Understanding Motor Skills in Children with Dyspraxia, ADHD, Autism, and Other Learning Disabilities

Lisa A. Kurtz is a pediatric occupational therapist and reading specialist, and has worked with children with special needs for over 33 years. She currently works at the Jameson Elementary School in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and was formerly Director of Occupational Therapy for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Children's Seashore House. For her contributions to training others about children with disabilities, Lisa has been placed on the Roster of Fellows and was awarded the Recognition of Achievement Award by the American Occupational Therapy Association. She is the author of Visual Perception Problems in Children with AD/HD, Autism, and Other Learning Disabilities published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

The book is easy to read, with lots of helpful tables and diagrams. The strategies offered are simple enough to be incorporated with ease into a mainstream primary classroom. Its relevance for educational psychologists lies as introductory reading and as a resource to recommend to parents or teachers who have particular concern or interest in this area. I consider it an excellent book for this purpose!

• Part I: Understanding the Nature of Motor Skills. 1.The Development of Motor Skills. 2. Finding Professional Help. 3. General Principles for Intervention. Part II: Practical Strategies and Activities for Home and School. 4. Promoting Basic Motor Skills. 5. Teaching Independence in Daily Living Skills. 6. Addressing Problems with Classroom Skills. 7. The Social Impact of Coordination Difficulties. Glossary. Appendix I: Tests and Assessment Tools. Appendix II: Recommended Reading. Appendix III: Helpful Agencies and Organizations. Appendix IV: Suppliers of Toys, Tests, and other Educational Materials. Index.