ADHD and the Focused Mind: A Guide to Giving Your ADHD Child Focus, Discipline and Self-Confidence

This fresh and practical approach to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from neurologist Sarah Cheyette, karate teacher Johnson, and psychiatrist Ben Cheyette offers an alternative to medication (though meds can be used in tandem with it) and emphasizes sports analogies and practices such as teamwork and "playing to win." The authors suggest viewing ADHD less as a disorder and more as a different way of processing information: kids with ADHD have trouble focusing on topics that aren't of great interest to them, and often have difficulty with organization, productivity, and concentration. The book contains a plan to help children improve focus and set S.M.A.R.T (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-defined) goals. The authors also point to the Japanese concept of kaizen, meaning "continuous improvement." A section on mind, body, and spirit reveals how keeping all three in balance can enhance goal achievement. The authors offer strategies that can be implemented at home and at school (for example, exercising before settling down to a stationary task). A section on finding "ADHD coaches" is also included. Parents and kids will find plenty of useful ideas in this innovative, "athletic mindset" approach to tackling ADHD. (Feb.)