New book helps kids with ADHD
A new book to help children with ADHD face the significant challenges when they move from primary school to high school was launched at James Cook University on Monday, November 9.
Co-author Kate Horstmann said these young people moving on to high school experience increased demands for self-regulation, organisation, attention and independence and often have dramatic reductions in the levels of support and supervision they receive.
“The problems that can arise from this are often not only academic, but are also related to self-esteem, friendships, behaviour and participation,” she said.
Ms Horstmann, a lecturer in Occupational therapy at James Cook University, wrote the book with Joanne Steer, a Clinical Psychologist working in London. It has been illustrated by Jason Edwards who works in the Faculty of Law, Business and Creative Arts at JCU.
“It’s a fun and interactive workbook designed to actively engage young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and support them as they negotiate the challenge of growing up and in particular, the transition to high school,” Kate said.
“We’ve based it on our clinical experiences and provide practical activities and strategies that can be used as the basis for both individual support and group work.
“It’s designed to be used with children between the ages of 10 and 14, and can be implemented by adults from a range of backgrounds, including parents, teachers, support staff and therapists,” she said.
Each chapter focuses on a different key issue such as self-esteem, attention, coping with stress, organisation, friendships and homework. There are sections on transition planning, understanding ADHD and SMART goal setting. The book combines strategies from a range of disciplines and approaches, and much of the content can be used with young people with a range of other difficulties, including Autistic Spectrum Disorders and specific learning or coordination difficulties.
Helping Kids and Teens with ADHD in School; A Workbook for Classroom Support and Managing Transitions, offers practical support for young people with ADHD, and for their families and schools.
Contact: Kate Horstmann 0407026035
Issued: November 6, 2009
JCU Media Liaison, Jim O’Brien 07 4781 4822 or 0418 892449