Mary McDonald Richard, Student Disability Services, University of Iowa
Taking Charge of ADHD is an outstanding resource for parents of children with the syndrome currently known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In this book, Dr. Barkley and his colleagues have integrated their great compassion for families with the scientific authority for which they are known. Dr. Barkley guides parents in examining their foundational beliefs about parenthood, the nature of ADHD, and the principles and priorities that guide their actions. When he issues challenges, they are accompanied by advice and tools. For example, when emphasizing the importance of scientifically-validated information, he provides an abundance of clearly presented research findings and their applications in children's lives. Long-recognized as an outstanding parent educator from the podium, in his book, Dr. Barkley encourages, exhorts, and inspires parents to meet the challenges of raising children with ADHD.


Doody's Health Sciences Book Review
Although the book is targeted at the parents of ADHD children, it will serve as a useful resource for teachers and others involved in the care and education of these children....This book is unique in its up-to-date and clear presentation of the scientific underpinnings of the disorder and the pragmatic, empirically based approach to intervention that it encourages. It is also very well organized and readable; it is probably the best available resource of this type.


Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., coauthor of Driven to Distraction and Answers to Distraction
Dr. Barkley, a master in the field, has written a superb book for parents and all others interested in ADHD. Full of the most up-to-date information, this book is clearly written and finely reasoned. Thank you, Russell Barkley, for this book and all your pioneering work.


From Book News, Inc.
Empowers parents of children with ADHD by giving them a step-by-step plan for behavior management, hard data on diagnosis and treatment, strategies for helping children succeed at school and in social situations, and information on advances in genetic and neurological research that enhance understanding of the causes of ADHD. Includes an annotated list of books, organizations, and Internet resources. This edition is revised to incorporate the most current information. Barkley is director of psychology and professor of psychiatry and neurology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR


Review
"Russell Barkley might well be known as the patron saint of ADHD for all that he has done to advance our understanding of this fascinating condition. Dr. Barkley's name is synonymous with quality, integrity, and reliability. He is meticulous in his research and unfailing in his willingness to offer his time as well as his knowledge to all who ask for help. Anyone who writes about, researches, or lives with ADHD owes a deep debt to Dr. Barkley."--Edward M. Hallowell, MD, coauthor of Driven to Distraction

"This very clear and well-written guide is filled with useful strategies and all the reinforcement that ADHD parents need."--Jane Marks, author of The Hidden Children

"Russell Barkley's extensive experience as clinician, researcher, and teacher really shows. This is the most up-to-date story on our understanding of ADHD and its practical management. The readable reviews would inform most therapists. Dr. Barkley shows parents the way toward a positive approach to ADHD, from which the whole family will benefit."--Judith L. Rapoport, MD, Chief, Child Psychiatry Branch, NIMH, Bethesda, Maryland, author of The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Washing



Review
"The book is easy to read and, in spite of its length at 320 pages, is well apportioned in its content and practical in its advice. Rich in anecdote and warm in understanding of the human experience of ADHD, this book should be a must for most parents....Dr. Barkley has produced a book that will be added to the list of practical, reasoned, well thought out and helpful resources for parents who are looking for it all in one place."--The Canadian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Review

"Of the many recent books available on this topic, this one seems the most comprehensive, up-to-date, authoritative, and readable. Although aimed at parents, it would be an excellent addition to the libraries of teachers, psychologists, pediatricians, and family physicians--anyone who works with children with ADHD."--Nursing Administration Quarterly

"Accessible, scientifically based....As a starting point for parents, or for smaller libraries that can only afford one title, Barkley's book is the first choice; it offers details about finding the right kind of specialists, putting together a disciplinary program, coping with adolescents, and building positive relationships with school personnel."--Library Journal

"I...warmly recommend it to selected parents, and also to professionals learning about how ADHD should be managed."--Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry

"...an excellent resource for parents, clinicians, and teachers....The text is written in an informative yet informal style, which almost gives readers the impression that they are having a personal conversation with the author....The true value of the book lies in the author's ability to combine current theoretical perspectives with the most recent and relevant research findings into a text that functions both as a contemporary review for professionals and a practical guide for parents."--Child Psychology, Psychiatry

"Barkley is addressing two quite different audiences--parents and professionals--and he does it very well. Parents can return to the book as they reach different points on their learning curve. And practitioners will find this book stimulating and at times challenging....The book could well serve as the text for a series of parent education sessions led by a school psychologist."--NASP Communique

" Russell Barkley, considered one of the leading authorities on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), provides a clear and well-written guide that encourages, exhorts, and inspires parents. This book features pioneering research that provides new insight into preventing ADHD from becoming a major obstacle in a child's (and parent's) life. Numerous techniques are offered for enhancing a child's school performance. ...Provides an excellent foundation for parent training and teacher inservice presentations. Parents will appreciate having this book on hand, and teachers will want a copy to show parents who are ready for a resource."--Intervention in School and Clinic

"The majority of the book deals with the areas where parents do have the opportunity to make choices and have and impact on their children's functioning....This material is specific, practical, widely applicable, and supported by both clinical and research experience. From the pediatric therapist's perspective, this book has a great deal to offer....an outstanding achievement. Its authoritative and complete contents, combined with a very reasonable price for the trade paperback, make it a highly worthwhile addition to the library of any child-oriented professional." --Physical and Occupational Therapy In Pediatrics

"...a very readable and yet comprehensive volume that actually does provide an overview of this important subject in language readily understood by a parent or older teenage patient...it addresses the common questions and concerns of puzzled parents. It presents its information in a generally positive and supportive style which parents will appreciate... Its overall theme is positive and hopeful and will be welcomed by many families." --Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

"A solid resource guide for parents...." --Contemporary Psychology

"An excellent and readable book that will empower parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)....Barkley provides a program for managing the behavior of a child with ADHD and a system for problem-solving." --NAMI Advocate

"It is refreshing to find a text grounded in empirical support and data to assist parents who have such a child....A superb text for parents and others who live daily with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder...." --Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy

"'Oh no, not another ADHD book' was my initial reaction to reviewing Taking Charge of ADHD...I was wrong. This is not just another book. This is a great book...You must read this book if you don't read any other this year...This book, although aimed at parents, has something for everyone involved with ADHD kids: teachers, psychologists, doctors, and family. I am not going to lend this book to parents (although I will show it to them) because they need to buy it so they have it on hand to read and reread."--Pediatric News

"Although the book is targeted at the parents of ADHD children, it will serve as a useful resource for teachers and others involved in the care and education of these children....This book is unique in its up-to-date and clear presentation of the scientific underpinnings of the disorder and the pragmatic, empirically based approach to intervention that it encourages. It is also very well organized and readable; it is probably the best available resource of this type."--Doody's Health Sciences Book Review

"While many parents will find the information included invaluable in helping them to make decisions about the care of their children, practitioners will also find the book extremely useful as an up-to-date summary of ADHD research....This book should head the list of recommended readings for parents and others interested in ADHD."--The Advancing Practice

"I certainly plan to recommend this book to parents and grandparents of children with ADHD whom I see in my practice. The book is generally easy to read... The book has a tone of optimism throughout. It empowers parents to take charge of the life of their child with ADHD rather than feel constantly distressed and overwhelmed by the special needs of these unique children." --Canadian Medical Association Journal

"The text is well written and readable. Although it provides research information, the text does not become bogged down with statistics. Technical language is kept to a minimum, and when it is used, it is explained. The book does a commendable job of providing parents with the latest information and practical guidance regarding ADHD." --Physical Therapy



Book Description
A treasured parent resource since its publication, Taking Charge of ADHD has now been revised and updated to incorporate the most current information on ADHD and its treatment. From internationally renowned ADHD expert Russell A. Barkley, the book empowers parents by arming them with the up-to-date knowledge, expert guidance, and confidence they need to ensure that their child receives the best care possible. Features of the revised edition include:

*A step-by-step plan for behavior management that has helped thousands of children with ADHD
*Hard data that clear up current controversies about increased diagnosis and stimulant use
*New strategies that give children greater chances of success at school and in social situations
*Advances in genetic and neurological research that enhance our understanding of what causes ADHD
*Practical advice for parents on managing stress and keeping peace in the family
*Updated descriptions of books, organizations, and Internet resources that families can trust



Book Info
Univ. of Massachusetts, Boston. Revised and updated consumer text for parents and teachers of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Includes a step-by-step plan for behavior management, discussion of controversies, advances in research, practical advice, and updated descriptions of resources. Softcover, hardcover also available.


From the Back Cover
"Russell Barkley might well be known as the patron saint of ADHD for all that he has done to advance our understanding of this fascinating condition. Dr. Barkley's name is synonymous with quality, integrity, and reliability. He is meticulous in his research and unfailing in his willingness to offer his time as well as his knowledge to all who ask for help. Anyone who writes about, researches, or lives with ADHD owes a deep debt to Dr. Barkley." Edward M. Hallowell, MD, coauthor of Driven to Distraction


About the Author
Russell A. Barkley, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University at Syracuse. In 1978, he founded the Neuropsychology Service at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Milwaukee Children's Hospital, and served as its Chief until 1985. He then moved to the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he served as Director of Psychology from 1985 to 2000 and established the research clinics for both child and adult ADHD. In 2003, he relocated to a position as Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina. He joined the faculty of the SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2005. Dr. Barkley has published 15 books, more than 200 scientific articles and book chapters, and 7 videos on ADHD and related disorders, including childhood defiance, and is editor of the newsletter The ADHD Report. A frequent conference presenter and speaker who is widely cited in the national media, he is past president of the Section of Clinical Child Psychology, Division 12 of the American Psychological Association, and of the International Society for Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. His distinguished research contributions have been recognized with awards from the American Association of Applied and Preventive Psychology, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Section on Clinical Child Psychology of the American Psychological Association, and the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology.

ANNOTATION

The book contains black-and-white illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Although the book is targeted at the parents of ADHD children, it will serve as a useful resource for teachers and others involved in the care and education of these children....This book is unique in its up-to-date and clear presentation of the scientific underpinnings of the disorder and the pragmatic, empirically based approach to intervention that it encourages. It is also very well organized and readable; it is probably the best available resource of this type.

FROM THE CRITICS

Harlan Gephart

This book, an update of a 1995 publication, gives an overview of current thinking and research regarding ADHD and outlines medical, educational, and behavioral techniques for treating this disorder. The author's stated purpose is to educate parents about what is currently known and to give them tools to help them raise their ADHD child. Those objectives are very worthwhile, and the author in my opinion certainly meets those objectives. This book is written for all parents of ADHD children, as the title states. In my view, it is also a valuable teaching resource for all health professionals dealing with ADHD. The author is recognized as a world authority on ADHD. This book is organized in sections that provide an overview of current thinking regarding ADHD; specific parenting techniques; educational interventions; and the use of medication in the treatment of ADHD. The best features of the book are the chapters with specific guidelines, for example: "Fourteen Guiding Principles of Parenting"and "Eight Steps to Better Behavior." A unique feature at the end of the book lists parent resources, organizations, additional reading, videos, books, etc. A possible shortcoming is the initial 100 pages dealing with current ADHD knowledge that is didactic, scientific, and perhaps too sophisticated for many readers. This book is an invaluable resource for parents and healthcare providers in the care and management of children with ADHD. Dr. Barkley is an internationally recognized authority in the field, whose research and writings have contributed immensely to current knowledge regarding this disorder. This revised edition contains the latest information about ADHD and its straightforward,practical guidelines are not only easily understood but immensely helpful to parents in the daily care and management of their ADHD children.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Harlan R. Gephart, MD (University of Washington School of Medicine)Description: This book, an update of a 1995 publication, gives an overview of current thinking and research regarding ADHD and outlines medical, educational, and behavioral techniques for treating this disorder. Purpose: The author's stated purpose is to educate parents about what is currently known and to give them tools to help them raise their ADHD child. Those objectives are very worthwhile, and the author in my opinion certainly meets those objectives. Audience: This book is written for all parents of ADHD children, as the title states. In my view, it is also a valuable teaching resource for all health professionals dealing with ADHD. The author is recognized as a world authority on ADHD. Features: This book is organized in sections that provide an overview of current thinking regarding ADHD; specific parenting techniques; educational interventions; and the use of medication in the treatment of ADHD. The best features of the book are the chapters with specific guidelines, for example: "Fourteen Guiding Principles of Parenting"and "Eight Steps to Better Behavior." A unique feature at the end of the book lists parent resources, organizations, additional reading, videos, books, etc. A possible shortcoming is the initial 100 pages dealing with current ADHD knowledge that is didactic, scientific, and perhaps too sophisticated for many readers. Assessment: This book is an invaluable resource for parents and healthcare providers in the care and management of children with ADHD. Dr. Barkley is an internationally recognized authority in the field, whose research and writings have contributed immensely to current knowledge regarding this disorder. This revised edition contains the latest information about ADHD and its straightforward, practical guidelines are not only easily understood but immensely helpful to parents in the daily care and management of their ADHD children.

Parent Council Reviews

A great guide for parents, teachers, and others who want to understand ADHD better, this book carefully covers the topic and includes many ways to cope with ADHD at home and school. Parents can find information on genetic and neurological research as well as the latest word on diagnosis and stimulant use. 2000, Guilford Press, $18.95. Ages Adult. Reviewer: S. Palmer SOURCE: Parent Council, September 2001 (Vol. 9, No. 1)

Library Journal

Studies find that ADHD affects three to ten percent of the school-age population, making it the most common psychiatric diagnosis in children. Treating it with Ritalin and other stimulants remains both common and controversial. With a stream of books and videos touting unproven "cures," the publication of these three accessible, scientifically based titles is particularly welcome. Each covers much of the same material: ADHD's causes are biological, mainly genetic; affected individuals are impulsive, unable to concentrate and follow instructions, often hyperactive, and oppositional (there is a subgroup who are "dreamy" but not disruptive); and medication doesn't cure ADHD but does ease the child's difficulties, especially when used in conjunction with home- and classroom-based systems of immediate positive and negative behavioral consequences. Each author, however, has a unique emphasis. Wender, one of the first advocates of using stimulant medication for hyperactivity, emphasizes that ADHD is a lifelong problem for many sufferers and that many ADHD adults would benefit from stimulant treatment. While the title of Haber's book might lead one to assume that he is opposed to the use of medication for treatment of ADHD, this is not the case. Haber, a developmental/behavioral pediatrician, believes that there is a group of children who do indeed suffer from ADHD but that this group is much smaller than other experts estimate. Also, he argues that epilepsy, hearing loss, Tourette's syndrome, and psychological distress owing to family instability or trauma are being mislabeled as ADHD. Barkley (psychiatry and neurology, Univ. of Massachussetts Medical Ctr.) theorizes that the cause of the various behaviors associated with ADHD is the inability to plan ahead--that these children have a very short "time line." His suggestions for treatment don't diverge from the mainstream, however. Because ADHD is such a hot topic, most public libraries should purchase all three titles. As a starting point for parents, or for smaller libraries that can only afford one title, Barkley's book is the first choice; it offers details about finding the right kind of specialists, putting together a disciplinary program, coping with adolescents, and building positive relationships with school personnel.--Mary Ann Hughes, Neill P.L., Pullman, WA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

Empowers parents of children with ADHD by giving them a step-by-step plan for behavior management, hard data on diagnosis and treatment, strategies for helping children succeed at school and in social situations, and information on advances in genetic and neurological research that enhance understanding of the causes of ADHD. Includes an annotated list of books, organizations, and Internet resources. This edition is revised to incorporate the most current information. Barkley is director of psychology and professor of psychiatry and neurology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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