BEYOND DISTRACTION

A self-education guide to ADHD for teens and those who support them.

This comprehensive yet concise work offers seven chapters’ worth of information, organized into topics covering the history of ADHD and its causes, as well as diagnosis, treatment, coping strategies, and relevant laws. The weaker final chapter discusses ADHD research and the future, focusing on how scientists might further explore this disability, but the content is drawn from dated and less robust sources. The authors present clear and accurate information for readers wishing to understand their disability and advocate for themselves or for research purposes. The bar graphs, diagrams, sidebars, and photos will attract their attention, although the green-on-green color scheme for the graphs will be challenging for some. Organizational features, such as subheaders and black sidebars with white text, invite readers to skim the clearly marked topics as needed; teens, especially those with ADHD, are more likely to dip into this work than read it cover to cover. The book presents eye-opening facts about medications (including their abuse and side effects) and explains the value of support groups. Other information helps caregivers acknowledge the importance of their role in the lives of teens with ADHD. This accessible work also helps to dispel common myths.

A useful compilation of secondary research that supports self-advocacy and caregiving.