Book Review: Managing ADHD in School by Russell Barkley, PhD

If you haven't yet heard of Dr. Russell Barkley, he is considered one of the foremost authorities on ADHD today. He has written many excellent books, gives informative talks (some available to view online), and does a pretty amazing job helping people to understand ADHD. His newest book, Managing ADHD in School: The Best Evidence-Based Methods for Teachers (PESI, Inc.; 2016), is very brief (less than 100 pages) but with the advantage of giving very succinct information. It offers a good starting point for understanding the connection between ADHD and executive functions, as well as how executive function deficits present in the classroom setting. There are some good general guidelines for working with students which will be helpful for both teachers and parents, such as remembering to "externalize information". Executive function deficits often make it difficult to rely on internal reminders to do various tasks (ex. take your vitamin), it is usually helpful to have visual cues and reminders to trigger this behavior (ex. write a note on the mirror, set vitamin bottle near coffee pot, etc.) Additionally there are specific tools given, such as a detailed sample of a Daily Behavior Report Card that can be copied. Dr. Barkley includes a small chapter on additional techniques for managing teens, as well as a section that explains ADHD medications. 

If you are a parent of a newly diagnosed child who is beginning the 504 process, this is a great book to start with. It is also a good introduction to how to successfully work with kids with ADHD from a teacher's perspective. On the other hand, if you are already familiar with the basics of working with students with ADHD, this book doesn't offer much for you. Instead I would look into How to Reach and Teach Children and Teens with ADD/ADHD by Sandra F. Rief or Promoting Executive Function in the Classroom by Lynn Meltzer.