Distant Drums, Different Drummers: A Guide for Young People with ADHD

by Barbara D. Ingersoll

Do people with ADHD have a "deficit" and a "disorder"? Or are they just different in some ways from people around them? In Distant Drums, Different Drummers, Barbara Ingersoll presents a more positive... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0964854805
• ISBN13: 9780964854802
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Cape
• Length: 39 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Age Range: 9 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 8

Customer Reviews

Distant Drums, Different Drummers

Dr. Ingersoll explains ADHD to children as a learning difference and personality style difference, rather than a "disability" or "handicap". She then goes on to explain how the characteristics of ADHD people have been very important and valuable at different times in human history: they're the hunters, adventurers and restless creative people amongst us. I'm a child psychologist and have used this book with many children who have ADHD and similar problems (and their parents), and they are almost always enthusiastic about the idea that they may actually have misunderstood talents and strengths, rather than just Problems. The reading level fits 9-12 year olds, and younger kids can understand the concepts if someone reads it along with them. Thom Hartman uses the same concepts, for older readers, in his "Attention Deficit Disorder, a Different Perception", "ADD Success Stories" and others.

Drummer review

Very positive outlook on ADHD. As a parent struggling with the challenges of raising an ADHD teenager, I lose track of the positive aspects of my son's condition. This was a very upbeat reminder that part of the "explosion" of ADHD is because of the way our society has changed over the years, not how people have changed. It was easy enough reading that I could share it with my 14 year old ADHD son and his 10 year old non-ADHD sister. They were able to read it in one sitting.

Just Diagnosed? Start Here!

Fifteen years ago when my son was first diagnosed, there was little valid information on ADD/ADHD. The books and articles I read left me feeling that the poor child would never get through life without charts and stickers, and that I would probably end up divorced and an alcholic. I stopped reading the books and started enjoying my child.Eight years ago, my daughter was also diagnosed with ADHD. As was my husband. Life has been far from dull. But, I've learned to laugh and roll with the punches. It's not always easy; I'm a very organized, low energy person. But I wouldn't trade my ADD Family for all the "normal" families in the world. ADD has taken us places and offered us experiences that most of the people have never known.People with ADD are the catalists in our society the cause us to get things done. The driving force that keeps us from becoming stagnant. If we don't have those people that are impulsive, exuberant and thirsty for knowledge, we have no progress. This is the definition of Attention Deficit Disorder that is honest and true, and this is the definition that needs to be presented to the world.In her book Distant Drums, Different Drummers, Barbara Ingersoll puts forth just such and explanation of people with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is the first book I have read that takes a postive view and explains it to the uninitiated populace. It's more than time that such a book existed and it should be required reading for all school teachers and administrators. I have bought this book and donated it to my children's schools. If your child was recently diagnosed, READ THIS BOOK FIRST! There are tough times ahead, but Distant Drums, Different Drummers will give you the certain knowledge that though your life will not be boring, you are raising someone with the ability to change the world around them.

the best

At last there is a book about ADHD that doesn't treat this condition as a horrible disease. If only everyone could read this book and appreciate our differences. I have a 9 year old who would be one to kill the dinosaurs, and a 14 year old who would figure out how to train them to build homes. It really does take all kinds of people to make this civilization work. It's about time for all of us to appreciate each other and treat ADHD kids and adults with respect instead of fear and misunderstanding.

Finally! An appropriate book on ADHD for "middlers"!

We have tried all the others. THIS was the one my son could read, identify with and appreciate. Ingersoll addresses her readers with the assumption that they are intelligent. What a refreshing change! She defines the physiological differences, offers the "hunter" theory of ADHD to explain the roots of the differences, and addresses survival skills. At the end of the book are some short checklists for the kids which allow some introspection, and suggested ways for kids to address what shortcomings they've found. This is the one to try for the 10+ crowd.