Even for parents who "do everything right," the road to successful management of ADHD is seldom smooth. Now leading child psychiatrist Dr. Peter Jensen guides parents over the rough patches and around the hairpin curves in this empowering, highly informative book. Readers learn the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of making the system work--getting their money's worth from the healthcare system, cutting through red tape at school, and making the most of fleeting time with doctors and therapists. Dr. Jensen interweaves the combined wisdom of over 80 parents with his own insights as an expert practitioner and the father of a child with ADHD. Packed with planning tips, resources, moral support, and problem-solving strategies that get results, this is a book that savvy parents will turn to again and again.

Reviews

"Dr. Jensen is one of the smartest and wisest child psychiatrists around. In this groundbreaking book, he gives parents his authoritative knowledge in a form they can easily use and reliably turn to. This book guides you through the wilderness of looking for help, and will bring you to the help you may have been seeking for years. This book is a masterpiece, and best of all, it is practical, useful, and unpretentious."
-Edward Hallowell, MD, coauthor of Driven to Distraction

"This must-read book acknowledges that 'ADHD is not a sprint; it's a marathon.' Comprehensive and clear, it outlines a sane and safe approach to tackling all the tough issues you face as a parent: making medication decisions, safeguarding your child's educational rights, and much more. You'll especially enjoy Dr. Jensen's real-life anecdotes, particularly those about coping with his own son's ADHD."
-Ellen Kingsley, Editor-in-Chief, ADDitude Magazine

"This is an exceptional book on a sadly overlooked topic that cries out for serious attention. Thank you, Dr. Jensen, for so richly filling this void for parents of children with ADHD. Few could rival Dr. Jensen's qualifications--as clinical professional, government insider, and sensitive parent--for writing this highly informative book that guides parents through the byzantine process of obtaining professional assistance for their child through the health care, educational, and community systems. Parents, take note: there is simply no comparable book on this topic, and none so useful. I only wish I had written it."
-Russell A. Barkley, PhD, author of Taking Charge of ADHD; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina

"Offers numerous concrete suggestions on developing a plan and finding the resources to put it into place....Also includes ten appendices that comprehensively address the daunting specifics."
-Kirkus Reports

Contents

Preface
I. Taking Charge of Getting Help for Your Child
1. Nowhere to Turn?: Why It's So Hard to Get the Help Your Child Deserves and What You Can Do About It
2. Principles of Action for the Expert Parent
3. Developing a Plan for Your Child: How to Use Your Knowledge of Yourself and Your Child to Get the Best Care Available
4. What You Need to Get Started: Essential Tools and Resources for the Expert Parent
II. What to Expect and How to Get What Your Child Needs
5. Getting the Best from the Healthcare System
6. Getting the Best from Your Child's Education
7. Getting the Best Out of Your Home and Family Life
8. Getting the Best from All the Rest
9. Looking Ahead
Appendix A. Parent/Advocacy Organizations and Resources You Need to Know About
Appendix B. Funding- and Insurance-Related Resources You Need to Know About
Appendix C. Legal/Advocacy Resources You Need to Know About Appendix D. Useful Books
Appendix E. Using Behavioral Strategies to Help Your Child Improve His or Her Behavior
Appendix F. Sample Section 504/ADA Accommodation Plan
Appendix G. Table of Psychiatric Disorders, Symptoms, and Proven Treatments
Appendix H. Sample Letters
Appendix I. Ways to Become Involved