ADDitude March/April
Too much information?
Ever feel like you have to wade through an ocean of information just to
get the help you need with your child’s AD/HD? There are over
600 titles on Attention Deficit Disorder available at Barnes and Noble
alone, and Yahoo lists over 600,000 websites on the subject.
The makers of Stress Free AD/HD, hopes to simplify the experience for
you.
Behavioral Therapy in a Box
Think of Stress Free AD/HD as a one-stop behavioral management kit for
parents of AD/HD children. Inside my tidy little box I found all sorts
of interesting tools: a video, charts, workbooks, forms, calendars, a
timer, flash cards and the program’s core set of eight
instructional audio cassettes/CDs.
Drawing from American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines and a variety of
reputable sources, the developers have compiled many techniques,
tactics, and tools into one comprehensive program. Ultimately, the kit
helps families identify a management system that works for them.
Audiovisual Aids for Parents and Teachers
I watched the introductory video first, which did a good job of
outlining all the different topics covered on the eight core cassettes.
If you’re a parent or teacher with specific needs
you’ll have no trouble jumping ahead to problem areas.
Next, I reviewed the cassettes. They proved to be
informational and convenient, allowing me to listen to the over 5 hours
of audio commentary while I was in the car or jogging.
Managing AD/HD Step-by-Step
The program follows a progression of steps that allows the user to
build coping skills and a strong foundation of AD/HD information. I
recommend following the step-by-step program at a steady pace.
Additional materials including charts, calendars, a stopwatch and
special behavior flash cards allow you to move into the application
phase of the program. You’ll find the tools help you quickly
implement your new knowledge and put some management strategies into
motion.
Once the program is started, parents can check their child’s
progress by using the enclosed self-tests, revisiting parts of the
program to reinforce key concepts when necessary. If you need more
help, the package includes a toll free number to continue support and
answer questions.
Choosing the Best Approach for Your Child
Parents might find some parts of the program to be less helpful than
others. For example, the section on diet intervention might not appeal
to many people. However the developers strive to present all the
information objectively, allowing the parent to pick and choose the
techniques they feel would be the most helpful. Some people might find
the $279 price tag a bit prohibitive, but it does come with a 30-day
free trail, and if it’s not right for your family you can
always send it back.
Overall, I recommend this program to everyone out there who needs help
wading through, learning and applying successful behavioral management
strategies to help their AD/HD kids. Carol Brady is a Child
Psychologist in Houston, Texas.
STRESS FREE AD/HD
Reviewed by Carol Brady, Ph.D.
The Stress Free AD/HD Kit:
Helps families identify a management system that works for them.