Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #562979 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 280 pages

Synopsis
Thomas Edison was expelled from school for behaviour that today would label him as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but his mother understood how to salvage his self-esteem and prepare him for a lifetime of success. In THE EDISON GENE Thom Hartmann shows that the creativity, impulsiveness, and distractibility that are characteristic of ADHD are not signs of a disorder at all, but instead are components of a highly adaptive skill set utilized by our hunting and gathering ancestors. These characteristics have been critical to the survival and development of our modern civilization and will be vital as humanity faces new challenges in the future. Hartmann, creator of the "hunter versus farmer" theory of ADHD, examines the latest discoveries confirming the existence of an ADHD gene and the global catastrophe 40,000 years ago that triggered its development. Citing examples of significant innovators in our modern era, he argues that the children who possess the "Edison gene" have neurology that is wired to give them brilliant success as innovators, inventors, explorers, and entrepreneurs.

He offers concrete strategies for helping Edison-gene children reach their full potential and shows that rather than being "problems" such children are a vital gift to our society and the world.

Customer Reviews

A book worthy of attention
If you've ever noticed ADHD symptoms (i.e. novelty-seeking, impulsiveness, distractability) in yourself or your child, or you're a teacher or child care worker, you will get great benefit from reading this book.

Firstly, it shatters the illusion that there is something fundamentally wrong with people with ADHD, and shows that although genetics gives the potential for the disorder, it will only develop into a problem if the child's environment is hostile to someone with the Edison gene. (Unfortunately, most schools are, especially in the U.S.)

Secondly, the author, Thom Hartmann (who also wrote the equally brilliant Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight), does an excellent job of reframing what some consider to be a disability as the precious gift that it actually is. I challenge anyone to read this book and come away believing the increasing prevalence of the Edison gene is a bad thing.

Thirdly, the depth of information in this book and how it is arranged - I encourage you to view the Table of Contents via the "Search Inside" link - leads to an enjoyable and interesting journey of discovery that will keep you reading no matter how severe your attention deficit. Hartmann covers ancient history, Climate Change, evolution, genetics, brain development, stress, good parenting practices, medication and much more. I came away feeling like I had got exactly what I wanted from this book plus lots of other interesting things too.

Finally, the book presents some very practical advice for tackling or preventing disorders in children with the Edison gene (which is on the increase) and offers ways to make the most out of what should be considered a gift rather than a disability.

My only reservation about this book is that Hartmann does go on a bit too much about television being harmful, referring to cortisol-inducing flicker on TV screens without explaining it. I still believe there's nothing wrong with TV, per say - it's just the majority of programmes and all the advertising that's the problem. There are actually some excellent kids TV shows that have definitely helped my children develop their words and music and inspired them to be more imaginative (e.g. Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, In The Night Garden). Also, the fact that a child can be in a non-threatening atmosphere watching TV, away from hearing "No" all the time from a stressed-out parent, should not be overlooked either.

That's only a minor gripe though. I still highly recommend this book!