Attention Deficit Disorder: Only a Mother Could Love Him [Paperback]

Benjamin Polis (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

A fascinating insight into ADHD by one who knows it well. -- Thom Hartmann, author of Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perspective

From the Author

I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) at twelve years old. My parents searched to find out why I was different from other so-called normal children. Many counselors said it was due to bad parenting practices, but they had a well-behaved daughter, therefore there had to be another reason.

It was a relief to the whole family when a psychiatrist specializing in adolescent mental health diagnosed me as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Many parents will relate to my troublesome childhood. I went to six schools, could not read until eleven, failed grades, was suspended many times and even expelled, yet passed Year 12 and finally went to university. My incredible turnaround was due to the strategies and techniques I developed over time, which are discussed in this book.

The average parent of an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder child does not easily understand most medical books. My book is written in an informal style, trying to explain in simple language how an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder person sees things, thinks, and why we do not act in so-called normal ways.

For parents, teachers, psychiatrists, general practitioners, counselors, welfare workers and anyone else working in youth-related fields my book is essential, because it explains Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder from the perspective of a sufferer and survivor.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Hats Off Books (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587360950
• ISBN-13: 978-1587360954
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,411,663 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Attention Deficit Disorder: Only a Mother Could Love Him, March 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Attention Deficit Disorder: Only a Mother Could Love Him (Paperback)

I originally ordered this book for my teen-aged son, who suffers with ADD and all of its associated challenges, to read in order to better understand what may be going on with him. I sat down and read it first. It was an eye-opener to have a young man so close to my son's age, speak so openly and candidly about his behaviors and though processes. I saw many of my own words to my son in print and many of his actions and behaviors reflected as well. I used to think that he never thought things through and could not understand why he did the things he does. I understand now that his thought processes are completely different and I cannot relate because I do not think that way. Our schools in America are apparently no more set up for children with learning differences than those Down Under. The volcano analogy is especially apt. This book should be recommended reading for all parents and teachers dealing with the ADD learner. It provides a new perspective for those of us on the outside looking in. I still plan to let my son read this book but at a time of his choosing. I'll leave it out and let him pick it up when he decides he's ready.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read, March 19, 2002

By 

Anne Keller (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Attention Deficit Disorder: Only a Mother Could Love Him (Paperback)

It was great to read about ADD from someone who's dealing with it instead of a doctor who's treating it for a change. This kind of insight helps me in trying to work with my son instead of always trying to change him into something he just can't be.

What Ben has done should be a great motivator - he's been able to turn his school life around and become an entrepreneur at a very young age. I applaud his dedication to this goal and wish him success with this book.

Plus, it's short! Much appreciated by those of us with short attention spans.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A SPECIAL BOOK BY A SPECIAL YOUNG MAN, March 19, 2002

By 

Debbie Michalik (Shallotte, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Attention Deficit Disorder: Only a Mother Could Love Him (Paperback)

I laughed, I cried...I felt so relieved when I read this wonderful book! Just what this mother needed.

As a mother of a 12 year old with ADHD it was a great comfort to read a book such as this. Being a parent of an ADHD child is very frustrating and drives me to tears quite often. After reading about the condition from "THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE" it opened my eyes with a brand new outlook.

For instance, to hear your child tell you "I hate you" breaks a parent's heart. (I know, I hear it often) Ben relates that he often said this to his parents too but also explains the thinking behind it as an ADHD child. He says if a child says this to their friends - they won't be his friend anymore - but they know they can say this to a parent and get away with it because no matter what they say or do to their parents, they know that their parents will still love them - unconditionally. How right he is! When I think about that this way I handle it so much better. It's like - now I understand!! It is these kind of explainations that make this book so valuable and special.

Benjamin is a smart young man, and his book is a great inspiration to all parents who just feel like they want to give up sometime. His insights and stories of his experiences have given me a better understanding into my child's ADHD mind and it has actually helped me cope better. (Not to mention it made me laugh out loud! - My child's antics don't seem so bad anymore.) His accomplishments and the way he has shown a person can handle this disease and have a normal, successful life is an inspiration to us all.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with a child with ADHD or ADD. BRAVO BENJAMIN POLIS!!