Understanding ADHD: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Parents.William N. Bender, Editor. Upper Saddle River Saddle River may refer to:
A persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsiveness; the pattern is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in people at a similar level of development. (ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Definition Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviors, and the inability to remain focused on tasks or ) has been widely discussed and debated within the education field. When parents and teachers of children with this disorder seek help and understanding, they often meet with frustration. Many school personnel, including school psychologists, receive little training in this area, and so are unable to provide the support these children need. Bender provides a comprehensive guide for parents and education professionals that not only outlines the most recent research on diagnosing and treating the disorder, but also presents the information in a straightforward way. The author, a special education professor, and his colleagues present recent research from psychiatry, genetics, neurobiology Neurobiology Study of the development and function of the nervous system, with emphasis on how nerve cells generate and control behavior. The major goal of neurobiology is to explain at the molecular level how nerve cells differentiate and develop their , and neurochemistry neurochemistry /neu·ro·chem·is·try/ (-kem´is-tre) the branch of neurology dealing with the chemistry of the nervous system. neu·ro·chem·is·try n. , and use those findings to outline the nature of the disorder, describe accurate means of diagnosis, and dispel many myths. As many parents and teachers know, the causes of ADHD have been falsely attributed to everything from food allergies Food Allergies Definition Food allergies are the body's abnormal responses to harmless foods; the reactions are caused by the immune system's reaction to some food proteins. to poor parenting. Readers will find their pressing questions answered throughout the nine chapters. The first chapter includes anecdotal records and case studies that exemplify problems faced by individuals with ADHD. For any reader who has not dealt firsthand first·hand adj. Received from the original source: firsthand information. first with an individual who has ADHD, these stories offer revealing insights that make the disorder concrete. Following chapters present suggestions for intervention strategies, medication, and modifications for preschoolers, elementary children, secondary students, and adults. The result is a useful guide for assisting people in coping with the disorder and acquiring the needed skills to function in their environment. Chapter 3 sheds light on an essential, often overlooked, issue - the family's response to, and interaction with, the individual with ADHD. Diane Knight, the chapter's author, outlines the issues a family faces in trying to lead a normal life, while simultaneously dealing with a child who has the disability. The chapter honestly portrays the family's grief, as well as the frustrations of stretching resources and attention among siblings. The stresses on families are defined clearly and will be recognized by any reader who has dealt extensively with a chronically ill family member. Although the numbers of people with this disorder have been inaccurately reported, the tensions placed upon families with ADHD children or adults are real. In a time when many interest groups, particularly those within special education populations, are competing for shrinking resources, accurate information can be difficult to obtain. This volume stands out, offering updated diagnostic information, clear discussions of medication, guidelines for behavior management behavior management Psychology Any nonpharmacologic maneuver–eg contingency reinforcement–that is intended to correct behavioral problems in a child with a mental disorder–eg, ADHD. See Attention-deficit-hyperactivity syndrome. , and research-based suggestions for intervention and parent education. More to its credit, finally, it promises no quick fix for a complex problem. Reviewed by Rebecca P. Harlin, Associate Professor, Florida International University Florida International University, primarily at University Park, Miami; coeducational; chartered 1965, opened 1972. A research university, it has 18 colleges and schools and many specialized centers and institutes, including those in biomedical engineering, database , Miami |
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