Written by the parent of a child named Justin with ADHD, this children’s book about one family’s experience helps kids, their parents, teachers and others understand why they can’t sit still, talk too much, have difficulty following directions and paying attention. The book includes Parent’s Corner, a resource section with recommendations for other books on ADHD and organizations who focus on ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is not an easy road to travel. It is a mental health condition that affects about 1 in 10 children ages 5 to 17. There are different levels of severity of this disorder, and unfortunately there is often a gap between having the condition and being diagnosed with it. Studies show boys are nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. In recent years, acceptance of ADHD diagnostics has become easier. Yet it remains a controversial topic in many families, especially in minority communities. Cultural factors play a role in ADHD acceptance. Sometimes the discussion turns into pointing fingers at parents for not applying the right level of discipline or structure for the child - like in this story for Justin’s dad - and it ignores the intrinsic needs of the child. About the story: As a single parent living in Bloomingdale, Earnest Williams Jr. set boundaries and cultivated a home environment that taught Justin right from wrong. With a strong moral and spiritual foundation for Justin, Mr. Williams knew he was doing the best parenting he could. Often Justin’s behavior would make his father stop and scratch his head in wonderment. I chalked it up to Justin being an only child with a vivid imagination, Mr. Williams said. Neither Justin or his father thought ADHD was the root of their problems. Justin’s teacher was having so many interruptions in class due to his behavior. At first, typical teacher punishment was rendered. Time outs, no recess, and eventually isolation within the classroom from other classmates. None of these consequences seemed to deter Justin’s happy-go-lucky attitude. Quickly Justin was known throughout the school and labeled and ridiculed by students. The letter finally arrived requesting a parent-teacher conference immediately about Justin’s behavior. I took off work and spent the whole day at the school in Justin’s classroom, said Mr. Williams. My concern for Justin overrode my amazement at Justin’s behavior during the school day. I was equally devastated when the teacher recommended to have my son tested for ADHD, Mr. Williams said. Like any parent, Mr. Williams sought to find as much help for Justin as possible. Mr. Williams had to educate himself about ADHD after test results confirmed his son’s disorder. Come to find out thousands of boys and girls sit in classrooms across the nation with the same thing Justin has, said Mr. Williams. Most often the boys are more frequently diagnosed due to their overt activity. Mr. Williams took one step further and authored a glowing tribute to his son and an eye opener to those dealing with ADHD. The book is an easy read with beautiful and colorful illustrations by Steve Howard.
