Attention Deficit Disorder - Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data - Chapter 1 - Chris's Story

Sep 29, 2026

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A health-focused overview of attention deficit disorder, presenting the disorder’s background, how it shows up in everyday behavior, and how affected people live. The text includes a narrative case beginning with “Chris’s Story,” describing impulsive, energetic actions and the resulting impact on family members. It then frames ADD as a brain disorder that makes attention difficult, outlines prevalence for children and adults, and briefly contextualizes historical perceptions and cultural explanations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages56

Reading Time2 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

To Our Readers:

Contents

Chapter 1: Chris's Story

Chapter 2: Symptoms

Chapter 3: Causes

Chapter 4: Diagnosis

Chapter 5: Treatments

Chapter 6: Living With Attention Deficit Disorder

Further Reading

For More Information

Glossary

Index

HEANHWATCH AttentionDeficitDisorder BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARYCopley Square Digitized by the Internet Archivein 2012 http://www.archive.org/details/attentiondeficit00gold 铁会H AttentionDeficitDisorder SUSAN DUDLEY GOLD Expert Reviews by Priscilla L.Vail,and Robert L.Johnson,M.D. Dedicated to Christopher Proser;who willsucceed no matter what,and to bis mother;Sharon Prosser;who,with patience,kindness,and lote,teaches and guides our children,with and without ADD Acknowledgments With thanks to. Priscilla Vail,M.A.T.,learning specialist and author of several books onlearning,for her advice and review of this book. Christopher Prosser and the Prosser family for sharing their story. Lindy Holt for suggestions,insight,and additions to the book and for her leadership in the Maine ADD support group. Dr.Edward Hallowell for his words of encouragement. Neil Broere and John Gold for providing photographs for this book. Copyright ◎2000 by Susan Dudley Gold. Typography,layout,and setup by Custom Communications,Saco,ME All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any meanswithout written permission from the publisher. # Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Gold,Susan Dudley. Attention deficit disorder /Susan Dudley Gold;expert review by Priscilla L.Vail. p.cm.—(Health watch) Includes bibliographical references and index. Summary:Discusses the causes,symptoms,diagnosis,and treatment ofattention deficit disorder,as well as ways in which people live with it. ISBN 0-7660-1657-9(hardcover) 1.Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder—Juvenile literature. [1.Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.]I.Vail,Priscilla L.II.Title.III.Health watch(Berkeley Heights,N.J.) RJ506.H9 G6362000b618.92'8589—dc21 00-008383 Printed in the United States of America 10987654321 # To Our Readers: All internet addresses in this book were active and appropriate when wewent to press.Any comments or suggestions can be sent by e-mail toComments@enslow.com or to the address on the back cover. Illustration and Photo Credits: ◎John C.Gold:pp.1,4,11,12,15,32;◎ PhotoDisc,Inc.:pp.7,21,24,27,28, 31,36;◎Digital Stock,Corbis Corp.:p.19;◎ Jill K.Gregory,p.18;O Neil Broere,courtesy Christopher Prosser,p.39. Cover illustrations: Large photo,◎ John Gold;illustration,◎ Jill K.Gregory;inset,o Digital Stock,Corbis Corp. Contents CHAPTER 1 Chris's Story 5 CHAPTER 2 Symptoms 10 CHAPTER 3 Causes 18 CHAPTER 4 Diagnosis22 CHAPTER 5 Treatments29 CHAPTER 6 Living With Attention Deficit Disorder38 Further Reading 41For More Information 43Glossary 46Index 48 # Ch a pte r 1 Chris's Story our-year-old Christopher Prosser decided to have alittle fun one evening.While his father was at workand his mother fed his infant brother,Chrisunlocked the door,unchained the dog,and ran down tothe beach near the family's home.His mother,SharonProsser,soon discovered Chris was gone.In a panic shecalled a neighbor to watch the baby and then ran along thepath leading to the beach. F What she saw at the end of the path frightened her evenmore.There in the sand lay Chris's shoes and socks.Shepeered into the waves but saw no one.Frantically she ranalong the beach,looking for some trace of her little boy.Several hundred yards away she saw two forms against thedarkening sky.As she drew closer,she could see the blackfigures were Chris and his dog.Chris was sitting on a log,chatting to himself and drawing circles in the sand."Hi,Mom,"he shouted happily to his mother."Weve beenwaiting for you.” This was one of many episodes that delighted Chris and scared his parents almost to death.Chris has attentiondeficit disorder(ADD),a brain disorder that makes ithard for people to pay attention.People with the disorderoften engage in risky behavior,act without thinking,andare full of energy. Chris is one of about 4million American children whohave ADD.It is the most common child

FAQs

What is attention deficit disorder (ADD) according to the chapter?

ADD is described as a brain disorder that makes it hard for people to pay attention. It is also associated with risky behavior, acting without thinking, and high energy.

How common is ADD among children and adults?

The text states that about 4 million American children have ADD, affecting an estimated 5% of Americans under eighteen. It also estimates an additional 6 million to 9 million American adults have ADD.

What does “Chris’s Story” illustrate about ADD?

Chris’s story shows impulsive, energetic behavior—unlocking doors, running to the beach, and interacting as if waiting for his mother. It also highlights how these actions can frighten and worry parents.

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Stanford