Putting on the Brakes: Young People's Guide to Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

by Patricia O. Quinn, Judith M. Stern

Explains what attention deficit disorder is and how to treat it, discussing the cognitive and emotional aspects, what the medication options are, how to maintain positive relations with friends, and how to do well at school.

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

96 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

[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.