This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advises professionals on how to bring out the best and raise self-confidence in their 2e students and clients.
A prolific writer and beloved speaker, Julie hosts groups for parents and 2e adults, produces virtual conferences, and publishes “Gifted & Distractible,” a free weekly newsletter. Julie's new book is Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child, provides a strength-based, practical, approach to understanding 2e kids and implementing best practice strategies to increase their self-confidence and self-love.
Located in Maryland, USA, Julie's clients, and audience hale from all four corners of the globe.
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
Gifted and Distractible by Julie F. Skolnick is a heartfelt book designed to help parents and educators understand and support their twice-exceptional (2e) children. The book is divided into three parts: Understanding, Strategies, and Advocacy. To effectively help your child, you first need to comprehend their unique condition. The author explains the differences between ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory sensitivity, while also addressing issues such as anxiety and debunking common myths about 2e children. Skolnick shares practical strategies for parents, which are organized into six categories known by the acronym PRAISE: Personal Connection, Reframe, Anticipate, Incentives and Choices, Sense of Humor, and Exercise. Finally, the author encourages parents to advocate for their 2e children by creating collaborative relationships with teachers and helping their children become their own advocates. The book also offers an eye-opening narrative about a typical day in the life of a 2e child, fostering empathy and a practical understanding of their daily struggles.
Gifted and Distractible is one of the most thoughtful and comprehensive guides I have ever read. It addresses details that many parents and teachers often overlook regarding 2e children. The author effectively categorizes the different groups these children may belong to and provides practical tips to aid in their development, making them feel comfortable and understood. The biggest lesson I learned from this book is that gifted children do not always find tasks easy; they can become easily fixated and distracted, leading to misunderstandings. The practical strategies provided are straightforward and actionable. They include building rapport with your child’s educators without being demanding or sending lengthy emails, learning about your child's interests, and asking them questions to better understand their needs and values. Julie F. Skolnick includes stories about 2e children that highlight both their challenges and successes. I appreciate that the book addresses the emotional toll that parents and families experience when raising 2e children. It thoughtfully encourages patience, gradual trust-building, and self-awareness. This is a valuable read, filled with insights that will benefit anyone invested in understanding and nurturing 2e children.
