Otto Learns about His Medicine: A Story about Medication for Children with ADHD

Rating:
Summary: Helps kids understand medication without fear or shame.
Review: I keep a couple of copies of this book in my office. It uses humorous illustrations as well as concrete examples to help children understand why they need to take medication for AD/HD.

Otto, a young car, visits a special engine mechanic and receives an engine treatment to help him run at the right speed. The author uses this metaphor to explain the nature of AD/HD, and the process of getting a psychiatric evaluation. It suggests some good questions that the the child might want to ask about medication. I particularly liked the way the book discussed potential side effects and how it encouraged the child to discuss this with his or her doctor.

The book is aimed at elementary school children and some pre-schoolers.

Rating:
Summary: Good way to explain medication and therapy to kids
Review: I specialize in treating ADHD kids and this is one of the best books I have read that explains the process to children. It follows all the steps in the journey from diagnosis to treatment in a fantasy story about a young car who has a "motor that runs too fast". I will use it in my practice and will recommend it to the parents and children that I see with this disorder. I would highly recommend it.