Book Review – The ADHD Hand Book by Stuart Passmore
I was recently asked to review this book by Exisle Publishing. I must admit from the first page I ‘ate’ it up.
Living with a child who is ‘special’, ‘difficult’, impulsive, hyperactive, anxious, and/or just plain ‘naughty’; can leave many parents feeling judged, distressed, exhausted and overwhelmed. I know, as I have one of these children.
This handbook presents an up to date understanding of current findings, past findings, supporting research and a holistic genuine view you can’t go past. It allows the parent/caregiver/teacher an opportunity to recognise that it is no-ones fault yet there are specific groups of strategies that can alleviate the pain you and the child are experiencing. Stuart has a way of explaining quite complex data and reasoning in a way we can all comprehend no matter what level of understanding you have on medications, alternative therapies or brain research. Whilst reading I felt his compassion for this topic, for the parents, as well as the sufferers of this disorder.
The main points that jumped out to me and I found well described were:-
- How complex ADHD is
- Misdiagnosis and why
- ADHD in adulthood
- ADHD is not a cause of parenting it is a neurological disorder
- The neuro-anatomy of ADHD
- Co-existing conditions with ADHD
- The positive aspects of a person who has ADHD and how to build on those
- Parenting/Caregiver support and suggested management techniques
I believe that this book will hearten and inform those caring for or with ADHD, it will also support you before and after you seek professional help. It enlightens you to questions to ask, and especially allows you to make informed choices and confidence to ask ‘those questions’ from your or your child’s health team and specialists.
My advise would be to read as a current guide to the most up to date data, and you will feel encouraged to amalgamate this information with your parenting/caregiver instincts and be more empowered in your chosen next steps. Book is $34.99
About the author: Stuart Passmore is a psychologist in private practice. He has developed an evidenced-based Parent Management Training program for parents of children with behavioural disorders ranging from ADHD to Oppositional Defiance Disorder to Conduct Disorder and children with explosive and non-compliant behaviours. Stuart also conducts professional development training workshops on Parent Management Training for behavioural and anxiety disorders.
Kirsty O’Callaghan