The Gift Of ADHD: How to Transform Your Child's Problems Into Strengths [Paperback]

If you have already tried many of the conventional approaches for "managing" ADHD or if you are simply tired of the way professionals speak of you or your loved one as needing treatment to remedy some "deficit" in character then read this book. Unlike many popular theories that view ADHD as a difficult-to-treat brain condition that adversely affects school performance, social relations, and self-esteem, Dr. Honos-Webb reframes ADHD as an opportunity for growth and exploration. At its heart, this book challenges the reader to view a child diagnosed with ADHD as possessing such "gifts" as creativity, interpersonal intuition, and keen emotional sensitivity. I found myself easily pulled in to the deft way that she weaves existing psychological research with her own personal and professional experience to argue for a more progressive approach to working with those diagnosed with ADHD.

As a psychologist who works with children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD, I find that there exist two diametrically opposed camps with respect to how best approach diagnosing and treating this condition. The first camp argues that ADHD is all about brain chemistry and requires medication. The second camp argues that ADHD is a wildly overdiagnosed condition and may be nothing more than society's discomfort or dislike of certain behaviors or individuals. The middle ground between these two positions is the territory covered in this book. Advice for working with mental health professionals (who tend to populate the first camp) while maintaining an advocacy role for your child is a particularly strong emphasis. After reading the chapter entitled, "How to Become Your Child's Advocate, Not Apologist" I felt compelled to photocopy it and send it to everyone I've known who has felt a sense of powerlessness in dealing with insensitive school personnel, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc.

It is evident that Dr. Honos-Webb honors those diagnosed with ADHD. This book is definitely for those who want to get active in their child's care. I particularly enjoyed the number of exercises designed to increase self-esteem, parental involvement, and the parent-child bond. With titles such as "Force-Field Control," "What Went Right?," and "Gamma Ray Bursts" you are sure to find something that works for you and your child. I suspect some exercises will feel too hokey to some but there probably is something for everyone.

All things considered, I found this book to be a persuasive argument for approaching ADHD as a gift rather than a nuisance. The writing is generally crisp with tons of examples; as such, it flows nicely and makes for an "easy read." If you are committed to transforming your relationship with your child and those responsible for his or her care then this book will move you in that direction with confidence and a new sense of compassion. A standout addition to the ever-expanding collection of ADHD books!

While I appreciate the attempt to shift my paradigm, as an adult with ADHD I see much of this book as rubbish. The author makes unsubstantiated statements such as "drugs work not by fixing brain pathology but by making children high so they are more motivated and feel better about themselves and their behavior improves." The implication and much of the message of the book is that if we feel better about ourselves, we will be better students. She clearly has not been in the thoughts of an ADHD person on stimulants. We're not more motivated because we feel high; we notice the mess, we think about organization, we filter out inappropriate remarks, we worry about deadlines and we ignore distractions. Much like those nongifted, unexuberant, normal folks do. I felt great about myself just before I made a silly remark that cost me my job. Perhaps my boss and the people I offended simply needed to change paradigms and be more accepting of inappropriate behavior...Lara, if you read this, please rethink the messages you are sending people. They are dangerous and unethical.

I'm an adult with ADHD but still remember being a kid and living every day with it. This book talks about how ADHD kids are "special" and "gifted" and really trashes medication. Well a lot of kids, including me, would have given all the "gifts' and "specialness" and creativity back in a cold second if we could have had a decent night's sleep. Or made friends with other kids. Or could have just lived a regular day like normal people. IT IS NOT A GIFT, AND QUIT MAKING YOUR KIDS MISERABLE BY TELLING THEM HOW GREAT IS IS!! Please get your kids to a doctor and put them on some meds. They will feel better. They'll sleep better. They'll make friends easier. I say this again, they will feel better!! Please listen to me. I and many others say this from personal experience. Tney will not become zombies, or loose their creativity if they're put on medication. It will allow them to blossom all the more. It makes me furious to hear these parents go on and on about how they'd never medicate their kids when they have no idea the ABSOLUTE HELL their kids live through every day. I had the best night's sleep in my entire life the first day I started my stimulant meds. Your kids will thank you for it.

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