Putting on the Brakes, Third Edition: Understanding and Taking Control of Your ADD or ADHD

by Patricia O. Quinn, Judith M. Stern

Completely updated and expanded,  Putting on the Brakes, 3rd Edition  continues to be the go-to resource for kids with AD/HD. This essential guide — celebrating its 20th year in print — is loaded with practical ways to improve organization, focus, attention, time management, and scheduling, as well as studying and homework skills. Importantly, kids will also find strategies for making friends, controlling emotions, and being healthy. Putting on the Brakes  gives kids with AD/HD the tools they need for success in and out of school and a plan to manage all types of attention disorders.

From the Introduction to the 3rd

Many things have changed over the last 20 years. Magination Press (an imprint of the American Psychological Association) acquired the title and through the years encouraged us to keep the book up-to-date as AD/HD developed into a better-understood disorder. Other things have changed as well, particularly with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD. More children than ever are being diagnosed. The last Centers for Disease Control report from 2007 indicates that, according to their parents, 9.5 percent of all children have had an AD/HD diagnosis. That represents approximately 5.4 million children. Newer long-acting medications (both stimulants and non-stimulants) are now available to treat AD/HD. Teachers are better trained to recognize the impact of AD/HD on children in the classroom and to provide effective intervention. Counselors and therapists who treat children with AD/HD are able to provide important services to them and their parents. Coaching and other cognitive–behavioral therapies have been introduced as treatments for AD/HD.

However, as we think back through all this, we realize that much remains the same. Kids still need to learn about their AD/HD, how it affects  them, and  what they can do to take control of their symptoms, emotions, and academic performance to ensure success. Kids need straightforward explanations and reassurance that AD/HD can be managed. Kids need to know that they are not alone. Kids with AD/HD are the reason we wrote this book in the first place and they continue to motivate us to share what we have learned over the past 20 years.
 
It is with great pride that we welcome you to this new "20th anniversary" edition of Putting on the Brakes.
 

Genres: Adhd, Nonfiction, Parenting, Reference, Childrens, Psychology

112 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1991

About the author

Patricia Quinn, MD, is a developmental pediatrician in Washington, D.C., and a clinical assistant professor of Pediatrics at the Georgetown University Medical Center. Dr. Quinn specializes in child development and psychopharmacology and has worked for over 30 years in the areas of AD/HD and learning disabilities. She gives workshops nationwide and has published widely in these fields.

Dr. Quinn is the author of several books on AD/HD and is currently the director of the National Center for Girls and Women with ADHD. In 2000, Dr. Quinn received the CHADD Hall of Fame Award.

Reviews

[Jen Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book to not only get an understanding through my son's eyes, but also some great tips and tools to help him to succeed. We are now going through it with him, and he's really enjoying it as well.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay book.

I found it a little difficult to find out what I required from it, having recently had my own diagnosis at the age of 32 - I have far surpassed the child side of undiagnosed ADHD, been completely missed and left to get unruly in my own way because of it, I wanted some perspective, not really the book for it.

It's also written for children but I'd say most children below 11 would have difficulty with this book, it's not like it's super interesting by way of topical information but also there is chunks that some children may find a little boring or struggle to stay attentive with.

It's okay but more for parents and people of an educational background.

[Emmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I work as a 1:1 Learning Support Assistant with children who have ADHD and I'm always willing to learn new ways or remind myself of how I can support them. 'Putting on the Brakes' is a fantastic resource to do that - I got through it within hours of grabbing it from the library and found myself writing down notes for work too! I can see why so many young people would want to read this too, it offers an insight but also reassurance of how they can approach professionals. What a fantastic book - I'll definitely be telling my colleagues about it!

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very elementary explanations for AD/HD. It's written almost for kids to read it or have parents read it to them and as if they are a little more older. Great stuff, but if your kid is younger than the 8 year old threshold they designed the book for then it's not the most helpful.

[Abby Peskin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would be awesome if there was a specific activity book that would help kids work through their symptoms of ADHD. All of the strategies listed are based on areas of difficulty for kids with ADHD. However, those presented do not appear to be effective strategies for managing those difficulties.

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for ADHD kids.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical advice in a small succinct book suitable for teens to read themselves or for younger children with help of an adult. Resource list a little dated

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's meant for elementary school students, but my son had no interest in reading it with me. I hope that from reading it I will be able to explain things to my son in a way he will access.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for 8-13 year olds but all ages and parents could read and learn from

[Karen Chiang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly as a 33 year old who got diagnosed as an adult - I read it for my younger self and it healed me a little bit.

[Jenna Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book on the recommendation of my son's doctor for his ADHD diagnosis (he recommended several). This is the one I bought for my son, along with the workbook. I found it to be straightforward in sharing what ADHD/ADD actually IS, and how it may be AFFECTING you if you have it. It doesn't make it feel like ADD is a disability; it does share how it may feel challenging, and shares numerous strategies to try out if you are facing some challenges.

My son has not read through either book yet, but we have it on hand for when these challenges may arise.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putting on the Brakes was well organized and I enjoyed skimming through the parts I already understood and learning more on the others. I plan to read this with my ADHD child when they are 9 or older. I hope for my child to learn to deal with their ADHD and not let it control them or their life. This book offers some good helps.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book geared toward kids with ADD/ADHD and is full of information designed to help them understand the diagnosis and to give them suggestions regarding living with the condition. The prime age for this book is probably upper elementary. It's a good book to start with. Once kids get to age 11 or 12, though, they will probably need a book with more specifics and explanations.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for helping parent and child (ages 8-13) learn together about ADHD and how to manage it and the positives of it.

[Amy]

recommended by a parent

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best for ages 8-12. Information to help a child understand ADHD and things that they can do to help themselves.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best for older kids.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book for kids and parents struggling with attention issues.