Customer Reviews

Rethinking Attention Deficit Disorders

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As the mother of an 8 year old boy who has ADHD (only recently diagnosed), this book has been a lifesaver for my son and me. My son was literally failing to learn to read, almost living in the principals office, and struggling socially. His reading is now at or above grade level (with some remaining phonemic challenges). Four weeks ago, he started at a public charter school where he is no longer labeled as being "bad" for his "ADD" behaviors. And socially he will be part of a structured program to teach him appropriate behaviors. This book not only explains the challenges that interfere with these children's abilities in all areas of their lives but gives solutions. Solutions that schools and parents can implement for success. My son is living proof of how important this information is to changing the direction of a child's life.

This book examines the many systems that come into play in the mind, and attempts to analyze how they interact. It goes way beyond a child's inability to pay attention in class or sit in a seat.

For example, the authors discuss the question of motivation -- a big one for kids who are often blamed for not trying hard enough. They cite the importance of meaning to motivation, and point out that external motivators, such as tokens and teacher exhortations, are not likely to be effective with the child because they have little real personal meaning for the child.

As I read this book, I often think that at last I am reading descriptions of ADD that match the complexity of what I actually see in my child.

The book seems intended for professionals rather than parents. It is pretty technical in its discussions of the brain, neurotransmitters, etc., and cites a lot of studies. It is not light or quick reading.

On the other hand, if you're tired of reading the same simple descriptions of ADHD, with a prescription for a token and reward system, you might welcome the depth of this book. It doesn't soove your problems, but it helps you gain a deeper understanding.