Driven To Distraction : Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood
by Edward M. Hallowell, John J. Ratey
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (02 March, 1995)
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Editorial Review

This clear and valuable book dispels a variety of myths about attention deficit disorder (ADD). Since both authors have ADD themselves, and both are successful medical professionals, perhaps there's no surprise that the two myths they attack most persistently are: (a) that ADD is an issue only for children; and (b) that ADD corresponds simply to limited intelligence or limited self-discipline. "The word disorder puts the syndrome entirely in the domain of pathology, where it should not entirely be. Although ADD can generate a host of problems, there are also advantages to having it, advantages that this book will stress, such as high energy, intuitiveness, creativity, and enthusiasm, and they are completely overlooked by the 'disorder' model."The authors go on to cite Mozart and Einstein as examples of probable ADD sufferers. (The problem as they see it is not so much attention deficit but attention inconsistency: "Most of us with ADD can in fact hyperfocus at times.") Although they warn against overdiagnosis, they also do a convincing job of answering the criticism that "everybody, and therefore nobody" has ADD. Using numerous case studies and a discussion of the way ADD intersects with other conditions (e.g., depression, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), they paint a concrete picture of the syndrome's realities. Especially helpful are the lists of tips for dealing with ADD in a child, a partner, or a family member.--Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (82)

Good only for starters
If you know sth. about ADD this CD would be only little helpful. I expected more than just introduction to the topic.This CD is good for people who start to research ADD.Don't expect practical solutions or exercises from this audio.The conclusion is that ADD people should train to get organized and look for a coach or external support cause the chance of improvement is greater.14 bucks I paid was a little to much for just few stories and a handful of adwise.

Amazing; an experience of enlightenment about ADD & society
Not since William Dufty's SUGAR BLUES have I ever read a book that has answered virtually every unanswered question I have had, and every painful mystery about the contradictory facts of life: regarding everything from the nature of modern society to stupid habits I cannot seem to let go of in my personal life; the actual non-emotional source of my brilliant son's troubles in school to the secret architect of my intimate relationships with women throughout my adulthood.

This book is not written for people who have never heard of Attention Deficit Disorder. This book is written--no, this book is a profound blessing--to people like me: people who have heard of it for quite some time, have children or family members or friends with it, and think because of such they actually know what it is, or what it does. People like me, who despite the facts above never consider, because they do not know what it really is, that they may have it themselves. My view of the stereotype of ADD and its stereotypically affected subculture (children with other neurological or educational differences in suburbia and the inner city) does not even begin to fully explain the most obvious and trivial of symptoms, let alone the actual racial and socioeconomic diversity of adults AND children who may be suffering with it, and for how long--in this generation and the many before us (like those of our parents and grandparents).

=For example, consider this enlightening and disturbing fact that could change one's entire view of the morality of the criminal justice system: the brain of a person with ADD functions in an entirely different way than those without it, and as such is affected in an entirely different way by the use of illegal drugs. While "regular" people search for the high received by Marijuana, the relaxation of inhibitions by alcohol or the stimulus from Cocaine, those with ADD develop the ability not just to finally relax but also to CONCENTRATE; to FOCUS their minds and organize both their thoughts and their life--and subsequently their emotions--in a way the condition will not allow them to otherwise when they get high. In other words, as 10-15% of the population of major cities across America may have ADD (the busy lifestyle we tend to be attracted to), at the very least 25% of the prison population--people who got there because of their purchase and use of illegal drugs (like crack)--*were intuitively self-medicating for a disorder they did not and still do not know they have*. This is what the white kids with ADD in suburbia getting a slap on the wrist for what the black kids in the ghetto with ADD are going to prison for are BOTH doing, when they continuously experiment with illegal drugs.

Which means, the TREATMENT over INCARCERATION argument in the "war on drugs" has more scientific validity than anyone in the booming prison industry, with all its congressional lobbyists, would ever admit; particularly when our more dysfunctional and often morally repugnant laws are being enforced.

=Consider also that people with ADD also get addicted to simple sugars and carbohydrates for the same or similar reasons...and this could be partly behind the boom of obesity in America.

=Then consider how routinely ADD is diagnosed in pre-pubescent boys (particularly those of color) but not in women and girls. And then take another look at everything from the constant worry of boys falling behind girls in science and mathematics in school (and the sexist mythology often associated with the explanations for it), to the rising rate of obesity and eating disorders amongst women as opposed to men...

The implications of this disorder's effect on our modern world however will still be thunder to the lightning affect of seeing how ADD just might explain the Hyde side of every Dr. Jekyll in your personal life--including yourself--under the surface of drug addictions, antisocial personality quirks, narcissism, verbal abuse, scholastic and professional underachievement and emotionally codependent & adulterous intimate relationships. I have had the experience of talking to several therapists (psychologists) over my adult life; read dozens of self-help books from Eric Berne to Nathaniel Branden to Melodie Beattie to Marianne Williamson to Ilanya Vanzant; scoured through much of the work of Freud and Jung and those influenced by them, including Joseph Campbell...all of them, particularly the psychologists, opened my eyes to significant ideas, perspectives and literature (like the work of the incredible Alice Miller, for example). ALL of it, however, and all of psychologists, missed this fundamental medical/neurological perspective, which gets to the root of all my problems AND my gifts simultaneously unlike anything I have ever seen.

If you have any of the personality traits or life experiences the likes of which have been referred to in codependency theory, chemical addiction, underachievement (or just the strange, inexplicable feeling, as it goes against the evidence of your actual career/life successes, that you're still a failure in disguise), chronic depression, dyslexia associated reading & comprehension difficulties and the like (not to mention the wealth of racist, sexist and moralistic pseudo-scientific literature that speak in subtle but primitive terms of your innate criminality or inferiority; or just plain "sinful nature")...be prepared for the Galileo experience of your life. This book made me and the woman I love repeatedly burst into tears, as every chapter revealed a crucial but mysteriously painful aspect of our mutual childhoods, family and personal lives that we tried to forget, but now understand.


The funniest thing: I first heard of the book more than seven years ago, and never got around to picking it up.

Was too distracted!

This book may have saved my life.

A good starter audio CD for ADD newbies...
As a person who has had ADHD and grew up aware of its existence, the audio CD confirmed what I knew as opposed to providing a lot of new information.However, this is a terrific CD for people newly diagnosed with or who have little knowledge about ADD/ADHD.I give it four stars because it is a good introductory CD, but its sequel 'Delivered from Distraction' offers more up-to-date information. ... Read more

Isbn: 0684801280
Subjects:  1. Attention deficit disorders    2. Attention-deficit disorder in    3. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    4. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    5. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    6. General    7. Health/Fitness    8. Parenting - Hyperactivity    9. Popular works    10. Psychology    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Answers to Distraction
by Edward M. Hallowell, John J. Ratey
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 1996)
list price: $15.00 -- our price: $10.20
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Reviews (13)

Great AD/HD Resource
This a great AD/HD resource. The book is written in a very ADD friendly Q & A format. This book will anser many commonly asked AD/HD related questions. Many of the questioned answered are ones that you may have always wanted to know but were afried to ask.

This a great book to add your AD/HD Library.

I'll show you my disease if you show me yours! Respond
That made me laugh. I have to ask do you believe in AIDS? Do you believe in cancer? Do you think people in wheel chairs can walk? If so way? Have you had any of them? Do you really know what they are like? How do you know they are real? How because science tells you and that same science also has done brain scans on people with AD/HD and has proven that it is real.

So I know people without ADD can have some traits of ADD like forgetting things, sure some people can be just like that but when you forget your own birthday, always lose your keys etc, never organised, can't concentrate for more then about 2 minutes, never on time for anything, poor sleeping habits, trouble learning what others find easy etc would you like me to go on?

If they sound like normal people to me god help us all.

Answers to Review
Please disregard the top statement about ADHD being a medical fad. Obviously, he/she has never gone through a day of having ADHD. If this ADHD thing is such a fad, as he/she claims, then explain why studies have shown that well over 50% of those diagnosed with ADHD report major improvements after medication. ADHD research is not perfect, but it has benefited way too many people in this world to pass it off as just an excuse to sell pills.

I guarantee that the reviewer would not be diagnosed with ADHD, as he/she suggests. Doctors go through a series of questioning, and you will only be diagnosed unless your symptoms go over a certain threshold. You don't just get labeled with ADHD because you're forgetful or sometimes hyper; you have to display a certain level of symptoms. In extreme cases, it's almost impossible to deny: blurting out comments for no apparent reason, complete inability to sit still, etc....

ADHD research is not perfect. But just because it doesn't work for you or your family does not mean it applies to everyone. I'm sorry that your child was misdiagnosed, but a lot of people are diagnosed and helped.But for those who want to find information, I have (and most psychologists I know) recommended "Driven to Distraction". It's pretty much the most basic book you can find on the subject. If you are one of the fairly small percentage of adults who are constantly frustrated by a brain malfunction that makes you feel stupid (even though you know you're not), then please at least do the research. It couldn't hurt you to arm yourself with more information. ... Read more

Isbn: 055337821X
Sales Rank: 5255
Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. General    4. Learning Disabilities    5. Mental Health    6. Miscellanea    7. Psychology    8. Medical / Mental Health   

Attention Deficit Disorder : A Different Perception
by Thom Hartmann, Edward M. Hallowell (Introduction), Michael Popkin (Foreword)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 1997)
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Reviews (30)

Easy to read and understand
This author most certainly understands people with ADD and writes in such a way that makes it accessible to them. This book will leave you feeling hopeful with a sense of direction. Thank you whoever you are!

ADD as a coping style suited to hunters...
Hartmann has written a popular series of books related to ADD/ADHD by introducing an empowering perspective to those labeled ADD/ADHD.Since ADD/ADHD is based on labeling behaviors rather than identifying any physiological abnormality, Hartmann's view is quite sensible to some extent.In our current environment, these behaviors are usually seen as maladaptive and bring adults to treat children with these behaviors in a negative way.Ironically, it is the high level of stress in our environment that has been associated with triggering ADD symptoms - violent media directed at children, stress on status and achievement, disruptive family patterns, toxins, additives, and stimulants in foods, beverages, and the environment, etc.In this stressful environment many people develop the coping strategies and physioloigcal symptoms that would be expected from someone that has been in frequent danger and overusing their adrenal glands, which triggers a shortage in hormones and neurotransmitters needed to sustain attention.ADD/ADHD can best be understood from a holistic mind-body perspective, with natural holistic and psychotherapeutic interventions to assist.Giving stimulant drugs momentarily increases focus and calms behavior, but actually further aggravates the over-stressed system that led to ADD symptoms in the first place.Improved nutrition, stress management skills, and energy balancing therapies can provide lasting benefits to help those labeled ADD/ADHD become more balanced and able to adapt to their circumstances when they desire to.In more nurturing, less stressful environments these children are often seen as normal, and may actually act more calm and focused when less stressed and perceived more positively by adults.Hartmann's book provides a useful tool to help people recognize the psychological coping mechanism that can contribute to ADD patterns of behavior, although he somewhat oversimplifies the issue and doesn't clearly address the mind-body connection that is largely ignored or misunderstood by those examining the ADD/ADHD issue.Additionally, Hartmann adds his own labeling system of hunters and gatherers/farmers, which could limit how some people perceive themselves.These are roles we develop, and which are not solidly set by genetics.Genetic expression is influenced by the individual's biological and psychosocial environment [and the individual's reaction to the environment], and we deny our potential if we just say we are a born "hunter."

Very disappointing
I was very disappointed with this book. The farmers vs hunters analogy was intriquing at the beginning, but by the end of the book, I felt like the author had over-generalized (in some case in accurately generalized) ADD behaviors/characteristics to fit his analogy. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
Obviously, other reviewers have a different opinion so take mine for whatever it is worth. ... Read more

Isbn: 1887424148
Sales Rank: 4224
Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    3. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    4. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    5. Parenting - Hyperactivity    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - General    8. Self-Help    9. Special Education - Learning Disabled    10. Self Help    11. Parenting   

Women With Attention Deficit Disorder: Embracing Disorganization at Home and in the Workplace
by Sari Solden
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 1995)
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Reviews (42)

What a GREAT book on ADHD!
This book is a must read for any women who either suspects or knows they or a female loved-one may be adhd/add. Who better to write such a book than Sari Solden who is add herself! This has honestly been one a a handfull of books I, as an add women, consider a true page turner. It's informative and concisely written and even goes into some of the secondary issues that can result from add.

an ADDult
I was soooooooooo relieved after i read this book,as I am not the hyper type(although I talk a lot-but I am not jumping around -fidgeting or worse daydreaming when I have to sit still)
A lot of is highlighted in yellow and I lended it to the ADD psy(he heard aboutbut did not have the opportunity to read,well this could have save both of us a lot of time,anyway...)
It was like a thriller I spend 3 nights and days reading and reading.I highly recommend it along with "ADD in women" by nadeau,this one is more recent and quote a lot from it.

Required Reading for Women Who Think They Might Have ADD!
This book stilled so many fears and anxieties I've had for years because I had no idea what was wrong with me but knew it had to be something terrible! Now, after reading this very informative book, I feel enlightened about a woman's unique symptomology as compared to boys and men.....no wonder I never dreamed that I might have ADD! ... Read more

Isbn: 1887424059
Sales Rank: 1660
Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    3. Parenting - Hyperactivity    4. Psychology    5. Psychopathology - General    6. Self-Help    7. Popular works    8. Life skills guides    9. Cognition disorders    10. ADD   

YOU MEAN I'M NOT LAZY, STUPID OR CRAZY?!: A Self-help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder
by Kate Kelly, Peggy Ramundo
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (16 January, 1996)
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Reviews (71)

GREAT BOOK -excellent resource
This is a wonderful book with helpful daily tips to adapt to ADD/ADHD. I recommend it for anyone who has or knows someone with adult ADD!

The most useful book I've found
I was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 9. In the seven-plus years since then, I've read a great deal of books about ADD. Almost all of them rely on the same "You're a unique and special snowflake!" attitude, and the same generalizations about people with ADD.
After I was given this book as a gift, I put off reading this book for a while, sure thatit would be more of the same. Instead, it was incredable in its honesty. Instead of playing up the benefits of ADD, making it sound like a wonderful blessing, Kelly understands that, sometimes, it's also a curse. Those recently diagnosed need may reassurance, of course. However, when that's ALL a book is, it loses its value as a resource. That's why this book was so great- it stated that there's nothing wrong with ADD in the first couple chapters, then moved right along (giving it a more believable tone than most books, whose constant "There's nothing wrong at all!" statments make me suspect that maybe the author is trying to hide something) to talking about theories involving ADD (which was pretty cool).
My favorite thing about this book is that it talks about the problems ADD can cause in various aspects of your life, and how ADD can manifest itself in different people. Rather than make general assumptions about people with ADD, the authors recognize that ADD is a complex, varied condition. Before this, I'd no idea that my sluggish periods might be part of my ADD, that it manifests itself verbally, and that my tactile defensivness (an occasional aversion to physical contact) wasn't because I was aggressive or weird- I was just overstimulated! No other book had even MENTIONED this kind of thing.
Keeping with the diversity of problems, the authors offer a diversity of possible ways to deal with problems arising from ADD. Each idea can easily be altered to fit your needs- another big plus.
Honestly, if you or your teenage child have ADD or ADHD, you should not be without this book.

Awesome and Useful
This is great, I just bought this and books. This is a winner!! ... Read more

Isbn: 0684815311
Sales Rank: 935
Subjects:  1. Attention deficit disorders    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    3. General    4. Learning Disabilities    5. Popular works    6. Psychology    7. Self-Help    8. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    10. Parenting - Hyperactivity   

You And Your A.d.d. Child How To Understand And Help Kids With Attention Deficit Disorder
by Paul Warren
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (25 August, 1995)
list price: $13.99
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Reviews (1)

Practical Help for Parents of ADD Kids
This was the best book on ADD my wife and I have read. It not only explained ADD in understandable terms, it also provided us with practical ways to help our child succeed at school, at church, and in society. We appreciated the examples given because they enabled us to explain our situation to others in ways that help others (family and friends) to understand that ADD is not a curse and that an ADD child is not damaged goods. This is a must-read for anyone related in any way to someone with ADD. ... Read more

Isbn: 0785278958
Sales Rank: 262279
Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Child Psychiatry    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Parenting    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Learning Disorders (Neurological Aspects)    8. Parenting - Hyperactivity    9. Popular works    10. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Learning to Slow Down and Pay Attention: A Book for Kids About Add
by Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ellen B. Dixon, John Rose, J. R. Rose
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 April, 1997)
list price: $10.95
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Reviews (10)

disappointing
While I did think the child-friendly checklists were generally a good idea, I found myself wanting to edit them.The questions were "leading questions", not open-ended.The checklists lead to a negative sense of self (i.e. "ADD is Bad"), no positive outcome possible.

A side note, "school" and "homework" are an integral part of the book.We homeschool, so this additional point made the book unuseable for our family.

Practical, concise, and kid-friendly
Kids with ADHD are constantly being told to "slow down" and "pay attention." Most kids want to, but don't know how. This is an ideal book for teaching kids step-by-step exactly how to slow down and pay attention. Part one of this book involves children in a process of self-evaluation through the use of checklists that help them identify the problem areas that they most need to work on. Part two identifies what other people (i.e. parents, teachers, counselors) can do to help. Part three, "Things I Can Do To Help Myself," gives children lists of the necessary steps to take to work on each problem area. This concise, easy to understand book does a super job of helping kids to take responsibility for improving their behavior.

not very helpful
My 12 year old son has ADD. I work with him frequently on organization. I did like the checklists, but on the whole I found the book to be condesending. I feel that they were projecting feelings onto the child reader, making assumptions on when they were getting tired or feeling overwhelmed. I would have prefered a more factual, logical approach, as children with ADD need the bottom line. ... Read more

Isbn: 1557984565
Sales Rank: 147506
Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. Attention-deficit-disordered c    4. Attention-deficit-disordered children    5. Children's 9-12 - Diet    6. Children: Grades 3-4    7. General    8. Health - General    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. Juvenile literature   

Teenagers With ADD: A Parents' Guide (The Special-Needs Collection)
by Chris A. Zeigler Dendy, Chris A. Zeigler Dendy
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 September, 1995)
list price: $18.95 -- our price: $12.89
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Reviews (23)

EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT!!!!!
This is a must-have book for parents with teenagers with ADD.I also bought for me and for my son's team of teachers, "Teaching Teenagers With ADD" by the same author.Both are excellent books!!!!

Practical, readable, compassionate
This is another excellent book by Chris Ziegler Dendy. The author presents practical information that will help parents in their day to day struggle to deal with the changing world of an adolescent with ADHD. She clearly has dealt with some of these stiuations herself, so she brings humorous and compassionate anecdotes to illustrate the factual material. I would highly recommend this and her other books on the practical aspects of dealing with adolescents with ADHD

Great Place to find answers
This book was so helpful to me! My 13-year-old son was just diagnosed with ADD and it was a God send. It has so many great suggestions, stories and advice. I stayed up all night reading it! It was like an autobiogrpahy of my son for the past few years. He was especially relieved to figure out what was wrong and read the other kid's experiences.
It was also helpful for me on how to advise my son's teachers of special care that he needs. The appendix for teachers in the back is an excellent tool to give to teachers so they can develop a good basic understanding of the condition.
The book doesn't have much on the medication Adderal which was what our doctor recommended. The information on accompanying sleep disturbances was excellent - our doctor didn't even know about it. ... Read more

Isbn: 0933149697
Sales Rank: 18067
Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adolescence    3. Children with Special Needs    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. General    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Parenting - Hyperactivity    9. Popular works    10. Teenagers   

Straight Talk about Psychiatric Medications for Kids
by Timothy E. Wilens
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 November, 2002)
list price: $16.95
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Reviews (6)

Great info on meds
Medication is one of the scariest aspects of treating childhood mental illness.This book provides a wealth of easily understood information.This is a great book that should be used in combination with other books that help parents handle the other aspects of treating their children's disorders.Two I recommend for Bipolar Disorder are "If Your Child is Bipolar" and "The Bipolar Child."The more helpful resources out there the better.These are books that should definately be on parents' shelves.

An excellent source of information about medication choices
It can be overwhelming and confusing to try and figure out which drug is best for a particular child with a special condition. This book explores all sorts of psychiatric drugs for conditions ranging from Attention Deficit Disorder to depression, bipolar disorder, etc. Each section is clear and each medication is discussed fully, including possible side effects. I've often felt like doctors haven't fully answered my questions about certain medications but this book helped me to fill in the gaps and feel confident about the choices I made for my child. The best book on the subject I've found so far (and I've looked at quite a few books).

Basic help for the parent with a mentally ill child
I highly recommend this book to any parent who is contemplating putting their child on psychiatric medications.My child has been struggling on/off for the past three years with a number of issues that finally lead to an evaluation for psychiatric medication.The psychiatrist, while skilled, is unable to provide the support and education necessary to the parent to make this major decision an easier one.This book filled in the gaps.It was extremely readable and provided very helpful information regarding the various disorders and the preferred medications for treatment.While I have not yet decided to place my child on medication, this book will make the decision making process much easier. ... Read more

Isbn: 1572302046
Sales Rank: 57754
Subjects:  1. Child Psychiatry    2. Children with Special Needs    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Health - General    5. Medical    6. Neuropsychopharmacology    7. Pediatric psychopharmacology    8. Popular works    9. Psychiatry - Child & Adolescent    10. Psychiatry - Psychopharmacology    11. Reference    12. Family & Relationships / Health   

Beyond Ritalin: Facts About Medication and Other Strategies for Helping Children, Adolescents, and Adults With Attention Deficit Disorders
by Stephen W., Phd Garber, Marianne Daniels, Phd Garber, Robyn Freedman Spizman
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 1997)
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Reviews (5)

Excellant place to start your fact finding.
One evening when a coworker was studying for a CEU course on ADHD, I happened to peruse the text she was using for her course.It contained a lengthy list of behavioral symptoms for the sufferers of ADHD, and I suddenly realized that an acquaintance exhibited nearly all of them.When I mentioned it to the individual, they replied that they'd always thought that they had the disorder, but that it had never been diagnosed.Since it was obviously very disruptive of their life, I decided to do a little research to see if I could find out anything that might conceivably help.

Although "Nature's Ritalin for the Marathon Mind" was my first book (chosen since it dealt with the use of physical exercise in helping focus the sufferer) the book "Beyond Ritalin" by Garber, Garber, and Spizman was my second.What I found especially impressive was that the authors did not espouse any given method of treatment.They were not "all for' or "completely against" medication as a method of approach, and they were up-front with what medication could and could not do for the sufferer of ADHD.

More than anything the authors made it obvious that ADHD is a DIAGNOSIS and NOT AN EXCUSE.It is not an excuse for the sufferer to "drop out" of the world or give up because it's "hopeless" and certainly not an excuse for parents to give up on parenting the child with ADHD just because he/she is "on medication" or "impossible."

The discussion of the various types of medications available was very honest, describing potential side effects, variation in individual response, and effective limitations.Most importantly, as they point out in some of their section headings: "Medication does not teach socially acceptable behavior (p. 130),""Medication does not help ADHD youth or adults feel happier (p. 130)," "Medication does not teach reflective thinking (p. 144)," "Medication does not teach you how to control where to focus attention (p. 145)," "Medication does not make the individual organized (p. 161)," "Medication doesn't improve self-esteem or self-confidence (p. 206)," etc.In short, both the sufferers and their families have a lot of work to do, and it's hard work.However, not to do that work is to spend the rest of ones life spinning ones wheels.

Among the suggestions for treatment of the disorder are those that the authors have found effective in their clinical practice.Their observations about complications arising from learning disorders and skills deficits were very cogent.Certainly the individual suffering already from ADHD is beat before they start until learning problems are addressed and missed skills are remedied possibly with the aid of special tutors.

Suggestions for behavioral training (with respect to remembering things, completing projects, organizing the environment and ones day) were all very helpful as were the social skills training for individuals who have difficulty making friends and "fitting in."The problems with task commitment and test taking were especially informative.The authors' point out that many individuals can do the work but may find testing situations frustrating and overwhelming.I especially found the hints about limiting and defining the task, sometimes even visually (by covering part of a page with a piece of paper) were helpful, as were those offered for developing organizational skills.As they write with respect to the latter, "Most people find getting organized difficult.The difference is that whereas most people can get away with being disorganized, those with ADHD cannot.Since ADHD people are easily distracted, disorganization can 'do them in (p.173).'"

The authors also point out that living with ADHD can be very stressful and irritating.Their chapter "Taming the Tiger Within" points out that medication can be somewhat lumpy in its effects throughout the day.It also may make the person look and act calmer, but may leave them actually feeling just as they always do.They can listen better, accomplish more, get better grades, but still not feel calm or relaxed.The authors suggest some progressive relaxation training, or imagery:"Relaxation exercises remain one of the best ways to manage symptoms of ADHD and to permit the individual to acquire feelings of control (p. 186)."

The last chapter pertains to ADHD among adults.Here the authors note that ADHD is not a disorder that the sufferer just "grows out of with time" but continues to effect the individual into adulthood.Most significant are the findings that in adulthood the outcomes of the disorder do not seem to be distinguishable between those individuals treated with medication as children and those who were not.It seems that multidimensional treatment modalities have a greater chance of improving outcomes and that it's never too late to get help.

A balanced approach
This is an excellent, well-balanced book for parents, or anyone else who works or lives with a child with ADHD.
What I found particularly helpful in this book were some of the excercises the author described to help children with ADHD compensate for their restlessness, impulsiveness and distractability.
They recommends the children's game "statues" to help a child stay still longer. A stopwatch is used in most of the activities, and the goal is to "beat the clock". With statues the goal is to see how long the child can hold their "statue" position. While playing a game, the child is also practising standing still.
There is a lot of good information about medication in this book. The author is neither for or against medication, but instead provides good information on what medication can and can't do.
As a parent of a child with ADHD, I found this a very useful book.

Not what I had hoped for.
I had great expectations for this book.Unfortunately, it was not what I had hoped for.It is very dry, and doesn't come across as in language appropriate for the general public.I found myself disagreeing with the author throughout the book.I respect those who try alternate methods of treating ADD/ADHD.However, I think that most parents have tried everything, and that for some Ritalin has been a godsend.Of course there are many other medications now on the market, but putting my child on Ritalin three years ago made all the difference.He has his confidence back, and I believe that it will lead to a successful future.No parent wants to medicate their child, but for those who do it is not a negative thing.I found myself feeling guilty while reading this book that I had done something wrong.The last thing a parent needs is more guilt.I think the author could have been more politically correct in writing this. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060977256
Sales Rank: 196123
Subjects:  1. Alternative treatment    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. General    5. Parenting - Hyperactivity    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - General    8. Self-Help   

Right-Brained Children in a Left-Brained World: Unlocking the Potential of Your ADD Child
by Jeffrey Freed, Laurie Parsons
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (17 October, 1997)
list price: $23.00
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Reviews (53)

If only the whole world could understand this....
First of all, THANK GOD for Jeffrey Freed.... and all others who care to look into such matter with a great level of tolerance and understanding. I borrowed this book from a library and I will definitely buy a copy. Now I know that I'm not alone. The huge problem is to convince the majority of us to understand and accept the message that this book has in store. This world has definitely been left-brained and where I come from, it's no exception. Although I have thrived on being a right-brainer my whole life, I believe that only few of us have achieved a great deal by using our "right-brain" ability to our benefit. Again, it's another form of discrimination. Even our brains are coloured. It's not about a learning disability. It's really about teaching disability. This I strongly agree.

A relieved mom
I am so relieved to finally "see the light" at the end of my child's tunnel. He'd been struggling in 1st grade, especially with any written assignment. Finishing tasks has always been a challenge for him. It always seems like he isn't listening to me or his teacher, but now I realize I just needed to change my way of "talking" to him.

Tears of relief came to me as I read this book. My relationship with my child has greatly improved, as homework is no longer a struggle.

Good Advice, but...
I found many good ideas in this book, and I'll use them while tutoring children here in Mexico, but certain of the authors' views are either self-serving or putting a brave face on what he must realize is a very bad situation. The author states in various places that right-brained children are problem-solvers whose holistic ways of looking at things will lead us into the future. Perhaps so, but what problems will they choose to solve? The author himself describes these children as hypersensitive, overly competitive, impulsive self-gratifiers with poor social skills. Now that they're with us, it's our duty to help them as best we can, but it sounds to me as though the most likely future they will lead us into (especially if they're not helped) is social disintegration. ... Read more

Isbn: 0684842718
Sales Rank: 79921
Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit-disordered children    2. Brain    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Children with Special Needs    5. Education    6. Education Of Exceptional Children    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. Localization of functions    9. Parent participation    10. Parenting - Hyperactivity    11. Pediatric Neurology    12. Pediatrics    13. Special Education - General    14. Special Education - Learning Disabled    15. United States    16. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

No Guns Or Candy In This Line - Parenting With The Family Contract
by Howard I. Leftin
Average Customer Review:
Spiral-bound (18 September, 1999)
list price: $20.00
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Reviews (1)

A great help for families!
I've been using the no-nonsense family contract suggested by Dr. Leftin for several years with my family.It was originally recommended to us when my son (now 17 and a HS graduate) was diagnosed with Attention DeficitDisorder in the 6th grade.The suggestions and guidelines given helped usprovide appropriate structure for all three of our children, letting themknow exactly what our expectations and limits were.It worked beautifullyfor us, and I strongly recommend it to everyone who asks how we handledissues over homework, driving, chores, etc. ... Read more

Isbn: 0967487307
Sales Rank: 2169329

Jumpin' Johnny Get Back to Work! : A Child's Guide to ADHD/Hyperactivity
by Michael, Ph.D. Gordon
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 December, 1991)
list price: $11.00 -- our price: $9.35
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (2)

Well done
This book is actually funny.It hits on the aspects of ADHD perfectly, right down to the angelic little sister who can do no wrong.There are some words in the book I wish were not there, like stupid and crazy.I bought it to read to my 5 year old who is ADHD, but with no learning disablities...yet. So I figure we will skip the part on learning disablilities, and being given less homework from the rest of the class.Use it for a tool to help explain what we are doing as a family to address the ADHD, and help him control his behavior.Read it first, cut out what you don't think applies or needs to be heard by your child.The book is mostly informative, and really funny.

A great, down-to-earth kid's view of ADHD!
I bought this book for my 6-year-old nephew and will read it to him when he comes to live with us soon.I can't wait, because it is so simplywritten and straightforward, I'm sure it will help him understand what wehave not been able to tell him about his ADHD condition.It isentertaining, and because it is told in a kid's point of view, it showsADHD with concerns that kids would have that adults might not have eventhought of.I recommend it if you're trying to find just the right way ofreaching your child or student! ... Read more

Isbn: 0962770116
Sales Rank: 41092
Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. General    4. Juvenile literature    5. Pediatrics    6. Psychology    7. Reference    8. ADD    9. ADHD    10. Attention deficit disorder    11. Children with Special Needs    12. Hyperactivity    13. Social Situations - Special Needs