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Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children: A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Other Professionals
by Phil Christie Margaret Duncan Ruth Fidler Zara HealyThis straightforward guide offers a complete overview of Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA) and gives practical advice for overcoming the difficulties it poses in a wide range of contexts from diagnosis through to adulthood. Starting with an exploration into the background of PDA that answers many of the immediate questions triggered when a child is first diagnosed, the book goes on to look at the impact of the condition on different areas of the child's life and what can be done to help. The authors present useful information on early intervention options and workable strategies for managing PDA positively on a day-to-day basis. They also examine ways to minimize common difficulties that may be encountered at home and school, making life easier for the child, family and peers. The final chapters tackle new problems that can arise when the teenage years hit and how to assist a successful transition from adolescence to adulthood. Illustrative case examples are included throughout, and the book concludes with a list of valuable resources for further information and advice. Full of helpful guidance and support, this user-friendly introductory handbook is essential reading for anyone caring for, or working with, children with PDA.
Understanding Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome in Children: A Guide for Parents, Teachers and Other Professionals (JKP Essentials)
by Phil Christie Margaret Duncan Ruth Fidler Zara HealyStraightforward guide to understanding PDA for anyone needing an overview of the condition. Pathological Demand Avoidance Syndrome (PDA) is a developmental disorder that is being increasingly recognised as part of the autism spectrum. The main characteristic is a continued resistance to the ordinary demands of life through strategies of social manipulation, which originates from an anxiety-driven need to be in control.This straightforward guide is written collaboratively by professionals and parents to give a complete overview of PDA. Starting with an exploration into the syndrome, it goes on to answer the immediate questions triggered when a child is first diagnosed, and uses case examples throughout to illustrate the impact of the condition on different areas of the child's life. Early intervention options and workable strategies for managing PDA positively will make day-to-day life easier for the child, their family and peers. New problems faced in the teenage years and how to assist a successful transition from adolescence to adulthood are also tackled. The book concludes with a valuable resources list.Full of helpful guidance and support, this user-friendly introductory handbook is essential reading for families, carers and anyone who knows a child with PDA.(P) 2021 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
Understanding Personality Disorders: An Introduction
by Duane L. DobbertPeople with personality disorders are all around us, though many times we're not aware of those who are overly paranoid, obsessive-compulsive, antisocial, or overly dependent until it's too late. Indeed, many sufferers aren't aware themselves of their disorders and often go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to problems in their personal and professional lives. Here, Dobbert offers an introduction to the most common personality disorders, and a guide for those who work, live, or come in contact with sufferers on a daily basis.
Understanding Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities in Adults (Routledge Advances in Disability Studies)
by Dreenagh LyleThis book explores what happens to people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) when they reach adulthood. It provides an examination of various terms and definitions in use and a critical exploration of current UK policies. The author brings a wealth of many years’ experience as a family carer, independent consultant and trainer to demonstrate the significant changes that a person-centred, specialised therapeutic and incremental approach can make to an individual’s life. Advances in medical science mean more than ever, people with (PIMD) are growing into adulthood. What is this experience like for an adult who needs support in all aspects of their life? How do we include them in planning support when their intellectual disability means they cannot tell us first hand, what they want or need? Too often this group are overlooked or considered as an afterthought in policy and planning. Notions of independence, employment and mainstream inclusion are all problematic policy ideas for this group of people. Within one-size-fits-all service planning this focus means there is less capacity to meet their life-long specialist, complex and individualised needs. Understanding Profound and Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities in Adults is essential reading for anyone who is involved in the lives of adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, whether as a researcher, student, carer or policy-maker.
Understanding Regulation Disorders of Sensory Processing in Children: Management Strategies for Parents and Professionals
by Pratibha Reebye Aileen StalkerChildren with Regulation Disorders of Sensory Processing struggle to regulate their emotions and behaviors in response to sensory stimulation. This book explains how to recognize these disorders, which are often misdiagnosed, and offers practical ways of helping children with regulation disorders. The authors describe the everyday experiences of those who interact with infants and children with Regulation Disorders of Sensory Processing. They explain the distinguishing characteristics, symptoms, diagnosis, assessment and treatment approaches for the disorder. Focusing on early intervention, they present a range of management strategies for sensory sensitivities, motor problems, over- or under-reaction, and extremes of behavior. These practical strategies for parents and professionals will help children with regulation disorders integrate and succeed in the family, at school and in the community. This concise book will be of interest to those who assess, educate and parent children with regulation disorders.
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorders in Children: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
by Matt MielnickEverything we know about the world we live in starts with information we take in through the senses. This book explains the way our sensory system works and shows how small inefficiencies in this complex system can have a huge impact on a child's behaviour. Through easily relatable examples and metaphors, the book describes the variety of sensory processing differences that can occur in children in a jargon-free way and offers practical advice to help manage these differences. It explains how children's varying sensory thresholds - the point where a behavioural response to a stimuli is generated - affects the way they view the world. Each section includes occupational therapy evaluations of children with a range of sensory thresholds, and shows how this influences their behaviour through professional observation reports, offering a summary and recommendation for each child. Presented with a clear focus, without long lists of syndromes and symptoms, this is the ideal starting point for parents and professionals working with children with sensory processing issues.
Understanding Signed Languages (Understanding Language)
by Jill P. Morford Erin WilkinsonUnderstanding Signed Languages provides a broad and accessible introduction to the science of language, with evidence drawn from signed languages around the world. Readers will learn about language through a unique set of signed language studies that will surprise them with the diversity of ways human languages achieve the same functional goals of communication. Designed for students with no prior knowledge of signed languages or linguistics, this book features: A comprehensive introduction to the sub-fields of linguistics, including sociolinguistics, linguistic structure, language change, language acquisition, and bilingualism; Examples from more than 50 of the world’s signed languages and a brief “Language in Community” snapshot in each chapter highlighting one signed language and the researchers who are documenting it; Opportunities to reflect on how language ideologies have shaped scientific inquiry and contributed to linguistic bias; Review and discussion questions, useful websites, and pointers to additional readings and resources at the end of each chapter. Understanding Signed Languages provides instructors with a primary or secondary text to enliven the discourse in introductory classes in linguistics, interpreting, deaf education, disability studies, cognitive science, human diversity, and communication sciences and disorders. Students will develop an appreciation for the language-specific and universal characteristics of signed languages and the global communities in which they emerge.
Understanding Special Educational Needs: A Guide for Student Teachers
by Michael FarrellTeachers need to be fully equipped to respond to diversity in today's classrooms now more than ever before. The Professional Standards for Qualified Teacher Status and Induction Standards are now the driving force behind initial teacher education, and students will need to demonstrate their competence against these, and in particular, their understanding of Special Educational Needs in today's inclusive classrooms. Each chapter of this indispensable text explores an important topic within SEN and directly relates it to the competencies, making it an essential course companion. Chapters on topics relating to the code of practice, school policy, literacy and numeracy, ICT, emotional and behavioural difficulties and dealing with parents all follow a similar template, which includes: a commentary on the relevant professional standards contextualising of the standards what teachers can do to promote effective practice. Detailed referencing will lead students to pursue more detailed individual texts, which address many of the issues in greater depth. This is an ideal, highly accessible text for student and new qualified teachers who need a reliable introduction to today's vital issues within Special Educational Needs.
Understanding Special Educational Needs: A Teacher's Guide to Effective School Based Research
by Ruth Kershner Roland ChaplainNew and experienced teachers working with children with special needs in mainstream or special school settings are increasingly discovering the value of research to inform and improve their teaching. This highly accessible text features: · identification of the key research issues which relate to different aspects of SEN and inclusion · guidance on how to carry out research in order to enhance teaching and learning for children whose progress is causing concern · explanations of a range of approaches to research, including empirical studies of individuals, groups and institutions with children, parents, teachers and other professionals · advice on how to use and disseminate research findings The authors support their basic guidance with a variety of examples of published research and they offer a framework and practical suggestions for planning and carrying out school-based investigations with different purposes in mind. This text will be relevant to teachers and SENCOs, and to mentors and tutors in their supporting role.
Understanding Twice-Exceptional Learners: Connecting Research to Practice
by Wendy Behrens Cecelia Boswell C. FugateUnderstanding Twice-Exceptional Learners offers an in-depth look at the needs and lived experiences of students who are twice-exceptional. This book:Includes detailed examinations of co-occurring disabilities commonly found in twice-exceptional populations.Features studies of ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, OCD, and more.Bridges the divide between research about and practical strategies for teaching gifted students with learning challenges.Is Ideal for university teacher preparation courses and graduate programs.Provides strength-based strategies that focus on students' unique gifts and talents.Each chapter includes a comprehensive literature review, suggested interventions, resources for further exploration, and vignettes that highlight experiences of twice-exceptional students and the behaviors and needs that practitioners might commonly see in the classroom.
Understanding Twice-Exceptional Learners: Connecting Research to Practice
by Wendy Behrens Cecelia Boswell C. Matthew FugateUnderstanding Twice-Exceptional Learners offers an in-depth look at the needs and lived experiences of students who are twice-exceptional. This book:Includes detailed examinations of co-occurring disabilities commonly found in twice-exceptional populations.Features studies of ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), anxiety, OCD, and more.Bridges the divide between research about and practical strategies for teaching gifted students with learning challenges.Is Ideal for university teacher preparation courses and graduate programs.Provides strength-based strategies that focus on students' unique gifts and talents.Each chapter includes a comprehensive literature review, suggested interventions, resources for further exploration, and vignettes that highlight experiences of twice-exceptional students and the behaviors and needs that practitioners might commonly see in the classroom.
Understanding Victimology: An Active-Learning Approach
by George E. Higgins Catherine D. Marcum Shelly Clevenger Jordana N. NavarroUnderstanding Victimology: An Active Learning Approach is the only textbook with extensive discussion of both online and offline victimization reinforced by group and individual learning activities. Our textbook offers instructors a variety of active learning exercises – in the book itself and in the authors’ ancillaries – that engage students in the material and shed light on the experiences of marginalized social groups. Through these activities, students become engaged with the material at a higher level of learning. They learn how victimization happens and the challenges people who experience crime face in acquiring assistance from the criminal-legal system at a more intimate level instead of simply reading about it. Students also build their abilities to work with others in a collaborative learning environment, encouraging professional socialization for the future. The chapters in this second edition address gaps in information typically presented in victimology that ignore prevention or intervention, even though these topics are currently at the forefront of the national conversation going on about sexual violence in higher education. New to this edition are added coverage of immigrants and minorities and new chapters on the media and victimization and on victimization across the gender spectrum, as well as an online instructor resource covering UK case studies, legal framework, and social context that broadens the book’s global appeal. Suitable for undergraduate courses in victimology, this book also serves the needs of sociology and women’s studies courses and can be taught university-wide as part of diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Understanding Your Gifted Child From the Inside Out
by James DelisleUnderstanding Your Gifted Child From the Inside Out provides an engaging and encouraging look at raising gifted children today. A follow-up to the best-selling "Parenting Gifted Kids: Tips for Raising Happy and Successful Children," this new edition focuses on the social and emotional aspects of giftedness, highlighting new information on the issues of perfectionism, self-advocacy, underachievement, mindfulness, and the impact of technology on gifted kids' relationships. The book also features a section on life beyond college, for those readers whose children are no longer children. Understanding Your Gifted Child From the Inside Out features real-life stories about the lives of gifted children and how they and their parents recognize and enjoy the many intellectual talents and social and emotional insights they possess.
Understanding Your Young Child With Special Needs
by Pamela BartramParenting children is always a challenging process, and parenting a young child with special needs presents extra challenges. This book offers an insight into how disability impacts on the normal stages of child development during the first five years. Placing the child and his or her personality, family life, feelings and behaviours at the centre of the book, Bartram addresses all the 'ordinary' challenges and tasks of parenting, such as sibling relationships, nursery and school, toilet training, and healthy aggression, as well as those that are of particular relevance to the parents of young children with special needs. This accessible book provides a wealth of information to help the parent of a young child with special needs, and is also of interest to professionals working with babies and pre-school children with special needs. Book jacket.
Understanding a Child the Occupational Therapy Way: Recognizing and Communicating the Unique Potential of a Child
by Sabrina E. AdairThis book uses an occupational therapy way of thinking to guide the reader towards observing, understanding, and communicating the needs of children to foster a supportive environment. Presented in accessible, everyday language, this book takes a holistic approach of looking at a child from what makes them a unique person, what activities they are trying to accomplish, and what environment they are in. Each chapter helps readers identify, describe, and clearly articulate a different aspect of the child’s environment and how it may affect them, the way that they process different sensory inputs, what their behaviors may be telling us, and how they learn. By recognizing each child’s unique story and effectively communicating their story to others, the reader can identify the most effective ways to support a child to meet a child’s needs and set them up for success. Therapists, educators, parents, and childcare workers will all benefit from the simple strategies outlined in this book to enrich a child’s learning.
Understanding and Evaluating Autism Theory
by Nick ChownAddressing the full spectrum of theoretical output associated with autism and Asperger syndrome, this is the complete guide to autism theory - spanning from mainstream and alternative, through to non-autism specific theories that might be applied to autism. Previous study on autism has made significant inroads into the individual branches of autism theory, however, no text has brought together the complete range of theories in an accessible textbook for students and academics. The author argues that a more obvious application of theory to autism intervention would be beneficial to practitioners. With access to the complete range of available autism and Asperger syndrome theory, from development theories to learning style theories, the academics and students working towards the practical application of theory to intervention will have all the necessary information at their disposal. The book is based on a series of autism theory lectures delivered for the NAS and Sheffield Hallam University.
Understanding and Living Well With Post-Concussion Syndrome
by Priyanka Pradhan Anna LeggettConcussion, even in its mildest form, can have lasting effects on the individual in a way we're only just beginning to understand. Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI), concussion and post-concussion syndrome have previously been conservatively managed with recommendations for 'rest'. But even mild brain injuries and post-concussion syndrome can have an enormous impact on life, long after the 3 months during which they are expected to resolve. There are also significant differences between the way in which concussion affects men and women respectively, as this new research shows. If concussion or an mTBI are affecting you, there is much in this book to help and support your symptoms. Neuropsychologist Dr Priyanka Pradhan has pulled together the latest research to provide a complete manual for overcoming the impact of any mild brain injury, while writer and coach Anna Leggett gives deep insight from her own experiences with post-concussion syndrome. Their book not only explains what a concussion is and how it may present, but also gives comprehensive practical strategies for managing persistent symptoms. Such strategies include how to ask for professional and specialist medical help (and where to get it from), and also self-management techniques that draw on things like EMDR, craniosacral therapy and osteopathy. Understanding and Living Well with Post-Concussion Syndrome also explains the importance of sleep and diet, and includes significant psychological and emotional support for mental wellbeing and recovery, a support that is often missing from the clinical pathway for post-concussion syndrome. This book is an essential resource for anyone who feels that they need insight, practical help and emotional support into what is often perceived as an almost-invisible illness, but one which is very real for you or your loved one.
Understanding and Living Well With Post-Concussion Syndrome
by Priyanka Pradhan Anna LeggettConcussion, even in its mildest form, can have lasting effects on the individual in a way we're only just beginning to understand. Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI), concussion and post-concussion syndrome have previously been conservatively managed with recommendations for 'rest'. But even mild brain injuries and post-concussion syndrome can have an enormous impact on life, long after the 3 months during which they are expected to resolve. There are also significant differences between the way in which concussion affects men and women respectively, as this new research shows. If concussion or an mTBI are affecting you, there is much in this book to help and support your symptoms. Neuropsychologist Dr Priyanka Pradhan has pulled together the latest research to provide a complete manual for overcoming the impact of any mild brain injury, while writer and coach Anna Leggett gives deep insight from her own experiences with post-concussion syndrome. Their book not only explains what a concussion is and how it may present, but also gives comprehensive practical strategies for managing persistent symptoms. Such strategies include how to ask for professional and specialist medical help (and where to get it from), and also self-management techniques that draw on things like EMDR, craniosacral therapy and osteopathy. Understanding and Living Well with Post-Concussion Syndrome also explains the importance of sleep and diet, and includes significant psychological and emotional support for mental wellbeing and recovery, a support that is often missing from the clinical pathway for post-concussion syndrome. This book is an essential resource for anyone who feels that they need insight, practical help and emotional support into what is often perceived as an almost-invisible illness, but one which is very real for you or your loved one.
Understanding and Managing Children's Behaviour through Group Work Ages 5-7: A child-centred programme
by Cath HunterUnderstanding and Managing Children’s Behaviour 5-7 provides the reader with an insight into children’s emotional well-being and helps them to understand what and how children communicate and how to respond in a way that provides positive messages, increases their emotional vocabulary and encourages them to change their behaviour. It provides an alternative and effective child-centred way of managing children’s behaviour through introducing the concept of reflective language and other tools, equipping staff with new skills that are transferable across the school in any role. The book is divided into two sections, enabling the reader to link theory with practice. The first section takes the reader on a journey to help them understand the different factors that influence children’s behaviour. The second section of the book focuses on the group work programmes, how they can be used, their value and the impact they can have on children and the school as a whole. The activities in the group work programmes explore the concept of using reflective language as a behaviour management tool and are designed to motivate and build confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Useful pedagogical features throughout the book include: practitioner and classroom management tips and reflective tasks; strategies and practical ideas for staff to use to help them engage more deeply with the contents of the book; flexible, tried and tested group work programmes designed to promote inclusion rather than exclusion; clear step-by-step instructions for delivering the group work programmes; case studies showing behaviour examples with detailed explanations for the behaviour and strategies to respond to it. This book is aimed at all KS1 primary school staff, especially teaching assistants, learning mentors and family workers who can deliver the group work programmes. It is also recommended reading for SENCOs and trainee teachers, and will be useful for therapists who work with children and are looking at delivering other approaches in their work.
Understanding and Managing Children's Behaviour through Group Work Ages 7 - 11: A child-centred programme
by Cath Hunter'I would highly recommend the skills, expertise and delivery that Cath can bring to a school and can guarantee that any school following her advice will not regret it.' Carl McIver, Head of School, St. Willibrord's R.C. Primary, Manchester 'I have worked with Cath Hunter now in two schools and find that the work she does with children, parents and staff is amazing.' Sam Foord, Headteacher, Ravensbury Community School, Manchester Understanding and Managing Children’s Behaviour provides the reader with an insight into children’s emotional wellbeing and helps them to understand what and how children communicate and how to respond in a way that provides positive messages, increases their emotional vocabulary and encourages them to change their behaviour. It provides an alternative and effective child centred way of managing children’s behaviour through introducing the concept of reflective language and other tools, equipping staff with new skills that are transferable across the school in any role. The book is divided into two sections, enabling the reader to link theory with practice. The first section takes the reader on a journey to help them understand the different factors that influence children’s behaviour. The second section of the book focuses on the group work programmes, how they can be used, their value and the impact they can have on children and the school as a whole. The activities in the group work programme explore the concept of using reflective language as a behaviour management tool and are designed to motivate, build confidence, self-esteem and resilience. Useful pedagogical features throughout the book include:- Practitioner and classroom management tips and reflective tasks; Strategies and practical ideas for staff to use to help them engage more deeply with the contents of the book; Flexible, tried and tested group work programmes designed to promote inclusion rather than exclusion; Clear step by step instructions for delivering the work programmes; Case studies showing behaviour examples with detailed explanations for the behaviour and strategies to respond to it. The book is aimed at all primary school staff, especially teaching assistants, learning mentors and family workers who can deliver the group work programmes. It is also recommended reading for SENCOs and trainee teachers and will also be useful for therapists who work with children and are looking at delivering other approaches in their work.
Understanding and Promoting Access for People with Learning Difficulties: Seeing the Opportunities and Challenges of Risk
by Melanie Nind Jane SealeThe issue of access is at the forefront of the practical challenges facing people with learning difficulties and people working with or supporting them. This engaging text brings together evidence, narratives and discussions that question and advance our understanding of the concept of access for people with learning difficulties. Seale and Nind draw on their expertise to analyse a wide range of situations, including access to public spaces, citizenship education, community participation, and employment. Through a series of related chapters, key researchers in the field of inclusion and learning difficulties enrich the access debate by: considering what kind of access people with learning difficulties want; identifying effective practice in relation to facilitating and promoting access; revealing the capability of people with learning difficulties to seek and achieve access to potentially exclusionary communities; providing a space for a wide range of people to share access stories. With contributions from a variety of stakeholders including people with learning difficulties, Understanding and Promoting Access for People with Learning Difficulties clarifies the concept of access without over-simplifying what is involved. Through rigorous critique, this book provides a unique rationale for a new multi-dimensional model of access and ways of promoting it. Proposing a reconceptualisation of the risk associated with promoting access for people with learning difficulties, this book will be of immense interest to students, researchers and professionals involved in inclusion and disability issues.
Understanding and Supporting Children with ADHD: Strategies for Teachers, Parents and Other Professionals
by Lesley A Hughes Paul W Cooper′This book provides a succinct overview of issues relevant to understanding and supporting pupils with ADHD. It is well written and includes authentic case studies... The real strength of the book is in its careful consideration of how collaborative working can enable youngsters with an ADHD diagnosis to get the best out of their education. Ideas outlined are practical but are also based on careful thinking about effective models and approaches to intervention... an excellent starting point for anyone embarking on research related to educational provision for pupils with ADHD′ - SENCO Update ′In many ways this publication reads like a toolkit, and as such offers a range of practices that may be considered in order to improve outcomes for all. A readable and supportive book′ - SNIP Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be hard to include in a mainstream classroom, and managing their behaviour is often a challenge. Drawing directly from real classroom experience, this book shows how to use effective management strategies to improve behaviour in the classroom and at home. This interdisciplinary approach will provide teachers with: " strategies to deal with disruptive behaviours " ways to channel children′s positive characteristics " advice on how teachers can support and guide parents " behaviour management techniques to promote positive behaviour " advice on collaborative working, and how teachers can build partnerships with other professionals.
Understanding and Supporting Children with Literacy Difficulties: An Evidence-Based Guide for Practitioners
by Valerie MuterLearning to read is arguably the single most important educational challenge a child faces in the first years of schooling, setting a child up for future academic success and opportunities. However, it is estimated that one in six children experience literacy difficulties. This is the go-to book for psychologists, educationalists and other professionals wanting a deeper understanding of current thinking around dyslexia, reading comprehension difficulties, and related SpLDs. Drawing on six fictional case studies to illustrate her points, and using examples of good practice throughout, Valerie Muter unpacks the latest psychological theories and research on literacy disorders. She discusses the interconnections between underlying cognitive problems and learning and educational and behavioural issues, as well as the common co-occurrence of these conditions. This authoritative book also provides accessible guidance on making assessments and tailoring interventions within the home or school.Written by a lead thinker in the field, this is an essential evidence-based guide for those working with children with literacy difficulties and supporting them to achieve their full potential.
Understanding and Supporting Pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties in the Secondary School: A practical guide (nasen spotlight)
by Rachael Hayes Pippa WhittakerAre you working with students who have Moderate Learning Difficulties? Do you want to know how best to help them? Are you confused about what helps and what hinders? Learners with MLD form one of the largest categories of special educational need in mainstream secondary schools. In most schools, the vast majority of learners with MLD will be taught in mainstream classes much of the time. This book outlines a range of strategies and approaches for supporting these learners. It includes all the vital information practitioners need to know about Moderate Learning Difficulties. Key points covered include: Definitions and identification of moderate learning difficulties Teaching strategies and approaches Developing key conceptual, literacy and social skills Effective support from TAs Theoretical perspectives on learning Understanding and Supporting Pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties in the Secondary School provides an introduction to a wide range of ideas, arguments and perspectives about ways of understanding and supporting learners who are considered to have MLD. This is a much-needed source of knowledge for teachers, TAs, SENCos, Learning Mentors and anyone who supports children and young people with moderate learning difficulties and provides an honest and accessible approach.
Understanding and Teaching Reading Comprehension: A handbook
by Jane Oakhill Kate Cain Carsten ElbroThe ultimate aim of reading is not the process but to understand what we read and comprehension can take place at many different levels. There has been an increasing emphasis on the importance of reading comprehension in recent years but despite this there is very little written on this vital topic accessible to trainee and practicing teachers. The Handbook of Reading Comprehension presents an overview of recent findings on reading comprehension and comprehension problems in children. It provides a detailed examination of the characteristics of children who have reading comprehension difficulties, and examines ways in which comprehension can be supported and improved. It is accessibly written for students and professionals with no previous background in the psychology of reading or reading problems. This indispensable handbook asks the question ‘what is comprehension?’ The authors consider comprehension of different units of language: understanding single words, sentences, and connected prose and outline what readers (and listeners) have to do to successfully understand an extended text. This book also considers comprehension for different purposes, in particular reading for pleasure and reading to learn and explores how reader characteristics such as interest and motivation can influence the comprehension process. Different skills contribute to successful reading comprehension. These include word reading ability, vocabulary knowledge, syntactic skills, memory, and discourse level skills such as the ability to make inferences, knowledge about text structure, and metacognitive skills. The authors discuss how each one contributes to the development of reading comprehension skill and how the development of these skills (or their precursors) in pre-readers, provides the foundation for reading comprehension development. Areas covered include:- Word reading and comprehension Development of comprehension skills Comprehension difficulties Assessment Teaching for improvement Throughout the text successful experimental and classroom based interventions will be highlighted, practical tips for teachers and summary boxes detailing key points and explaining technical terms will be included in each chapter