Now in a revised and updated fourth edition, this comprehensive, bestselling work has earned its place as the leading resource for parents. Prominent authority Russell A. Barkley guides parents to understand why 6- to 18-year-olds with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) act the way they do--and provides practical steps to help them live up to their potential. Readers learn how to find the right professional help, get needed support at school, and manage challenging behavior using proven techniques. Packed with realistic stories and problem-solving ideas, this empathic guide is solidly grounded in science. New to the fourth edition are a chapter on health risks associated with ADHD, the latest information on the causes of the disorder, current facts on medications, a new discussion of sibling issues, advice for parents who might have ADHD themselves, and much more. Purchasers can download and print several practical tools.

Introduction: A guiding philosophy for parents of children with ADHD -- PART 1: UNDERSTANDING ADHD -- What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? -- "What's really wrong with my child?": Poor self-control -- What causes ADHD? -- What does not cause ADHD? -- What to expect: The developmental nature of the disorder -- The family context of a child with ADHD -- PART 2: TAKING CHARGE: HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL EXECUTIVE PARENT -- Deciding to have your child evaluated for ADHD -- Preparing for the evaluation -- Coping with the diagnosis of ADHD -- Just for parents: how to take care of yourself -- PART 3: MANAGING LIFE WITH ADHD: HOW TO COPE AT HOME AND AT SCHOOL -- Eight steps to better behavior -- Taking charge at home: The art of problem solving -- How to help your child with peer problems -- Getting through adolescence -- Off to school on the right foot: Managing your child's education -- Enhancing education at school and at home: Methods for success from kindergarten through grade 12 -- Keeping school performance in perspective -- PART 4: MEDICATIONS FOR ADHD -- The approved effective stimulant medicines -- Other medicines.