Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents (Revised Edition)
ISBN:9781572305601 read summary

This is the BEST ADHD reference book I have come across. Russell A. Barkley is the premier authority on ADHD. It should be labled the ADHD "Bible". Research based advice, not just opinions. This book takes an excellent look at the causes, symptoms and treatment strategies for parents.

As a mother with ADD and coming from a family where my mom has terrible ADHD and most of my 8 siblings have varying degrees of this disorder, I found this book to be VERY helpful and thought provoking. My oldest son is also ADHD. His symptoms were driving me absolutely crazy! When he was 3, and was diagnosed with ADHD from an EXCELLENT psychologist, Dr. Amy Schley in Waukesha, WI, she recommended this book. Dr. Schley herself goes out yearly to spend a week or more training with Dr. Barkley, the author of this book. Dr. Schley's entire practice focuses on ADHD kids and adults. With a sole practice of ADHD clientelle. She thought very highly of Dr. Barkley's research and continuing study in this field to recommend it and visit yearly and learn more from the author.

Since the time that my son was diagnosed, I was skeptical about ADHD being a "real" disorder, thinking I had grown up in a "normal" family. When I read this book I learned so much about my son's and my own disorder. This book was full of real practical advice to help someone dealing with an ADHD as a child or an adult.

I would definitely recommend reading this and other books by Russell A. Barkley. I have been using it for the last 10 years as a reference book. Dr. Barkley really understands the disorder and has done VERY credible research to back up his findings. He also takes a possitive reinforcement approach to helping parents cope with the daily ADHD trauma in their lives.

I would recommend another book for parents of defiant children and teens: "Your Defiant Child: Eight Steps To Better Behavior" and "Your Defiant Teen: 10 Steps to Resolve Conflict and Build A Better Relationship". I attended a Defiant Child workshop when my son was 3 and it was a lifechanger of how to deal with his ADHD behaviors. It was only later that I found out that Russell A. Barkley was the same author for both of these EXCELLENT books.

This is a must read for parents and teachers capable of dealing with the medical thought process of providing multiple approaches.

Making the Connection: A Parent's Guide to Medication in ADHDDr.Barkley is a recognized expert in the field of ADHD. Taking Charge of ADHD has been around for several years as an essential reference for many parents. Even though this book is outdated regarding the latest research and the current available medications, it is still an excellent reference for parents looking for good reliable information on ADHD. Part 1 is an overview of ADHD. Dr. Barkley addresses many of the myths that surround the diagnosis as well as provide good basic information. The other parts of the book address a variety of topics including some common sense behavioral approaches. Overall this is a good reference that is a bit outdated.

I recently bought this book to help me with my own ADHD child. I thought I knew what ADHD was and this book only confused me. When I brought up the issues in the book that concerned me, my child's psychotherapist told me that the book is out of date and the theory's held in this book are views that are no longer held by the medical community.
The issues that are out of date:
1.) That ADHD is merely a problem of behavior inhibition.
2.) That ADHD children to not have an "inner voice" that helps guide their behavior.
3.) People with ADHD do not have the ability to look towards the future.
If you are looking for help with your child, find a great therapist that will teach your child coping skills and look for a book that is current with all of the new research that there is on ADHD. It will help you tremendously. This book will not.

This book was recommended by our son's child development doctor after his diagnosis of ADHD. It is an excellent book with lots of suggestions for understanding and working with our child.