Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents » (Revised)

Russell A. Barkley, PhD, is internationally known for his career-long research into ADHD and his efforts to educate professionals and the public. He is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina. The recipient of awards from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association, among other honors, Dr. Barkley has published widely on ADHD and related disorders. His website is www.russellbarkley.org

Although the book is targeted at the parents of ADHD children, it will serve as a useful resource for teachers and others involved in the care and education of these children....This book is unique in its up-to-date and clear presentation of the scientific underpinnings of the disorder and the pragmatic, empirically based approach to intervention that it encourages. It is also very well organized and readable; it is probably the best available resource of this type.

Harlan Gephart

This book, an update of a 1995 publication, gives an overview of current thinking and research regarding ADHD and outlines medical, educational, and behavioral techniques for treating this disorder. The author's stated purpose is to educate parents about what is currently known and to give them tools to help them raise their ADHD child. Those objectives are very worthwhile, and the author in my opinion certainly meets those objectives. This book is written for all parents of ADHD children, as the title states. In my view, it is also a valuable teaching resource for all health professionals dealing with ADHD. The author is recognized as a world authority on ADHD. This book is organized in sections that provide an overview of current thinking regarding ADHD; specific parenting techniques; educational interventions; and the use of medication in the treatment of ADHD. The best features of the book are the chapters with specific guidelines, for example: "Fourteen Guiding Principles of Parenting"and "Eight Steps to Better Behavior." A unique feature at the end of the book lists parent resources, organizations, additional reading, videos, books, etc. A possible shortcoming is the initial 100 pages dealing with current ADHD knowledge that is didactic, scientific, and perhaps too sophisticated for many readers. This book is an invaluable resource for parents and healthcare providers in the care and management of children with ADHD. Dr. Barkley is an internationally recognized authority in the field, whose research and writings have contributed immensely to current knowledge regarding this disorder. This revised edition contains the latest information about ADHD and its straightforward,practical guidelines are not only easily understood but immensely helpful to parents in the daily care and management of their ADHD children.