The Gift of ADHD: How to Transform Your Child's Problems Into Strengths

As a parent of 2 kids with ADD and having ADD myself, this is one of several newer books that are both different and more helpful than most. Almost all other books I have read thus far about ADD/ADDH have been somewhat discouraging, and many so-called ADD experts paint kids with ADD as having broken brains. This book presents a much more upbeat but still practical view. This approach made me believe that me and my two sons with ADD/ADDH could do great things despite ADD, that ADHD needn't always be such a bad thing, and that it might even have some good parts about it. Highly recommended. 3 other books I'd recommend - Making the System Work for your Child with ADHD by Jensen - Delivered from Distraction by Hallowell - the Edison Gene by Hartmann ScottT, an ADDDAD

As the director of a clinic specializing in treating children and adolescents with ADD/ADHD, I would say most kids view their ADHD more like a curse. It is a condition which must be addressed aggressively and effectively. By dressing it up as a gift rather than a significant impairment of attention and cognitive function, it will cause some parents to delay seeking remedy until it is too late. We have never assumed that ADD/ADHD suffers are without intelligent, talent or attention for that matter. The lack of ability to focus attention when and where required, rather than what the person finds interesting and stimulation, will cause significant problems for the sufferers. It is precisely for this reason that ADD/ADHD symptoms must be attended to. Doing so will not take away existing intelligent, gifts, talents or abilities, rather it will cause more productive attention to these gifts. By treating the ADD/ADHD, you pave the way for the talents and gifts to shine. The Gift of ADHD by Dr. Honos-Webb (not to be confused with The Gift of A.D.D.: Shattering Labels and Changing Expectations for Parents and Teachers by Amry Ellen Jirak) reminds us to not be become so focused in addressing the problems, that we fail to see the positive qualities that exist in the child too. It offers tools and techniques that parents can use to address their child's learning and personality style and differences. It is a light, simple and easy to read book. I wish Dr. Honos-Webb had devoted more than 3 or 4 pages total to the alternative treatments such as EEG Neurofeedback, Sensory Integration Training, Auditory Integration Training and Cognitive Skills Training which are now becoming more widely available and have been shown excellent clinical outcome with long term sustained results. The danger here is that many parents wishing to avoid medications ( which clearly are not the only choice of treatment as has been demonstrated in several published studies ) will all together forgo any form of treatment, figuring why take my child's gift away. Would you consider the broken leg of a professional dancer his or her gift?

Dr. Honos-Webb has written a book for psychologists, therapists, parents, families, children, and physicians - anyone who has encountered others with "differences". Our world increasingly turns to diagnosing differences and providing negative labels for behaviors that don't conform to society's current expectations. This book is a step in a new direction. As a psychologist, I am constantly trying to help individuals and families identify their strengths, rather than focus on pathologizing their differences or difficulties. I believe this book will be an extremely useful resource for parents with children diagnosed wtih ADHD and ADD. Let's hope that this is a sign of changes to come.

Contrary to popular opinion, there ARE advantages to ADHD, including creativity, originality and the ability to look outside the box (in fact, it can be nearly impossible for most with ADHD to think WITHIN the box). Although it isn't easy for those with ADHD to function in structured environments, they can excel in the right ones. And that is the main strength of this book - showing how nonlinear, innovative minds can be an asset rather than a detriment. Along the way, the author helps people focus on their strengths and get around their weaknesses.

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!