Instant Help Charts are affordable, easy-to-use laminated charts that cover a variety of mental health and behavioral issues. This handy resource gives an immediate general familiarity with what can be very complex and challenging issues. Topics include: anxiety, bipolar disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, eating disorders, depression, autism, self-injury, ODD, OCD, and Tourette's Syndrome.
The charts are positive in tone, colorful and durable. The materials are clearly written, well organized and succinct. They define the problem, briefly cover assessment information, possible treatment goals, provide fast facts about the disability, and give do's and don'ts for parents and teachers. The charts do not provide an in-depth explanation of the disorder, but are intended to give a summary of critical information to help those working with children and teens who have these issues.
Each chart addresses one particular topic and covers these areas: Defining the Problem, Goals of Therapies, Behavioral/Mental Health Therapies, Medication, What Parents and Teachers Want to Know, and Resources. Topics are clearly organized, appropriate and provide good basic information. The resource section lists books by respected authors and publishers as well as recommended web sites.
The section, "What Teachers Need to Know" provides both specific suggestions for classroom interventions as well as topics for staff development to further awareness and knowledge of teachers and paraprofessionals.
The section, "What Parents Need to Know" provides specific suggestions on how to deal with your child and take care of yourself. Some of the charts have advocacy group web sites included in this section, so parents potentially can locate appropriate support groups.
One note about the "Medications" section: Users of these charts should be aware that information on medication can, and does, frequently change as research is on-going. Any recommendations about use of medication should always be evaluated with the input from a mental health professional and/or medical doctor.
These charts are a good resource for child welfare caseworkers to give a foster parent immediate and understandable information about challenges they might face, especially with a new placement. They also could be used by a school guidance counselor to give information to a teacher or parent about a student's or child's disability, or as a resource to supplement discussions during IEP or parent meetings.
— Ginger Gorham, M.S. Ed, with Bob Nickel, MD
Instant Help Chart Set (10 Charts) with CD
