health care providers. If you have serious concerns about the wellbeing of your child, or if you are a self-advocate and have serious concerns about your own wellbeing, we recommend that you seek a professional opinion. Signs of problems that require immediate professional attention include self-injury (e.g., cutting, scratching, burning oneself), talk about suicide, not wanting to live, or wishing one was never born, sudden changes in behavior, aggression, or loss of previously acquired self-help skills (e.g., bathing, toileting).
Anytime you have questions is the right time to seek help.
*The links to the included books are through Amazon Smile, although they may be available through other resources. Amazon Smile donates a percentage of eligible sales to a charity or nonprofit you select. If you select IMDSA, Amazon will donate a percentage of your sale to IMDSA!
Guides for parents
Mental Wellness in Adults with Down Syndrome: A Guide to Emotional and Behavioral Strengths and Challenges
by Dennis McGuire et al.
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1890627658
Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child The Heart of Parenting
by John Gottman, Ph.D. , Joan Declaire
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/0684838656/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_KxrFDbHA54662
1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2–12
by Thomas W. Phelan
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1889140708
Surviving Your Adolescents: How to Manage and Let Go of Your 13–18 Year Olds
by Thomas W Phelan PhD
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1889140600
How to Talk So Teens Will Listen and Listen So Teens Will Talk
by Adele Faber (Author), Elaine Mazlish (Contributor)
smile.amazon.com/dp/0060741260/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_XsrFDbHR03782
Your Defiant Child, Second Edition: Eight Steps to Better Behavior
by Russell A. Barkley PhD ABPP ABCN et al.
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1462510078
No More Meltdowns: Positive Strategies for Managing and Preventing Out-Of-Control Behavior 1st Edition
by Jed Baker
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/More-Meltdowns-Strategies-Out---Control/dp/1932565620/
Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality
by Terri Couwenhoven
Link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/189062733X/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_kJJeDbKTEKB1E
Emotion and Social Education Books for Children:
Free Spirit Publishing
Offering a huge collection of mental health and social skills books for young children through teen and young adults.
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/Free-Spirit-Publishing
Guides for young adults and self-advocates
These resources are self-help workbooks for teens, young adults, and self-advocates. The biggest challenge with using self-help books is consistency. For them to be helpful, you must read them and complete the activities on a regular basis. Set aside a regular time to do them and schedule that time in your calendar or phone, and set reminders to do them. Plan to reward yourself each time you complete an activity by doing something special. Some examples of self-rewards might include watching a movie, calling a friend, going for a walk, playing a game, taking a bubble bath. Choose something fun to reward yourself for your hard work!
Depression
The Social Success Workbook for Teens: Skill-Building Activities for Teens with Nonverbal Learning Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, and Other Social-Skill Problems (Teen Instant Help)
by Barbara Cooper MPS et al.
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1572246146
The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Build Confidence and Achieve Your Goals (Instant Help Book for Teens)
by Lisa M. Schab LCSW
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1608825825
Beyond the Blues: A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression (Teen Instant Help)
by Lisa M. Schab LCSW
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1572246111
Anxiety
Talking Back to OCD: The Program That Helps Kids and Teens Say "No Way" -- and Parents Say "Way to Go"
by John S. March MD MPH et al.
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1593853556
The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety and Worry
by Lisa M. Schab LCSW
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1572246030
The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook for Teens: CBT and ACT Skills to Help You Build Social Confidence (Instant Help Book for Teens)
by Jennifer Shannon LMFT et al.
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1608821870
Anger
The Anger Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anger and Frustration (Instant Help)
by Raychelle Cassada Lohmann MS LPC et al.
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1572246995
Bullying
StopBullying.gov. Contains information for parents, teens, and kids. Includes games and videos for how to deal with bullies.
PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center www.pacer.org
Cyberbullying and Online Safety
The Bullying Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Social Aggression and Cyberbullying
by Raychelle Cassada Lohmann MS LPC et al.
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1608824500
Cutting and Self-Injury
Information for parents: http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/cutting.html
Stopping the Pain: A Workbook for Teens Who Cut and Self Injure
by Lawrence Shapiro PhD
Link: http://smile.amazon.com/dp/1572246022
Dating and Relationships
Boyfriends & Girlfriends: A Guide to Dating for People with Disabilities
by Terri Couwenhoven
Link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1606132555/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_oKJeDbXQ52EAV