Books : Laughing Allegra: The Inspiring Story of a Mother's Struggle and Triumph Raising a Daughter with Learning Disabilities
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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 649.151
EAN num: 9781557046222
ISBN number: 1557046220
Label: Newmarket Press
Manufacturer: Newmarket Press
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 256
Printing Date: 2004-05
Publishing house: Newmarket Press
Sale Popularity Level: 379490
Studio: Newmarket Press
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Product Description:
Blending memoir with self-help, the remarkably honest and inspiring story about the struggle and triumph of raising a child with learning disabilities, by the great-granddaughter of Henry Ford and the Chairman Emeritus of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
When Anne Ford learned that her daughter Allegra's 'differences' were the result of severe learning disabilities, she faced a challenge that neither money nor position could ease. Desperate for answers and for help, she sought out doctors, schools, tutors, and summer camps and became an activist in national organizations to help children with LD and their families. In time Anne saw her child grow into a vibrant, loving, independent adult with a passion for ice skating and a commitment to help other children with disabilities.
While Allegra's disabilities are unique (as with each LD child), the feelings of pain, frustration, shame, and guilt felt by Anne are shared to a varying degree by all parents of an LD child, which is why she wanted to write this book. An estimated 3 million children in American schools have learning disabilities. To help these families, Anne shares her story and includes a resource section on specific issues affecting LD children, with an emphasis on the emotional, rather than the clinical, ways in which parents and families can respond, including:
• What is a learning disability? • How can our child be tested? • What are our legal rights? • How can I help my child with homework? • Who can I contact for more answers? • Will my child find a job and learn to manage money? More than one mother's story, this is a unique and useful guide for other parents learning to accept and help their children.
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Rated by buyers -
Excellent and true story about a family dealing with their beloved daughter and a major learning disabilty.
Rated by buyers -
I purchased this book many times, it is one that I keep in my car. I use it to help teachers, friends and family members understand my children and others like them. It has helped me understand why I feel the frustration when my kids "don't get it" or need extra guidance in different situations or in the public school system. It is a book that I give to their teachers in hope that they will take the time to read it. As I read this book for the very first time, I highlighted many sentences, example - page 17 - quote "She was so funny and effervescent and her behavior was so far frm being considered " a problem" that my mother gave up all attempts at discipline or even expressions of disapproval".... I can remember so many times my kids - acting out -- but in a way that was just "their way" they are so full of expressions and life.
most important - page 39 - There is more then enough heartace involved in coming to terms with the fact that your child is disabled. .... this is the truth, but with this book it helped me come to terms with it and I am trying to help others. Please take the time to read this book it will help you, empower you and your child. You are the voice for your child, you are their confidant. You need to read this book....another wonderful book is Legacy of the Blue Heron, Living with Learning Disabilities by Harry Sylvester.
Rated by buyers -
I have read many books out there, and this is the best one that I have found. This book is much better than Dana Buchman's book called "A Special Education" in which she constantly refers to her daughter's mild mental retardation as a "learning difference". In this book, the author is honest and tells it like it is.... she does not sugar coat it like Buchman's book. In Buckman's book, she talked too much about herself instead of her daughter. The only negative part of Anne Ford's book is that she constantly talked about the private schools refusing to let her child attend, but if she had picked a public school, it is the law that they would have to allow her child to attend. Most regular private schools would not have the resources that her child would require. For instance, speech therapist, occupation therapist, physical therapist are not necessarily found in private schools, but public schools would have these resources because they are required by law to teach all children. Anne Ford did note this in her book. Finally, here are some quotes from Anne Ford's book that might be helpful...
"a learning disability affects a person's ability to interpret what they see and hear or their ability to link information from different parts of the brain, because their brain is 'wired' a little differently. These differences can show up as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, with coordination, self-control, or with paying attention. People can have learning disabilities in reading, writing, math, and processing information."
"Most children with LD can read words, but comprehension may be another matter entirely."
"Children with LD can and do succeed in school."
"Adults with LD can and do succeed in the workplace."
"LD can be treated successfully, and children with LD can go on to live happy, normal lives."
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to all parents who have special needs children, and the teachers who teaches them.
Rated by buyers -
This is a wonderful book for any parent, written in an honest, unvarnished manner. Very insightful..... with lessons on supporting, loving, and accepting one's child no matter that the child's reality differs from the parents' dream.
Rated by buyers 
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that all those schools turned Allegra down, her being from the prominent family she's from! Maybe the schools weren't really right for her, but I guess I assumed some would have done cartwheels (and made some adjustments) for the privilege of having a Ford in their school.
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