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From About.com
PARENT TO PARENT
My son is 5 years old and is in a Special Day Kindergarten classroom. He was diagnosed with an extreme case of ADHD when he was 3, and has been on medication since that time. The medication has helped with his attention, focus, and behavioral issues in the classroom, however, we feel he has not made appropriate progress towards the academic areas. Where can we take him outside of the school district for an evaluation, testing, and academic recommendations? I'm not sure where to start to get him on the right track.
Parents Books
The Explosive Child
by Ross W. Greene, PHD
2nd ed. 2000 Harper-Collins
Author Dr. Greene, a child psychologist at Harvard Medical School, looks at
the behavior of children who "explode" when they're told to do
something or
when things don't go their way; who completely lose control; who become
verbally and physically aggressive. These are the children for whom
typical
behavior management strategies do not work.
Clinically, they may be diagnosed with ODD, ADHD, bipolar, depression, etc.
Whatever the "label," these children frequently leave parents and
teachers
feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, guilt-ridden and hopeless.
Greene maps out a sensitive and practical approach to helping the explosive
child at home and school. Greene's goal is to help parents "break
down the
barriers imposed by your child's inflexibility and explosiveness and begin to
interact in ways that feel better to you both."
Readers may especially relate to the real-life stories from the children,
parents and teacher with whom Greene has worked over the years.
Submitted by Tami
Biological Unhappiness
finding out what's wrong...and fixing it
by Leland Heller, M.D.
This book explains many of the neurological disorders that can cause unhappiness in a person's life. Some examples are: General Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Depression, Phobias and many more.
The disorders were explained in simple to understand language and used every day examples of behaviors to explain the symptoms of each. It was not filled with lots of psychological explanations so it was extremely easy to read.
Each disorder explained included treatment options and medications that might work well for the particular disorder.
In addition, the book explains further self treatment through self improvement affirmations. While these methods may have been used either prior to diagnosis by many, it is only after successful stabilization of the disorder that affirmations and positive type treatments will work.
This book was refreshing in that it offered hope for the future and provided simple explanations. I would highly recommend this book to anyone either suffering from unhappiness or involved in the life of someone.
To learn more about this book, visit www.biologicalunhappiness.com
Coaching College Students with AD/HD - issues and answers
by Patricia O. Quinn MD
Nancy A. Ratey EdM, MCC
Theresa Maitland, PhD
I personally read this book and found it to be invaluable. I have a 16 year old son with ADHD, and it was a source of information that I don't think I have read anywhere else. Although my son is not yet in college, the book has provided me with insights that I may not have thought of own my own. It delved expertly into many of the problems that might be faced, not only in college but in life outside of "Mom's House."
By having this information now, I can start to work with my son on developing the skills needed down the road. The book also contains strategies for coaching in dealing with a person with ADHD, by not becoming controlling or trying to make changes happen, but by allowing the person to take control of their own life. Many of these practices, I can use in starting to travel the road of letting go. As a parent of a child facing many challenges, we sometimes tend to take control of their actions in order to ensure success. This book teaches you how to let go and help the person take control and find answers for their own personal success.
I would highly recommend this book to any parent, educator, coach, etc. that is dealing with children from ages 15 and up. It will show you a whole new perspective.
12 Effective Ways to Help Your ADD / ADHD Child
by Laura J. Stevens, M.S.
Laura Stevens has been researching the role of nutrition and food sensitivities in ADD/ADHD for two decades. This book by Laura Stevens gives frustrated parents options other than medication. The author points out that prescription drugs, such as Ritalin, may suppress symptoms, but do not address possible causes. She also claims by improving diet, eliminating allergens, and adding vitamin and mineral supplements, parents can effectively diminish symptoms of hyperactivity. Also featured in the book are more than forty AD/HD friendly recipes.
As a parent of an 11 year old boy with ADHD I go thru emotional turmoil that surrounds this disorder. My son was diagnosed at the age of 5 and we did not try medication until he turned 7. As most parents of ADHD children can understand, we were desperate! Ritalin was his first medication until developed some abnormal side affects to his muscles and joints. Currently we are trying Adderall without much success.
I found the book to be very informative about allergy and nutrition issues that your doctor may not always discuss with you. Allergies and nutrition play a part in all our children’s behavior. To incorporate the diet is a step forward in having a healthier child.
Regardless of your use of medication, Laura Stevens’ research on nutrition and allergies will benefit your family in the long run.
For more information on this book or others written by Laura Stevens, visit her web site at
http://users.nlci.com/nutrition
Review written and submitted by Tami Miller
ADHD / Hyperactivity: A consumer's guide for parents and teachers
by Michael Gordon Ph.D.
This book is useful for parents and teachers who are looking for information
about ADHD without all the discussion of theories. The author lists 30
"Principles" that can guide a parent or teacher with the ADHD child.
This
book gives reasonable approaches to evaluation and treatment for ADHD and
also considerable material on educational issues and specific techniques for
classroom management.
Other useful books by Dr. Gordon are:
Jumpin' Johnny Get Back to Work (A child's guide to ADHD)
My Brother's A World Class Pain (A sibling's guide to ADHD)
I would If I Could (A Teenagers guide to ADHD)
for more information visit their web site at
Review written and submitted by Tami Miller
ADDHelpline,
Inc. is a non profit organization providing online resources and
support to parents and educators dealing with ADD/ADHD.