Table of Contents

Introduction: A Guiding Philosophy for Parents of Children with ADHD
I. Understanding ADHD
1. What Is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?
2. “What’s Really Wrong with My Child?”: Poor Self-Regulation
3. What Causes ADHD?
4. What Does Not Cause ADHD?
5. What to Expect: The Developmental Nature of the Disorder
6. The Family Context of a Child with ADHD
II. Taking Charge: How to Be a Successful Executive Parent
7. Deciding to Have Your Child Evaluated for ADHD
8. Preparing for the Evaluation
9. Coping with the Diagnosis of ADHD
10. Just for Parents: How to Take Care of Yourself
III. Managing Life with ADHD: How to Cope at Home and at School
11. Eight Steps to Better Behavior
12. Taking Charge at Home: The Art of Problem Solving
13. How to Help Your Child with Peer Problems
14. Getting through Adolescence, with Arthur L. Robin, PhD
15. Establishing a Healthy Lifestyle
16. Off to School on the Right Foot: Managing Your Child’s Education, with Linda J. Pfiffner, PhD
17. Enhancing Education at School and at Home: Methods for Success from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with Linda J. Pfiffner, PhD
18. Keeping School Performance in Perspective
IV. Medications for ADHD
19. The Approved Effective Stimulant Medicines
20. Other Medicines
Support Services for Parents
Suggested Reading
References
Index

About the Author

Russell A. Barkley, PhD, ABPP, ABCN, before retiring in 2021, served on the faculties of the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Barkley has worked with children, adolescents, and families since the 1970s and is the author of numerous bestselling books for both professionals and the public, including Taking Charge of ADHD and Your Defiant Child. He has also published six assessment scales and more than 300 scientific articles and book chapters on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, executive functioning, and childhood defiance. A frequent conference presenter and speaker who is widely cited in the national media, Dr. Barkley is past president of the Section on Clinical Child Psychology (the former Division 12) of the American Psychological Association (APA), and of the International Society for Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. He is a recipient of awards from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the APA, among other honors. His website is www.russellbarkley.org.

Reviews

"Dr. Barkley gifts us all with this fourth edition of his classic work. You will find tons of new information--grounded in the most recent science--and the advice of one of the most experienced, thoughtful, and kind professionals we have. This book is brimming with wisdom that parents can put to use every day. Bravo, and thank you, Dr. Barkley!"--Edward M. Hallowell, MD, coauthor of Driven to Distraction

"This book woke me up, gave me a good cry, consoled me, then helped me plan for the future. Dr. Barkley gave me a better understanding of exactly how and why ADHD has been such a serious problem for my daughter. The book is written so you can easily digest it and follow the step-by-step advice to advocate for your child. It is candid and empathic. This book is my 'go to'--I refer to it daily and I will be giving copies to my family members and school counselors. Parents need this book!"--Kirsten W., Detroit

"This book is packed with useful information that makes it a go-to resource for the parents and kids I see in my clinical practice. It is difficult to imagine any question a parent might have about ADHD and its treatment that is not addressed here. The book provides how-to guidance in a straightforward, step-by-step format--including helpful tips for getting a thorough evaluation, dealing with behavior challenges, working with schools and teachers, managing medications, and navigating the teen years."--Peg Dawson, EdD, coauthor of Smart but Scattered

"As the mother of a 16-year-old with ADHD and as a speech–language pathologist working with children of all ages, I am beyond glad this book came my way! It is the most thorough and practical book I have ever read on ADHD. This book has helped me gain so much insight into the disorder, along with practical methods for tackling some of the most difficult and puzzling aspects of it. Dr. Barkley has given me immediate things I can do to improve my son’s life, and guidance I can provide to the parents of children I work with. I love the suggestions for structuring the home–school relationship to help kids reach their potential, and the suggestions for taking care of yourself as a parent. This is an incredible resource for families."--Jennie M., Austin

"Barkley has provided a scientifically grounded, up-to-date resource for parents. Readers will discover critical insights and specific guidance--from managing behavioral, social, emotional, academic, and health concerns, to navigating difficult conversations with children, teens, and teachers. The book is informed by Barkley's clinical experience and decades of research."--Kelly B. Cartwright, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Teacher Preparation, Christopher Newport University-