More Book Reviews
Jodee Kulp (author)
Liz Kulp (author)
Our FAScinating Journey:
Keys to Brain Potential Along the Path of Prenatal Brain Injury
"Often, spiral bound publications are
perceived as something closer to a manuscript and less than a “real” book. Similarly,
children with disabilities are often perceived as less than “real” children
because too many people are afraid to look beyond the cover and learn something
about the person. Our FAScinating
Journey (Better Endings New Beginnings, 2002) by Jodee Kulp is a spiral bound
publication that is more than a book and it opens a window on the complex
biobehavioral consequences of alcohol abuse during pregnancy. This unique approach to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and
fetal alcohol effects (FAE) brings the reader through the maze of basic and
developmental neuroanatomy and sensory physiology while constantly reminding the
reader that this is not just about biology but functional biology as it relates
to FAS. Any parent or clinician who
works with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) children needs to understand
the way in which the brain and nervous system works and the underlying
neurological damage produced by prenatal alcohol.
What really makes this book fascinating are the many sidebars and inserts
about “Liz” a twelve-year old girl who, in 1999, was diagnosed with FAE.
Liz is always there, helping us with real-world examples of what life is
like with FAE. Her story and
her insights into her disorder are enlightening, encouraging and engaging. Not all children are so fortunate.
I like this book because the author tries to make sense
out of a complex, difficult and often frustrating situation – raising or
teaching a child with FASD. However,
Ms. Kulp goes further with many practical examples of good parenting and
teaching tips, including activities that will help improve psychomotor control,
social development and advocacy and an extensive section of current resource
information. Every parent or
teacher of a FASD child should read
Our FAScinating Journey."
JOHN BRICK, PH.D., MA
Fellow, American Psychological Association
Executive Director, Intoxikon International
"I was very lucky to buy the last copy of your book at Yukon College
this May in Whitehorse, Yukon. After
a busy end of the school year, I finally was able to read your book on a flight
from Winnipeg to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. Although
I have done a great deal of learning about FASD and we have made many school
wide changes to support our students, I found I learned so much from your
writings in the book. While in
Rankin I presented to educational leaders on our school's journey to support
affected students and shared your book with the people attending and encouraged
them to read your book if nothing else on FASD.
Your book should soon be appearing in schools across the Northwest
Territories and Nunavut Canada. Thank
you for your amazing insights and information."
Jane Arychuk,
Principal Deh Gáh Elementary and Secondary,
Fort Providence, NWT Canada.
"Parents and providers alike will enjoy this enlightening book. Jodee's stories of her family's personal experiences with FAS issues gives an "up close and personal" perspective that can only be given by a parent who has traveled the road and who can help others see the way ahead with a better understanding of what to expect. Jodee shares insights into common problems and suggestions for workable solutions, all with a sense of humor and a fresh outlook of hope for the future."
Teresa Kellerman
Director, FAS Community Resource Center
President, Fasstar Enterprises
www.fasstar.com
"I met you at the FAS conference Tacoma in October and you were kind enough to allow me to review your new book, "Our Fascinating Journey." I have been reviewing, and reviewing and find it truly a professional presentation and work of love. Without love it could never have happened in the way it has. It is for anyone concerned with the issues of alcohol in our culture. Thank you for allowing me to have a copy of, "Our Fascinating Journey." I think it is wonderful and can only guess at how many 100s of hours you have worked on it. It is probably 1,000s of hours by now. The book is a virtual compendium for parents and professionals as well. It would be wonderful for University level study for special education undergraduates, graduates, school psychologists, speech and hearing, PTs, OTs, and others. It also should be reading for regular classroom professionals and principals to say nothing of others working with FAS children. I am not sure how many books one would have to read to find the information you have presented. It would be more than a few.
Also, Thanks to Liz for selling me a copy of HER book. It is good and will raise the consciousness of anyone reading it about the disaster of FAS."
Gary W. Larsen, Ph.D.
Families at Risk:
A Guide to Understanding and
Protecting Children and Care Providers Involved in Our-of-Home or Adoptive Care
A Must for Foster Parents! As a special needs foster parent of six years I've had to solve my childrens' issues pretty much on my own. I came across "Families at Risk" by accident. I'm happy to say it hasn't been out of my arms reach for two weeks.It is full of much needed information like: *Tips on how to help children express anger in a safe way. *Emotional stages that children go thru and how to handle them. *Parents personal stories. *Uplifting quotes. *Positive discipline techniques. *How to document on your children. *Establishing family rules. I could go on and on. This is a book that I feel should be supplied to all foster and adoptive parents. Give it a try!
Gale Jones
Kenosha, WI
The Best I Can Be:
Living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Effects
by Liz Kulp (co-authored by Jodee Kulp)
"I got Liz's book in the mail today, and I read it completely! You've done a wonderful job of being completely dedicated to the success of this child, and that's what it takes. She's very much aware of her own abilities and disabilities, which is amazing and wonderful!"
Claudia Barker
FAS Clearinghouse
"I am June's husband. She gave me her copy of Liz's book. WOW!!! Give that beautiful young lady a great big hug. I have meandered through about one-third of it, and I am impressed. Thank her, and Thank You for your support of Ben, Liz and other kids with FAS/E."
Jim McCarthy
Minneapolis, MN
"Just wanted to let you know that two copies of your book arrived safely on the other side of the world . I will forward some of that wonderful stuff called money to you shortly but just need to check with my team how many more we want to order. I read your book from cover to cover on the weekend. You are two very clever, inspirational and wise people. Your book will help change the world for the better. More importantly I think it will help encourage the young people who are affected by FAS/E. So glad you shared your journey of wonderful discover with us all."
Christine Rogan
National Coordinator
Fetal Alcohol New Zealand Trust
"Reading your book was like reading the Book of Job. I cannot imagine how you and Karl have survived and come up with such creative survival skills. The willingness to open your family up to the world certainly gives meaning to what you have been through."
Bob Clayton
"I cannot thank you enough for the book. It has opened our eyes to so many things. Meal time is pleasant now that we don't use the flourescent light. Donald can get through a meal without having to be talked to constantly to remind him to eat. He would just gel out before and we would have to even remind him to chew. I can tell when he is being over loaded sensory wise (especially noise) and do some Brain Gym with him and he is good to go. Now if I can just get the school to believe me.
My husband has been reading it and is really understanding what I have been trying to tell him for a long time now. Until he read it, he thought I was being extreme with how kids with FAS are affected. He knows different now. Please thank Liz for us. She has helped us to help Donald."
Laura C.