The ADHD Book

Book excerpt: Many experts say that, conservatively, well over six million children have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. With the mounting pressure placed on parents to pursue a diagnosis and medicate hyperactive children, the urgency of life-changing decisions can weigh heavily on the whole family. Conflicting advice bombards parents from all sides-often leaving families more confused and anxious than before. The AD/HD Book seeks to quell fears and rationally addresses nearly one hundred common questions and concerns to help parents make sense of the information chaos. Beth Ann Hill, herself a mother and educator of AD/HD children, clearly explains the basics of AD/HD and lays out its complexities. She logically takes parents from symptoms, diagnoses and tests, medication, a treatment strategy designed to combine medical treatment, and special parenting techniques to break through problem behaviors. Whether readers browse through the question-and-answer format or read from start to finish, they will come to: - understand the biological causes of AD/HD - get the facts on prescription drugs - cope with AD/HD's emotional impact on family and friends - find comfort in real-life examples of challenges and their solutions With the help of pediatric AD/HD specialist Dr. James Van Haren, Hill also develops unique strategies for teaching social and coping skills to children-and for having fun in the process. She includes worksheets, charts, daily planners, and more to help kids grow into adulthood with the tools to lead successful and productive lives.