Genius!: Nurturing the Spirit of the Wild, Odd, and Oppositional Child - Revised Edition

by Joanne Barrie Lynn and George T. Lynn

Book Overview

Genius is an inspiring guide to nurturing the remarkable abilities of "attention different" (AD) children diagnosed with conditions such as autism, Asperger Syndrome, AD/HD, bipolar disorder, or Tourette Syndrome (TS).

Drawing on their experiences with their own son, who has TS, George T. Lynn and Joanne Barrie Lynn offer a positive parenting philosophy and successful strategies for creating an affirmative social and emotional environment...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1843108208
• ISBN13: 9781843108207
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

should be required reading for all psych professionals

Most helpful, thought-provoking, positive book I've read in a long while. Almost didn't because although my son is bi-polar, he's not wild and is only mildly oppositional, but all the many things George Lynn touches upon in his book hit me right between the eyes. POW! His view of these kids as not damaged but as biochemically different, perhaps for good reason, was refreshing. His tips for finding and nurturing their special gifts were concrete. He's the only author that's really helped me "get" my son. Few other books look forward, as does this one, into young adulthood. Few interweave pain and promise so eloquently. I intend to buy copies for all the folks in my son's circle of support...med doc, counselor, teacher, grandparents. Not just yet ready to pass my copy around because I find myself returning to it time and again for support and renewed insight. Thanks to the Lynns for a great book!

Genius! Is purely genius!

I have a collection of law books but my collection of Bipolar Disorder books far outnumbers any interest of law I may have. I have twins, boy/girl and my boy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 6. I have read practically every book written about this disease so that I can advocate and speak to the professionals about my son from a human point of view as well as diagnostic. Bus this book...Genius! had me near tears before I ever got to chapter one. The married authors each tell their story of their bipolar son who has graduated from high school, a mere miracle in our world. The authors told me something I need to hold on to as a face yet another IEP with a school who has no idea about bipolar children. My son is not some kid that can be ignored but that he has wonderful talents that need to be nurtured and not buried under a pile of suspensions, suicide attempts and grandiose remarks he makes to the 92 year old lady in the elevator "You're old!" He can sing perfectly in Japanese when the japanese cartoons come on (yugi-oh) He can talk with the knowledge and sencerity about the galaxy we live in and its beautiful planets, the "other" worlds, as well as the pyramids of Eygpt. Did I mention my son is 9? George Lynn and his wife know and I hope if you are a parent, teacher or friend of a bipolar, ADD, OCD, tourettes, aspergers- all on the scale of autism READ this book with a well deserved smile. PS I am not related in any way to the Lynn's, however if I find in some way that I am I stand only in pride for their eloquent writing and knowledge of a very confusing disease...to outsiders. Louisa Lynn GRATEFUL mother of a bipolar child

Refreshing and Inspiring to families with real burnout

I am a parent who has read many parenting books looking for help with my extraordinary daughter. Off and on I would tire of reading and trying to find answers, and just wing it. Other times I would come back around to books, often gleaning just one new idea or suggestion of use to me, in a book loaded with information otherwise useless to my parenting challenges. My family and I plodded painfully on. This book takes a very positive perspective on kids with neurological brain disorders, choosing to call them "attention different", rather than disordered, which is so completely accurate, I love it! When in the trenches working with, or raising, a child with severe difficulties a fresh view like this can be a real life line. We hear every person has a "genius" to discover and nurture. Children with attention differences need extraordinary support and guidance in finding and growing their "genius". Learning the most effective ways to support them, helps them move forward to independent and full lives. The book is full of practical methods to do just this. Maybe the part I like the best is the focus on finding our own genius, and practicing a high level of wellness in our own lives, being the best gift we give our kids to help them do the same for themselves. When you are in the thick of the struggle, and there is hardly time to breath for yourself, this is a message that is so needed. And there are detailed suggestions to practicing such wellness. The Lynns share from their own family life adding a very personal touch that rings true for those of us who have "been there". This is a great read for anyone looking for new inspiration and directions for their family.

Purpose and poetry

Genius goes beyond most books about parenting the "wild" child--or any child. It goes way beyond simple techniques and support. Genius goes deep into the purpose of parenting (hope for the future) and the poetry of parenting (experience of the present). George Lynn deliniates the theory--the brilliant permutations in the various disorders. Joanne Barrie Lynn shares stories and poetry of her son--her resounding words echo her brave heart and mind. You can see how they've both sought genius and a peace in their parenting journey. The authors wrote for my whole brain and heart. Now I can look at the "wild" children I love with a new embrace--and I can glimpse what their worlds can be.

A True Message of Hope!

There are really no words that could even begin to describe my feelings after I finished this book tonight. I just sat there and held it to my heart and said "thank you" for telling my child's Great Story, for telling their child's Great Story. For each of our special children have their own Great Story to be told. George Lynn and Joanne Barrie Lynn have unfolded their wings and allowed the incredible story of their son Gregory to be shared with all of us. This powerful book will move you to a deeper awareness, and maybe truly realize for the first time that our special kids are so much more than their diagnosis! Pay attention world, they have so much to teach you. This book is like no other I have ever read on special needs children. It truly is a light in the darkenss, and the greatest message of hope for our children's future. I am deeply greatful.