V. Mark Durand – författare

Many children experience sleep problems and their parents often seek help for what can be a nightly disruption to the entire family. Difficulty getting a good night's sleep can also impact a child's functioning during the day. In addition, sleep problems often accompany and can contribute to other disorders. Despite common belief, children do not simply 'grow out of' most sleep problems. While medications are often prescribed, they may have serious side-effects and have not been proven effective in children. However, there is more than twenty years of psychological research supporting non-pharmacological interventions for children's sleep problems.This comprehensive guide provides intervention options for a wide variety of sleep problems, including bedtime disturbances, night waking, sleep terrors, and nightmares. It also addresses sleep hygiene, bedwetting, and other sleep-related issues, It uses a modular format, starting with a thorough assessment of the child's sleep problems, and the families ability to intervene. Each intervention module outlines how to instruct families in selecting an intervention and carrying it out successfully. A companion workbook for parents includes detailed steps for intervention, as well as recording forms for sleep and behaviour.Used as a stand-alone management program for pediatric sleep problems or as part of treatment for other childhood disorders, this guide is an essential resource for clinicians.

If your child suffers from sleep problems, you are aware of the toll it can take on your child and your family. You may hope your child will just 'grow out of it', but this is not usually the case. You may have tried giving your child medication, only to find it has little effect in the long-term. You may also be concerned about the serious side-effects these drugs may have in children.This workbook will help you effectively manage your child's sleep problems without the use of drugs. Each module describes a different problem and gives options for treating it. Bedtime disturbances, night waking, sleep terrors, nightmares, and other sleep-related issues are all addressed in this workbook. It also includes a module on bedwetting. Working with your therapist, you will choose the best intervention options for your family. You can then follow the step-by-step instructions for carrying out each intervention.This workbook is easy-to-use and complements the program described in the corresponding therapist guide. It includes questionnaires about your child and family, as well as forms for recording your child's sleep and behaviour. Seeking professional help is an important step, but your participation is crucial to the success of treatment. With your help, your child can start getting a good night's sleep.

One of the main concerns of parents of children with developmental disabilities such as autism is the management of problem behaviour. Frequent incidents of aggression, self-injury, and tantrums, among others, can be the most difficult obstacles to placing a child in schools or other community settings. Children are unnecessarily isolated and are not given the opportunity for socialization because parents feel it is impossible to avoid these problem behaviours. In fact, it is often the parents' attitude itself that is the greatest obstacle - by assuming the worst about their child's behaviour, they create an environment where change is impossible. In a study that followed children from age 3 to age 6, the most significant factor for predicting later behavioural problems was not the extent of the child's disability, or the severity of earlier problems, but the level of parental optimism.This manual is the result of an evidence-based program that teaches positive skills to parents of young children with disabilities. Many parents feel powerless in the face of their child's disability, and therefore give up on trying to change problem behaviour. This 8-week program teaches parents to identify these 'hopeless' thoughts, and provides optimistic alternatives. Sessions include how to identify behaviour triggers, and strategies for managing these situations, replacing destructive behaviours, and maintaining a positive outlook on the child's development. By the end of the treatment, parents will have created a behaviour management strategy to use in the future, and will have a more effective, optimistic attitude. A corresponding workbook provides forms for monitoring the child's behaviour, homework assignments, and positive reinforcement for parents.

Having a child with challenging behaviour can be frustrating and affect the entire family. This workbook will help you take a more positive attitude toward your child and carry out effective steps to improve behaviour. You will begin to feel more confident in your parenting skills and more optimistic about your child's future. The program outlined in this workbook will be tailored to your child's and family's needs and goals. It will teach you how to identify what sets off your child's problem behaviour, as well as what your child gets or avoids from misbehaving. You will learn strategies to prevent problems, manage consequences, and teach your child new skills. With the help of your facilitator you will design a behaviour support plan for your child. Finally, you will put the plan into effect and monitor the results. Throughout the program, you will be practising how to think more positively, which can help you be a better parent. In addition to working with your facilitator in session, you will be completing homework assignments using the workbook. Each chapter provides the information and forms you need to assess your child's behaviour, apply new strategies, and track your family's progress. As you support positive behaviour step by step, you will be working towards improving the lives of your child and your family.

This book provides the practitioner with step-by-step instructions for implementing functional communication training. A variety of assessment strategies are reviewed for assisting in determining appropriate interventions. The Motivation Assessment Scale--designed to assess the function of problem behavior--is outlined in detail and is accompanied with guidelines for its administration and interpretation. Communication training is then detailed and illustrated using speech, sign language, and augmentative systems as examples. Numerous case examples throughout illuminate both the assessment and intervention strategies.

Happier lives. Less stress. Family harmony. That's what all parents of children with challenging behaviour want. Learn how to get there with this groundbreaking guide to confident, skillful, and positive parenting. A book you'll want to share with every family you know, Optimistic Parenting helps parents and other caregivers develop more positive thoughts and perceptions – a key ingredient of successful parenting and effective behaviour management. With keen insight, gentle humour, and practical tools and strategies, Mark Durand delivers both philosophical hope and practical help to parents of children with a wide range of challenges. He guides parents step by step through the process of:• Pinpointing the "why" behind challenging behaviour.• Tuning in to their own thoughts, emotions, and self-talk.• Understanding how their thoughts affect their interactions with their child.• Interrupting negative thoughts and replacing them with positive, productive ones.• Achieving a healthy balance between taking care of their own needs and their child's needs.• Using effective emergency strategies when quick behaviour intervention is needed.• Implementing long-term strategies for lasting behaviour improvements.• Weaving functional communication training into everyday routines and interactions.• Addressing the most common problem areas, such as sleep and transitions.• Increasing mindfulness and parenting "in the moment".Engaging stories from the author's extensive experience illustrate how parents and other caregivers can develop more effective behaviour management techniques. And practical tools and exercises, developed and tested during Durand's decades of work with thousands of parents, help families on their own journey to better parenting and happier lives. A lifeline for overwhelmed parents – and a great source of insight for the professionals who work with them – this highly motivating guidebook will help families reduce children's challenging behaviours and approach the future with optimism and confidence.