Teenagers With Add, ADHD & Executive Function Deficits: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

by Chris A Zeigler Dendy

A seasoned expert and veteran parent, Chris Zeigler Dendy looks at key areas (academics, dating, driving, socializing, and greater independence) that make adolescence potentially more difficult for kids with ADD, ADHD, or executive function deficits. This new edition is expanded and refreshed with indispensable information on the latest DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, research, education strategies and laws, and technology use. The book also offers a thorough explanation of executive function deficits and their impact on teens' ability to focus, prioritize, and plan. The author shows how to support and advocate for teens using a combination of medications, behavior and academic interventions and accommodations, ADHD education, and exercise. Armed with the book's extensive information and strategies, parents, educators, and therapists can be proactive, working together with teens to build resilience and a hopeful future.

359 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2017

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow read if you go cover to cover, which I did. There are a few things I DON'T like about this book: - it's repetitive. Dendy repeats the importance/usefulness of medication for ADHD treatment ad nauseum. I totally get what she's doing, and why. That said, in my case, she is preaching to the choir, I'm reading the book for every other resource/strategy/suggestion so let's get on with it. -the pictures...except for the very last section before the appendix, the pictures have NO CAPTIONS and are seemingly random clipart inserted arbitrarily - the MANY MANY MANY quotes from patients and parents...again, I got what Dendy was going for, but it got old. The first hand accounts from a few different ADHD patients, especially the then, now, and now again feature were much more meaningful.

That said, as a reference, this book is pretty excellent. While I had to reread it a few times to really own the ideas, this is the best teaching description of what happens differently in an AD(H)D brain that I've read, and really there aren't many resources that ACTUALLY describe it, so its existence was nice in and of itself. (I didn't love the dump truck analogy, but NBD). The format and progression of the chapters is well thought out and super approachable. I will likely purchase a copy of this book to refer back to in the future both for professional and family use.

[Cynthia Penner M. Ed. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick reference guide, by C.A. Zeigler Dendy, provides detailed and easy to use information for supporting inclusive education in high school.

Vocabulary:

ADD- Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Executive Function- '...the brain's ability to manage learning activities and behaviour...' (Zielger Dendy, 2011)

Some of the chapters include:

-Neurotransmitters Can Make or Break a Good Day at School

-Common Myths About ADD and ADHD: Fact vs Fiction

-Problematic Behaviours Linked to Executive Function Disorder: Tips for Eliminating School Failure

-What is 'Good Homework' for Students with ADD or ADHD?

-Helping Parents Cope with Homework

-Disorganization

-Impaired Working Memory and Forgetfulness

-Impaired Sense of Time/Impatience

-Reframe: Building on Strengths

-When Teens Continue to Struggle in School: Finding Problems Hidden Beneath the Surface

-Survey: What Helps Me Study Best at Home?

-Transition Planning: After High School, What Next?

[Nicole Schum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, thorough, useful, practical, well structured, easy to use.