"Genius! Nurturing the Spirit of the Wild, Odd, and Oppositional Child", George T. and Joanne Barrie Lynn, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Philadelphia, 2006. ISBN-13:978-1-84310-820-7, SC 250/271. Appendix 4 pgs., Notes 8 pgs., Sub. Index 7 pgs., 9 1/8" x 6 1/8". Inveiglements: a rare schematic

George Lynn, MA, licensed psychotherapy counselor and author of publications on ADD and Bipolar Disorders in conjunction with his wife, Joanne Lynn, stress and wellness educator, poet and writer, authored this Revised Edition that is highly recommended as a non-technical and easily read guidebook for parents and caregivers of children with one of more of the spectral disorders, neuro-psychiatric disturbances, that includes autism, Asperger's, Tourette syndrome, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and combinations thereof.

Much credibility is given to this clinical exposition, due in large part because the authors' son, Greg, stricken with several of these dysfunctional pathologies is referenced in considerable detail, along with other cases, as he was growing from childhood into adolescence and manhood. The writing is an easily read, non-technical prose - and several sections are outlined to provide additional clarity. Frequent reference is given to various eminent writers, artists, musicians, politicians and scientists who had one or more of the tabulated disorders, both reassuring and informative. I do take issue with the author's re-defining AD from "attention deficit" to "attention different" AD, - hardly justified as poetic license, possibly useful clinically in parental discussions; nor condone use of "Tourettic", "ticcing", etc.

Abundant attention is given to the necessity of having strong, healthy caregivers because of the oppositional defiance, emotional outbursts, occasional physical assaults requiring police intervention, failures to take prescribed medications, and difficulties in explaining and in engaging schools and community resources to recognize, accept and offer to aid the affected who exhibit episodic bizarre and unpredictable behaviorisms that requires caregivers to have both a heart of gold and stamina of a well-fed dragon. It is understood that many families cannot cope with their own youngsters so afflicted and resort to divorce and/or institutionalization of the children. These authors emphasize love, patience, understanding of the child's inner self (Genius), resilience and utilization of all available medical and community resources, and medications when necessary, is in the best interests of the child.

This book is very positive about our children who think differently. It's easy to dwell on the limitations my child has, but this book encouraged me stop and think about the positive side of his "quirkiness." It doesn't deny the difficulties faced by "attention-different" children, but points out that there is a flip side to their way of thinking. And in fact the book helps you look at how the "solution" to the child's difficulties may actually lie in the "problem" itself. Best of all, it gives specific directions for helping your child create a well-grounded sense of himself, which I believe will be the key to success for my son. I first checked this book out from the library but realized I will be coming back to it again and again. I bought one for myself and copies for each of two friends with difficult children.

I love this book. My 10 yr old is highly active & on a very low dose of adderall. This book helped me realize that I'm not alone in the fight for my child to have the life he deserves & not one someone else thinks he should because they don't see the spark as a good thing. Anyway, the biggest help with this book was with my mother. She cannot seem to wrap her head around my son's highly active nature & embrace him for who he is. This book has helped her see his differences as the treasures I have always known them to be.

This book is fantastic as well as all of his books. George Lynn is not only a therapist, but also a parent who has raised a child with many neurological challenges. I would highly recommend this to anyone!

While acknowledging that ADHD and other "neurologically different" children can be disruptive and have problems affecting both others and themselves, the authors - whose teen son has been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome - acclaim these exceptional people as also having a "genius" or "guiding spirit" that can help them make important, even vital, contributions to society.

As a counselor of children and adults, George Lynn says many of his AD/HD adolescent clients "are sports champions or team captains at the high school level. As performers or musicians they tend to be creative and innovative composers, and charismatic on stage." And there are many examples throughout history of prominent achievers who are neurologically different.

This book will be high on the short list of titles I recommend to parents of challenging children who ask "which books are worth reading?" This title is clearly worth the investment of time, not only because George Lynn is a skilled therapist who has seen and helped scores of neurologically challenged kids, but because he has lived it as a parent. In addition to wise advice, this book records a very personal journey in which we can see what he and his wife experienced from the inside out.

I was particularly struck by his reminder that every human being needs a "Great Story" with which to frame their talents and strengths, something to serve as a beacon in darker times, a reminder that we each are much more than the sum of our liabilities. Kids with multiple difficulties need such a beacon especially, but while dealing with the stresses of daily living, it is all too easy to forget.

In the process of reminding parents and kids to seek the Great Stories they all have to tell, George Lynn has given the gift of a Great Story for himself.