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

The leading parent resource about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its treatment has now been revised and updated with the latest information and resources. Prominent authority Russell A. Barkley compassionately guides you to:

• Understand why kids with ADHD act the way they do.
• Get an accurate diagnosis.
• Work with school and health care professionals to find needed support.
• Implement a proven eight-step behavior management plan.
• Build your child's academic and social skills.
• Restore harmony at home.

New to the fourth edition are a chapter on health risks associated with ADHD, the latest information on the causes of the disorder, current facts on medications, a new discussion of sibling issues, advice for parents who might have ADHD themselves, downloadable practical tools, and much more.

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Table of Contents

Introduction: A Guiding Philosophy for Parents of Children with ADHD

I. Understanding ADHD

1. What Is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? sample
2. “What’s Really Wrong with My Child?”: Poor Self-Regulation
3. What Causes ADHD?
4. What Does Not Cause ADHD?
5. What to Expect: The Developmental Nature of the Disorder
6. The Family Context of a Child with ADHD

II. Taking Charge: How to Be a Successful Executive Parent

7. Deciding to Have Your Child Evaluated for ADHD
8. Preparing for the Evaluation
9. Coping with the Diagnosis of ADHD
10. Just for Parents: How to Take Care of Yourself

III. Managing Life with ADHD: How to Cope at Home and at School

11. Eight Steps to Better Behavior
12. Taking Charge at Home: The Art of Problem Solving
13. How to Help Your Child with Peer Problems
14. Getting through Adolescence, with Arthur L. Robin, PhD
15. Establishing a Healthy Lifestyle
16. Off to School on the Right Foot: Managing Your Child’s Education, with Linda J. Pfiffner, PhD
17. Enhancing Education at School and at Home: Methods for Success from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with Linda J. Pfiffner, PhD
18. Keeping School Performance in Perspective

IV. Medications for ADHD

19. The Approved Effective Stimulant Medicines
20. Other Medicines

Support Services for Parents

Suggested Reading

References

Index

"An invaluable, comprehensive resource. The book arms you with the most current scientific facts, including a clear explanation of executive functions and their role in ADHD. Dr. Barkley has a gift for providing practical, easy-to-understand guidance that empowers you to become an effective advocate for your child. (on the third edition)"
- Chris A. Zeigler Dendy, MS, parent and author of Teaching Teens with ADD, ADHD & Executive Function Deficits

"I am always looking for the best book, the right book or the latest book. Let me tell you about one: Russell A. Barkley, PhD's, Taking Charge of ADHD."
- Psychiatric Times

"Rich in anecdote and warm in understanding of the human experience of ADHD, this book should be a must for most parents....Dr. Barkley has produced a book that will be added to the list of practical, reasoned, well thought out and helpful resources for parents who are looking for it all in one place."
- Canadian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Review

"Dr. Barkley gifts us all with this fourth edition of his classic work. You will find tons of new information—grounded in the most recent science—and the advice of one of the most experienced, thoughtful, and kind professionals we have. This book is brimming with wisdom that parents can put to use every day. Bravo, and thank you, Dr. Barkley!"
- Edward M. Hallowell, MD, coauthor of Driven to Distraction

"This book is packed with useful information that makes it a go-to resource for the parents and kids I see in my clinical practice. It is difficult to imagine any question a parent might have about ADHD and its treatment that is not addressed here. The book provides how-to guidance in a straightforward, step-by-step format—including helpful tips for getting a thorough evaluation, dealing with behavior challenges, working with schools and teachers, managing medications, and navigating the teen years."
- Peg Dawson, EdD, coauthor of Smart but Scattered

"As the mother of a 16-year-old with ADHD and as a speech–language pathologist working with children of all ages, I am beyond glad this book came my way! It is the most thorough and practical book I have ever read on ADHD. This book has helped me gain so much insight into the disorder, along with practical methods for tackling some of the most difficult and puzzling aspects of it. Dr. Barkley has given me immediate things I can do to improve my son’s life, and guidance I can provide to the parents of children I work with. I love the suggestions for structuring the home–school relationship to help kids reach their potential, and the suggestions for taking care of yourself as a parent. This is an incredible resource for families."
- Jennie M., Austin, Texas

"Barkley has provided a scientifically grounded, up-to-date resource for parents. Readers will discover critical insights and specific guidance—from managing behavioral, social, emotional, academic, and health concerns, to navigating difficult conversations with children, teens, and teachers. The book is informed by Barkley's clinical experience and decades of research."
- Kelly B. Cartwright, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Teacher Preparation, Christopher Newport University