    My Son Hates to Read!
Q:
"My 11-year-old ADD/LD son hates to read. How can I help him overcome this reluctance?" 
A:
As you know, if a child has ADD, it's particularly important that he connect with the subject matter. Tell a librarian or teacher what he's passionate about, and ask for reading recommendations. During my years as a teacher, I've noticed that kids who like sports often like Matt Christopher's novels. Another option is a choose-your-own-adventure book—the interactive format may hold any ADDer's attention. Remember: Your goal is to show him the joys of reading. Don't worry about what he's reading, as long as he's reading something—even a comic book. Boosting his confidence in his reading ability will also help. Have him read picture books (or anything that he can get through successfully on his own) aloud to a younger sibling or cousin.
Karen Sunderhaft has been a teacher for 16 years, and has focused on ADHD and learning disabilities since 1999. She completed her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Philosophy at Boston College and a special education degree with a concentration in learning disabilities at Northern Michigan University.
Over the years, Karen has taught at prominent private schools such as Laurel School and University School in Shaker Heights, Ohio and Tower Hill School in Wilmington, Delaware. For four years, Karen Sunderhaft was one of only two teachers asked to be part of the national ADHD Experts on Call campaign. Karen is currently working on an interactive program with an ADHD simulation to assist teachers, parents, and students. She coaches individual students and speaks frequently at ADHD and LD events. She can be reached at karen@sunderhaft.com.
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