Customer Reviews

The ADD Answer: How to Help Your Child Now

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I have a 14 yo son with ADHD and I've read too many books on the subject. I took my son off all meds a year ago because the cure was becoming worse than the diagnosis and realized that the meds were masking his emotional problems even though he went to Psychciatrists and Psycologists, Pediatric Neurological Behavioralists-the list seemed eternal.

One thing I learned very quickly is that the Dr.s never really understood. They knew-they saw-they treated, but that is not living with it. Dr. Lawlis brings in his own experience with disabilities and gives a compassionate understanding to the fustration parents and children themselves feel, and offers insight and solutions.

As for the "Snake Oil" comment, again, it's easy for Dr.s to poopoo when you tell them that you think sugar adversly effects their behavior, or that you see a change after you give them dyed foods, but as a parent, you know your child and know the subtleties to their character that back up your opinions. Even if it isn't scientifically proven, is there anything to be hurt by trying to take additives out of their diet? Is there anything wrong with trying everything you can for the sake of helping your child? For the pharamceutical companies there is.

For a few dollars I think any added perspective on the situation is worthwhile. You really have nothing to loose in reading it, and everything to gain. The book costs no more than a copay of Adderall/Ritilin/Depakote/ad nauseum...

I'm not sure (but not surprised)why this is getting such hostile responses. My son has been managed effectively through many of the techniques described here. I can't believe that these ideas are that controversial, but it's much easier to shove a pill down your kids throat and hope for the best. Is the negativity an attempt to quell your own guilt? A child will likely improve with stimulant medication because - guess what??- It's stimulating parts of the brain that regulate attention and impulse control. but what are the long-term effects of this? We do not have much longitudinal data (following people long term) to accurately guage the effects. Ever seen a long-term meth user? It's not pretty and Ritalin is in the amphetamine family. Granted, Ritalin users often take much smaller doses, but often takes it long term. I have known several kids that if I were their parent, I would medicate them, as their quality of life (school, home, and social) was significantly effected. However, for a mild/mod case, such as my son, I have found these strategies very effective. Most important to him: FOOD COLOR, sleep, & structure. For those that do not believe in the food color connection,we could do a little test: I could feed my son several packets of Go-gurts and send him to your house for the night. I would find you in the fetal position the next morning. Food color is PETROLEUM-BASED, people - why is this controversial???? Should this be in any of our bodies? Why has the diagnosis of ADHD exploded? The gene pool has not changed that much - points to environmental factors to me. Anyway, I highly recommend this book, as well as "The Gift of Adhd" by Lara Honos-Webb. Good luck and remember that children with this disorder would not choose these problems and need our help and willingness to help them find the keys to managing it.

I have read alot of stuff on ADHD and it was great to finally read a book where you can tell the author really cares about kids and actually looks at each child's case individually. There is no doubt in my mind that nutrition has something to do with it for alot of these kids!

Excellent resource. Really helping me understand my child better and giving me tools to deal with the ADD.

I highly recommend this book -- for a few dollars to learn about Dr. Lawlis' clinical cases over his years in the field since 1968. I like him after reading this book mainly for his desire to refuse resting ADD treatment with typical ADD medication approach. His experience in treating ADD patients in the book (if truthful) shows his creative approach in using different treatments to fit each patient's unique profile. He shows as a solid clinical psychologist in counseling and rehabilitation. The chapter "Taking Control of the Medication Madness" speaks out the underlying truth of school issues as result of ADD. This book doesn't tell readers exactly what treatment they should take, but it provides examples of successful treatment for consideration. It's a good place to start....

I'm a retired LD teacher. I used many of the ideas from this book although I had not read it at the time. It should be required reading for anyone going into the teaching profession and also parents.

I have read several books on ADD and found this book to be full of the same old falacies and myths about Nutrition, medication and biofeedback as all the rest, and none of it works! It was a waste of my time and money. Don't bother!

The most helpful book that I have read is The ADD & ADHD answer Book by Dr. Susan AShley Ph.D.

This is a lesson that just because you see something on Dr Phil, doesn't mean its good.
I was disappointed with the lack of practical strategies suggested. It was not revolutionary as the hype made it out to be.
I have read MANY books on the subject and would not recommend this to someone looking for help with their child. Save your money!