BOOK REVIEWS

Beyond ADD – Thom Hartmann

Book review

One of few clear voices seeking a better perspective of ADHD

Probably the most “argued over” theory on ADHD, Thom Hartmann (ADHD himself and father of ADHD kids) does not look at ADHD as a disorder, but argues that ADHD genes have served a vital purpose in society. Hartmann proposes his “Hunter/Farmer” theory, to put the strengths and challenges of ADHD into perspective.

ADHD skills might have been better for hunting than the for more rule based and slow farming, these same skills would also incline people to create art, humour, to explore, to invent and to create new rules, new ideas, new businesses and new approaches. Recent genetic tests on tribal peoples tend to indicate some validity with his theory with them showing more “ADHD-like” genes.

Hartmann’s theories are empowering and helpful to the self-image of people with ADHD. He is persuasive that society is part of the problem, with education focussed on conditioning and is particularly hostile to children with ADHD.

The modern world proves challenging for people with ADHD for many reasons such as lack of exercise, overly constrained, poor diet and lack of exposure to sunlight. It does not really matter whether his theory is correct, it rather serves as a more positive way to look at and understand the brain style of ADHD.

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ADHD Coach, Andrew Lewis

Andrew Lewis

Andrew Lewis is an ADHD Coach, writer and founder of SimplyWellbeing. He has over ten thousand hours and fifteen years of experience in coaching ADHD executives, business professionals and creatives. His expertise with ADHD is personal, with decades of his own experience, bringing up an ADHD child, running a large support group and in coaching clients often for years He has published his writing via this website and has ADHD online courses in development. His business expertise comes from a twenty years career in software, from programming, through marketing, sales and running a few start-ups.

Further reading

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The connection between ADDiction and ADD is overwhelming yet so poorly known, this book shines a light on this major isse
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Hallowell's (author of Driven to Distraction) very effective and warm guide to parenting ADHD
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Still my top ADHD guide to managing you issues and not just organising either, plenty of life advice too
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The original, the brilliant book that kicked off the new field of positive psychology, the study of happiness
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Vey personal perspective from a mum and her ADHD son
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Many teachers enforce a no fiddle or fidget rule, yet these activities actually improve focus
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