AUTHOR
"Dr. Eagle's account of her son Benjamin's development from birth to a happy, satisfied adulthood is one of the few books that combine the insights of a parent with the disciplined observations and conclusions of a qualified professional. Her story is not one of cure, miraculous or otherwise, but of another kind of triumph--of active love and persistence. It should help many families and enlighten many professionals. "—Clara Claiborne Park, author, The Siege: A Family's Journey into the World of an Autistic Child and Exiting Nirvana: A Daughter's Life with Autism
"As a clinical psychologist who has worked with children with autism and has knowledge of the academic literature in relevant domains of psychology, as well as a parent drawing on experience of intimate involvement with Benjamin, Rita Eagle is well qualified to integrate detailed and personal descriptions of her son's development with reflections upon the sources of his difficulties, and more specifically of the handicaps to and progress in his development. From this perspective, she provides an accessible critical review of psychological theories of autism, as well as an informed evaluation of therapeutic interventions-with novel suggestions from her own experience. The book is an impressive achievement. The author is balanced and generous in her citations of the works of others, and at the same time has an individual voice and an engaging skepticism concerning theoretical accounts (including her own) that seek to encompass qualities of atypical development manifest in the behavior and experience of her own child and in others with developmental disorders. Her account is thoughtful, insightful, original, challenging and fresh; even when considering views somewhat at odds with her own, she attempts to share what is positive and enlightening. In summary, this amounts to a special blend of personal and scientific perspectives that helps us to appreciate the interpersonal dimensions of typical as well as atypical development, cognitive as well as social."—Peter Hobson, Tavistock professor of Developmental Psychopathology, University of London FURINA AND THE BABY
Farina is a loved and pampered cat. But when a new baby arrives, she fears she will lose her special place in the family. How will she cope with this crisis in her happy world?
Find out in this delightful book, written in simple language with lively, amusing pictures, especially for very young children, 18 months to 4. SNIFFY
The story of Sniffy and Tommy packs action, warmth and fun. It is written by Rita Eagle in witty, entertaining rhyme with whimsical illustrations, by Gerry Rasmussen, that capture all the motion and emotion of the story. Its message may be especially of interest to children who feel "different" and for the parents, siblings and classmates of kids with special needs. But it is also an important message for all kids – and grown ups too.
"Sniffy the Beagle" will capture the hearts and minds of children 4 to 9, parents and teachers, and beagle lovers of all ages. |
SPECIAL NEEDS ICE HOCKEY
The general public is familiar with the Special Olympics, but hockey is not part of that program. The California Condors special needs hockey program, currently located at Iceoplex in Simi Valley, CA was the brainchild of Rita Eagle, whose son was able to play hockey when the family lived in Toronto. Her goal was to encourage young people with developmental disabilities to have fun and learn skills and teamwork in a safe environment.
Ask the kids what they like, and the first answer is, “The team.” The group is open to all developmental disabilities, all ages, male or female and all levels of skills – including those who have never skated before. On ice, all are equal. The Condors participate in tournaments in California, in other states, as well as in Canada. Founded in 2006, it was the first, and for many years, the only special needs ice hockey program in California. Inspired by the Condors, there are now six special needs hockey programs in California, with two more about to launch. In April, 2019, Dr. Eagle was awarded a Pioneer Award for her work putting special needs ice hockey on the map in California. The California Condors are a 501.c3 non for profit organization, entirely run by volunteers. Find more about the Condors at: www. condorsspecialhockey.org |
