About the Book
Does toxic pollution cause attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? What about screen use? Are alternative treatments worth exploring? Can dietary changes help? From leading ADHD researcher Joel T. Nigg, this book presents exciting treatment advances grounded in the new science of epigenetics--how genes and the environment interact. Distinguishing unsupported, even dangerous, approaches from bona fide breakthroughs, Dr. Nigg describes specific lifestyle changes that have been proven to support the developing brain. Vivid stories illustrate ways to maximize the positive effects of healthy nutrition, exercise, and sleep, and minimize the damage from stress and other known risk factors. The book helps you figure out which options hold the most promise for improving your child's symptoms and overall well-being--and gives you step-by-step suggestions for integrating them into daily life.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
1. A New Understanding of ADHD
2. Epigenetics: The End of the Nature-versus-Nurture Debate
3. Food and ADHD: Old Controversies and New Clarity
4. Exercise, Sleep, and ADHD: New Insights on Brain Growth
5. Technology and ADHD: Latest Findings on the Peril and the Promise
6. Environmental Chemicals and ADHD: Sorting Alarm from Prudent Caution
7. Adversity, Stress, Trauma, and ADHD: Finding Sanctuary
8. Getting Professional Help: Traditional and Alternative Treatments for ADHD
9. Tying It All Together
Resources
References
About the Author :
Joel T. Nigg, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at Oregon Health & Science University. A leading expert on ADHD, he has conducted scientific research and worked with children and their families on diagnostic assessment and treatment planning since the 1990s.
Review :
"How can you stay abreast of the rapidly growing research base on ADHD and its treatment, when even clinical professionals can't keep up? Simple--read this book! Dr. Nigg is a foremost clinical scientist with a talent for making complex ideas digestible. He explains what is currently known about the causes of ADHD, and, more important, offers numerous insights and recommendations for how to find the best treatment for your unique child.”--Russell A. Barkley, PhD, ABPP, ABCN, author of Taking Charge of ADHD
"What a great resource for current knowledge on the relationship between ADHD and diet, exercise, sleep, technology, and other hugely important topics. And it’s all distilled down into nuggets of practical advice and genuinely doable action plans. Every parent of a child with ADHD should read this book."--Peg Dawson, EdD, coauthor of Smart but Scattered
"Thank you, Dr. Nigg! As a parent of a child with ADHD, I found this book tremendously valuable as well as enjoyable to read. It condenses the best current research into practical advice. After using some of this advice, I see a noticeable reduction in my child's irritability. I will definitely recommend this book to other parents who are looking for expert guidance."--Laura S., Michigan
"Dr. Nigg presents a new understanding of ADHD that reveals how both genes and environment shape the disorder. He reviews the pros and cons of diet, exercise, and other novel treatments, helping you choose among a wide range of options for your child. Misinformation about ADHD abounds--this book separates facts from fiction."--Stephen V. Faraone, PhD, Distinguished Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University
"This refreshingly commonsense book is outstanding in several ways--it is timely, relevant, comprehensive, balanced, and practical."--L. Eugene Arnold, MD, MEd, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health (Emeritus), The Ohio State University College of Medicine
"As a parent who has read every book on the subject, I tried everything to help my son with ADHD. I made him feel like a lab rat and wasted time, energy, and money. If I could turn back time, this one book would sit on my nightstand. It is so nice to have a vision for a bright future alongside realistic, meaningful actions we can take right now. Getting Ahead of ADHD gives me the confidence and tools I need to make wise decisions."--Marie B., Oregon
"Extraordinary! This book offers an efficient summary that brings you up to speed on the science of ADHD. Dr. Nigg helps you make decisions for your child based on science, rather than fads or the latest trends in the media. I will recommend this book to all parents in our clinic."--Julie Sarno Owens, PhD, Professor of Psychology and Co-Director, Center for Intervention Research in Schools, Ohio University -Throughout, Nigg links scientific findings with concrete treatment recommendations and take-home points. His approach, candid and forthright, makes the complex clearer and provides parents with pragmatic advice....By incorporating multiple literatures, Nigg sheds light on topics that have been neglected or dismissed within ADHD-specific literature or misconstrued in popular media….Given the scientific emphasis of Getting Ahead of ADHD, the book best meets the needs of well-informed and educated parents seeking an in-depth understanding of their child's ADHD….Overall, Getting Ahead of ADHD provides a survey of the lifestyle and adversity factors that may contribute to ADHD that is concise and comprehensive….It is a hopeful time to be a part of the field, and Nigg imparts this optimism to readers--parents and practitioners alike. For anyone who desires and update on the state of the science of ADHD or who wants cutting-edge ideas for supporting families seeking nonpharmacological help for children with ADHD, Getting Ahead of ADHD is for you.--Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 7/2/2018ƒƒNigg…presents a wide-ranging and practical approach for parents facing a child's diagnosis of ADHD….Parents will find reassurance, hope, and step-by-step action plans in this coherent guide to the current and evolving science on ADHD.--Publishers Weekly, 7/17/2017
