Revealing a tension between the medical model of depression and the very different language of theology, this book explores how religious people and communities understand severe sadness, their coping mechanisms and their help-seeking behaviours.
Drawing from her study of practicing Catholics, contemplative monks and nuns, priests and laypeople studying theology, the author describes how symptoms that might otherwise be described as pathological and meet diagnostic criteria for a depressive disorder are considered by some religious individuals to be normal and valued experiences. She explains how sadness fits into the 'Dark Night of the Soul' narrative - an active transformation of emotional distress into an essential ingredient for self-reflection and spiritual growth - and how sadness with a recognised cause is seen to 'make sense', whereas sadness without a cause may be seen to warrant psychiatric consultation. The author also discusses the role of the clergy in cases of sadness and depression and their collaboration with medical professionals.
This is an insightful read for anyone with an interest in theology or mental health, including clergy, psychiatrists and psychologists.

Sadness, Depression, and the Dark Night of the Soul

Health, Fitness & Dieting

Durà-Vilà, Glòria

Mental Health

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

This beautifully illustrated guide helps young people with Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) to understand their diagnosis, develop self-awareness and implement their own personalised problem-solving strategies. Written in consultation with young people with PDA and their families, this book recognises the importance of handing control back to the young person, and that there is no one-size-fits-all PDA profile. Readers are encouraged to engage throughout with interactive writing, doodling and checklist exercises to explore their own particular characteristics, strengths and challenges.
Me and My PDA is sensitively tailored to the needs and experiences of young people (aged 10+) with PDA. The guide is designed to grow with the reader, and can be used for many years as the young person develops and changes - making it invaluable to PDA-diagnosed individuals and their families.

Me and My PDA: A Guide to Pathological Demand Avoidance for Young People

Children's Books

Levi, Tamar

Growing Up & Facts of Life

Review\nHow can something so simple be so brilliant? For years, one way to describe the diagnosis of autism was to liken it to a bagful of strengths and challenges. Each person reaches into the bag and grabs a handful that are unique to themselves. Gloria Dura Vila has created such a 'bag'. Her insightful cards, beautifully and sensitively illustrated by Rebecca Tatternorth make diagnosing and understanding the uniqueness of autism a pleasure. -- Kathy Hoopmann, author of All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum\nGloria has created a truly wonderful resource which will support so many practitioners and parents as they introduce autism to autistic young people and others. The strategies and approaches outlined in the accompanying booklet, presented with Gloria's humour and passion, ensure that young people are supported to understand and value themselves as an individual. I can't wait to use these cards with my students. -- Clare Truman, teacher and education consultant supporting autistic students, author of The Teacher's Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance\nNo more nerves and clumsy conversations. The Amazing Autistic Brain Cards are a must-have resource for anyone involved in sharing and discussing an autism spectrum diagnosis with children and young people. Rather than giving a one-size-fits-all description of autism, I love that these beautifully simple cards can be used to tailor-make a portrait of autism that suits the child and celebrates their individuality.\nDr Glòria Durà-Vilà leads the way by reflecting on her extensive experience as a clinician, offering insight and guidance that I am certain will empower and equip parents and practitioners alike with the confidence to have positive conversations with children about their autism. I especially like that the cards can be adapted and revisited over time to accompany a child's own developing sense of self. This is a wonderful resource that will ultimately be of huge benefit to children and young people as they learn about themselves and what it means to be autistic...and amazing. -- Elaine Brownless, specialist autism liaison teacher and author of The Autism Detective\nIn addition to being an invaluable tool for professionals, Gloria's wonderfully empowering cards are a fabulous hands-on way for young people to build self-awareness, facilitate discussion and enable self-advocacy, creating a balanced and unique 'this is me' profile for themselves and others. -- Reuben Hoole (13 year old autistic boy) and his mother, Vikki Threlfall\nGloria has found a very practical and effective way to explain strengths and challenges to a population of young people when diagnosed with Autism. Using her humour and passion she touches all the key points so vital for young people and their parents, not only to understand, but also empower themselves in life choices. Brilliant! -- Dr S Marco Mura, NHS Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Surrey and Border NHS Trust\nThese cards have the potential to fundamentally change the experience of talking and learning about Autism and neurodiversity for the better. It is exciting to have such a simple and effective tool which could transform discussions at the critical point of diagnosis. They will be equally useful for any broader explorations in different settings and for lots of different purposes. Genius! -- Sally Russell OBE FRSA, Chair of the PDA Society\nThis deck of cards is a resource to help professionals, parents and anyone working with autistic young people to have discussions about an Autism diagnosis in a personalised, positive and meaningful way.\nThe beautifully designed cards each show a strength - such as being inquisitive or honest - or a challenge - such as sensory difficulties or understanding emotions. The pack also includes reusable blank cards which can be personalised.\nThe accompanying booklet provides approaches and strategies developed by Dr Dura-Vila in her clinical practice. She also

The Amazing Autistic Brain Cards: 150 Cards with Strengths and Challenges for Positive Autism Discussions

Children's Health

Hi! I am Camille, the Chameleon. I'm very proud to say that, like you, I am autistic. I have amazing talents but I'm also very good at camouflaging my difficulties and the trouble is that I don't let my true autistic colours shine through. Do you want to find out how to really be yourself? With the help of Dr Glòria, I will share my story with you, and the stories of some other amazing autistic children too!" This gentle and beautifully-illustrated picture book helps children understand what it means to mask, why this is bad for you, and the joy that is to be found when you can share and celebrate your true self.

Camille the Chameleon on Masking: How to Stop Masking and Discover Your Awesome Autistic Self

Review\nA colourful and charming book that is full of self-awareness messages for children of all ages. Creatively written so that the child can see their own traits and differences through the medium of Pandas!!! Useful for a child starting on their journey of self-discovery that does encourages the child to look within themselves. I'm sure that they will keep returning to it over time to just check in and support themselves by using the positive language and scenarios to see that the differences that society may see in them are perfectly normal.--Nicola Reekie, owner of The PDA Space\nFirst of all: explaining autism and PDA through the prism of bears is nothing short of genius. This alone draws one in, and to then be guided through the pages by such informed and compassionate writing makes this book a very riveting read indeed.--Harry Thompson, autistic PDA adult and author of The PDA Paradox\nThis beautifully illustrated book introduces PDA (some strengths, difficulties and things that might help), through the eyes and lives of Pandas (bears with a particular style of autism). It is aimed to be read with younger children and has lots of interactive elements and opportunities to personalise the content. It's an excellent resource to introduce children in a positive way to some complex ideas and will be as helpful to the adult reading it with them as it will to the child him or herself!--Phil Christie, Consultant Child Psychologist and author of Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Pupils with PDA\nA delightful book with beautiful illustrations that will appeal to younger readers. It presents a charming, positive character who explains PDA and supports adults in conversations with young children to offer them a better understanding of their own unique profile.--Ruth Fidler, author and education consultant supporting complex presentations of autism and wellbeing.\nDr Durà-Vilà's wealth of PDA experience and expertise shines through in this beautiful, affirming book. Rebecca's charming illustrations bring the PDA panda ambassador to life as it guides young PDAers in understanding their profile of autism and how they can best be supported. With colourful heartfelt drawings from PDA children there's so much to like about this book, I would highly recommend [it] to any family starting their PDA journey.--Helen Evans, CEO, PDA Society\nThe Panda on PDA is a sensitively written and beautifully illustrated book which explains PDA in a way that younger children will easily understand.There is a lovely balance between the challenges these young people face and the positive characteristics many of them display when well-understood and supported. I would highly recommend this book for any parent living with a PDA child, or professional supporting one.--Dr Judy Eaton, consultant clinical psychologist and author of A Guide to Mental Health Issues in Girls and Young Women on the Autism Spectrum.\nThis beautifully illustrated book will help children with PDA to understand their amazing, unique brains and their feelings and emotions in a wonderfully positive and relatable way. PDA is described in a way that is helpful, clear and child friendly. This book will be beneficial to children with PDA, their siblings, peers, parents and wider family. I love the fact that children can personalise their books too!--Laura Kerbey, autism and education consultant\nThis beautifully illustrated, friendly book invites the PDA child to join their tribe using the masterful tool of a de-personalised panda (who co-authors the book and openly involves the child on every page). The information is presented creatively and communicated in a non-demanding style; perfect for a PDA reader. Dr Glòria has managed to create a resource that will inspire many children to be their authentic self and is highly recommended as a great starting point to introduce PDA to a young audience.--Danielle Jata-Hall is a parent of a PDA daughter; she is also a blogger, advocate, chil

The Panda on Pda: A Children's Introduction to Pathological Demand Avoidance

Jessica Kingsley

My Autism Book is a beautifully illustrated picture book that helps parents to explain an autism diagnosis to their child in a sensitive, positive and accurate way.
When a child is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), parents often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to communicate the diagnosis to their child. This book is designed to be read with the child as a simple introduction to their diagnosis. Written by a doctor and a children's author, the book is tailored precisely to the needs and experiences of the child with ASD aged 5-9. It explains what an autism diagnosis means and encourages an exploration of the child's likely strengths and differences using clear language that speaks directly to the child. The colourful pictures throughout show how the world looks from the child's perspective and the book ends with a summary checklist to encourage the child to record and discuss how autism affects them.

My Autism Book: A Child's Guide to their Autism Spectrum Diagnosis

Parenting & Relationships

Disabilities & Hyperactivity

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