Thinking Differently, by David Flink

Some kids think and learn differently.  That is what David Fink experienced as a child.  With the assistance of his school, teachers, and parents, he managed to succeed in school, pick up a couple of Ivy League degrees, and start a national organization to support children with learning disabilities.  In Thinking Differently: An Inspiring Guide for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities, he tells his story and provides information, resources, and information for parents and educators.

In Fink's case, he struggled but found a place in a school dedicated to helping students with learning differences.  He did well enough in high school to earn acceptance at Brown, then graduate school at Columbia.  But even in college he had to continue to work with his teachers of accommodations.  During his college years, he started a program called Eye to Eye through which people with learning disabilities can mentor younger students with disabilities.

Besides this model of mentorship, Flink also provides parents and educators with strategies and basic information about schools, IEPs, and navigating special education.  For parents especially, this insight is invaluable.  The best insight, though, is the theme that runs through the book.  As Flink writes: "make sure you avoid seeing learning and attention issues as failures, flaws, or weaknesses an strive to view them as simply differences.  Remember: Different doesn't mean less than.  It may even mean absolutely fantastic!"  Amen to that!


Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!