A Kid Just Like Me : A Father and Son Overcome the Challenges of ADD and Learning Disabilities (Paperback)

by Bruce Roseman M.D. (Author) "Eight hours after saying "I do," and two hours after starting our honeymoon, Joshua was conceived..." (more)
Key Phrases: intersection letter, easy letters, learning specialist, Board of Education, Dicky Duck, Alphabet Too (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"Like my son Joshua...I was simply a kid, considered 'unteachable' by teachers, 'unreachable' by child psychologists, and 'unbearable' by my own family. My mother's anguished refrain, 'I hope you have one just like you and then you will understand,' still resonates in my mind. I know she didn't mean it. But her wish had come true. Joshua was just like me."

When Dr. Bruce Roseman's son, Joshua, was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, he was determined to give his son the help that wasn't available in his own childhood. Drawing on his medical training-and a lifetime of dealing with his own disability-Dr. Roseman eventually developed a system that enabled Joshua to combat his disability and learn to read.

Deeply moving and full of concrete techniques and advice, A Kid Just Like Me is not only a journey of the heart and mind, it is a story of hope for parents and children affected by this all-too-common disorder.

About the Author
Bruce Roseman M.D., is a practicing physician in New York City. He has appeared on Good Day New York, Everyday with Joan Lunden, Queen Latifah, and PBS's Live Wire. He has written a medical column for Women's World and been the medical editor for several health-related titles.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade (September 4, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399526862
• ISBN-13: 978-0399526862
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #353,837 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Father's unique understanding of his son's ability to learn, October 10, 2001

By	Carol Watkins "Psychiatrist" (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The author writes with a vivid readable style. He takes us along with him on his quest to help his son learn. Along the way, we meet a variety of clinicians, educators and other experts. Professionals might do well to read these sections to help them understand how strongly their words and actions may affect a distressed parent.

Dr. Roseman had decades of experience compensating for his own AD/HD and learning disabilities. When he discovered that his oldest son had similar difficulties, he determined that his son would have a different experience from his own. Watching his son's struggles and triumphs was an intense experience, unearthing many varied emotional reactions. Dr. Roseman recounts his own memories of the pain and humiliation he experienced as a child when his school and his parents expressed frustration. At the same time, Dr. Roseman remembers how he had been able to use his energy and creativity to find unique ways around his disabilities.

This book emphasizes the need for individualized approaches for AD/HD and learning disabled children. To Dr. Roseman's credit he does not give blanket dismissals to legitimate treatments that did not work well for his particular child.

Not every parent can or should do what this parent did. Many readers will not have the energy, the time or the financial resources to teach their own child. This intense identification between parent and child can be a powerful positive force so long as the parent is able to allow space for other family members and friends.

When Dr. Roseman talks about his long intense periods with minimal sleep, I could understand the rationale of the psychiatrist who wrote a prescription for Lithium. On the other hand, I think of the intense bond between Helen Keller and her teacher. Often intense, passionate involvement enriches our world.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Kid Just Like Me, March 5, 2002

By A Customer

When I began to read this book, I thought it would be very technical. However, I found it to be a book that I couldn't put down. It is a wonderful story about a father and son and their journey through heartache, love and striving to live in a normal world. I highly recommend this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars lessons learned with compassion and intelligence, November 14, 2001

By A Customer

Dr. Roseman has earned his stripes in parenthood and medicine. This book is inspiring and helpful. He and his son are courageous and capable people. Everyone can learn from this book. It is also well written and lively. I hope learning specialists and teachers at a variety of schools read this book and learn from it. They should really try to understand how parents feel about their children and how they hope for their children, and thus, how dedication and faith can win in the long run.