Kids in the Syndrome Mix

by Martin L. Kutscher, Robert R. Wolff, Tony Attwood (Contributor)

Kids in the Syndrome Mix is a concise, scientifically up-to-date, all-in-one guide to the whole range of often co-existing neuro-behavioral disorders in children-from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder, to autistic spectrum disorders, nonverbal learning disabilities, sensory integration problems, and executive dysfunction. Dr. Kutscher provides accessible information on causes, symptoms, interactions with other conditions, and treatments. He presents effective behavioral strategies for responding to children who display traits of these disorders-whether at home, at school, or in other settings-along with case vignettes and practical tips. The author's sympathetic yet upbeat approach and skillful explanations of the inner world of children in the syndrome mix make this an invaluable companion for parents, teachers, professionals, and anyone else who needs fast and to-the-point advice on children with special needs.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Parenting, Psychology, Adhd, Education, Health

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Donna Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an interesting read on many levels.
It takes an extremely complicated mixture of syndromes and attempts to explain them in an updated, professional, and considerate manner. In some ways this is a good thing, they definitely need explaining. I've actually heard people say and even seen memes on the internet talking about ADHD, for example, I'll paraphrase, but they all go something like this, Back when I was in school kids were just hyper, now they all have ADHD. Sigh, yes, nothing in the world has changed since you were in school decades ago. Oh, what are these magical machines we use, connecting us with people around the globe, what sorcery is this? This isn’t the dark ages, times change. When I was in school few imagined we would all have personal computers let alone laptops, tablets, smartphones, computer glasses and watches, etc.
I can’t even begin to list the things that we’ve learned about medicine, science, nature, space, time, and more in the past couple of decades. Things change, sometimes for the better, sometimes not, but you can count on one thing, they change. Minimizing, mocking, ignoring, or denying something doesn’t make it go away and doesn’t make it any less real.
People also used to think people with Epilepsy and Autism were possessed by demons, should we stick to that theory?
Instead of mocking these complex syndromes, people would do better to try to show some understanding, compassion, empathy, and caring. Different doesn’t mean bad or less, just different.
Thankfully children and adults with neurological differences, who are on the Autism Spectrum, who have Learning Disorders, Tourette’s, ADHD, and/or other syndromes are treated with dignity and respect in this optimistic and caring resource by Dr. Martin L. Kutscher.
I also really enjoyed the contribution of Tony Attwood regarding recent knowledge and diagnostic criteria in the field.
The only downside was that in trying to disseminate this amount of information in one book, some readers who aren’t familiar with the subjects may feel overwhelmed.
Overall, I would highly recommend this to parents who are struggling through the syndrome labyrinth, turning one way then the next and the next, hitting dead-ends or ending up right back where they started. Books like this are a beacon of light that show the way, clearly and kindly.

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't a book you ever truly finish, but one you reference back to until it's instinct.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a blessing to me. I think I said out loud three or four times while I was reading it "I wish I had this earlier!"

Each chapter begins with a brief introduction to the technical part of each diagnosis, using the DSM-5 terminology. Then, the diagnosis is further broken down in layman's terms and many examples and practical application is given. I thought it was interesting to see how if a child has a certain diagnosis what the likelihood is that they will have a comorbid diagnosis.

I have a child with Tourette's syndrome, inattentive ADHD with executive functioning issues and perfectionism (which I also found out that a perfectionist isn't actually how most of us use it in dialogue) and anxiety disorder. Throughout this book I found many things that described my child that I could finally put a finger and a name on. We have been in CBT for over a year with her and I was relieved to find that it was a successful way of treating some of the complications of her syndrome mix.

The book dealt equally with parental strategies and teacher/classroom strategies, but in our home, we have both as a homeschool family. It helped me decide what I was doing well that was working, and what I was doing poorly that wasn't working and to create a unique strategy for my child.

So many times, a child won't fit the "textbook" idea or definition of a syndrome and that will keep doctors, teachers, friends and family from believing you as a parents when you know your child has a problem. This book gave me so much information in such a digestible way that helped me realize that I wasn't crazy for having a SMART kiddo with ADHD (the diagnosis was discounted multiple times because she was "so smart.").

I borrowed this book from the library, but I just ordered my own copy to reread, highlight, bookmark and dog ear. This will be a reference for me and I will recommend it to everyone I know who is sharing a similar struggle.

I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!

[Lillian Angelovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful starting point for learning if someone you know, work with, or live with - or even yourself - has been diagnosed with any one of the many conditions in the "syndrome mix". The author offers a useful assortment of information that can serve as a guide to recognizing possible additions to a single diagnosis, as well as better-understanding the differences between neurological conditions that can be confusingly similar. It's also a good reference for going back and reviewing symptoms and suggestions. The first two chapters (both with titles beginning "Read This Chapter!") are applicable to ALL these diagnoses and deserve regular review. While the book does not go in-depth into any of the topics discussed, there are many other information sources out there that you can turn to AFTER reading this one.

[Wendy Harms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Week 26 book 26. Kids in the Syndrome Mix by Martin L.Kutscher, Tony Attwood. I had never even substitute taught a day in my life when on a run by my kid’s local elementary school I read on the marque that they were hiring a PE teacher. This job opportunity was so perfect that I couldn’t stop myself from applying. In the middle of my run I found myself in the principal’s office asking about the position, within five minutes, my face still flushed with perspiration dripping down my neck, I was sitting in a job interview with the principal and one of the fourth grade teachers Mrs. Crook. When I walked out of the office that sunny summer morning I had the new official title of PE specialist. This Spring marks the finish of my tenth year working at JA Taylor. The word work doesn’t describe accurately what I do at the school ten hours each week. I could most often substitute the word work with hobby, an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure. I get to lead energetic adorable kids in playing games every afternoon for a couple of hours. One of the downsides of my play happens when children feel unhappy, and I feel frustrated because of behavioral issues. Many of these less than pleasant interactions occur due to multiple issues experienced by so many children. I found this book so helpful. Its goal was to, “Cover multiple neuropsychiatric conditions in one text, striving to show how these syndromes frequently mix together in the same child.” The book explains the cause, symptoms, and treatment of each problem and suggests ideas of helpful ways to interact with the child. After completing the book, my hope is that I will be more aware of the factors at play, so I will be more successful at helping the children play

[Sara Westhead · Rating 3 out of 5]

I cannot speak for the rest of the book, in that I don't know too much about some of the other conditions in the book (other than anxiety and sensory integration), but I felt that the author underestimated the challenges children on the autism spectrum (chapter 5) have with literal verbal/spoken communication skills. These children definitely have challenges with non-verbal communication, but many also struggle with receptive language, due to being very literal and having difficulty with understanding abstracting concepts and figurative language. They also often have great difficulty in expressing themselves verbally, particularly in regards to emotions, etc. This can be overlooked as a child, especially 'high functioning' may be seen to have extensive language skills due to their 'little professor'-like speech and hyperlexia. These two issues are extremely important for an educator to take into account when communicating/teaching a child on the spectrum.

[Mikel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked a lot of the concrete suggestions on what to try with your kids that the author gives in this book. Several of the other books can be vague and frustrating on this point with authors telling you to learn how to avoid a situation. Well, great, we'd all avoid difficult situations with our kids if we could but we're reading these books to find out how to do that. Each chapter in this book gives very clear concise recommendations. Obviously not all of them are going to work for you, your child, or your family but it's very helpful to have a solid list of things to start trying.

[Emily Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will continue to reference this book as the years go by. Parenting kids with a syndrome mix while living with your own is a trip, but works like this do help me try to make sense of it all. I wish I had been given this book to read before “Your Child Does Not Have Bipolar Disorder” so we could have potentially skipped some of the trial and error that resulted in manic activation and more burnout and demand avoidance. But I’m here now, and I know a hell of a lot more than I did a year or two ago. This book will continue to be a companion for me as my children grow.

[Leslea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for all teachers.

Anyone with a kid who learns "differently" would benefit from reading this. I particularly appreciated the quiz in the back that reminded me my frustration isn't helping him learn at all, and he isn't choosing to have these differences. I've been dealing with this situation for years, I still took a lot away from the book. I actually have some tools now for helping BOTH of my special learners, one of whom remains undiagnosed in grade 11.

[Rachel Grepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all kids on the various spectrums are created equal. Finally good to read a boom that agrees with that! As a parent of a Aspergers child as well as a children's ministry leader, resources like this one are of major value. I did feel like some more "meat" could have been added, but other than that it was good. Well written, well cited and bits of humor thrown in just to keep you from getting too serious.

[Bethany Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book strongly enough to the parent or teacher wondering if their child is neuro-divergent, or with a new and perhaps incomplete diagnosis. It will help parents understand what their child is going through, why they act the way they do, and how to help them. It presents information in an approachable, engaging way with just enough humor to make the atypical parenting journey less overwhelming.

[Heather Touw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great in general informational book on the different types of disorders and which types a child can have co-existing. I wish this book had been around for my daughter for when she was diagnosed with ADHD. This book provides resources for further in-depth reading on the different syndromes. Also, this book isn't for just parents, it's also for teachers, and pschcologists wanting to learn more infomation about the syndromes and how to best help the child.

[Niklas Angmyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

En utmärkt bok att återkomma till vg NPF. Detaljerad, konkret och skriven med en drastisk ton som jag som bekymrad förälder känner igen mig i. Allt innehåll är sannolikt inte relevant för alla föräldrar tilt NPF-barn men helheten greppar allt som torde vara relevant - det är också skönt som förälder att konkludera att alla neuropsykiatriska besvär inte angår mitt barn.

[Michelle Schroeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see this being very helpful for teachers.
As a spouse and parent of someone with TS, I personally wanted more strategies and helpful tips on Tourette's Syndrome, but was disappointed when the section was just 9 pages long. The info in the book was the basics and, unfortunately, didn't tell me anything that I didn't already know about TS.

[Ferrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was super helpful in helping me learn about some of the things that so many kids are going through these days. Looking forward to looking back on it and using it as a reference and guide in the future!

[Azure · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, comprehensive resource to understand, assess, and support children with any of these common conditions.

[Rachel Hartmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource for parents and teachers to help understand their kiddos!

[Ashley Ann Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book!! Learned so much about my two boys disabilities from this one!! Highly recommended!!

[T.S.S. Fulk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good over
View of different heir psychological diagnoses.

[Elorigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely insightful and helpful for both educators, other professionals, and the families of children who experience any combination of the topics covered.

[Janet Zutler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wish everyone would read this book, but minimally parents of special needs children, and anyone working with special needs children.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPER helpful information.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly informative introductory read into several syndromes children may be diagnosed with. A definite recommended read for teachers.

[Sarah Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guidebook for treating kids in the therapy room.

[Maria Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, clear, helpful resource!

[Danielle Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great overview of symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book rather interesting and quite informative about the neuropsychiatric disorders listed in the title. What I found most intriguing were the authors descriptions of what multiple disorders in children would look like and how parents, teachers, and doctors can identify which ones are being displayed in their children. From their keen observations, they can work out a plan together as a team to assist the child(ren) with some helpful learning adaptations in the classroom and at home.

My favorite quote from the book in regards to Asperger's Syndrome is this:

"...Such individuals have a different perception of the world, way of thinking, and set of priorities. The brain is wired differently not defectively. The person prioritizes the pursuit of knowledge, perfection, and truth, and the understanding of the physical world above feelings and interpersonal experiences. This can lead to valued talents, but also vulnerabilities in the social world of school. But consider this: Asperger's syndrome may be the next stage of human evolution."

Wow.

The book contains:

Introduction
Chapter 1 Read this Chapter! General Principles of Diagnosis
Chapter 2 Read this Chapter! General Principles of Treatment
Chapter 3 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Chapter 4 Specific Learning Disorders (LDs)
Chapter 5 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): An Overview
Chapter 6 Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1 (Asperger's Syndrome) and its Treatment
Chapter 7 Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Chapter 8 Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID or SPD)
Chapter 9 Tics and Tourette's
Chapter 10 Depression
Chapter 11 Bipolar Disorder
Chapter 12 Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Chapter 13 Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPDs)
Chapter 14 Medications
Appendix 1 Behavioral Checklist
Appendix 2 Quick Quiz on Executive Function
Appendix 3 Dealing with Insomnia: Sleep Hygiene
Appendix 4 Further Reading

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As both an advocate and a parent for my special needs children, I am constantly in search of the latest information on diagnostics and regulations. With upcoming IEP meetings and constant doctor appointments, it is vital to have the latest information. This book is an excellent source of information that really breaks down the latest changes in the DSM. It is well written so both teachers and parents can use this book in and out of the classroom. The authors have broken down various disorders such as ADHD, Autism, Bi-polar disorder, language disorder, etc. Each chapter describes the syndrome and provides information on behavior, medication, DSM regulations, and etc. This is beyond resourceful and really helps the reader understand how their family member is coping with their disorder. The book also reinforces that many syndromes like ADHD are co-morbid, which indicates that they are hand in hand with a second diagnosis. A child might have a ADHD and Autism, etc. The authors take the time to teach the reader the proper way to reach the person struggling to manage their dual diagnoses.

As I stated before I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be very helpful for my situation and it answered many of my questions. I have a child that is both Bi-polar, ADHD, and learning impaired. The authors really gave me some ideas that might help me reach her and also gave me some hope. My daughter is newly diagnosed and luckily is only 9. Catching the illness at a young age makes a big difference! I have to recommend this book to all teachers and parents that work with special needs children. If you are a parent like myself who is struggling with the everyday raising of a unique child than this book will help you! It is an absolute must for your library and I know I will be returning to it in the future.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a social worker for developmentally disabled kids, I thought this did quite a good job hitting broad introductions to a wide variety of childhood disorders, including how they mimic each other, where they overlap, and how their treatments help and hinder each other.

My only fault with this is that Chapter 2 ("Read this Chapter! General Principles of Treatment") is a 25 page long list of "techniques for adjusting your own mindset, mov(ing) on to understanding the child's mindset, and then discuss(ing) how to change the child's behavior" (p. 27). But really? It felt like a 25 page long list. I nearly put the book down because it was so never-ending and didn't feel organized enough to be worth my time.

However, I did stick through that chapter, and the rest of the book was very well organized and wonderfully informational. Highly recommended, and if Chapter 2 isn't doing much for you, just skip it.

[Jennifer Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only book I've found that helps parents and teachers look at symptoms or traits and be able to see where their child could fit in to one or more diagnoses. (With mental or emotional issues, most kids have more than diagnosis.) I copied the chapter on Asperger's for my son's teacher at the beginning of the school year and she found it immensely helpful. If you have a child who is struggling and you don't know how to help, I would start with this book. It's a great jumping off point where you can start with a synopsis and then move into researching specific topics in greater detail. Highly recommended.