Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception (Review)

Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception (The 'Hunter in a Farmer's World' Book) is unlike any other book on ADD. It suggests that ADD is not inherently a "deficit" or a "disorder." Instead, ADD is described as an inherited set of skills, abilities, and personality tendencies -- characteristics shared by Ben Franklin (who had 37 different jobs and helped overthrow a government) and Thomas Alva Edison (who couldn't sit still in elementary school, changed jobs often until he became self-employed, and was an abysmal manager of people and money).

Thom Hartmann chose to write his first book on this subject because the "disease" view of ADD simply didn't match his personal experience. He sees many children (like his own 14-year-old son) and adults with ADD who are creative, articulate, successful individuals--when their talents and skills are properly directed.

Before publishing the book, Thom shared his thoughts and theories with many ADD adults, ADD children, parents of ADD children, and spouses of ADD adults. The response was incredible! They were startled, intrigued, and ultimately pleased to finally understand one of the principal forces that have shaped their lives. One mother was so relieved to learn that her son and husband are not "slow" or "stupid" that she's now an outspoken defender of the rights of ADD individuals. Similarly, an ADD adult reports "I've read everything I could find on adult ADD, and this book finally gave me back my self-respect. For the first time, someone's put a name on the good things I've always known I can do with my life."

Perhaps the greatest success of the book has been how ADD children and adults, armed with the knowledge presented in "Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception," reframe how they view their jobs, relationships, frustrations, and goals. This allows them to leave behind a "victim mentality" or "mental illness" excuse and move toward solving the very real problems that ADD often presents them, and achieve their natural potential.

Book information:
Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception
(The 'Hunter in a Farmer's World' Book)
by Thom Hartmann
published by Underwood/Miller
distributed by Publisher's Group West
ISBN 0-88733-156-4

Available at most major booksellers or by calling 1-800-982-4028 and ordering by credit card (MC/VISA/AMEX).

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Last Modified: Thursday, October 02, 1997 9:34:45 PM