Parenting a Child with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

by BOYLES/CONTADINO

A guide for parents and educators, Boyles and Contadino combine over 23 years of experience to provide basic information on strategies and ideas that may be useful when working with the AD/HD child. This updated edition helps parents navigate through the steps of recognizing the symptoms, getting proper diagnosis, and finding proven intervention techniques that will guide their child past the obstacles of this learning disability.

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1981

Reviews

[Jen]

Here are two particular excerpts that describe life with Jake pretty well:

"Hyperactivity is a state of constant motion. A trip to the pool in the summer is bound to bring a loud "Walk!" from the lifeguard. Ask him to scamper, skip, hop, scoot, and snake across the walkway, aisle, or room and you might be more easily accomidated. But walk? It would be easier if he were asked to stand on his head. We run down, but this child's motor never stops. He just keeps going and going and going." (p.46)

"Impulsivity is acting without giving thought to the consequences of those actions. Impulsive children lack the ability to monitor their actions and verbal responses. They jump in feet first without being aware of where they'll land . . . Impulsivity is not a lack of 'moral control.' It does not mean the parents have not taught the children manners or the difference between right and wrong. Impulsive children do not take time to stop and think, 'If I do this, this will occur. Is that what I want to happen?' . . . The impulsive child is constantly apologizing. He is truly surprised and sorry when he realizes he has hurt someone's feelings, yet he will turn right around and make the same mistake again. This child may be unaware he is the cause of chaos and often very remorseful for the things he has done." (p. 50)