Marching to a Different Tune: Diary About an ADHD Boy

Written by the mother of Stefan, a boy diagnosed with ADHD, Marching to a Different Tune is a day-by-day, moment-by-moment account of how his unusual and difficult behaviour affects and disrupts their family life inside and outside the home. Jacky Fletcher describes in intimate detail the struggles, embarrassments and triumphs her family experiences throughout a four year period of Stefan's childhood. The diary ends with an expression of the family's love for Stefan - as he approaches adolescence, they will learn new ways to cope with the challenges of his behaviour, applying the knowledge they have gained through experience. Marching to a Different Tune gives an essential new perspective to the understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - it describes this complex set of behaviours from the inside. It complements and deepens the clinical presentation of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, at a time when this diagnosis is being applied to more and more children. The last chapter of the book gives a clinical description of ADHD; the appendix contains useful addresses for more information and support networks, and a list of recommended reading. This book will inform the practice of teachers and psychologists who work with ADHD children, and guide and support these children's parents and families.

Table of Contents:
Preface. Chapter One: 1995. Chapter Two: 1996. Chapter Three: 1997. Chapter Four: 1998. Chapter Five: ADHD. Appendix: Recommended Reading and Useful Addresses.

About the Author :
Jacky Fletcher is the mother of Stefan, a thirteen-year-old ADHD boy. She trained as a teacher for children with severe learning disabilities, and is currently a swimming teacher. She has worked with families in the UK who need short-term help with their children in emergency situations. Stefan has taken part in several TV programmes and has appeared on News at Ten in a special documentary about ADHD.

Review :
'The author's description are beautiful and her style is elegant and compassionate. She conveys an honest view of her son that evokes emotions in the reader…Overall, a very thought provoking, stimulating (ADHD term) account of a mother's acceptance of and compassion for her son'. Jacky Fletcher's diary of her son who has ADHD provides an emotive insight into the relentless onslaught of challenging behaviour that can frequently render any carer feeling impotent. The vignettes provide clear examples of the traits of someone with ADHD. The diary could usefully be read by professionals as it gives an insight into the full, awesome experience of living with ADHD, and by parents who desperately need to know that they are not alone in their struggles to cope with their endearing but exasperating child. The title of this book accurately describes its intent and its product. It is a series of entries over a period of four years as the main actor, Stefan, moves from childhood to early adolescence. The book details the activities of Stefan as well as the frustrations of his parents and siblings with dealing with his amazing repertoire of adventures…For families seeking conformation that they are not alone in dealing with a child with ADHD, this book is useful. Descriptions of his daily activities are extremely illuminating and witty, giving the reader an insight into the constant challenges of living with a child with ADHD Whilst not a serious text book on ADHD, it is a very easy and entertaining read. Nevertheless I feel that this is a very important book which makes a valuable contribution to the subject. Text books can increase one's knowledge and learning about a subject. This book does the same but does so by telling how the experience is lived, not through facts or figures. Like most people I particularly enjoy a book that makes me feel something. This book did just that. I found myself fluctuate between sadness, anger and tears of laughter, classic elements of a good book. It offers a glimpse of what it is like to live day-to-day with a child with ADHD…Raising a child with ADHD is obviously difficult at times and whilst bearing in mind that Stefan's story may not be typical of every child with ADHD, there is no sense of despair in this book. I was left with a feeling of hope. Amid the difficulties there is love and affection. At the centre is a boy, a son, a unique personality who happens to have ADHD. Stefan, diagnosed with a severe form of ADHD, creates havoc on an almost daily basis. His mother, Jacky Fletcher, has written a diary about their family life. There is no doubt that turmoil follows wherever he treads but, in a funny, moving and inspirational account, the reader gains a unique insight into the frustrations of living with ADHD. Although admiration and compassion must go to Stefan's exhausted and endlessly patient family, Stefan's personality shines through. He is charming, difficult, unpredictable, intelligent and very much loved.