Willie: Raising And Loving A Child With Attention Deficit Disorder

The Story

The story of Willie is the story of an intelligent, creative, healthy child who, as his mother says, is 'wired' a little differently from other people. Nearly ten percent of school-aged children are diagnosed with ADD-Attention Deficit Disorder-and the condition has vaulted into the public awareness. Now, for the first time, a mother speaks out about the day-to-day realities of life with a child with ADD. This honest, moving, heartwrenching, and joyful account of Willie's first five years details a dizzying parade of doctors, schools, treatments, and therapies, and the inevitable emotional seesaw that ensued. Through the insensitivity of a preschool staff to the psychologist who labeled Willie 'brain-damaged,' Ann and her husband searched for the key to Willie's bouts of belligerence and excitability, strengthened by their love for him, and by their belief in their son's ability to overcome these challenges. Their-and Willie's-ultimate triumph is an inspiration and a lifesaver for a family facing ADD or any other crisis. * The Viking hardcover edition was serialized in Parents magazine * ADD is one of the most prevalent dilemmas affecting children (as well as adult children) today