This book has been rewritten no fewer than five times in an effort to keep abreast of current information. It is a compilation of personal/professional experiences, notes, anecdotes, research and hopes that have been stored and shared over the past decade. New research is occurring constantly and this disorder, which has been historically looked upon as a disorder of childhood, is now being widely accepted as one that spans the lifetime. It is a disorder that one is born with, and it does not end with childhood, instead, symptoms develop and change commensurate with the developmental cycles of adolescence, adulthood, middle age and advanced age. This book is meant for parents, children, teachers and ADD adults who are tired of searching and are ready for answers to their many questions about this very diverse and complicated disorder.

Our goal is to demystify the vast amount of information that has been generated and to present this rather confusing disorder in a manner that is both understandable and applicable by providing what we have learned that is helpful in addressing this disorder in the individual’s everyday life. This books addresses the questions of why Ritalin does and doesn’t work, why ADD is not just a childhood disorder, why ADHD is being over-diagnosed and why so often the person diagnosed and treated with medication is not cured and the story is far from over.

The presence of ADD has broken up marriages, prevented many from attending college, fulfilling their potential, or following the career path that they truly desire. It has made people feel stupid and incompetent. With new perspectives, changes can occur, and people can create the life they want and deserve; they can fulfill their dreams. ADD is a disorder with far-reaching consequences, however, it is also a disorder that can be treated and specific symptoms can be managed. We prefer to think of ADD as a challenge that can be met with good physical health, nutrition, specific coping mechanisms, medication, and, most of all, education and understanding. A good diagnosis identifying all of the various disorders that can complicate the situation is absolutely imperative.

What we provide to the reader in this book in the way of knowledge about ADD has been field-tested in a variety of settings—households, schools, clinics, businesses, colleges, hospitals, and classrooms.