The Gift Of ADHD: How To Transform Your Child's Problems Into Strengths (Paperback)

by Lara Honos-Webb (Author) "Why has the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) received so much attention recently?..." (more)
Key Phrases: Maria Montessori, Urge Monster, Harry Potter (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
A diagnosis of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) does more than label a child's behavior problems—it affects his or her self-esteem, relationships and future, says psychologist Honos-Webb. The way parents and teachers treat an ADHD child can mean the difference between a successful life and an unnecessarily difficult one. In this sensitive exploration of ADHD, Honos-Webb uses case studies, field research and her personal experience as a clinical psychologist and sister of a brother with ADHD to teach parents how to become advocates for their children and "reframe" their view of the disorder. While most people are familiar with the dramatic behavioral symptoms of ADHD—severe inattention and impulsiveness—there is a less-reported flip side: children with ADHD exhibit exceptional strengths that Honos-Webb sees as opportunities. These gifts include emotional sensitivity toward others, passion and exuberance, unusual problem-solving skills and a love of nature. Honos-Webb's goal is to bring these traits to light and help parents transform "symptoms into talents—or at the least, lovable eccentricities." Through interactive exercises, such as directed daydreaming and storytelling, she helps parents and children work together to rise above the negativity so often directed at them by "an outdated education system" that does little to accept and support children with ADHD. This unique book stands out from the sea of books in its field. (Mar.)
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Product Description
Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is thought to affect between 3 and 6 percent of school-aged children. The symptoms of the disorder-difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and agitation-lead others to brand them as difficult, unfocused, and unruly. But the clinical studies and experiences of the author of this compassionate book suggest that many of the traits that label kids with ADHD may be an expression of deeper gifts: powerful imagination, searching insight, and unusual intuition. The goal of this book is to help readers recast the paradigm they use to think about the condition, encouraging them to help ADHD kids develop their unique gifts.

The book begins with an overview of current ADHD diagnosis including definitions and a sample of a case study. Each subsequent chapter reframes certain ADHD symptoms in a positive way and reinforces this transformation with awareness exercises designed to increase the appreciation of the child's traits. These techniques include action strategies for channeling ADHD traits into productive outlets. And the book doesn't limit itself to a discussion of kids with ADHD: It includes exercises to help parents cope with any feelings of failure they may be experiencing and to reverse any negative patterns associated with ADHD that might be at work in their families. The book offers advice on how to navigate education and mental health systems to the best advantage of ADHD kids and how to understand and make the best use of conventional ADHD therapies, including prescription drugs.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 199 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (March 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572243899
• ISBN-13: 978-1572243897
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #128,004 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #53 in	Books > Parenting & Families > Special Needs > Hyperactivity
  #86 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Personal Health > Children's Health > Learning Disorders

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Breath of Fresh Air, February 16, 2005

By	M. A. Celentana (Lawrenceville, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you have already tried many of the conventional approaches for "managing" ADHD or if you are simply tired of the way professionals speak of you or your loved one as needing treatment to remedy some "deficit" in character then read this book. Unlike many popular theories that view ADHD as a difficult-to-treat brain condition that adversely affects school performance, social relations, and self-esteem, Dr. Honos-Webb reframes ADHD as an opportunity for growth and exploration. At its heart, this book challenges the reader to view a child diagnosed with ADHD as possessing such "gifts" as creativity, interpersonal intuition, and keen emotional sensitivity. I found myself easily pulled in to the deft way that she weaves existing psychological research with her own personal and professional experience to argue for a more progressive approach to working with those diagnosed with ADHD.

As a psychologist who works with children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, I find that there exist two diametrically opposed camps with respect to how best approach diagnosing and treating this condition. The first camp argues that ADHD is all about brain chemistry and requires medication. The second camp argues that ADHD is a wildly overdiagnosed condition and may be nothing more than society's discomfort or dislike of certain behaviors or individuals. The middle ground between these two positions is the territory covered in this book. Advice for working with mental health professionals (who tend to populate the first camp) while maintaining an advocacy role for your child is a particularly strong emphasis. After reading the chapter entitled, "How to Become Your Child's Advocate, Not Apologist" I felt compelled to photocopy it and send it to everyone I've known who has felt a sense of powerlessness in dealing with insensitive school personnel, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc.

It is evident that Dr. Honos-Webb honors those diagnosed with ADHD. This book is definitely for those who want to get active in their child's care. I particularly enjoyed the number of exercises designed to increase self-esteem, parental involvement, and the parent-child bond. With titles such as "Force-Field Control," "What Went Right?," and "Gamma Ray Bursts" you are sure to find something that works for you and your child. I suspect some exercises will feel too hokey to some but there probably is something for everyone.

All things considered, I found this book to be a persuasive argument for approaching ADHD as a gift rather than a nuisance. The writing is generally crisp with tons of examples; as such, it flows nicely and makes for an "easy read." If you are committed to transforming your relationship with your child and those responsible for his or her care then this book will move you in that direction with confidence and a new sense of compassion. A standout addition to the ever-expanding collection of ADHD books!

53 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Only for "perfect" ADHD children, September 8, 2006

By	Claire Ziamandanis "Claire" (Slingerlands, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If your child truly deals with ADHD in combination with any other conditions (RAD, OCD, etc), this is NOT the book for you. The author clearly deals with children with a singular diagnosis.

Page 29: "The bias of this book is that ADHD is a gift that is misunderstood in this culture, and that eliminating this gift by medication does not make sense."

So if you have had success with Ritalin or any other medication, you are doomed to be the "bad" parent, presumably not recognizing the beauty in your child.

My son began taking Ritalin after 2 years of play therapy, modification of food intakes, counseling, etc. At the time, he was receiving speech services for a language processing deficit. The first day he took Ritalin, he walked into my room and held a conversation with me, with 5 changes of turn. He stayed on topic, and his sentences were clear. It wasn't a language processing issue. It was that his brain could not filter the simultaneous 5 + thoughts to come out with a cogent sentence. Ritalin slows his brain enough so that he can communicate.

This is the difference between a PhD and an MD dealing with the diagnosis. One is subjective, based on client base, the other is medical and more trustworthy.

If your child has multiple diagnosis, stay away from this book.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Dangerous Messages Inside, March 14, 2007

By	S. King - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While I appreciate the attempt to shift my paradigm, as an adult with ADHD I see much of this book as rubbish. The author makes unsubstantiated statements such as "drugs work not by fixing brain pathology but by making children high so they are more motivated and feel better about themselves and their behavior improves." The implication and much of the message of the book is that if we feel better about ourselves, we will be better students. She clearly has not been in the thoughts of an ADHD person on stimulants. We're not more motivated because we feel high; we notice the mess, we think about organization, we filter out inappropriate remarks, we worry about deadlines and we ignore distractions. Much like those nongifted, unexuberant, normal folks do. I felt great about myself just before I made a silly remark that cost me my job. Perhaps my boss and the people I offended simply needed to change paradigms and be more accepting of inappropriate behavior...Lara, if you read this, please rethink the messages you are sending people. They are dangerous and unethical.