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Getting Ahead of ADHD: What Next-generation Science Says About Treatments That Work - and How You Can Make Them Work for Your Child
Does toxic pollution cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? What about screen use? Are alternative treatments worth exploring? Can dietary changes help? From leading ADHD researcher Joel T. Nigg, this book presents exciting treatment advances grounded in the new science of epigenetics-how genes and the environment interact. Distinguishing unsupported, even dangerous, approaches from bona fide breakthroughs, Dr. Nigg describes specific lifestyle changes that have been proven to support the developing brain. Vivid stories illustrate ways to maximize the positive effects of healthy nutrition, exercise, and sleep, and minimize the damage from stress and other known risk factors. The book will help you figure out which options hold the most promise for improving your child's symptoms and overall well-being-and gives you step-by-step suggestions for integrating them into daily life.
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Published March 6, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 16, 2020
Honestly, I was unimpressed with this read. While it has some good advice, it's all sewn together with somewhat shoddy claims and leaps of logic that, quite frankly, frustrated the bejesus out of me. They distracted from the actual science and proven methods, and made it a chore to get through to say the least. I'm walking away with some approaches I might try with my ADHD child, but not enough to have enjoyed slogging through the rest of this book to get to them.
September 6, 2017
If you are looking for a 2017 current overview of ADHD science, then this is your book. It does a great job breaking down each area, such as genetics, epigenetics, sleep, diet, technology and treatment. It discusses latest research findings as well as how to evaluate the quality of the available research.
It is written with parents in mind but this is a great overview for anyone interested in the topic. It is thorough without being dense and much of the information is applicable to adolescents and adults with ADHD as well. I highly recommend this book.
It is written with parents in mind but this is a great overview for anyone interested in the topic. It is thorough without being dense and much of the information is applicable to adolescents and adults with ADHD as well. I highly recommend this book.
June 5, 2017
A very indepth look at current science and understanding of ADHD providing a brilliant resource for parents trying to look at the factors involved in their child's condition: what underlies ADHD, why broader factors than genetics are involved, and what hope there is for the future.
Detailing more about the emotional side of ADHD (often overlooked in many texts, yet arguably the symptom with the greatest impact on health & wellbeing) this book is such an interesting and beneficial resource for parents and for other caregivers too. There are practical recommendations for support in a great deal of detail and though it discusses complex science and studies it is relayed in an easy to follow format with key points & graphics.
Detailing more about the emotional side of ADHD (often overlooked in many texts, yet arguably the symptom with the greatest impact on health & wellbeing) this book is such an interesting and beneficial resource for parents and for other caregivers too. There are practical recommendations for support in a great deal of detail and though it discusses complex science and studies it is relayed in an easy to follow format with key points & graphics.
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November 15, 2019کتاب خیلی خیلی خیلی خوبی بود
February 9, 2019
It was very refreshing to read a book written by someone who did not seem to have an agenda when it comes to health, but just genuinely wants to know what is going to be most helpful for children and teens with ADHD. He doesn't dismiss anything out of hand, but considers what scientific evidence tells us, and also seems to remain open to the possibility that new treatments may emerge. Also, he has a very sensible approach to evidence: Practices that are safe, inexpensive, and easy require less stringent evidence, whereas practices that are risky, expensive, and/or difficult need a high standard of evidence before we implement them. So sensible.
The text is well organized, with links to research if you'd like to get further information. There are clear "take away" boxes, and there's a nice "decision tree" at the end giving suggestions for decision making about what types of treatments to try.
The main points I got from this book:
- "ADHD results from a complex interplay of child biology, partly rooted in genes and partly in epigenetic effects, and environmental context." (p. 247)
- For children with a biological vulnerability due to genetics or adverse experiences, changing your child's environment can make a huge difference.
- If your child has experienced trauma or major stressors, seeking therapeutic support is especially important.
- It's worth changing your child's diet to include more whole foods and fewer food additives, and to supplement with omega-3.
- Getting enough sleep, getting frequent exercise, and limiting screen time are important for all kids, but the benefits are even more important for kids with ADHD, who can be more vulnerable to problems related to these things.
- Neurofeedback and computer programs that claim to treat ADHD have not yet been shown to have any effect and may not be worth your time and effort.
The text is well organized, with links to research if you'd like to get further information. There are clear "take away" boxes, and there's a nice "decision tree" at the end giving suggestions for decision making about what types of treatments to try.
The main points I got from this book:
- "ADHD results from a complex interplay of child biology, partly rooted in genes and partly in epigenetic effects, and environmental context." (p. 247)
- For children with a biological vulnerability due to genetics or adverse experiences, changing your child's environment can make a huge difference.
- If your child has experienced trauma or major stressors, seeking therapeutic support is especially important.
- It's worth changing your child's diet to include more whole foods and fewer food additives, and to supplement with omega-3.
- Getting enough sleep, getting frequent exercise, and limiting screen time are important for all kids, but the benefits are even more important for kids with ADHD, who can be more vulnerable to problems related to these things.
- Neurofeedback and computer programs that claim to treat ADHD have not yet been shown to have any effect and may not be worth your time and effort.
September 25, 2017
In a time of conflicting claims and information overload, parents searching for clear information based on science and clinical experience can breathe a sigh of relief. This is a one-stop text that will offer practical suggestions and resources for parents of children struggling with ADHD. In fact, anyone working with children will learn that proper sleep hygiene, adequate exercise, healthy diet, and limited screen time can benefit any family. Another key take away for me was that parents acknowledge stress in the family and seek professional help to receive much needed support and to develop healthy routines. There is no quick fix or any one answer in dealing with ADHD, but thanks to Dr. Nigg, there is a science-based place to start. (Thanks to Netgalley for access to an e-ARC.)
September 1, 2019
Title: Getting Ahead of ADHD
Author: Joel T. Nigg PdH
Reviewer: Lorraine Leatham - Rainey Day Book Reviews
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As a parent of a child who has ADHD I found this book very informative. It takes a very indepth look at ADHD provides a great resource for parents trying to look at all the factors of their child's condition.
This book goes into detail about the emotional side of ADHD which I found very helpful. This book is such an interesting and beneficial resource for parents and for other caregivers such as teachers as well. There are practical recommendations listed for support in great detail. Though much is discusses scientifically it is fairly easy to understand and has graphics to further explainations.
Author: Joel T. Nigg PdH
Reviewer: Lorraine Leatham - Rainey Day Book Reviews
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As a parent of a child who has ADHD I found this book very informative. It takes a very indepth look at ADHD provides a great resource for parents trying to look at all the factors of their child's condition.
This book goes into detail about the emotional side of ADHD which I found very helpful. This book is such an interesting and beneficial resource for parents and for other caregivers such as teachers as well. There are practical recommendations listed for support in great detail. Though much is discusses scientifically it is fairly easy to understand and has graphics to further explainations.
July 29, 2021
This is a very interesting read for both educators and parents. It provides lots of information around ADHD and the links to genetics but also to environment. I think it is really important however to read a number of books on the topic to fully understand. It is crucial to recognise the role of exercise and diet in helping with some of the difficulties associated with ADHD such as impulsivity and hyperactivity.
What I really liked about this book was the focus on self regulation difficulties and the degrees to which this difficulty will impact on the other areas such as impulsivity and emotional responses. This book is well worth reading to gain further understanding and insight into ways to support.
What I really liked about this book was the focus on self regulation difficulties and the degrees to which this difficulty will impact on the other areas such as impulsivity and emotional responses. This book is well worth reading to gain further understanding and insight into ways to support.
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November 14, 2023Struggling with giving this one an actual rating so I’m just not. Some helpful tips but didn’t care for the books lack of sensitivity to certain things. For example, the author notes as an example that a pregnant mom is concerned her daughter she is pregnant with will also have ADHD like her son. The author notes that instead of the mother planning to only breastfeed her for the 5-6 months as planned, she should consider instead breastfeeding her for 12 months. The (male) author pushes breastfeeding over and over again without acknowledging that breastfeeding doesn’t work for everyone. Also pushes eating organic/pesticide free diet without acknowledging that this is not something many families are able to commit to. So overall, this gets a blah from me.
January 27, 2022
This is a great book for parents of kids with ADHD. For me, it helped identify less obvious characteristics of ADHD and how they can look similar to other situations and diagnoses. The book is full of advice and opportunities to try and reduce ADHD symptoms before resorting to medication. And if you are into the science of data and experiments, there are many examples of studies to highlight or confirm the author's opinions. Highly recommended, especially if you are concerned that you/your child received a mis-diagnosis - or you are looking for alternative treatments to try.
September 26, 2017
great reference book, differentiates adhd vs add early on, goes into the neuroscience, nutrition, epigenics, childhood trauma, mindfulness, organizational skills, behavioral therapy, choosing right counselor, etc...I got this book to understand a disease that was close to my heart so I can help others conquer it
October 14, 2017
Chapters 1 and 2 reset my understanding of ADHD as self-regulation, genes plus environment with many "routes" to the disorder. Easy to read and well structured. I especially liked the decision tree for determining where to start. What to read more? No problem - this book includes all the resources.
January 3, 2023
This book covers a lot of topics and how they can impact and change ADHD. Some parts are science and research heavy. The author includes really helpful FAQs and action steps. The real highlight of the book was the end as it explored how to put everything together in a comprehensive plan. I feel better versed on ADHD and would recommend this book as a good starting point.
January 22, 2018
Very well done literature review of pertinent scientific research on ADHD as well as practical and pragmatic recommendations for parents of and children with ADHD. His recommendations are based on well done studies and helps to separate the popularized wheat from the chaff.
February 1, 2021
Solid book with great information. I felt like it was a little long winded and the information could have been pared down to a slightly shorter but more useful book. Definitely recommend, but it is a long read.
August 14, 2017
Very in depth and informative look ADHD and all it's counterparts.
*Thanks Netgalley for the advanced copy for an honest review
*Thanks Netgalley for the advanced copy for an honest review
April 26, 2019
Practical. Concise and comprehensive education on ADHD, complete with a potential to-do list with instructions to rank/prioritise action.
December 10, 2020
Good overview of the current research (2017) on management of ADHD with practical guidance for families on implementing helpful changes.
March 14, 2022
It’s well written. The only new thing I got from it is to provide an omega supplement.
January 18, 2023
A lot of good info. It is definitely geared more for parents of children with ADHD than adults, but adults can still find valuable insight.
April 13, 2023
I listened to the audio but think this one is likely better in print form
May 2, 2023
So good from a doctors neutral and scientific perspective!
put-aside-for-later-or-never
February 17, 2024What do you know, I got distracted from reading this! I’d like to pick it back up one of these days…
July 7, 2025
This book has good information on using nutrition and sleep but the main solutions were to pay professionals for therapy and Medicate to manage.
December 15, 2020
Tread lightly with this book. It should be subtitled "What Next-Generation Science Says About How You Messed Up Your Kid and How to Fix Him." Do NOT read it if you are still feeling responsible for your child's ADHD.
SPOILER ALERT:
Apparently, much science shows how the mother's behavior while pregnant increases the risk and severity of ADHD. Also, that the bad things we do to them after that increase the risk and severity of ADHD. Ugh. I already felt helpless.
The better part of the book is cutting through all the methods that help and letting the reader know which ones have shown promise or proof. That was helpful.
SPOILER ALERT:
Apparently, much science shows how the mother's behavior while pregnant increases the risk and severity of ADHD. Also, that the bad things we do to them after that increase the risk and severity of ADHD. Ugh. I already felt helpless.
The better part of the book is cutting through all the methods that help and letting the reader know which ones have shown promise or proof. That was helpful.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews