Full of Beans: A book for young people with Attention Deficit Disorder

Full of Beans Modern life and education make many demands that young people sit still and pay attention for long periods, restrain any restlessness and avoid being distracted. A young person who is not good at such self-restraint runs into many difficulties and this has come to be regarded as a disorder called "Attention Deficit Disorder" or ADD. It is also often called "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" or ADHD. Somewhere between two and six percent of children have ADD or ADHD. Whatever it is called, it causes great hardship for those who have it and for their families. It usually involves behavioural difficulties at home and at school and frequently leads to conflict between children and their parents and teachers. There is no clear understanding about what causes ADD. It is known that there is a biological disturbance that contributes to difficulties in paying attention and impulse control. Short attention spans and poor impulse control often lead to learning problems and oppositional behaviour which, in turn, create major difficulties in development for children with ADD. Young people with ADD are at particular risk of educational underachievement, difficulties with authorities and drug and alcohol problems. Early identification and management of ADD is important in preventing these problems. Education of the young person and his or her family, counselling, academic help and medicine all help in management so the child can achieve full potential. There are many books for parents and teachers but very few for youngsters who have ADD. This book explains ADD clearly in simple words and pictures. A child who understands what happens with ADD is more likely to accept help and use it effectively. Both the author and illustrator of Full of Beans are consultant psychiatrists.

About the Author :
The Author Chris Wever is a consultant child psychiatrist who works in private practice in Queensland Australia. He has a special interest in autistic spectrum problems, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders in children. These difficulties often create great problems in a child's life and upset the wellbeing of the child's family. The trouble they can cause is often underestimated. The books that Chris writes are based on the scientific evidence about each psychiatric issue and well-tested clinical treatment programs that he and others have developed. Chris has published detailed treatment guidelines for general practitioners in the national medical magazine, Australian Doctor. Chris has also written chapters for text books on child psychiatry and he frequently speaks at conferences for clinicians and educators. Chris' straightforward and accurate way of talking about childhood mental health problems is an essential part of his effective and humane clinical practice and this approach is evident in his books. Chris is the author of four Shrink-Rap Press books for young people: - The Secret Problem - The School Wobblies - Full of Beans - How to Bust the Worry Warts The illustrator Neil Phillips is a consultant psychiatrist who works in rural and remote community mental health. He is also an active communicator about mental health, mental illness and relationship issues through regular contributions to the popular Sydney ABC Radio 702 Drive show. Neil has a particular interest in the mental health of Indigenous Australians and has worked in that field for many years. Neil is a cartoonist and throughout his career in medicine he has drawn cartoons to explain health issues in a safe and friendly way. Cartoons help people understand things that are frightening or felt to be shameful. Knowing more about their mental health problem helps people make better informed decisions about their illnesses and possible treatments. This makes it easier for everyone involved to work together for a better outcome. Neil is the author and illustrator of these Shrink-Rap Press books for adults: - The Panic Book - Too Blue - Lost in a Mind Field He also illustrated these Shrink-Rap Press books for young people: - The Secret Problem - The School Wobblies - Full of Beans - How to Bust the Worry Warts