Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents.

This book is intended to provide parents with current, in-depth information on attention-deficit/ hyperactive disorder (ADHD). The author hopes to give parents the confidence to take control, give parents the tools they need to be inquisitive, and help parents to know how and when to make decisions regarding their child. The author also cuts through the myths and misinformation regarding this disorder. He wants parents to be able to tailor the information and advice to their particular needs and problems. The book is based on the author's 17 years of clinical work with and research on children with ADHD and their families.

To achieve these goals, the author divides the book into four parts. Part 1 is "Understanding ADHD." In these five chapters, ADHD is defined, and new research and theories are discussed in addition to causes and the nature of the disorder. The importance of becoming informed parents by learning all one can learn about ADHD from a variety of sources is emphasized.

The second section is made up of five chapters that instruct parents in how to take charge. In this section, the author discusses the evaluation process, the diagnosis of ADHD, and the principles for raising a child with ADHD.

Coping with a child with ADHD at home, in the community, and in school is the focus @@f the third part f the text. In these seven chapters, the author discusses specific behavioral management techniques and how to deal with teachers and school systems. Specific suggestions are made with regard to communicating effectively with teachers and school administrators to help ensure appropriate education management so that goals can be achieved.

The final section discusses the medications that are currently prescribed for ADHD. A list of, questions to ask prior to medicating a child is provided. Information is provided on how each drug is to be taken, dosages, benefits, effects, side effects, response time, and contraindications.

At the end of the text, the author provides appendixes that list parent support groups, suggested readings, videotapes, and references. A table of contents and index are effective in locating information on a specific aspect of the disorders.

The text is well written and readable. Although it provides research information, the text does not become bogged down with statistics. The research information is presented succinctly with references for those who would like more detail. Technical language is kept to a minimum, and when it is used, it is explained.

The book does a commendable job of providing parents with the latest information and practical guidance regarding ADHD. It is relevant to physical therapists only as an informational guide for general knowledge and for those who may encounter people with ADHD in their practice.