Developmental Disabilities

A dramatic and remarkable narrative of an extraordinary teacher's determination, from the author of the Sunday Times bestsellers The Tiger's Child and One Child. Torey Hayden faced six emotionally troubled kids no other teacher could handle - three recent arrivals from battle-torn Northern Ireland, badly traumatized by the horrors of war; an eleven-year-old boy, who only knew life inside an institution; an excitable girl, aggressive and sexually precocious at the age of eight; and seven-year-old Leslie, perhaps the most hopeless of all, unresponsive and unable to speak.

Sally Miyake can't read, but she learns lots of things. Like bricks are made of clay and vitamin D comes from the sun. Sally is happy working in the kitchen at Sunnyside Plaza, the community center she lives in with other adults with developmental disabilities. For Sally and her friends, Sunnyside is the only home they've ever known. Everything changes the day a resident unexpectedly dies. After a series of tragic events, Detectives Esther Rivas and Lon Bridges begin asking questions. Are the incidents accidents? Or is something more disturbing happening?

Many parents and families experience deep sadness, fear, and worry after their child has been diagnosed with a developmental disability. If this is you, you are not alone. As you think about how life is now different for your child, it’s natural to have feelings of concern because you want to see your child thrive.

A Lifeline for Families. A Handbook for Advocates. A Call to Action. Advocating for Loved Ones with IDD in Texas is a practical, empowering, and deeply personal guide for families, caregivers, educators, and allies who are committed to standing up for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Written by a seasoned educator, coach, and lifelong advocate with firsthand experience, this book delivers clear, compassionate insight into navigating both state and federal systems—without the legal jargon or red tape. Originally written in 2012 and fully updated in 2025, ...