Books & Other Resources about ADHD
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Resources & Books about ADHD
Aug 2010
Our 10 year old son was recently diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive type). We are looking for recommendations for resources, groups, classes, books, playgroups, IEP etc. to educate ourselves so that we can nurture our son and be good advocates. We would be most grateful for any feedback or recommendations. We live in Castro Valley.
Dr. Edward Hallowell has written many excellent books on ADHD: Driven to Distraction, Delivered from Distraction. He has ADHD himself, as does at least one of his children. He is an MD with a vast knowledge on all aspects of the subject, a compassionate and respected voice, and his books are easy to read. This would be a great place to begin learning about this topic. anon
I am an adult with inattentive type ADHD and I have found Dr. Amen's books helpful. You should be able to find them at most major bookstores, but here is also some websites - http://www.amenclinics.com or http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/c/1443/20741/faces-adhd-dr-amen
I think it is also important to emphasize to your 10 year old that he is not ''dumb'', nor that his brain is dysfunctional, nor that there is anything wrong with him. Your son simply thinks in a way that is different from many other people and such thinking style can be a great strength, but sometimes is also be difficult. The difficult part is a challenge which he is cable of overcoming. Here are some website which show famous people with ADHD ( http://www.adult-child-add-adhd.com/categories/general/famous_people.php OR http://www.adhdrelief.com/famous.html). Hope that helps, good luck. Anon
References and help for child with inattentive ADD
Oct 2009
I am looking for references for Inattentive ADD. Any good books, resources in our community, etc? Advice on getting public school to work with child? Any success using supplements and diet restrictions to aid child's ability to work with issue (s)? Thanks Juliette
My son has inattentive ADD. It's like a very interesting movie is playing inside his head all the time. As a result, he does not hear his family talking to him, the teacher talking to him, he can't follow the steps in a board game or a game of baseball, he has a hard time interacting with other kids. He is just not present. We got a lot of insight about this type of ADD from a developmental pediatrician in Orinda, Dr. Marianna Eraklis. After considering all our options, we decided to try Ritalin for our son, and we have been very pleased with the results. He is playing on a sports team for the first time this year, we can have family conversations now, and his academic work has shown an incredible improvement - he caught up quickly once he was able to focus. I would really recommend that you consult with one of the developmental pedi's in the area - there are many excellent ones. Good luck -
I expect you will hear from many parents with ideas on this, so I will be brief. Two great books to start with are: Delivered from Distraction by Hallowell and Ratey, and Spark by Ratey. CHADD is a good national organization with local referrals. Omega 3s are helpful, but not a magic bullet. I'm happy to talk with you more if you like. ck
Last year, after our 9-year-old daughter was flagged by her teacher as having processing/attention/learning issues, I saw a BPN posting about a research study, conducted jointly by UCSF and UC Berkeley, looking at exactly what you're asking about: ADD without the hyperactivity. The study is called ''CLAS'' for Child Life and Attention Skills.
As part of the application process, our daughter was tested (for free!!), and it was confirmed that she did have inattentive ADD. Then we were randomly assigned to a small group with whom we met on a weekly basis. The meetings were facilitated by a CLAS staff member (Ph.D.) who introduced several very specific strategies designed to help children with inattentive ADD. We tried the strategies, came back together and talked about how it was going. We got to know and compare notes with the other parents. We were able to get suggestions from the researchers tailored to our specific circumstances. Last, but not least, the project actively involved our child's teacher, and she got paid for her time! It was an excellent experience for us. We are continuing to use the materials and strategies at home and with this year's teacher.
CLAS is a 4-year study, and they recruit a new group of participants each year. (Last year was the first year.) You can contact the Project Coordinator, Adriana Nevado, about possibly joining this school year. Her number is 510-643-3437. Be aware that families are randomly assigned to one of three groups; one is the control group which receives little to no information or support. B.
Hi there! Saw your question about your newly diagnosed kids with ADHD. I recently did a program at Clarity Pediatrics which really helped me with my sons behavior at home. He’s 8 and extremely difficult to manage when we ask him to do things at home. His impulsivity also gets in the way of friendships and he was diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder. We did a parent training class with the doctor there, Shaleise Collier. She was awesome! We learned a lot and we are able to address his behavior and adhd successfully. Doctor Collier is in the Bay Area. I hope that you get the support you need.
additudemag.com was very helpful to me as the mom of an ADHD kid.
There is an overwhelming and infinite amount of resources, podcasts, facebook groups, books, information, etc, etc, out there - I tend to peruse a variety of resources and then dive in to what seems relevant/of interest to me and my personal situation. For a concrete, pragmatic recommendation, I like the book 8 Keys to Parenting A Child With ADHD; it comes in audiobook on Hoopla app of Oakland Public Library if you prefer audio format. I found it affirming, validating and practical. In addition to Additude magazine (which you can follow on social media) that another responder mentioned, CHADD (https://chadd.org/) can be a first good stop. I will also mention that I myself sought and received an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 42 and also have lots of undiagnosed ADHD in my family. I have found that starting my own journey to address and understand my own ADHD (via self-education, ADHD-specific coaching/therapy, medication) has helped me understand myself, better parent kids who likely have it too and have more compassion and patience for us all! So it's never too late!
I forgot to mention in my original response that Tilt Parenting can be a helpful and validating podcast. Full PreFontal is another podcast that while not ADHD & kid specific, is a podcast that explores various elements of executive functioning and there are some interesting guests and topics that are helpful and relevant. Also, I have found that searching the archives here on BPN offers good local ADHD resources and insight.