Putting on the Brakes: Understanding and Taking Control of Your ADD or ADHD

by Patricia O. Quinn, Judith M. Stern

Overview

Completely updated and expanded, Putting on the Brakes, 3rd Edition continues to be the go-to resource for kids with AD/HD. This essential guide — celebrating its 20th year in print — is loaded with practical ways to improve organization, focus, attention, time management, and scheduling, as well as studying and homework skills. Importantly, kids will also find strategies for making friends, controlling emotions, and being healthy. Putting on the Brakes gives kids with AD/HD the tools they need for success in and out of school and a plan to manage all types of attention disorders.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433811357
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Publication date:	04/15/2012
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	7.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

Editorial Reviews

Minor revisions and new illustrations freshen up the third edition of an encouraging, if generalized, guide for young people with attention issues and their parents. Using simple language and addressing readers directly, the authors first define types of AD/HD and explain current thinking about its behavioral and neurological characteristics. They then go on to offer a basic set of tools and techniques for managing the disorder. These range from building a "Support Team" of adults to using yoga, self-initiated timeouts, medication and other means of controlling emotions and impulses. The authors close with a restatement of their central message, that "[your] AD/HD is just one part of you. Try hard to manage it, and you will have plenty of energy left over to enjoy the many other parts of your life." Abstract cartoon drawings and photos of smiling children reinforce the overall positive tone. So inclusive is the message that, aside from a single mention that genuine AD/HD can only be diagnosed by a professional, nearly all the advice here about self-control, making friends, establishing good study habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle could apply to anyone. More specific and extensive manuals and workbooks abound, but as a lucid guide to the disorder and its management, this has proven its worth over the past 20 years. (multilevel, multimedia resource lists) (Self-help. 9-12, adult)

Kirkus Reviews

This resource book, co-written by a developmental pediatrician and an educational consultant, defines ADD and ADHD in a way that is simple, straightforward, and respectful. It is divided into two parts, Understanding AD/HD and Taking Control of AD/HD. The latter explores a variety of ways to manage the symptoms of AD/HD. Each chapter is focused on a specific set of coping strategies such as Building a Support Team, Working Together to Manage Your Behaviors, Being a Good Friend, Keeping Your Cool, Staying Focused, Improving Study and Organization Skills, Taking Care of Yourself, and Learning about Medications for AD/HD. The suggestions are based on research and are presented in a practical way that empowers children to care for themselves. The writing is geared toward 8 to 13 year-olds, but because the language used is straightforward and simple, this book could be a valuable resource for practically any age. This is a second addition with some new information. Reviewer: L. A. Gallaway

Children's Literature - L. A. Gallaway

Children with ADHD will feel empowered after reading and working with this twentieth anniversary resource. In its third edition the authors have completely updated and revised it, supplying the latest information about ADD and ADHD. Co-authors, Quinn, a developmental pediatrician and Stern, an educational consultant, address the reader directly and create a straightforward, positive experience. Front matter contains suggestions about how to use this resource, whether it be in small sections or used as a reference for specific issues. With scaffolding, older children may choose to read the text independently, but most will need the support of an adult in order to get the full benefit of the book's content. Divided into two sections, Understanding AD/HD and Taking Control of AD/HD, the latter examines several ways to manage symptoms of AD/HD. Chapters are focused on specific strategies such as Building a Support Team, Working Together to Manage Your Behaviors, Keeping Your Cool, and Staying Focused. Exercises and activities can be found after each section in order to reflect and make connections as to how the material applies to the reader personally. Suggestions for sensible ways to help improve organization, focus, study habits, and homework skills are included along with social and emotional strategies for making friends, controlling emotions, and being healthy. Pictures, illustrations, bolded subheadings, and short chapters will keep readers engaged and reinforces its positive tone. The back matter includes a kid-friendly glossary and an abundance of resources for children and parents including books for homework help, feelings and behaviors, meditation, helpful software, and author contact information. Parents, counselors, and kids will find this a useful tool in and out of school. Reviewer: Laura Backman

Children's Literature - Laura Backman