Innovative guide for Moms, Kids with ADD

Oct 26 2004

"How am I supposed to organize my child when I can't even organize myself?"

That question inspired Patricia O. Quinn, M.D. and Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D. to write "When Moms and Kids Have ADD" (Advantage Books, $9.95), the first parenting guide designed for women who have attention deficit disorder and whose children also have the condition. ADD, or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a chronic neurobiological disorder that impairs attention, concentration and organizational skills.

This groundbreaking guide is particularly important because females are among the fastest growing group to be diagnosed. For years, women and girls went undiagnosed, in part because ADD was seen as a "boy's" disorder. And recent studies show that in families of children with ADD, mothers are just as likely as fathers to also have the disorder.

"Moms with ADD need to learn to manage their own ADD before they can help their children," said Dr. Quinn, of Washington, DC.

Unlike other ADD parenting guides, "When Moms and Kids Have ADD" is ADD- friendly. Bold topic headings, bulleted lists, clear print, eye-catching graphics and summaries make the guide easy for an ADD parent to read.

The booklet begins by concentrating on the mother's needs such as finding a doctor, getting diagnosed and treated, reducing stress and simplifying life. Later topics cover helping children accept their ADD and overcome its challenges.

"This guide suggests ways to create an 'ADD-friendly' home that minimizes ADD problems and supports each family member in reaching their potential," said Dr. Nadeau, of Silver Spring, Maryland.

"When Moms and Kids Have ADD" is the first in a series of planned guides for ADD-Friendly Living(TM). It makes its national debut at the Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) conference in Nashville, TN, October 29-30. Dr. Nadeau is a scheduled speaker.

Both authors have ADD and are mothers of ADD children. Dr. Quinn is a developmental pediatrician and Dr. Nadeau a clinical psychologist. Together they founded the National Center for Gender Issues and ADHD.

"When Moms and Kids Have ADD" can be ordered through Advantage Books at (888) 238-8588 or at http://www.addvance.com/.