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

by Patricia O. Quinn, Judith Stern, Joe Lee (Illustrator)

All you need to know about attention deficit disorder is included in this updated edition of the bestselling classic, Putting on the Brakes. This resource for young people, their parents, and professionals is now revised and expanded, covering the newest techniques in diagnosing and treating ADHD; the most current techniques in relaxation; and tips on how to ask for help, guidance, and support in managing ADHD and its symptoms.

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

80 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Great resource for ADHD kids.

[Nadine]

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]

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]

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

[Karen Chiang]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Laura]

Best for older kids.

[Rebecca]

good book for kids and parents struggling with attention issues.