Book Review: The Edison Gene (ADHD)

At first glance, the title of Thom Hartmann's 2003 book (Park Street Press) on ADHD/ADD seems a bit misleading, especially to those who have little experience with the ins and outs of dealing with an ADHD child. However, reading the front cover flap quickly clarifies the inclusion of Thomas Edison's name. The subtitle, ADHD and the Gift of the Hunter Child, takes a bit more time to explain, but it is equally important as he puts forth his insight on the social and psychological evolution of humankind.

Thom Hartmann is currently a well respected radio talk show host who has written several books on the subject of ADHD and how our current methods of educating these children fall far short of what is best for them and society at large. He has past experience with his own ADHD child, as well as running a clinic for children with such educational challenges.

The book opens with several chapters on the evolution and social progression of the human race. Interwoven is the role of the environment, social changes, and internal mechanisms (neurological) that we all use to adapt to a changing climate and culture. There is much history to wade through, but it is necessary to understand the developmental and evolutionary processes that have brought about the re-emergence of the hunter gene in such great numbers. For the parent who wants immediate answers and cures for their ADD child, this book is probably not the first choice. Mr. Hartmann has other resources that deal more directly with the day to day handling and teaching of ADHD children. However, if one is to have a complete understanding of the internal goings on of the ADD child, then this book is a must read.

I have used the terms ADD and ADHD interchangeably here. From a technical understanding they are not the same, but the public often confuses the two and refers to the same set of behavioral characteristics for either one. From this point on, I will only use the ADHD abbreviation, but allow for the broad understanding and general inclusion of ADD.

The first nine chapters of the book are a bit of work to read, but are essential to understanding the ADHD child. When you reach chapter ten, we begin the real meat of how human history has contoured individual brain function, thus resulting in specific behavior and social interaction skills. This is where you begin to understand that ADHD is not a disease at all, but an adaptive function of human physiology. Typically, ADHD characteristics are looked down on by society at large. ADHD represents change, and the human species is largely afraid of change. Change is too often equated with instability and threats to the status quo.

Environmental toxins, food additives and allergies, and stress levels all play important roles in the development of ADHD characteristics. In fact, some of these items actually produce ADHD symptoms when there is no genetic predisposition present. Health and nutrition are vital players when dealing with ADHD, as are interactions with parents and other prominent role models in a child's life. In short, there are many factors present in a growing child's life that will determine the nature and prominence of ADHD behavioral patterns.

Mr. Hartmann also outlines the development and evolution of our current day education system. The history he brings forth will help any parent struggling with an ADHD child to see that our present day model of education is actually a detriment to learning. There are alternative schools in the private sector that have done well with ADHD kids, but they are few and far between. Home schooling is also brought to the fore as a viable option.

Chapter fourteen deals extensively with our current educational system, how it demeans children who are different in any way (not just ADHD), and why those children often act out, feel left behind, and give up on themselves after many years of being told that they are worthless, damaged goods. Chapter fifteen shows how ADHD presents itself differently in girls and women. Our society has many double standards when dealing with women, and it is no different when they carry the Edison gene.

There is much to look forward to in the last few chapters of this book. The ADHD child has the ability to adapt rapidly to new situations and ideas, and handle multiple tasks with ease. This may prove especially useful in times of rapid climate change that will effect the whole world. The ability to see information in multiple disciplines and gather it into cohesive, useful packages for the survival of the human race may rest in the hands of those with ADHD gifts. Whether they possess all of the tools that they need depends on us, parents and educators. If we do not learn to use the physical and spiritual talents brought forth by ADHD children, instead of labeling and medicating them into quiet, non-disruptive lemmings, then we may find ourselves extremely challenged to handle global changes on the horizon.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with a child with diagnosed ADHD characteristics, as well as those with suspicions. There are alternatives to medicating and sedating. Our Edison gene children are adapting to their social and physical environment. The question this book raises is, will we accept what they have to offer and nurture their gifts for the betterment of society, or will we keep them chemically gagged because it's easier and safer than dealing with change and unknowns?