Reading About ADD/ADHD and Behavior

Armstrong, Thomas, Ph.D. 1995. The Myth of the A.D.D. Child: 50 Ways to Improve Your Child's Behavior and Attention Span Without Drugs, Labels, or Coercion. New York: Penguin.

Offers practical and inexpensive non-drug solutions for regulating behaviors at home and school. Views the condition from a naturalistic perspective, paying more attention to the positive traits of children rather than focusing on problems. The book is divided into two sections: (1) the history of the development of the concept of ADHD, and (2) 50 strategies that can help children discover their true nature and live successful lives.

Armstrong, Thomas, Ph.D. 1996.

ADD: Does it Really Exist? Phi Delta Kappan February, 1996.

Dr. Armstrong suggests taking another look at the science behind the sudden explosion of diagnoses of ADD/ADHD and at the tests we use to measure learning in children. The labeling of children is cause for concern on many levels.

Block, Dr. Mary Ann. 1996. No More Ritalin: Treating ADHD Without Drugs, A Mother's Journey, A Physician's Approach. New York: Kensington Publishing Corp.

Offers a personal and professional account of why it is important to seek the underlying cause of ADHD and other medical problems rather than masking the symptoms. Presents how to treat ADHD without drugs from the perspective of an osteopathic physician and influenced by Doris Rapp, one of the leading experts on the affects of allergies in pediatric medicine.

Block, Mary Ann, D.O. Treating ADHD without drugs. American Journal of Natural Medicine. March 1998.

After citing statistics regarding the number of children diagnosed as ADHD and the percentage for whom Ritalin is prescribed, she reports research on the long term affects of such treatment and the similarity between Ritalin and cocaine. Among the possible underlying causes of ADHD, Dr. Block describes hypoglycemia, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, allergies/sensitivities and learning styles.

Debroitner, Rita Kirsch, RSW, Ph.D., and Hart, Avery, MSW. 1997. Moving Beyond A.D.D/A.D.H.D.: An Effective, Holistic, Mind-Body Approach. Chicago: Contemporary Books.

Focuses on supporting parents of children diagnosed with ADHD and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD so they do not feel helpless or fatigued as they grapple with the disorder. Proposes a model of mental well-being by emphasizing the restoration of the natural energy of the mind, body and spirit.

Diller, Lawrence, M.D. 1998. Running on Ritalin: A Physician Reflects on Children, Society, and Performance in a Pill. New York: Bantam Books.

Thorough presentation of the educational and societal issues underlying the diagnosis and treatment for ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. A book that health care professionals, educators and parents can use to explore diagnoses and treatment options for behavioral concerns.

Garber, Stephen, W., Ph.D., Garber, Marianne Daniels, Ph.D., and Spizman Robyn Freedman. 1996. Beyond Ritalin: Facts Abut Medication and Other strategies for Helping Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders. New York: Villard Books

Summarizes over 30 years of research on how Ritalin affects behaviors such as attention, distractibility, activity social and organizational skills. Provides information of alternative medications and other therapies, as well as a resource list of organizations that can help families seeking answers to the ADHD dilemma.

Green, Dr. Christopher, and Chee, Dr. Kit. 1998. Understanding ADHD: The definitive guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. New York: Ballantine Publishing Group.

Comes from the perspective that ADHD is a valid diagnosis and that medication may be helpful in resolving some of the presenting problems . Provides information about other disorders of behavior that frequently are seen as accompanying ADHD. Offers behavioral and compensatory solutions for academic and social issues that frequently cause problems of self-esteem.

Kranowitz, Carol Stock, MA. 1998. The Out-of Synch Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. New York: Berkley Publishing Group.

Explains some of the root causes of attention disorders and learning difficulties. Describes some of the sensorimotor functions that are required to support behavior and learning. Offers brief overviews of how occupational therapy, vision therapy and psychological counseling can work together to help children become more functional.

Levinson, Harold N., M.D. 1990. Total Concentration: How to Understand Attention Deficit Disorders with Treatment Guidelines for You and Your Doctor. New York: M. Evans and Co., Inc.

Describes variations in symptoms among those diagnosed with ADHD, and offers case studies demonstrating the connection of the vestibular system that cause a sensory scramble that interferes with attention and learning. Offers diverse solutions from compensatory measures in the classroom and home to exercise and a form of medication therapy that has been effective without the use of psychostimulants.

Pipher, Mary, Ph.D. 1994. Reviving Ophelia. New York: Ballantine Books.

Pipher's book offers insight into the changes girls experience as they pass through adolescence. Although girls are less likely to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, their behavior may lead to learning difficulties. The book presents case studies that illustrate the societal and developmental issues facing girls today. See a review for more about this book.

Pollack, William, Ph.D. 1998. Real Boys. New York: Holt and Company.

A thought provoking book for parents and teachers of boys suggests that some typical and troubling behaviors are a reaction to society's unreasonable expectations of boys and young men. See an exerpt for more about this book.

Reichenberg-Ullman, Judyth, N.D., MSW, and Ullman, Robert, N.D. 1996. Ritalin Free Kids: Safe and Effective Homeopathic Medicine for ADD and Other Behavioral and Learning Problems. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing.

Describes the social problems and other challenges that frequently accompany ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Provides a basic understanding of how homeopathy addresses these and other problems, and offers tips to parents and educators on how to deal with hyperactive, overly stimulated children.

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This information is provided by OSPI and New Horizons for Learning ,http://www.newhorizons.org
funded by a development grant from the Discuren Charitable Foundation.

Office of State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Special Education
P O Box 47200
Olympia, WA 98504-7200
(360) 725-6088
Fax (360)586-1631
E-mail: dgill@ospi.wednet.edu