Abstract

Boredom and boredom avoidance drive the behaviours of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity – the diagnostic criteria of ADHD. This is the first ADHD resource to thoroughly explore the connection between the two.

Full of innovative approaches, the book introduces a wide range of strategies for professionals working in clinical, educational and therapeutic settings to help those with ADHD beat boredom and engage with tasks and goals they want or need to achieve. Approaches specifically designed for toddlers, children, teenagers and adults are included, which can then be incorporated into schoolwork, jobs, relationships and everyday life.

This practical resource will provide professionals who diagnose, treat, coach, and teach those with ADHD or those who suffer from frequent or pervasive boredom, with the tools to alleviate boredom in order to improve both concentration and mood.

Letitia Sweitzer, M.Ed., BCC, ACC, is trained in ADHD coaching by the Edge Foundation (www.EdgeFoundation.org). She coaches adults and young people with ADHD as well as enjoying a general coaching practice and working at a drug and alcohol addiction treatment centre. She previously worked for the Atlanta Speech School teaching students with hearing, speech, language and learning disabilities. Letitia has collaborated on several books and lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
This well written book by Letitia Sweitzer exposes the fault lines in the debate over ADHD – how to identify and how to treat it. Sweitzer takes on the "elephant in the room" and suggests a common sense approach – address the boredom so often associated with ADHD. Boredom is not the only factor in ADHD, but it is a significant one… Teaching a child to deal with boredom in a positive manner is a good start. Teachers can also help students by identifying and encouraging their interests and strengths. On the subject of accommodations for those with ADHD, her suggestions are moderate and reasonable. All in all, a practical guide with many useful examples for dealing with the most common symptom of this increasingly diagnosed condition.
Neely Young, Ph.D., retired teacher and headmaster
The Elephant in the Room is eye-opening and engrossing for anyone in contact with ADHD-diagnosed people from childhood to maturity: I kept thinking “That's my student” and “Oh, I didn't handle that well”. Broad practical experience, knowledge of literature, and an engaging style make Sweitzer the perfect author to present this study to parents, teachers, and friends. Identifying one's “Top 10 Joys” is a task that should help everyone, not only the ADHD community, negotiate and balance life. Reminding the reader to avoid labels and to focus on individual triggers for fighting boredom is a reminder we all need.
Helen Smith, Upper School History Teacher, Pace Academy, Atlanta and recipient of several teaching awards including American Councils for International Education Excellence in Teaching Award