Wendy L. Moss - The Survival Guide for Kids with Physical Disabilities and Challenges

Text copyright 2015 by Wendy L. Moss, Ph.D., and Susan A. Taddonio, D.P.T.

Illustrations copyright 2015 by Free Spirit Publishing Inc.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Moss, Wendy (Wendy L.)

The survival guide for kids with physical disabilities and challenges / Wendy L. Moss, Susan A. Taddonio.

1 online resource.

Summary: Provides tools and resources to help children with physical disabilities and challenges cope with social, emotional, and academic difficulties. Helps children stay motivated to make a bright future for themselves Provided by publisher.

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.

ISBN 978-1-63198-034-3 (Web PDF) ISBN 978-1-63198-035-0 (epub) ISBN 978-1-63198-033-6 (paperback) 1. Children with disabilitiesJuvenile literature. 2. Children with disabilitiesPsychologyJuvenile literature. 3. Children with disabilitiesEducationJuvenile literature. I. Taddonio, Susan A. II. Title.

HV903

613.087dc23

2015018987

Free Spirit Publishing does not have control over or assume responsibility for author or third-party websites and their content. At the time of this books publication, all facts and figures cited within are the most current available. All telephone numbers, addresses, and website URLs are accurate and active; all publications, organizations, websites, and other resources exist as described in this book; and all have been verified as of June 2015. If you find an error or believe that a resource listed here is not as described, please contact Free Spirit Publishing. Parents, teachers, and other adults: We strongly urge you to monitor childrens use of the Internet.

Reading Level Grade 5; Interest Level Ages 914;

Fountas & Pinnell Guided Reading Level V

Edited by Eric Braun

Cover and interior design by Colleen Rollins

Illustrations by Ann Kronheimer

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To Kenneth Moss, a man who doesnt judge a book by its
cover and looks for the silver lining in each cloud. He
celebrates the good in others, and I celebrate having him
in my life!W.M.

To Cody, my son, whose empathy, honesty, and sense
of humor have impacted so many, and to Alexus, my
daughter, who is brilliant and determined, who is the
strongest woman, and who will one day change the world!S.T.

Introduction

Coping with Your Challenge

Do you ever feel different and alone?

Do you ever wonder what other kids with physical disabilities or difficulties feel?

Do you wonder what they do to overcome problems and obstacles?

Do you sometimes feel jealous of kids who dont have physical challenges?

Do you sometimes wish you didnt have to do your therapy exercises?

Does your physical issue make you feel sad, angry, frustrated, or scared?

Do you worry about the future?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is for you!

How This Book Can Help You

Since you are reading this book, you probably have a physical disability or challenge. You might have a long-term physical difficulty. Or maybe you have a chronic illness or a serious medical concern. Whatever your condition, you may find that you face challenges other kids dont have to deal with. And were not just talking about your physical challenges. At times, a physical issue can lead to feeling misunderstood. Some kids become unhappy with how they see themselves. And some feel like nobody else knows what its like to be in their shoes.

Of course, nobody can know exactly what its like to be you. But the truth is, you are not alone. Lots of kids deal with physical issues just like you do. And they face lots of the same questions and problems. Youll meet a bunch of these kids in this book. We have worked with hundreds of young people who have struggled with physical differences or illnesses. That includes kids with physical challenges like cerebral palsy, seizures, spina bifida, rheumatoid arthritis, amputations, and Crohns disease. Their stories are the heart of this book. We have changed names and combined the details about many individuals, but the struggles and successes are real. Even if you dont see anyone here who has the exact same physical issue as you, you will probably find that you face similar concerns and challenges.

I never talked to anyone else who shared their feelings about having a disability. None of my friends have one. My friends are great and they try to understand me. Still, I wish I had a chance to find out how another kid deals with having a disability and getting through each day.Alexander, age 11

Reading this book may help you feel less alone. It will also give you lots of ideas for feeling more positive and managing your physical issues. It can help you get along better with your family and friends. Youll find ideas for helping others understand you and learn how to help and support you.

Kids live in all kinds of families. When you read about parents in this book, think of the adult or adults who live with and take care of you. This might be your dad, mom, stepparent, foster parents, guardians, or adult relatives.

How to Use This Book

It can be really helpful to read this book with your parents and discuss it with them. If you prefer, feel free to read it by yourself. Just be sure to talk about what you read with your mom, dad, or another adult you trust.

You can read this book straight through or skip around. Thats up to you. Youll probably get the most benefit if you read all of it. But if theres something you want help with right now, look it up in the index or check out these chapter summaries:

Chapter 1: Who Are You... Really? Here, you can look at how you see yourself and who you really arebeyond your medical or physical problem.

Chapter 2: Helping Other Kids Understand You. Discover strategies for teaching kids around you about the total package that is you!

Chapter 3: Working with Your Support Team. Learn about many of the specialists who help kids with physical differences and disabilities. Some of these people are probably part of your support team. Youll find out how you can become an active member in that team. Youll also learn how to be part of the process of selecting specialists for your team.