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ADD and ADHD are estimated to affect at least 3 to 7 percent of school-age children and the amount of information available on the subject can be overwhelming, confusing and oftentimes, conflicting. The ADD & ADHD Answer Book is a reassuring, authoritative reference for you and your family, providing sound advice and immediate answers to your most pressing questions. The book also includes questionnaires and checklists to help you get the most out of your child's evaluation.
Written in an easy-to-read question and answer format, The ADD & ADHD Answer Book helps you understand your child's illness and develop a plan to help them succeed.
The ADD and ADHD Answer Book gives you the answers to your important questions. Over fifteen years in private practice specializing in evaluating and treating AD/HD has given me the inside perspective of what parents really want to know. The answers in this book are the same answers I would give to you if we were having a face-to-face consultation in my office. The answers are based on the current research and state-of-the-art psychological techniques.
This book differs from all other books about AD/HD because, like a dictionary, this book can be used as a reference. Over the years, as your child progresses through the various stages of this disorder, you will have The ADD and ADHD Answer Book on your reference shelf to find the answers to your new questions.
The ADD and ADHD Answer Book will transform you into a well-informed consumer. You will have extensive knowledge direct from a child psychologist who specializes in AD/HD. You will have straightforward, no holds barred, honest information about what you are likely to face over the years in raising your child with AD/HD. You will have the most current information based on research and clinical practice.
In writing The ADD and ADHD Answer Book, it is my hope that it becomes your guidebook and that you will use it frequently. I hope that you will turn to this book each time you have a question. It is my wish that you will use the numerous techniques in this book that I, and many child psychologists, have used over the years in treating children with AD/HD. I hope that you find the inspiration to apply the techniques, despite the tireless effort it requires on your part. While some of your reward for your hard work will come in the days, weeks, and months ahead, your true reward will come in the years ahead when you see your child succeed in school, find his place with friends, like who he has become, and find a passion in life that he can make his life's work.
- What are the three types of ADD and ADHD?
- What are the symptoms of ADD?
- What does an ADD child look like in daily life?
- What other symptoms are associated with ADD?
- What are the symptoms of ADHD?
- What does an ADHD child look like in daily life?
- What other symptoms are associated with ADHD?
- How is the ADD child different from the ADHD child?
- Are ADD and ADHD real disorders?
- Is AD/HD over-diagnosed?
- Doesn't every child have symptoms of AD/HD?
- How can it be AD/HD when he can play video games for hours?
- Is there a difference between boys and girls who have AD/HD?
- Is AD/HD caused by something in the brain?
- Is AD/HD genetic?
- Can poor parenting cause AD/HD?
- What effect does the family environment have on AD/HD?
- Does watching television cause AD/HD?
- Do sugar and food allergies cause AD/HD?
- What other causes of AD/HD are suspected?
- Is there a cure for AD/HD?
- How is AD/HD treated?
- What can behavior modification do to help AD/HD?
- What can family therapy do to help?
- What can social skills group therapy do to help?
- What can individual therapy do to help?
- What treatments do not work?
- What should parents know when selecting treatment?
What are the three types of ADD and ADHD?
Before we can begin to answer the many questions about ADD and ADHD, it is important to learn the terminology and understand the difference between the language that parents use and the language you will hear from doctors.
The terminology of ADD and ADHD are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV-TR published by the American Psychiatric Association. ADD and ADHD have had various labels over the years, including minimal brain dysfunction and hyperkinesis. The current terminology for both ADD and ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
There are three types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Primarily Inattentive Type. Children who have this type are inattentive and distractible. Even though the word "hyperactivity" is included in the label, there is no hyperactivity. This type is commonly called ADD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive Type. Children with this disorder are overactive and impulsive. This type is most often called ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type. These children are inattentive and distractible, as well as hyperactive and impulsive. This type is also referred to as ADHD.
What are the symptoms of ADD?
ADD is the inattentive type of ADHD. Children with ADD have six or more of the following symptoms, some of which start before they reach seven years of age:
- Forgetful in daily activities
- Poor attention to details and careless mistakes in schoolwork and homework
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- Trouble sustaining attention
- Loses things necessary for tasks or activities
- Dislikes and is reluctant to exert sustained mental effort
- Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish chores and schoolwork
- Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Because toddlers and early elementary school children are not expected to sustain attention for long periods, or to keep track of their own belongings, ADD often does not become problematic until third or fourth grade when children are expected to function more independently.
Symptoms must be present for at least six months and appear in more than one setting. Children's symptoms are most commonly seen at home and at school, but they are also likely to show up in other settings where attention is needed such as church or temple, music lessons, and sport activities.
Chapter 1: The ABCs of ADD and ADHD Chapter 2: Getting Your Child Evaluated Chapter 3: Coexisting Disorders Chapter 4: Succeeding in School Chapter 5: Homework Chapter 6: Parenting: Rules, Routines, and Rewards Chapter 7: Medication Chapter 8: Social Skills Chapter 9: Self-Esteem Chapter 10: Growing Up with AD/HD
Appendix A: The 5 Most Important Lists You Need Appendix B: Section 504 Accommodations and Modifications Appendix C: Behavior Charts Appendix D: Educational Tests Appendix E: Recommended Reading
Index About the Author
Susan Ashley, PhD is the founder and director of Ashley Children's Psychology Center and has been specializing in ADD and ADHD since 1990. A graduate of UCLA and California School of Professional Psychology, she has over 20 years of education, training and experience working with children and families. She lives in Northridge, California.
Anonymous
Posted October 13, 2005
After spending many years, thousands of dollars, countless hours and many wasted emotions of hope on supposed cures, I find it a relief to read the truth in this book. Fact of the matter is, there is no cure for ADD or ADHD and this books tells you like it is, which is basically that we as parents have to get down to learning the appropriate ways to help our children and quit looking for the easy solution in a pill, a brain machine or an herbal remedy. This book has given many different ways that I can help my child and I wished I'd had it years ago.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 9, 2012
I had a feeling for a long time that something wasn't "ok" with my son. I was getting progress reports that stated he was unable to focus, constantly out of his seat, and doing poorly in English and written language. I told myself that if he got another bad report card, I was going to look into the possibility of ADHD. My son's problems just weren't with school, but at home too. He couldn't focus on getting dressed by himself, everything I asked him to do was a challenge because he would have a temper tantrum. Doing homework at home was very frustrating because he would just get up and run away or start playing or talking about something that had nothing to do with his homework and an argument would ensue. He was also having trouble with making friends, he would do things that annoyed people and when asked to stop, he wouldn't. It broke my heart because He is such a loving child and so full of life. I then had a parent/teacher conference and found out he was being retained in the 1st grade. I went to the library and checked out every book there was on ADHD and my son had all of the symptoms.
This book was the best book I have read. I learned a lot about 504 and IDEA and what steps to take to get my son evaluated by the school. In this day and age, we don't have insurance and getting the school to help with an evaluation is very big help. I fear that he will repeat the 1st grade only to have the same situation happen again. I want him to have special education with a smaller class with a teacher who can take the time to help him. This book also talked about the different medications and what to expect in terms of diagnosis from each type of doctor, ie. psychologist, psychiatrist, pediatrician..etc. I am just starting the process of having my child diagnosed, but I know in my heart and based on what I have read, that it is ADHD. I highly recommend this book to anyone who may suspect their child is ADHD: It is very straight-forward, easy to read and understand. Good Luck!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 5, 2006
I have read many books on adhd to help my son. This one has straight forward, honest advice that comes from the scientific research. Dr. Ashley gives helpful advice from the beginning to the end. It covers everything from diagnosis to the good and bad about medication, schooling and behavior. I liked this book in particular because it seemed to have a balanced approach. Good for parents, teachers and grandparents. I even gave my child's therapist a copy.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 19, 2005
Finally, there's a book that actually answers what I need when I need it. This is straightforward and objective. It doesn't sell a plan or a fad, it just gives information that I'd otherwise have to go to two or three people to find. If you're a teacher, please take a look at this and save yourself some frustration. (Your kid's parents will thank you!)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 13, 2005
I read a book by an author that was on Dr. Phil and I was surprised that his advice contradicted that of my child¿s doctor. Our behaviorist¿s strategies worked much better. Much of what is in this book is what we did I picked it up and I learned a few new things. I¿m careful not to loan it too often because it seems that everyone is now asking for it. And I don¿t want to lose it. Hands down, I would recommend this title to anyone who needs quick information about what¿s going on, who to see and what to do.¿ Pat
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 12, 2011
I wanted to better understand my son with ADD/ODD. This is the best book I have found. It answered my questions, plus told me things I never thought to ask. I have been able to understand my son better and I have more sanity. I don't wonder why he doesn't do his schoolwork & homework but passes all his tests. I don't wonder why he does the things he does (or doesn't do) anymore. It's just the way he is due to the ADD/ODD. I had to learn how to treat him with this as he is not like "every other kid" in the way he learns, acts and reacts. I highly recommend this book to every parent with a child with ADD/ADHD/ODD. Teachers should read this to understand their students with better also. I am so glad I found it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 15, 2007
Easy to use. Very Helpful. Lots of good information.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 12, 2007
This is a very good resource. Easy to read. Very helpful.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 23, 2005
I enjoyed the writing style of the author and her presentation. The question / answer format works well for me. I would highly reccommend this book.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 14, 2005
Educational, informative and well researched. Focuses on long-term solutions and not just a quick fix. Excellent!
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Posted October 14, 2005
This book is very well written, well researched and very informative to anyone who is in need of answers on AD/HD. Dr. Ashley does a great job of discussing various topics pertaining to AD/HD. I personally recommend this book to parents seeking information.
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Posted October 14, 2005
This is the book for anyone that has questions about AD/HD. Very insightful and gives hope to anyone who beleives that medication isn't the only answer. Very easy to read!
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Posted October 14, 2005
Written in a way that is easy to understand and follow. Answers most questions parents may have about ADD/ADHD. Well worth the money.
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Posted September 27, 2005
As I read this book I thought the author was actually writing about my child! I found many helpful techniques to help my child.
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Posted September 16, 2005
This book answers all the questions I have and ones I didn't even know I needed to know! I would definitely recommend this book to any parent who has a child with AD/HD or thinks their child might have it.
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Overview
--What are the symptoms of ADD?
--What questions will the doctor ask me about my child?
--Do children with AD/HD qualify for special education?
--Should I medicate my child?
ADD and ADHD are estimated to affect at least 3 to 7 percent of school-age children and the amount of information available on the subject can be overwhelming, confusing and oftentimes, conflicting. The ADD & ADHD Answer Book is a reassuring, authoritative reference for you and your family, ...