Editorial Review
Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is thought to affect between 3 and 6 percent of school-aged children. The symptoms of the disorder-difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and agitation-lead others to brand them as difficult, unfocused, and unruly. But the clinical studies and experiences of the author of this compassionate book suggest that many of the traits that label kids with ADHD may be an expression of deeper gifts: powerful imagination, searching insight, and unusual intuition. The goal of this book is to help readers recast the paradigm they use to think about the condition, encouraging them to help ADHD kids develop their unique gifts.
The book begins with an overview of current ADHD diagnosis including definitions and a sample of a case study. Each subsequent chapter reframes certain ADHD symptoms in a positive way and reinforces this transformation with awareness exercises designed to increase the appreciation of the child's traits. These techniques include action strategies for channeling ADHD traits into productive outlets. And the book doesn't limit itself to a discussion of kids with ADHD: It includes exercises to help parents cope with any feelings of failure they may be experiencing and to reverse any negative patterns associated with ADHD that might be at work in their families. The book offers advice on how to navigate education and mental health systems to the best advantage of ADHD kids and how to understand and make the best use of conventional ADHD therapies, including prescription drugs.
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Customer Reviews
Keep the strengths but lessen the problems 
2007-08-31
I, too, applaud this book for the way it reframes difficulties that kids, adults, and families with ADHD experience. But it takes a lot of energy to keep that perspective all the time. My concern about this book is that it perpetuates the view that there are just two possible (and seemingly conflicting) answers: medication or coping skills. Besides a mention of neurofeedback, it doesn't fully describe the benefits of this well-researched and very effective therapy.
My daughter had such severe ADHD that she finally had to drop out of high school and take a GED degree. After several years she very much wanted to go on for higher education but felt afraid when she thought of the attentional demands it would make on her. She did about three months of neurofeedback and entered acupuncture school. Now she calls me and says that she is learning, remembering very complicated details, more organized, completing assignments on time, and extremely happy. The most important thing she said was that the neurofeedback "didn't change her personality and abilities but it took away the behaviors that kept her from being who she was."
Instead of seeing ADHD as a chemical imbalance or a gift, another perspective is that the behaviors are produced by a brain that is under or over activated. Neurofeedback is totally non-invasive and consists of a person playing a computer game with their brain. It is accomplished by the use of several electrodes placed on the head that measure frequency and amplitude of the brain waves at the site of the electrode(s). Nothing is done to the brain. The game simply makes suggestions as to how to shift the balance of brain arousal and gives feedback (rewards) to the brain. As it learns, the result is modification of the person's behavior. After a number of sessions, the behavior usually becomes permanent. And the person gets to keep her or his abilities and uniqueness. Now, that's a GIFT.
Dangerous Messages Inside 
2007-03-14
While I appreciate the attempt to shift my paradigm, as an adult with ADHD I see much of this book as rubbish. The author makes unsubstantiated statements such as "drugs work not by fixing brain pathology but by making children high so they are more motivated and feel better about themselves and their behavior improves." The implication and much of the message of the book is that if we feel better about ourselves, we will be better students. She clearly has not been in the thoughts of an ADHD person on stimulants. We're not more motivated because we feel high; we notice the mess, we think about organization, we filter out inappropriate remarks, we worry about deadlines and we ignore distractions. Much like those nongifted, unexuberant, normal folks do. I felt great about myself just before I made a silly remark that cost me my job. Perhaps my boss and the people I offended simply needed to change paradigms and be more accepting of inappropriate behavior...Lara, if you read this, please rethink the messages you are sending people. They are dangerous and unethical.
There is real danger in this book 2007-03-01
The danger of this book is that it seems to almost "spiritualize" this diagnosis with terms like "gift," and plays up the creativity and "enlightenment" of kids with this condition (notice, I did not say DISORDER). The truth is, kids with ADHD are OFTEN no more gifted or talented than their peers, nor do the view the world in any special, unique and wonderful way. If we romanticize the condition, we quickly tumble down the path of inadequate treatment - which is a total injustice to the child. You would not deprive a diabetic child of insulin. You would not deprive a child with an infection of antibiotics. Don't deprive those kids who need ADHD medications the treatments they need to function. Our family is proof that they HELP.
Waste of money ! Not useful at all 2007-01-04
I would rate this book with 0 starts, but it's impossible. Very boring text and not usefull at all.
I just had to smile ... 
2007-01-03
As a therapist dealing with the family, teachers and other adults involved in the complicated task of understanding and dealing with individuals diagnosed with ADHD, I appreciate any resource that offers a positive, responsibility-taking focus. As the parent of a very ADHD child, I encountered descriptions of behaviors, scenarios of typical reactions from others, and lots of negative labeling that I have struggled with for the past 30+ years! This book offers both insight into the reality of the ADHD individual and practical ways to deal effectively with problematic behaviors by basically "reframing" the negative into a positive. I have found this book extremely useful in helping classroom teachers develop more effective ways to deal with their "active" kids, and for parents to establish routines, boundaries and expectations that are more realistic. Though the book is written on a more adult level, it uses scenarios frequently to demonstrate techniques proposed by the author and focuses primarily on the elementary-aged child. It's moderate cost and manageable length makes it a resource that I find myself offering my clients more and more frequently.
The Gift ADHD 2008-05-22
This book is a must for parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. It is filled with activities to help children overcome their difficulties. It also puts the condition under a different/more acceptable light. I picked up this book at the public library and after having read it, I had to purchase it so I can refer to it when needed. I am an elementary school counselor and I am always trying to assist parents and now I am suggesting that they read/own this book. I also purchased the activity guide which I plan to use at school when working with students' behavior.
Not empirically-supported 
2008-02-29
This book does a good job reminding everyone to focus on the positive in youth who are so commonly caught in negative interactions with parents, teachers, and peers. However, the author is not an ADHD researcher and ignores decades of empirical research about ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder and ways in which ADHD heightens risk for poor outcomes continuing through adulthood. It is unfortunate that some families will read this book and not realize, just because the author has a PhD, that she is not a scientist in the ADHD field.
So far so good 
2008-02-28
I like how this book is written. Other books I have read are a little harsh and overwhelming for a parent of a child just diagnosed. This book helps you feel a little better about the whole thing and gives real tips to help you. So far, I like the book alot.
ADD ADHD is a gift 2008-02-08
As a child who grew up with ADD and as an adult who have lived through ADD and finally diagnosed at the age of 37, I can say Lara's book is a help for many of us. I had a very difficult childhood and nobody knew what was wrong with me and just thought I was lazy and didn't care about anything and that was the furthest thing from the truth. Yes, ADD is devastating to a lot of people, me included, and yet I thank my ADD strengths for getting me through, because if ADD did not have positives, which can be seen as a gift, I might not have made it through.
This is a great book, it doesn't mean an ADD child does not have difficulties and challenges, but it does mean to show you that there is another side, a side many of us see and use as a gift.
You can read about how I overcame my struggles and found my gift, in my memoir:
One Boy's Struggle: A Memoir: Surviving Life with Undiagnosed ADD
Dr. Lara Honos-Webb has read my memoir and when visiting the Amazon page you can read what she has to say about it.
Bryan
What difference a gift (or word) can make 2007-09-17
My heart ached as my 8-year old stopped trying and become depressed during second grade. Recently diagnosed with ADHD, he was quickly becoming labeled at school and even by friends and family. This book shows a different (more accurate) point-of-view. My whole family including my son refer to his ADHD as his "gift." He knows many things are harder for him than for other kids. He, now, takes the difficulties in stride as a side effect of his gift: A super-speedy brain.
This is a refressing, uplifting, book that offers hope and direction for families dealing with the mixed blessing of ADHD.
