GF

Great introduction to Gf-Gc Theory for practitioners. The authors did an excellent job of explaining Gf-Gc theory, test interpretation using Gf-Gc theory, and implications of the results. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the field of educational assessment.

Every psychologist (science-practitioner) who conducts psychoeducational evaluations should read this book. It not only summarizes the latest research on cognitive abilities, but it shows the way to apply these results to practice. My only criticism is that maybe the authors should have emphasized a little more the fact that interpretation of results is mostly scientific, but also a bit artistic/intuitive.

Kevin S. McGrew and Dawn P. Flanagan propose that current intelligence testing practices are based in outdated models of cognitive abilities. As a result, test results interpretation is often ambiguous, incomplete, impossible or useless. As an alternative, the authors present an integrated Cattell-Horn-Carroll model of intelligence. This is really the most comprehensive and empirically supported psychometric theory of intelligence currently available and the theory around which intelligence tests should be interpreted. You will know, for example, what Wechsler verbal and performance IQ really measure or how global IQ scores obtained from different batteries actually arise from combining different abilities and are thus hardly comparable. The presentation is exceptionally clear and gives all the information necessary to correctly understand the applications that follow.

First, the CHC model is used to analyze the major individually administered intelligence batteries. This is the Desk-Reference part of the book and shows the psychometric characteristics of all subtests in the batteries in a particularly clear and visual way. If only for this part, the book must be on the desk of all psychologists who wish to make sense of the intelligence tests they apply.

Second a cross-battery approach to intellectual assessment and interpretation is defined and operationalized. This is sure to become a major landmark in intelligence testing. From now on, psychologists, educators and other mental health professionals have a set of practical guidelines for conducting actual assessments based on the CHC model and interpreting results in a meaningful and potentially more useful way. It must be emphasized that the guidelines describe a really feasible, perhaps even an easy, procedure.

To most of us frustrated by the continued absence of sound theory based tests and uncomfortable with having to invent interpretations which we know are of no utility, this book could hardly be more welcome. It is thus only fortunate that it has been followed by another one specifically focused on the Wechsler scales (The Wechsler intelligence scales and Gf-Gc theory, by Dawn P Flanagan, Kevin S. McGrew and Samuel O. Ortiz). Also, the book connects with a previous and important one (Contemporary intellectual assessment, edited by Dawn P. Flanagan, Judy L. Genshaft and Patti L. Harrison). The reader might consider having, reading and using the set of three as a trilogy which updates current intelligence theory and practice and sets the stage for the immediate future.

I strongly recommend that the interested reader uses Amazon's personal notification service so as not to miss any new book by these authors. We are witnessing the birth of a new era in intelligence theory and testing.

In this book, Luke Jackson explores the effect of the gluten free/casein free (GF/CF) diet on himself and his family and gives practical advice for how to apply it in everyday life. The long appendices (they take up half the book) by his mother, Jacqui Jackson, describe GF/CF recipes, parental notes on implementing the diet, and other resources related to the diet.

The only problem with the book is the enthusiasm with which the diet is presented for all autistic people, and the assumption that it will not harm people to try it so therefore everyone should. This is a diet that only works for people, whether autistic or not, who have specific digestive problems or allergies. If they don't have these problems, they won't need the diet, and the diet can be harmful (physically or financially) to people on it. The author's enthusiasm, given the diet's success for him and his family, is understandable, but it extends slightly too far.

For people who need the diet, though, this is a good book to read for a thorough introduction to how it works and how it can better the lives of people with those specific digestive problems, whether they are autistic or not.

I am the grandmother of a wonderful 6-year-old boy who has been diagnosed autistic, and I've read both Luke Jackson's books (written at ages 12 and 13) in order to get a more complete understanding of the condition from a "kids eye view". I can only hope that Luke keeps writing for the masses.

This particular book is a treasure. The reader is treated to Luke's keen powers of observation and unflagging sense of humor, as always. We also get a couple of chapters written by his exceptional mother, Jacqui, who modestly denies being a "superwoman." (I beg to differ.) It's Jacqui who convinced me that if a woman in charge of a household of eight persons can master the art of gluten-free cooking, then the rest of us just might be equal to the task, as well. Last but not least, recipes, menus, and tips on acquiring and organizing necessary equipment are provided in thorough, easy-to-understand detail.

Perhaps all that might not sound exciting to the average person, but I can assure you that this is one of the most interesting and absorbing books ever to address the titled topics. Witness: in the middle of a work week, I began reading the book at about 11:30 p.m. and read it straight through. I couldn't put it down until I finished at nearly 3:00 a.m.

Inspired by Luke's work, I have gone on line to look up more information about gluten-free diets and related topics and have found a wealth of valuable information. However, the language I used to talk my grandson's family into attempting this new lifestyle came straight from the book reviewed here.

An invaluable resource. A "must" read for anyone dealing with a person who on "the autism scale." Thank you and bravo, Luke, Jacqui and Marilyn Le Breton. You have made a very necessary contribution with this publication.

My son, 6-yr-old with autism, has been on this diet for over 2 years, and I just read this book. It was very interesting reading the perspective of a child on the diet. I am now even more motivated to keep my son on the GF/CF diet. If you're thinking of starting it, this book will settle some of your concerns about implementing it, such as how your child will adjust, whether they really will start eating what you cook, what to do when other family members are not on the diet, etc. The author is also not the only child in his family who is GF/CF; he has two brothers on the diet as well and describes their experiences with it.
Luke and family are in the UK, so the appendices written by his mother will be more helpful for UK than US readers, but there is also lots of information that applies in the US. She provides some sample menus and recipes - there really are plenty of things to eat after eliminating gluten and casein. They have also included a list of sources for products, both for the UK and US.