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Appendix C

Resources

Free Chapter

A curated collection of the books, websites, and organizations referenced in this voyage. This list is a starting point, not an exhaustive map.

1. Crisis & Emergency Support (Immediate Help)

If you or your child are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (US & Canada). Confidential support for people in distress.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386.
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
  • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
    • Crisis counselors available 24/7.
  • Autism Response Team (Autism Speaks): 1-888-288-4762 (Information and referral, not a crisis line, but helpful for urgent resource navigation).

2. Understanding Neurotypes (The Currents)

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

  • Website: CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) - chadd.org
    • The gold standard for US-based ADHD advocacy, education, and support groups.
  • Website: ADDitude Magazine - additudemag.com
    • Accessible articles, webinars, and expert advice on all things ADHD.
  • Book: Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell A. Barkley, PhD.
    • The definitive science-based guide on executive function and management.
  • Book: ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD.
    • Focuses on the strengths and "Ferrari engine" metaphor of the ADHD brain.

Autism / ASD

  • Website: Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) - autisticadvocacy.org
    • Run by and for autistic people. Focuses on rights, policy, and the neurodiversity paradigm.
  • Website: Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN) - awnnetwork.org
    • Resources focused on the intersection of gender, race, and neurodivergence.
  • Book: Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry M. Prizant, PhD.
    • A paradigm-shifting book that reframes "autistic behaviors" as human coping mechanisms.
  • Book: NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman.
    • A comprehensive history of autism and the neurodiversity movement.
  • Book: The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida.
    • A profound window into the mind of a non-speaking autistic boy.

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance / Pervasive Drive for Autonomy)

  • Website: PDA Society (UK) - pdasociety.org.uk
    • The world's leading resource on PDA. Offers free downloads, training, and case studies.
  • Website: PDA North America - pdanorthamerica.org
    • Resources tailored to the US/Canadian context.
  • Book: The Family Experience of PDA by Eliza Fricker.
    • An illustrated guide that captures the humor and exhaustion of PDA parenting perfectly.
  • Book: Collaborative Approaches to Learning for Pupils with PDA by Ruth Fidler and Phil Christie.
    • Essential for navigating school accommodations for PDAers.

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) & Behavior

  • Website: Lives in the Balance - livesinthebalance.org
    • Dr. Ross Greene's organization. Free resources on the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model.
  • Book: The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene, PhD.
    • Must-read for ODD. Moves from "compliance" to "collaboration."
  • Book: Beyond Behaviors by Mona Delahooke, PhD.
    • Uses neuroscience to explain "bad behavior" as stress responses.

3. Navigation Tools (Parenting Strategy)

Government & Carer Support

  • Website: Social Security Administration (SSI) - ssa.gov/benefits/disability
    • Information on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children with disabilities.
  • Website: The Arc - thearc.org
    • Advocacy, resources, and community support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Website: Parent Center Hub - parentcenterhub.org
    • Find your local Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for special education support.

Sensory Processing

  • Book: The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz.
    • The classic introduction to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
  • Website: STAR Institute - sensoryhealth.org
    • Research and education on sensory health.

Legal & Educational Advocacy (IEPs)

  • Website: Wrightslaw - wrightslaw.com
    • The encyclopedia of US special education law. Essential for IEP battles.
  • Website: COPAA (Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates) - copaa.org
    • Find an advocate or attorney in your state.
  • Book: From Emotions to Advocacy by Pam Wright and Pete Wright.
    • A tactical guide to organizing records, writing letters, and negotiating.

Co-Parenting & Family Law

  • Website: AFCC (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts) - afccnet.org
    • Provides resources for parents navigating separation, divorce, and co-parenting.
  • Website: UpToParents.org - uptoparents.org
    • Free interactive website helping separating parents focus on their children's needs.
  • Book: The Co-Parenting Handbook by Karen Bonnell.
    • A practical guide for separated parents navigating shared custody.
  • Book: Co-parenting with a Toxic Ex by Amy J. L. Baker and Paul R. Fine.
    • Strategies for high-conflict situations and parallel parenting.
  • App: OurFamilyWizard - ourfamilywizard.com
    • The court-standard app for documenting communication and expenses.

4. Podcasts & Audio (Listen While You Sail)

  • Podcast: Tilt Parenting (hosted by Debbie Reber).
    • Conversations on raising differently-wired kids. Empowering and paradigm-shifting.
  • Podcast: The ADHD Essentials Podcast (hosted by Brendan Mahan).
    • Practical strategies for managing ADHD in families and schools.
  • Podcast: Uniquely Human: The Podcast (hosted by Barry Prizant & Dave Finch).
    • Expanding on the book's compassionate approach to autism.

5. Captain's Wellness (Parent Support)

  • Book: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski, PhD, and Amelia Nagoski, DMA.
    • Essential reading for understanding the physiology of stress.
  • Book: Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff, PhD.
    • Antidote to the shame and "inner critic" of special needs parenting.
  • App: Insight Timer
    • Free meditation app with specific tracks for anxiety and sleep.

Disclaimer: The resources listed here are for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of every viewpoint expressed. Always consult with your own medical, legal, and educational teams for specific advice.

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