Is Your Child Hyperactive? Inattentive? Impulsive? Distractable?

the long version

Evan, five years old, hardly stands, much less sits, still for more than a few moments. Jessie is eight -- she's adorable...she never finishes anything on time...she's a dreamer. Cal is fifteen -- he is so impulsive that his parents worry he'll try drugs on a whim.What do these kids have in common? Do they remind you of your own children?The most talked-about childhood syndrome of the eighties and nineties is ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). This developmental disorder disrupts a child's life and often results in low self-esteem, poor grades and even social and emotional problems. These problems usually are not outgrown -- without help. But does your child have ADHD?ADHD is characterized by the following groups of behaviors:Inattention-- making careless mistakes-- difficulty sustaining attention-- problems with listening-- failure to finish schoolwork or chores-- difficulties organizing-- trouble sustaining mental efforts-- losing things-- being easily distracted-- forgetfulness Hyperactivity/Impulsivity-- fidgeting/squirming-- trouble staying seated-- inappropriate running/climbing-- difficulty playing quietly-- being on the go/driven-- talking excessively-- blurting out answers-- difficulty awaiting turn-- often interruptingAll children display many of these behaviors at some point. But-according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, Fourth Edition, for a child to be diagnosed with ADHD, six or more of these symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity must have persisted for at least six months.Is Your Child Hyperactive? Inattentive? Impulsive? Distractible? offers an invaluable step-by-step program already used by thousands of parents to help you change these behaviors at home. Don't just watch it happen; help your child help himself.From the Trade Paperback edition.