Allison is a psychotherapist who specializes in treating ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. She promotes strengthening executive function skills and adopting new strategies to help people with an ADHD diagnosis meet their full potential. Allison is also the mother of a child with ADHD and is a passionate advocate for the needs of children and teens with ADHD. Her workbook “Thriving with ADHD, Workbook for Teens” is specifically designed to help kids develop essential skills to manage ADHD symptoms. The workbook is written to be friendly and realistic and is organized for easily finding relevant topics.

Can you tell us about the idea behind your book “Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Teens”?A: The idea behind this book is to give practical strategies to teens. I wanted to give real, practical tools similar to what I would do if I were working with an individual who came into my office. In our current climate, teens are able to access things immediately so it's important to try to incorporate ideas and suggestions that adolescents can use immediately. I also wanted to make the language friendly, realistic and accessible. Knowing that those with ADHD may only want to digest smaller pieces of information, the book is set up so that you can navigate to the areas that are most relevant. In that way, it doesn't need to be read or digested in a linear format.

Who can benefit from reading this book?A: This book is designed for teens but it also speaks to parents since parents are often the targeted market. Manytimes, parents are purchasing the book, reading it and then giving it to their children. It also provides strategies that would be reasonable and accessible for teachers, school counselors and clinicians.

What kind of research and expertise helped you to write this book?A: I have worked with children, adolescents and adults with ADHD for 17 years. When I became a parent of a child with ADHD, I truly became passionate about working with and advocating for the needs of children and teens with ADHD. I have completed many trainings over the course of my career, but the training I have found most meaningful has been with Ross Greene, author of 'The Explosive Child' and creator of Collaborative Problem Solving Method. I love teaching parents about this method and philosphy about children who are 'chronically inflexible' and who display behaviors when their skillset is exceeded by the demands being put on them. This revolutionary way of parenting destigmatizes children with behavioral issues and puts parents and children on the same team instead of feeling like adversaries.

What are some of the effective ways for parents to raise children with disabilities?A: The best way for parents to raise children with a disability is to understand them, listen to them and to play with them.

What fun activities do you and your kids love to do together?A: We are a family that loves animals. My kids love playing with our dog and cat and getting outside. We have a family tradition of cutting down our own Christmas tree and we are looking forward to that this weekend. Life during the Pandemic has been all about finding ways to keep normal traditions going safely.

What is your suggestion for families of children with disabilities to empower their children?A: My best suggestion for families of children with disabilities is to get to know everyone in their life such as teachers, therapists, counselors, principals, coaches, babysitters. These are the people (next to parents) who have the best ability to positively influence your child. Get to know them. Share strategies with them. Swap war stories and listen to their concerns. Listening to those who know your child can be one of the best things you will ever do for your child.