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The second edition of Dr. Thomas W. Phelan’s influential guide, All About Attention Deficit Disorder, explains in layman’s terms the symptoms and treatments for this all too common condition.

All About Attention Deficit Disorder asks the reader, What is your ADD IQ? The book focuses on what the symptoms, impact, and prognosis of ADD are. Dr. Phelan also talks about the diagnostic process doctors use to evaluate for ADD in straight-forward language that parents will appreciate. He outlines some answers to common questions about an ADD diagnosis, then explores treatment options, including medication "myths and misconceptions."

This book is an essential tool for helping people understand the idiosyncrasies of this disorder. Dr. Phelan writes with warmth and wisdom. His chapter on behavior management in children ages 2 - 12 is a wonderful example, as it focuses on changing the way parents think about disciplining their children with ADD/ADHD by first stressing that children are not "little adults." Instead, he encourages parents to think of themselves as "wild animal trainers." As happens quite often in this book, the reader will be drawn in by Dr. Phelan’s easy-to-understand explanations: being a wild animal trainer does not mean to use whips or be abusive. It requires choosing a largely nonverbal method that effectively gets the child to do what the “trainer” wants.

Although this book is essential for parents struggling to understand their child’s diagnosis, it can also be an excellent resource for adults who may not have had the label of ADD in their youth but now are able to recognize the symptoms. All About Attention Deficit Disorder is a good first step toward gathering more information, particularly if the reader is not ready to visit the doctor for an official diagnosis. (This book should not be used in place of a doctor’s visit entirely.)

Dr. Phelan leaves his readers with a feeling of hope for a successful future and the knowledge that ADD is a treatable and manageable condition. All About Attention Deficit Disorder is well worth the read.