Laughing Allegra: The Inspiring Story of a Mother's Struggle and Triumph Raising a Daughter With Learning Disabilities - Softcover

Ford, Anne; Thompson, John-Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1557046220 ISBN 13: 9781557046222

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks, 2004

Synopsis

When Anne Ford, great-granddaughter of Henry Ford, learned that her four-year-old daughter Allegra’s “differences” were the result of severe learning disabilities, she faced a challenge that neither money nor position could ease. Desperate for answers, Anne sought out doctors, teachers, counselors, and oth- ers who could help her build a support network for herself and her daughter, while fighting the many common misconceptions and myths about learning disabilities.

Now, in this fiercely honest and compelling memoir, Anne tells her story, writing movingly of her feelings as the mother of a learning disabled child. “I grew to accept that life is filled with uncertainty and that answers to the most simple, yet profound, questions such as ‘What is wrong with my daughter?’ can be elusive. I learned to be self-reliant in ways I never had before. I learned that every spark of optimism and hope was something to be nurtured and treasured because sometimes they were the only comfort available. And I learned that worry had entered my life.”

In time, Anne Ford saw her daughter grow into a vibrant, loving, and independent adult with a passion for ice skating and a commitment to help other disabled children. Allegra Ford, now 32, lives independently and supported this book’s publication so “it could help other kids.” Anne’s experience led her to become a tireless activist on behalf of children and families faced with LD, including her service as Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Learning Disabilities from 1989 to 2001, and the writing of this book with John-Richard Thompson, an award-winning playwright and novelist.

In addition to Anne’s personal story, Laughing Allegra includes four invaluable special sections:

• Answers to the most commonly asked questions about LD
• A resource guide on where to find help
• A discussion from a mother’s perspective on the challenges of homework, money, relationships, the work- place, and planning as the LD child and parents age
• A section on “Siblings and Secrets,” new in this paperback edition, inspired by Anne’s conversations with readers during her hardcover book tour.

About this title

About the Author:

Anne Ford's previous books are the acclaimed memoir Laughing Allegra, about raising her severely learning-disabled daughter, and On Their Own: Creating an Independent Future for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. She served as Chairman of the Board of the National Center for Learning Disabilities from 1989 to 2001. The daughter of Henry Ford II, she lives in New York City and lectures widely on LD and ADHD issues.

John Richard-Thompson, an award-winning playwright and novelist, collaborates with Anne Ford on her books.

From AudioFile:

Anne Ford is an admirable woman. As a single mother, she negotiated herself and her disabled daughter through life. Thirty years ago there was little knowledge and even less support for children with learning disabilities, which were perceived by many as imaginary. Ford's struggles were real, and her voice communicates her frustration and tears over her family's broken dreams. Her near hysteria over her child's future in her early years comes across well in her reading. Exhaustively thorough about every aspect of parenting a child with a learning disability, this tape is highly recommended for any relative or teacher of such a child and will strongly increase empathy. A.G.H. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1557046220
• ISBN 13: 9781557046222
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272