Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential

Review
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"The best parent resource on executive skills that I have seen. As a parent of three children, one of whom has learning
disabilities, and as a special education associate who works in the classroom, I highly recommend this book. It shows
there is hope for children who are struggling, and offers practical, detailed advice."--L. Libbey, parent, Hampton, NH

"Filled with real-world examples and solutions, this easy-to-read book is the first comprehensive guide to the
management of children's executive skills. It gets to the heart of the matter, offering both parents and teachers
accessible and highly efficient means to cope with a gamut of obstacles faced by children of all ages and
abilities."--Kristina Mecelicaite, MEd, special education coordinator, North Central Charter Essential School,
Fitchburg, MA

"Do you feel stymied by your child's failure to live up to his or her potential? Have you run out of ideas about how to
handle the situation? Look no further--this fascinating and readable book is packed full of useful ideas that will help
you understand what the problem is and how you can help. It presents practical and proven techniques based on rigorous
scientific research."--Peter Farrell, PhD, University of Manchester, UK; past president, International School Psychology
Association

"If you've ever wondered why your child struggles academically or behaviorally--despite having the 'right stuff' to
succeed--this book is essential reading. Drs. Dawson and Guare explain the importance of executive skills and provide
science-based strategies that empower you to start helping your child today."--Sam Goldstein, PhD, coauthor of Raising
Resilient Children

"Drs. Dawson and Guare translate cutting-edge research into meaningful, practical, well-organized, and easy-to-implement
strategies that parents can use to enhance a child's natural executive abilities. This brilliant book is by far the best
on the topic that I have read to date."--Russell A. Barkley, PhD, ABPP, author of Taking Charge of ADHD

"Groundbreaking....Compassionate and parent friendly....Dawson and Guare's personal anecdotes lend immediacy....Smart
but Scattered is comprehensive, accessible, and hopeful....Dawson and Guare's work should be considered essential."
(Library Journal 2009-01-04)

"Fun to read....This book is quite interactive....Questionnaires are provided both for children (of various ages) as
well as parents, so that they can both see their strengths and weaknesses....Techniques to teach executive skills are
shown in a step-wise manner, and planning sheets are available throughout the text....Another strength of this book is
its focus on the emotional aspect of executive functioning, and providing strategies to bolster the emotional skill set
of children....Strongly recommended for any parent who wishes to help their children maximize their potential, even if
they do not have identified academic or behavioral struggles."
(Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2013-02-01)

"The authors provide a satisfying framework for creating environmental supports in areas needed and supplying the
hands-on direction necessary for children to function well and build confidence. While Susan Ericksen's distinct and
assertive enunciation promotes respect for these ideas, her warmth also makes them sound inviting."
(AudioFile 2012-12-01)

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About the Author
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Peg Dawson, EdD, is a psychologist on the staff of the Center for Learning and Attention Disorders at Seacoast Mental
Health Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She also does professional development training on executive skills for
schools and organizations nationally and internationally. Dr. Dawson is a past president of the New Hampshire
Association of School Psychologists, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the International
School Psychology Association, and a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from NASP. She is coauthor of
bestselling books for general readers, including Smart but Scattered, Smart but Scattered Teens, Smart but
Scattered--and Stalled (with a focus on emerging adults), and The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success (with a focus on
adults). Dr. Dawson is also coauthor of The Work-Smart Academic Planner, Revised Edition, and books for professionals
including Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents, Third Edition.

Richard Guare, PhD, is Director of the Center for Learning and Attention Disorders at Seacoast Mental Health Center in
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Dr. Guare's research and publications focus on the understanding and treatment of learning
and attention difficulties. He is a neuropsychologist and board-certified behavior analyst who frequently consults to
schools and agencies. He is coauthor of bestselling books for general readers, including Smart but Scattered, Smart but
Scattered Teens, Smart but Scattered--and Stalled (with a focus on emerging adults), and The Smart but Scattered Guide
to Success (with a focus on adults). Dr. Guare is also coauthor of The Work-Smart Academic Planner, Revised Edition, and
books for professionals including Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents, Third Edition.

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