(1995) by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey
The authors of this book are both involved in the research of ADD/ADHD and are themselves diagnosed with the disorder. In this book they discuss inaccurate perceptions about ADD/ADHD, problems associated with it, as well as the many benefits to having ADD/ADHD. The authors also discuss the trend of over-diagnosis, and how ADD/ADHD may occur concurrently with other disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many readers will greatly appreciate the lists of tips for dealing with ADD/ADHD in children, partners, and family members.
Dr. Larry Silver’s book answers many questions that parents will have when their child is first diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Among the topics covered are: What causes ADD/ADHD, the common symptoms of ADD/ADHD, how to ensure that your child is diagnosed correctly, whether your child could also have a learning disability, what is the latest information on medications and other treatments, controversial treatments, what to tell your child’s school, what legal issues you need to understand to get your child the right help and protect his or her rights, how to handle behavior problems, and how to help your whole family cope with the situation.
This book was composed as a tool to help parents pilot their child through the hardships of ADD/ADHD. Although parents are likely to find the contents to be informative for them, the book is written for children and from their perspective. The book also includes easy-to-read text, cartoons, activities, self-help tips for coping with friends, family, and schoolwork, getting organized, being self-disciplined and accomplishing tasks. It is most appropriate for children ages 6-11.
This book provides parents with an outline of how to create and implement a parenting program. In parent-friendly language, the author discusses many aspects of ADD/ADHD including the causes of ADD/ADHD and how nutrition, medication, and certain therapeutic procedures can improve attention, concentration, and behavioral control. He also discusses the rights of children with ADD/ADHD in the school system and provides details on how to work with your school system to obtain the services your child needs. Lastly, the author also educates parents about methods to teach their children skills like organization, problem-solving, and emotional control.
How to Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions (1993) by Sandra Rief
This book is written for parents, teachers, and specialists and is aimed to address the whole child through a team approach. This book teaches the reader what ADHD is, provides interventions for the home and school, and includes interviews with teens and adults who have experience with ADHD. It also provides tips for helping students increase attention, behavioral management, reaching students through learning style awareness, relaxation, and avoiding problems through instructional time. The book also includes sample contracts, charts, observations sheets, and student self-evaluation checklists.
The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD or ADHD (2006) by John Taylor
This book includes chapters that cover getting along at home, making friends, medication, and school. The author presents skills such as following homework routines and using organizational tools such as colored folders. The book is written for children, but will be most helpful if read with a parent or therapist. It is intended for children in grades 3-6 and is designed to grab children’s interest with its varied fonts, cartoon illustrations, and colorful cover.
Superparenting for ADD: An Innovative Approach to Raising Your Distracted Child (2008) by Edward Hallowell and Peter Jensen
Dr. Hallowell is a psychiatrist and parent of two children with ADD who has ADD himself. In this book he describes how children with ADD/ADHD’s strengths and talents tend to be overshadowed by a barrage of criticism from teachers and parents. He encourages parents to use a variety of strategies to emphasize their children’s positive qualities. The plan he presents in his book includes unconditional love, finding the good in aspects of ADHD (for example, viewing stubbornness as persistence), helping the child develop self-awareness and social-awareness, and identifying the child’s strengths.
Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents (2000) by Russel A. Barkley
Dr. Barkley is a leading research and authority in ADHD. This book is one of his most widely praised resources and is written for parents of children with ADHD, though it may also serve as a useful guide for educators. This book aims to empower parents with ADHD by educating them about ADHD and the best strategies for improving behavior, school performance, self-esteem, and the home environment. This guide includes sections that introduce and explain ADHD, how to obtain and understand an ADHD diagnosis, learning to manage ADHD in the home and school, and medications for ADHD.