Attention Deficit — The Hyperactivity Barrier

The section we analysed begins with an observation from a child's daily life: the phrases a child with ADHD hears most are «pay attention», «you're so careless», «I've told you forty times». The book rightly warns that when these words are repeated constantly the child develops a negative self-image, and parents and teachers unwittingly reinforce the unwanted behaviour. Just before this, it notes that risks linked to impulse-control problems also rise in adolescence.

Chapter six is the most valuable part of the book because it lists and answers, one by one, the myths that confuse parents most. «ADHD is a label doctors invented for difficult children» — no, the disorder has been known for more than half a century and affects 4–8% of school-age children. «My shy, dreamy child can't have ADHD» — in girls the disorder often shows up as the inattentive type rather than hyperactivity. «If parents disciplined properly, this wouldn't happen» — research shows ADHD is not a direct result of parenting style, though treatment success depends closely on family support.

The other myths are practical too. Special diets and avoiding food colourings do not prevent ADHD; healthy eating only helps general well-being. A child being able to focus for a long time on TV or a video game does not rule out ADHD — it is easier to focus on interesting, stimulating tasks. ADHD does not affect intelligence, and these children do not need special classes (unless there is an additional problem such as a learning disability). The idea that «you take the pill and you're cured» is also wrong: although there are more than 70 years of experience with stimulant medication, success depends on teachers, psychologists and family working together.

The book also addresses the most sensitive question: «These drugs are addictive». The answer rests on research: untreated adolescents show more conduct, mood and anxiety disorders and substance use, so appropriate treatment does not increase the risk of addiction and may even reduce it. Against the myth that «they'll grow out of it», follow-up studies are cited: in about 70–85% of children with ADHD symptoms persist into adolescence and adulthood; hyperactivity fades, but attention problems remain.

The chapter ends with Russell Barkley's 10 rules for parents: make rules specific and post them; choose rewards that matter to the child; give frequent feedback; accept that there will be bad days; focus on the positive rather than punishment; remember you are dealing with a biological problem, not a character flaw; don't lecture too much; keep your sense of humour; be forgiving towards yourself and your child. This list is the book's most practical page and deserves a place on the fridge.

There are weaknesses too. Much of the text is in the dry language of a medical information leaflet, figures (4–8%, 70–85%) are unsourced, and some typos are distracting. It is also odd to find esoteric «concentration» authors such as Mouni Sadhu and Theron Q. Dumont in the bibliography alongside serious sources like the DSM and Barkley. Even so, for parents newly facing ADHD this chapter is a good starting point that eases fear, dispels myths and points towards professional help.

• Myth-busting in a «Myth — Fact» format
• Symptoms and rules set out as bullet lists
• Short biographies in the margins (e.g. Russell Barkley)
• Colour photographs