Books to learn more about ADHD

[100AcreWood]

I'm looking for suggestions on books to learn more about ADHD or websites that are helpful. There is so much information out there I am overwhelmed.

My 4 year old went to a neurologist recently and she said he was showing signs of ADHD. She told me that he will probably get a diagnosis in 1st or 2nd grade. So I want to learn more and see if there is anything I should or can do now to help him focus.

But there is so much information out there and the one thing I'm learning is not all children show the same symptoms. I guess some kids have certain symptoms (like hyperactivity) and some don't?

 

[luvmy2babies]

Hello,

My daughter was diagnosed a year ago this month. She has ADHD innattentive type as opposed to hyperactive type. Some children also have both.

I understand how overwhelming it is. We also deal with Dyslexia. There are two resources I return to over and over again. One is the ADDitude magazine website. Here is the link.

http://www.additudemag.com/

There are a lot of articles on managing as a parent, there is a parent forum, there are book recommendations, information on the different medications as well as therapy interventions. There is also information on dealing with your school.

You can also subscribe to receive the magazine in print.

There is also an organization called CHADD, I have found helpful.

http://www.chadd.org/

Both sites have scheduled webinars and CHADD has an annual conference.

ADHD can also be different in girls, so my daughter's psychologist recommended reading material specific to that.

 

[LoKiHB]

My 6 year old was diagnosed last last year with ADHD, ODD and Non Verbal Learning Disability.

It's a very overwhelming situation, and thankfully, we've finally gotten a grasp on it with medication and family classes.

One book that we found very informative was "The Edison Gene" by Thom Hartmann as well as "Thom Hartmann's Complete Guide to ADHD: Help for Your Family at Home, School and Work".

It's a big thing to learn to deal with, but you'll get there!

 

[WeLoveM1CKEY]

When I worked at a therapeutic program for children the psychologist always recommended the parents read Driven to Distraction. Start making notes now on symptoms that are seen as well as if the child attends some kind of pre-school and when she gets into kindergarten get some notes from the teacher as well. This will help guide in making a correct diagnosis.

 

[poohguys]

Not sure what it is called in state but in NJ we have an organization called SPAN (Statewide Parent Advocacy Network). They are there to provide information and support to parents/caregivers of children with disabilities. They often have informational programs to help your learn about what is available and your rights. Also check your local library they probably will have many books and sometimes DVD's. DS12 was diagnosed with ADHD at 7but we knew from when he was about 2 that he probably had it. Watch as your daughter gets older for any other learning disabilities. We are dealing with possible dysgraphia (handwriting problems) now. Good luck

 

[100AcreWood]

Thank you everyone for your help. I'm learning more and more as I read about ADHD and how the symptoms can look different in each kid. My son isn't hyperactive and that is what I always associate with ADHD. I'm starting to understand that isn't always the case. My neighbor's child has ADHD and he is like a bouncy ball in a small box. But the neurologist told me some kids don't have the hyperactive part. My son can sit for an hour building major structures with blocks, get several boys to join them and delegate responsibility to each kid but he can't follow multiple directions. She explained when he was doing something he loved it was easy to focus.

I have a lot to learn.

Thanks again!

 

[My2Qtz0205]

Thank you everyone for your help. I'm learning more and more as I read about ADHD and how the symptoms can look different in each kid. My son isn't hyperactive and that is what I always associate with ADHD. I'm starting to understand that isn't always the case. My neighbor's child has ADHD and he is like a bouncy ball in a small box. But the neurologist told me some kids don't have the hyperactive part. My son can sit for an hour building major structures with blocks, get several boys to join them and delegate responsibility to each kid but he can't follow multiple directions. She explained when he was doing something he loved it was easy to focus.

I have a lot to learn.

Thanks again!

This is my son, also.

 

[ChitownFamily]

Hello,

My daughter was diagnosed a year ago this month. She has ADHD innattentive type as opposed to hyperactive type. Some children also have both.

I understand how overwhelming it is. We also deal with Dyslexia. There are two resources I return to over and over again. One is the ADDitude magazine website. Here is the link.

http://www.additudemag.com/

There are a lot of articles on managing as a parent, there is a parent forum, there are book recommendations, information on the different medications as well as therapy interventions. There is also information on dealing with your school.

You can also subscribe to receive the magazine in print.

There is also an organization called CHADD, I have found helpful.

http://www.chadd.org/

Both sites have scheduled webinars and CHADD has an annual conference.

ADHD can also be different in girls, so my daughter's psychologist recommended reading material specific to that.

Both of these organizations post great things on Facebook as well as their websites. Sometimes their small status updates are easier to digest than a lengthy article & less overwhelming, especially as you just starting to learn about ADHD. Hope this helps.

 

[Duchie]

Thank you everyone for your help. I'm learning more and more as I read about ADHD and how the symptoms can look different in each kid. My son isn't hyperactive and that is what I always associate with ADHD. I'm starting to understand that isn't always the case. My neighbor's child has ADHD and he is like a bouncy ball in a small box. But the neurologist told me some kids don't have the hyperactive part. My son can sit for an hour building major structures with blocks, get several boys to join them and delegate responsibility to each kid but he can't follow multiple directions. She explained when he was doing something he loved it was easy to focus.

I have a lot to learn.

Thanks again!

That's called "hyper focus" and it's an element of ADHD that isn't as well known. One of my DS is just like yours and does that, too. The other DS is more classic, can't sit still, impulse control issues, etc.

I also recommend getting the book "Driven to Distraction" - it is by far the best book I have ever read on the subject. It's more about understanding what is going on and recognizing the signs. His follow-up book "Delivered from Distraction" deals more with strategies for dealing with ADHD.

As for when to diagnose, we had my oldest DS diagnosed in third grade but we really should have done it earlier. While we were going through the process with him (and reading "Driven to Distraction") we realized that the descriptions all applied to younger DS as well. Even though he was only in kindergarten, we had him diagnosed at the same time. So the earlier you can get it done, the better.

 

[kalc12345]

I would suggest reading more about the food your child is eating. Two good reads......The Unhealthy Truth: One Mother's Shocking Investigation into the Dangers of America's Food Supply-- and What Every Family Can Do to Protect Itself by Robyn O'brien

What's Eating Your Child?: The Hidden Connection Between Food and Childhood Ailments by Kelly Dorfman

Then check out http://www.feingold.org/


My son was showing all the classic signs of ADHD. He could not sit still, couldn't focus, was VERY hyper, couldn't remember things....etc. If you look at the list of ADHD symptoms my son had them all. I did not want him "labeled" and did NOT want to medicate him. I started doing lots of research and found that there is a connection between food and ADHD.

I then started following the Feingold diet and eliminated all artificial colors/flavors, preservatives etc. I saw a HUGE difference in my son after doing this. He lost ALL those ADHD symptoms. He was a normal little boy who could sit and color, read, play for more than 2 minutes, etc. It was an amazing transformation.

Not only did it help my son but it helped the rest of us. My daughter was having horrible headaches every day and I was getting ready to take her to the doctor. After eliminating all that bad stuff her headaches went away. I too have felt SO much better!!

The food we eat these days are so full of BAD BAD stuff. I feel it is the reason for so many of the problems people have today.

 

[cah5525]

Absolutely agree with Kalc! This was my experience, too. I felt like the school was pushing for medicating my son so, I started homeschooling. I took my son to a different doctor, told him my approach and he was fine with going all natural. What a change! No more coming home from school in that zombie state from the meds and his energy, not hyper but just an awake and awareness i had never seen in him before! My son is now 24 - he's fine! and I'm so mad at myself for listening to the school in the first place...I never would have brought the issue to his first doctor if they hadn't insisted.

 

[kalc12345]

Absolutely agree with Kalc! This was my experience, too. I felt like the school was pushing for medicating my son so, I started homeschooling. I took my son to a different doctor, told him my approach and he was fine with going all natural. What a change! No more coming home from school in that zombie state from the meds and his energy, not hyper but just an awake and awareness i had never seen in him before! My son is now 24 - he's fine! and I'm so mad at myself for listening to the school in the first place...I never would have brought the issue to his first doctor if they hadn't insisted.

So glad to hear your son is doing good!

We too homeschool. Love it

They just put so much bad stuff in our food. Most of it is banned in other countries. For example, food coloring is made from petroleum. Who wants to eat that?!?!?!? And food coloring is in everything....even pickles. In other countries food that has food coloring in it has to have a warning label on the package. Also companies like Kraft will make their products without the bad stuff for other countries but those of us in the US get the full of chemicals products. Makes me MAD!! I now make everything from scratch. SO much better and we aren't eating chemicals!!

 

[100AcreWood]

I would suggest reading more about the food your child is eating. Two good reads......The Unhealthy Truth: One Mother's Shocking Investigation into the Dangers of America's Food Supply-- and What Every Family Can Do to Protect Itself by Robyn O'brien

What's Eating Your Child?: The Hidden Connection Between Food and Childhood Ailments by Kelly Dorfman

Then check out http://www.feingold.org/


My son was showing all the classic signs of ADHD. He could not sit still, couldn't focus, was VERY hyper, couldn't remember things....etc. If you look at the list of ADHD symptoms my son had them all. I did not want him "labeled" and did NOT want to medicate him. I started doing lots of research and found that there is a connection between food and ADHD.

I then started following the Feingold diet and eliminated all artificial colors/flavors, preservatives etc. I saw a HUGE difference in my son after doing this. He lost ALL those ADHD symptoms. He was a normal little boy who could sit and color, read, play for more than 2 minutes, etc. It was an amazing transformation.

Not only did it help my son but it helped the rest of us. My daughter was having horrible headaches every day and I was getting ready to take her to the doctor. After eliminating all that bad stuff her headaches went away. I too have felt SO much better!!

The food we eat these days are so full of BAD BAD stuff. I feel it is the reason for so many of the problems people have today.

How do you avoid all artificial flavors and preservatives? I assume you make everything you eat?

 

[kalc12345]

How do you avoid all artificial flavors and preservatives? I assume you make everything you eat?

You have to read labels.

I do make most all of our food from scratch because it tastes better and it is SO much better for you. I also LOVE to cook so I don't mind at all. I enjoy it

If you don't have time to cook from scratch you can still avoid all the bad stuff. If you decide to go the Feingold route they send you a book that tells you everything you can buy that does not have bad stuff in it. When we first started 2 years ago I would take that book with me when I went grocery shopping. Now I have learned what we can eat. There are plenty of products out there that are chemical free.

 

[twinboysmom]

How do you avoid all artificial flavors and preservatives? I assume you make everything you eat?

Honestly, not meaning to sound snarky but you just don't buy foods that have them in it. Cut down on most processed foods. When you do buy processed products, look in the organic and health food sections of the grocery stores. There are tons of options you might not be aware of including cereals, granola bars, cookies, frozen foods. My boys have autism and it had made a huge difference getting the fake stuff out of their systems.

 

[100AcreWood]

Honestly, not meaning to sound snarky but you just don't buy foods that have them in it. Cut down on most processed foods. When you do buy processed products, look in the organic and health food sections of the grocery stores. There are tons of options you might not be aware of including cereals, granola bars, cookies, frozen foods. My boys have autism and it had made a huge difference getting the fake stuff out of their systems.

Not snarky at all. Please educate me. I love to cook so I'm happy to make stuff. Do you have any suggestions for the types of ingredients I need to avoid?

 

[KristenFNJ]

I agree that diet can make a huge difference. It's good to try that approach now, before formal school starts and the pressures that come along with that. It can be overwhelming to tackle the whole world of colors and preservatives, so if I could suggest a stepping stone, I'd say start by eliminating red dye (usually appears on labels as FD&C Red #40 or something similar). I've seen quite a few specific red dye allergies popping up in the last few years, so it's a practical test as well as easier as you begin the process.

For us, my guys were celiac before ADHD, so we had already totally overhauled their diets, getting rid of 95% of colors and preservatives in the process of eliminating all sources of gluten, so they turned out to be true ADHD. It happens!

I second/third/etc Additudemag and CHADD! I also learned a lot from help4adhd.org ...for me this was a great resource to learn about schools/504/IEP. You're not there yet, but it's good to have information in advance so you're prepared with what your options and rights are when it's time for school.

addforums.com is a massive message board... it can be overwhelming, but with a great variety of topics and perspectives, it's another great resource. DizzFrizz's corner has some really insightful information especially for parenting/understanding your ADHD child.

 

[4kids4karen]

I'm looking for suggestions on books to learn more about ADHD or websites that are helpful. There is so much information out there I am overwhelmed.

My 4 year old went to a neurologist recently and she said he was showing signs of ADHD. She told me that he will probably get a diagnosis in 1st or 2nd grade. So I want to learn more and see if there is anything I should or can do now to help him focus.

But there is so much information out there and the one thing I'm learning is not all children show the same symptoms. I guess some kids have certain symptoms (like hyperactivity) and some don't?

Please also read about "The Edison Trait" and books specifically on boys. They tried to say my now 19 year old had ADHD and ODD in first grade. No other teacher/doctor since that time has thought that (military so we moved after that year). He had a severe allergic reaction to the meds they tried on him so I have refused medication ever since. This kid is so amazingly smart and an impressive young man today.

If no one has mentioned this yet... take out all foods with red dye $#40 to see if that helps. http://www.red40.com/

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Something else to watch out for is the amount of screen time your child gets. (smart phone/tablet/computer/t.v.)

This is true for all kids but those prone to ADHD especially.

As it was explained to me, the over stimulation (even in small amounts) is just too much for smaller brains and can increase the ADHD issues.

Having grown up with ADHD myself there are a few things that will help to make everyone's life a little easier (Even if your child turns out not having ADHD)

1. When large multi step tasks need to be completed break them down into mini tasks and give them out step by step.

(E.X. Instead of "go clean your room" break it down into the steps needed to get the room clean. "Pick your clothes off the floor." "Okay great! Now put your toys in the toy box" etc.)

To many with ADHD the larger a task is the harder it is to find the starting point. By breaking it down into the mini steps you are giving your child a starting point. The task won't seem as daunting.

2. Use timers and turn tasks into beat the clock games. (Make sure time set is a realistic time frame for the task to get done. Don't set them up for failure)

Many have found that having a set time helps to keep the focus on the task at hand. When the attention starts to drift they see the timer and are reminded of the real task at hand.


I once heard someone describe ADHD the following way and have always thought it was probably the best way for someone without ADHD to get an idea of what ADHD feels like to the ADHD person:

"You are driving down the highway trying to get somewhere, say Disney world. Now in a normal car you sit behind the drivers seat and are in full control of the direction your car travels. SO you drive straight there.

But the ADHD car has a small quirk to it. It will choose to vere off the highway forcing you to take exit after exit. As the Driver of the ADHD car you don't have full control to stop the car from taking these exits. Will you eventually get to Disney World? Most likely but the Driver and passengers stuck in the ADHD car are going to take a lot longer to get there and if everyone stuck in the car isn't working together its going to be one very LONG frustrating ride."

As a passenger in the ADHD car its your job to help your child the "Driver" to cope with the quirky car and help him/her do their best to keep the car on the highway as much as possible and to help him/her get the car back on the highway when the car does take a side trip.


With the right coaching and counseling ADHD is very manageable. The key most important key is structure and organization. The more organization there is the better of your child will be.

 

[ktlm]

Along the lines of what 4kids4karen said, I don't know your child, or your situation, but I would also add to think about whether your child has been exhibiting signs of giftedness. You can find things on the internet about signs of giftedness in young children. Gifted children are very commonly misdiagnosed with ADD/ADHD. They can focus for long periods of time on things they are interested in, but if they are bored or not interested , you better watch out. They also will retreat into their own minds and tune other stuff out, or rush through stuff and ignore the directions or details when they are bored or not challenged. Their little brains are constantly thinking up new ideas too and they can pretty much be bouncing off the walls constantly because of it, especially when they are really young and everything is new to them. They also tend to be dramatic. Also, I'm not sure why you saw a neurologist, but it is common for gifted kids to have motor skills that lag behind a bit (probably because they spend so much time inside their heads!) None of this may be your situation at all, as I know you said your child doesn't really exhibit the active behavior that you often see with both type of kids, but it is something to keep an eye out for and consider. I haven't read the book she directed you to, but I have read some articles that talk about if Thomas Edison, Einstein and others were kids today in our society, they may very well have been classified as ADD, drugged, and kept from all the creativity they ultimately exhibited because they were square pegs that society tried to fit into a round hole. I'm guessing that may be what the recommended book is about?

I would say the best thing for you to do, is to do all the research you can on any possibilities based on the behavior your child exhibits. There is a ton of stuff on the internet, a lot of books etc. Don't just trust what someone who has seen your child a couple of times tells you. Your own instincts in being with your child every day, may be better than someone who has seen them a few times at figuring out their issues. Your child may have ADD, or there may be some other reason for the behavior entirely. You also may find that you have to be your child's advocate at some point. We were really worried about having to do that based on some of the stuff I had read about other's experiences and on a friend's experience. My DD has always been kind of exhausting to handle. We knew from a very young age, that she was a bit "different". I was pretty worried about what might happen when she hit school, so I did a ton of research. When we went down those gifted signs lists, there was pretty much no doubt what we were dealing with (although she exhibited the kind of behavior that we pretty much didn't need the lists). We were very worried that when she got to school they might misdiagnose her with ADD and we might have issues, but we were very lucky in that from pre-school on up to 1st grade her teachers quickly recognized what they were dealing with. ( I have a friend in a different school district who wasn't so lucky and really had to advocate for her gifted son because they wanted to classify him ADD and tried to convince her to get him on drugs. She didn't and demanded a teacher change, and it was night and day with the new teacher.) This year in 1st grade, our school was able to test and classify DD so now it is documented in her file and we actually have a liason we can contact and work with if there are issues. We have been lucky enough that we have teachers that take the time to try to keep DD challenged. Again, it might not be your issue at all, but it is something to look into, before just accepting a diagnosis.