Based on dozens of intensive interviews with parents, clinical psychologists, teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and more, Mr. Incredible is the fictional story of Adam, a boy diagnosed with autistic disorder. On Adam’s first birthday, his mother recognizes that something is different about him: he recoils from the touch of his family, preferring to accept physical contact only in the cool water of the family’s pool. As Adam gets older, he avoids eye contact, is largely nonverbal, and has very specific ways of getting through the day; when those habits are disrupted, intense meltdowns and self-harmful behavior follow. From seeking a diagnosis to advocating for special education services, from keeping Adam safe to discovering his strengths, his family becomes his biggest champion. The journey to realizing Adam’s potential isn’t easy, but with hope, love, and the right tools and teammates—they find that Adam truly is Mr. Incredible. This book is part of the ORP Library series of books.

Mr. Incredible: A Story About Autism, Overcoming Challenging Behavior, and a Family’s Fight for Special Education Rights (The ORP Library)

McCutchin, Chelsea

Krukar, Jeff

Balestrieri, James

Teen & Young Adult

RTC Publishing

Based on dozens of intensive interviews with parents, clinical psychologists, teachers, therapists, and more, Alina's Story shows the journey of Alina, a little girl adopted from Russia. After living in an orphanage during her early life, Alina is confused and scared by the outside world. There are so many people, so much noise . . . Her new family loves her, but Alina finds it hard to trust them. What if they hurt her? Or go away and leave her alone? It is hard for Alina to talk about her feelings, so when she is upset or worried, she throws big tantrums that scare her family. Luckily, her mama and papa won't give up on helping Alina. They take her to nice doctors and finally a special school so that Alina can learn new skills.  Slowly, Alina begins to trust other people and gets better at expressing her feelings and solving problems. For the first time in her life, she realizes she is truly safe and loved . . . and she loves her new family in return. This book is part of the ORP Library series of disabilities books.

Alina's Story: Learning How to Trust, Heal, and Hope (The ORP Library)

Parenting & Relationships

Adoption

Writers of the Round Table Press

Based on dozens of intensive interviews with parents, clinical psychologists, teachers, and more, Melting Down is the illustrated fictional story of Benjamin, a boy diagnosed with Asperger's disorder and additional challenging behavior. From the time Benjamin is a toddler, he knows he is different: he doesn't understand social and emotional cues, does not know how to play with his sister or other children, and dislikes making eye contact. And his tantrums are not like normal tantrums; they're meltdowns that will eventually make regular schooling-and day-to-day life-impossible. Told from Benjamin's perspective, Melting Down gives a unique glimpse into the journey taken by children with Asperger's disorder and additional challenging behavior, demonstrating that the path toward hope isn't simple—but with the right tools and teammates, it's possible.

Melting Down: A Comic for Kids with Asperger's Disorder and Challenging Behavior (The ORP Library)

Comics & Graphic Novels

Gutiérrez, Katie

Graphic Novels

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Books by Balestrieri, James