What exactly is ADHD? … And is my child doomed if he or she has it?

There are a lot of questions, perceptions, and misperceptions about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). One thing that is certain: it is a real disorder.

Why ADHD Doesn't Mean Disaster is a CCN broadcast designed to provide parents in your congregation with a realistic, encouraging perspective on ADHD. The program features Dr. Walt Larimore, the head of Focus on the Family's medical ministry, and Dennis Swanberg, who coauthored the book Why ADHD Doesn't Mean Disaster with Dr. Larimore.

ADHD is unlike other childhood maladies. As Dr. Larimore says:

“We simply do not know what causes ADHD. There are no specific lab tests, X-rays or scans that guarantee correct diagnosis. However, we do know what ADHD looks like. We know how it impinges on the lives of those who live around these kids, teenagers, and adults who have it.”

Yet as the title of the program and book indicates, all is not lost.

“Those looking for help in dealing with ADHD are not alone. Many parents are trying to discover the attention deficit dividends of their child. There is hope,” Dr. Larimore says. “To unlock the potential in your child will require some work on your part, but it will be well worth it.”

Help parents begin the process of helping their children with ADHD with this special CCN broadcast.

Walter L. Larimore, MD is Vice President of Medical Outreach for Focus on the Family. Prior to that, he was in a private group family medicine practice for 20 years, delivering more than 1,500 babies. Dr. Larimore is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a member of the American Medical Association, the Christian Medical Association, and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. He has hosted a daily live national cable show called “Ask the Family Doctor,” and now hosts “Focus on Your Family's Health,” a five-day-a-week medical and family health feature syndicated to radio and television. He is the best-selling author of a number of books, including Why ADHD Doesn't Mean Disaster.

Dennis Swanberg is a public speaker known as the “Minister of Encouragement.” He is also the host of “Swan's Place” on TBN. His speaking audiences range from churches to marriage enrichment seminars, businessmen retreats and corporate gatherings. Swan's Place has been described as “an hour of good, clean fun and entertainment, along with spiritual insight and encouragement.” He has also been a pastor in Texas , Arkansas , and Louisiana . He is the coauthor of Why ADHD Doesn't Mean Disaster.

Diane S. Passno, Executive Vice President at Focus on the Family where she has served for more than 22 years. Mrs. Passno has also taken on numerous commitments outside the ministry, most notably, a two-year review of Title XX grants for the Reagan administration. She presently serves on the Citizens Review Panel for El Paso County , in conjunction with the Department of Human Services, as well as the Board of Directors of Christian Management Association. She is the author of Feminism: Mystique or Mistake? and Why A.D.H.D. Doesn't Mean Disaster (Tyndale House Publishers).