Table of Contents | Sample chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

    

ADHD: A Path to Success   

by

Lawrence Weathers, Ph. D.

Reader Reviews From Amazon.com

Average Customer Review:

Customer Comments
 

Life Changes as a result of CAER described in this book, February 18, 2005
 

Reviewer:

M. Patton - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)  

Read the book, talked to some folks who had been through the treatment and in May of 2004 we took part in Dr. Lawrence Weather's CAER treatment. Prior to treatment, my son was on Metadate for ADHD & Zoloft for depression & struggling desperately. Dr. Weathers requires the child be on no medication for treatment, so I took my son out of school for a couple of weeks & stayed home with him where I could monitor him closely while we gradually came off of ADHD meds and Zoloft. He has been medication free & successful in school since our Treatment with Dr. Weathers. It's amazing. He still is a little different than the mainstream & we still have little hiccups every now & then, but our life has changed dramatically. We are no longer waiting with baited breath in the morning for the pills to kick in & no longer wishing he could have one more dose in the evening in order for us to have a pleasant home-life. He is steady and enjoyable. He has had no disciplinary action at school (he just started middle school), and he's bringing home reasonable grades. Actually, his grades have come down from A's & B's to include some C's, but this is because he's more socially active, which means he's rushing through his work in order to be able to play. After being socially ostracized for so long - we are actually happy that we have NEW challenges that are more "normal." My shining moment was last week when I needed to send an e-mail to the school regarding some curriculum issues. I wanted to include the Vice Principal in my correspondence. I asked my son to remind me of her name & he didn't have a clue. My son doesn't even know who the vice principal is...let alone being a close personal friend as in the past. Couldn't recommend it more & would be happy to share more details.

 


 

Hope for ADD/ADHD Families is in this Book , December 16, 2004
 

Reviewer:

N. Pickering - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)  

My experience mirrors alot of the other positive reviews for this book. I am so grateful that I took the leap of faith and took my 8-old-year son last March for treatment with Dr. Weathers. The book takes a totally nonconventional approach to ADHD. It doesn't approach ADD/ADHD as a chemical imbalance of the brain. Rather Dr. Weathers attributes many of the ADHD behaviors as a result of learned behaviors and defense mechanisms. His treatments are usually a short 3 days and also very nonconventional. It does sound too good to be true, but I can speak personally from experience that it does work if you put the time and effort into the treatment.

My son was a terror since he was a toddler. He had terrible temper tantrums, was impatient, aggressive. and could not seem to concentrate at school. He was even expelled from preschool. He constantly got into trouble at school. I dreaded answering the phone during the week, because it was often the school calling about my son's behavior. We took my son to at least 4 different doctors--psychologists and psychiatrists. Each one seem to agree he had ADHD. We also got diagnoses of Bipolar disease, Depression, Anxiety, Aspergers Syndrome. It seemed like Ian had every known diagnosis to account for his strange behaviors.

I read many books on all these diagnoses and we tried many behaviorial modifications, supplements, etc., and nothing seemed to help. I was obsessed with my son's problems. The stress extended to the rest of the family too. We finally succumbed to trying drugs when he started to fail in school academically. We tried Trileptal and Concerta for a few months without success. It was terrible. My son became a zombie, he hated himself. He had no self esteem. We all truly believed he had problems because he had a brain disorder which he had no control over. But I was very concerned about the side effects of the drugs and the long term usage. It was when these drugs did not help and my psychiatrist recommended adding another drug that I turned to Dr. Weathers for help. I had read his book a long time ago, but thought it was a "scam" because it sounded too incredible to be true.

In desperation, I reread his book and talked to other parents who had success with the program. I talked to Dr. Weathers and he assured me Ian could be helped. It was the best money we ever spent. In the span of 3 days with Dr. Weathers, my son turned into a different boy. Today he listens, he does homework without a battle, he is attentive at school. In fact, he is excelling in all his classes and is in accelerated classes. He is starting to make friends. I'm not saying that the work ends once you get home. You have to continually work at it, but it's amazing how fast and steady the change has been and ALL WITHOUT DRUGS. Best of all, Ian has his self-esteem back. He no longer blames his troubles on his ADHD, because he has no ADHD or brain disorder. He is proof positive of that.

Dr. Weathers is a brilliant man and has been the most helpful of all the doctors we saw over the years. He will support you even after your treatment is done. I highly recommend this book to any parents who are troubled by the drugs being pushed onto their ADHD kids. Drugs are convenient for the school and doctors, but it shouldn't be thought as the only option available.

Take the time to read and investigate Dr. Weather's treatment. Your child, your family, and your marriage will be better for it.


 


 

Mom's with Young Kids take heed, November 3, 2004
 

Reviewer:

Young Mom "Beth" (Woodland, WA) - See all my reviews

If you are a mom with young children or children of any age and the school is telling you that your child is uncontrollable. This is the book for you.

My seven year old was sent home with a note last year the said he needed counseling and was uncontrollable in the classroom. Dr. Weathers' book ADHD: A Path to Success is just that. This book opens the door to how to deal with ADHD or ADD without medication of any kind.

Since reading this book and spending time with Dr. Weathers, my son has done a 180 in the classroom. He no longer hates school. He reads on his own time by choice. His homework is the first thing that he does. He now makes friends instead of chasing them away. He does still need to be the center of attention sometimes but I no longer feel like I am going to pull my hair out to get him to listen.

This book really brought to light ADHD and how it is looked at today and what you can do about it. It gave me the opportunity to help my son without covering up the problem with medication. The best part is there are no side affects other than more laughter and less yelling.


 

 

A "must read" for anyone with ADHD, September 21, 2004
 

Reviewer:

Elizabeth Blane (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)  

If your child is affected with ADD or ADHD, you must read this book immediately. It may save you years of anguish and thousands of dollars, but most importantly, it may help you to reestablish the loving relationship with your child that has been heretofore lost because of the stress of dealing with ADHD.

My now 17-year-old son, Alex, was a difficult baby and child and had terrible problems in school with distractibility, homework, and organization, among other things. Because he was not hyperactive, his ADD was not apparent until he reached 5th grade, when he began having a different teacher for each subject; all hell broke loose. Evenings often found the entire family in tears. In fifth grade he was diagnosed with ADD; medication was recommended but refused. That was the worst year of our lives.

Alex struggled along until the beginning of 11th grade; we tried a few of the ADHD medications. After a few weeks Alex refused to take them because of the side effects. I was secretly relieved that he didn't want to take these drugs.

In the middle of his 11th grade year I discovered Dr. Weathers' book. Its on-line excerpts instantly clicked with me. I ordered the book and read it; it made more sense to me than everything I had read before. In his book, Dr. Weathers systematically and easily destroys the prevailing idea: "ADHD is a chemical imbalance". This idea is chanted as a mantra in mainstream psychology and is used as the rationale to give kids stimulants. It was gratifying to see this stupid idea finally debunked by someone using a rational explanation and backed up with plenty of clinical experience.

We went to Dr. Weathers' clinic in Spokane, Washington, in May 2004. Not only is Dr. Weathers brilliant, he is also a very nice guy and easy to work with. We did the treatment with him as a family for three days.

Alex finished off his 11th grade year well and earned himself a car over the summer. He is now a senior in high school. His GPA for the first quarter so far is 3.3. He has pretty much lost the ability to explode in anger that used to characterize his frustrated moments before Spokane. He gets up in the morning by himself now, whereas mornings used to be a pitched battle between parent and child. He is a pleasure to be around. Last weekend, he removed and replaced the kitchen faucet for me almost completely by himself; he stuck to this difficult job until it was finished. I would never have imagined he could do something like this before. I am now hopeful about Alex's future; we are busy planning his college career.

I cannot recommend Dr. Weathers' book highly enough. It will get you thinking about the erroneous mindset the mainstream has convinced everyone is true and it will help you to see the real reasons your child acts the way s/he acts.


 

 

Adult ADD , September 15, 2004
 

Reviewer:

EVM "EVM" (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews

After a lifetime of problems with activities requiring focus and concentration, and as an adult person, I was finally diagnosed with Adult ADD. The diagnosis clarified for me a condition that explained why I have had the kind of problems that have besieged me my whole life. As a child I was a serious problem for my parents, brothers and sisters. Further, I failed in school, could not maintain positive and/or intimate relationships, and as an adult I lost jobs, primarily due to my inability to handle stress and anger as well as my inappropriate behavior. Moreover, I spent years in a state of depression abusing substances (alcohol, uppers and downers) as a way to ease the pain, confusion and anger I felt. Years of therapy helped me solve other problems that might or might not have been connected to ADD and ADHD. I took pills for depression but their effect was so negative that I never continued for long.

Two years ago I started EMDR therapy with great success and it was in the context of this therapy that I found out I had ADD. Shortly after the diagnosis I started to take Strattera, but before I felt the effect of this drug I found Dr. Weathers'book ADHD: A Path to Success. I bought it right away, read it immediately, was enthusiastic and relieved by what I read and soon thereafter I travelled to Spokane, WA where I stayed for 6 days using the CAER machine and having brief talks with Dr. Weathers. When I came back home many disturbing things happened to me. I dealt with all the bad things in a calm manner, without falling into a depressive state. After two months of bad news, things have begun to sort themselves out in a positive way. I truly believe that my experience in Spokane, in addition to the use of the materials I brought home with me to continue the treatment on my own have allowed me to function appropriately during this time of great stress. I'm off Strattera.

 

 

Our Family's on the Path to Success, August 21, 2004
 

Reviewer:

Tui Yoh (Burlington, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)  

Our 8 year old son was diagnosed ADHD and placed on medications. As parents, we saw many negative side effects from mood swings to an extreme weight loss. That's when I said there has to be a better way. We had the bookshelves filled with ADHD books, but had not found a better way. While surfing the web, I came across Dr Weathers book. What drew me to his book were the book reviews (just like this one). I could relate to the tensions, anxieties, and stresses described by parents dealing with their children and more importantly I marveled at the results I read about. I ordered the book on the spot. Dr Weather's theory gave us a whole new way of looking at our son. We removed our son from all medication and began exchanging emails with Dr Weathers to learn more about his CAER therapy. Emails led to phone calls and by spring break we had a visit planned to Dr Weathers in Spokane. Dr Weathers uses a straightforward, no nonsense approach. He helped us to understand that the problem did not lie soley with our son, but with our family unit. He not only treated our son, but my husband and I as well. Dr Weathers shared with us his own personal experience as an ADHD child. Dr Weathers taught us how to function as a family in order to get optimal efforts/performance from our son. We saw immediate results in Spokane and continue to experience more every day at home and school. Our son is a work in progress. But as long as we continue to apply Dr Weather's theory, we continue to meet the daily challenges. My son is going to second grade in September and I've already scheduled a meeting with his teacher so I can share Dr Weather's book with her. My son continues to be drug free and my husband and I continue to watch him blossom, all thanks to Dr Weathers theory and CAER.
 

 

 

Different Approach from Talk Therapy and Medication, June 1, 2004
Reviewer: A reader
My 20 year old son who was on medication for ADD and smoking pot was giving my wife and I a very difficult time when we came across Dr. Weathers book. I was very taken with Dr. Weather's approach and pursuaded my son to read his book. After he read the book he was ready to try the techniques recommended by Dr. Weathers as he was not happy with the medication claiming that medicine put him in a 'zone'. The straight talking Dr. Weathers and his method of confronting and getting rid of old disturbing experiences worked. My son has since stopped smoking, given up medication completely (after being on different ones for over a year) and is gaining self confidence every day. He is well on his way to completing his degree at UCLA. The examples in the book of how families treat kids with ADD were an eye opener.

 

 

 

4 out of 5 starsMy Review: ADHD: A Path to Success, May 27, 2004
 

 

Reviewer: Glenn C from New York, NY

About four years ago, my son was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder. His behavior was increasingly difficult to manage at home and when it finally manifested in school, my wife and I reluctantly submitted to medications to control him. We were determined that the drugs were a temporary fix; that we were going to find a permanent solution to our sons problems. We spent many nights searching the Internet for books that could help us deal with these issues. We ordered every book we thought appropriate. Finally, after reading 20 books on ADD, ADHD, ODD and more, we came across "ADHD: A Path to Success: A Revolutionary Theory and New Innovation in Drug-Free Therapy". The "Drug-Free Therapy" wording in the title jumped out at us. We ordered two copies and began our reading. It was clear that Dr. Weathers understood what our son was experiencing and what the parents were feeling as well. His case studies and success stories gave us a sense of hope. Most importantly was Dr. Weathers own admission of being diagnosed as ADHD as a child and the frustrations he experienced. His writing was simple and direct. Unlike a majority of the books we read on the subject, Dr. Weathers was writing for those without a degree in Psychology or medicine. His explanation of his therapy, CAER, clearly defined the process. Once we completed our reading, we contacted Dr. Weathers via email and then by phone. My wife and I decided that we would schedule an appointment with Dr. Weathers. The end results could not have been better. It has been four years since our visit and my son has not been on any medication since. He is performing very well in school, has many friends and is in general, a very happy and contented young man. Needless to say, his parents are thrilled with the results. Dr. Weathers' book gave us the hope and the answers we were so determined to find.

 

5 out of 5 starsDifferent Approach from Talk Therapy and Medication, June 1, 2004
 

 

Reviewer: A reader from San Francisco, CA USA

My 20 year old son who was on medication for ADD and smoking pot was giving my wife and I a very difficult time when we came across Dr. Weathers book. I was very taken with Dr. Weather's approach and pursuaded my son to read his book. After he read the book he was ready to try the techniques recommended by Dr. Weathers as he was not happy with the medication claiming that medicine put him in a 'zone'. The straight talking Dr. Weathers and his method of confronting and getting rid of old disturbing experiences worked. My son has since stopped smoking, given up medication completely (after being on different ones for over a year) and is gaining self confidence every day. He is well on his way to completing his degree at UCLA. The examples in the book of how families treat kids with ADD were an eye opener.

 

5 out of 5 starsThe Answers Lie Within, January 13, 2004
 

 

Reviewer: A reader from Gainesville, Florida United States

When it comes to understanding what motivates children toward positive and negative behavior Dr. Weathers is truly a genius! Prior to reading "ADHD:A Path to Success" I have read many books on ADHD, and I was not comfortable with their theoretical basis because the theories did not fit the behavioral patterns I noticed in my son. When I started reading "ADHD:A Path to Success" I immediately knew I was reading something very special. Dr. Weathers very clearly elucidates the causes for ADHD, and to my surprise, his theories fit all of the behavioral patterns I have noticed with my son. After reading the book, I immediately contacted Dr. Weathers for CAER therapy. The results were outstanding, and my son is currently excelling in school without any medication. I highly recommend this book and CAER therapy to all parents that have children diagnosed with ADHD. The answers to ADHD lie within this book.

 

4 out of 5 starsAlmost turned off, then became a fan, May 15, 2003
 

 

Reviewer: billwilts from Monterey, CA USA

reviews were excellent, so I bought the book. During the first 50 pages I almost regretted it. It reads like an extended advertisement for Dr. Weathers' practice in Spokane, WA. Most off-putting is his term "CAER" for the machine in which he performs most of his therapy. It took until page 221 to find out what a CAER machine really did, and I was SO relieved. It is a mostly automated way to do EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization/ Reprogramming, a fifteen-year old method of reducing affect about specific events. EMDR is a proven methodology. Anybody can do it given a little training, although you may not know this from reading the book. Most important, the book has tremendous scope, dealing with the complex causes and possible cures of ADHD in an understandable and comprehensive way. By the way, the patents on his CAER machine are 5,219,322 and 5,725,472 which are good reading if you are a geek

 

5 out of 5 starsADHD: A Path to Success: A Revolutionary Theory and New Innovation in Drug-Free Therapy, April 6, 2003
 

 

Reviewer: Hank and Denae from Houma, LA United States

I would like to say this book is not only educational for the adult but for the child as well. I recommend that all the family members read it. Dr. Weathers has put so much helpful information in this book. It explains in detail situations that you and/or your child have experienced in their lives. It is hard to be a child let alone one that is labeled ADHD. I have three boys and 2 are labeled Dyslexic and ADHD. They were on medicine for many years. I felt that this was not the answer to the problem, at least not the one I wanted. My kids were lazy, dopey looking, tired alot and not eating well from the medication. I took them off it and searched for another solution. I had put the kids in programs for ADHD children also, I had enrolled them in a school for Dyslexic children. They were failing school and had no attention span for schoolwork. The list was getting way to long without any promising results. Then I went searching for something else. I came across Dr. Weathers web site. I read all that he had on there. I then wrote to him about the kids and explained all that they have been through. He responded and said that he doesn't believe in labels and that there are ways to get these kids to learn to deal with there true inner problems, feelings and to be able to do better in school and in life. I then bought the book from Dr. Weathers and my family and I read it. It was unbelievable the information that was in it. I have come to comprehend so many things that I saw in my kids and now someone was explaining them to me and in a way that I could understand. I then made an appointment with Dr. Weathers in December 2002. We flew out there and he told us he was going to fix our kids and our family. We were very leery but, believe it or not he did. My husband and the two boys were in therapy for 3 days and I was there for 5. I had my own personal problems. I dealt with depression and I smoked. When we came home it was a big change. I am no longer depressed and I do not SMOKE!! The boys have come along way. They no longer yell and fight they actually talk and play together without problems. We were all FIXED as Dr. Weathers said we would be. I recommend this book to all of you who are searching as I did! This is the answer.
 

Chemicals-not the answer, April 3, 2003

 

Reviewer: suewiz63 from Central Ohio

My son had been on medication for ADHD since his early years in school. I had recently taken him off medication on my own since it didn't seem to be working anymore. I was always searching for new information and stumbled on Dr. Weathers website. I read the book which made better sense than what any of the other Doctors had suggested. Needless to say our family ended up traveling to Spokane. Dr. Weathers no nonsense approach and treatment did for my son what medication never could...gave him his life back.

Fantastic Information, February 28, 2003

 

Reviewer: RF from Houston, TX

This book and treatment are Incredible!! As a stepmother of 3 teenagers, I highly recommend Dr. Weather's incredible, no-nonsense approach to dealing with ADHD and family.

My middle stepson was diagnosed with ADHD a few years back. He was prescribed Dexedrine, was in "resource" classes, and performing 3 grade levels below where he should have been when he came to live with his dad and I. On top of this condition, we had to integrate this child, his older brother, and younger sister into our household. Thankfully, my son did not want to continue with medication, and was somewhat open to other options. During this time, our child had also been convinced by his mother that he inherited fibromyalgea, depression, and bipolar disorder along with his ADHD. He had low self-esteem, was constantly whiney and unsocial. We decided not to use the medication, and began searching for other options. He went through one full school year at his regular level of the 6th grade. This took lots of tutoring and guidance on our part. Though, he passed 6th grade in regular classes (instead of resource), he still had trouble. We felt we were working harder at his homework than he was. Our lives were in a mess. This child got most of the attention from the entire family, and there was always someone there to bail him out. Finally, my husband found out about Dr. Weather's CAER program through his website. We read his book and immediately started applying some of the performance-based techniques. On our first school break, we packed our bags and took the entire family to visit Dr. Weather's in Washington. After 2 years (and 3 days with Dr. Weathers) we finally learned that my son did not have a problem. He was just fine. The problem was with the whole family. Dr. Weather's and his program have been our saving grace.

The program and principles worked for all of us. The other 2 children improved scholastically, and the whole family functioned. One is an honor roll student and the other enrolled in all honors classes. My husband and I learned to be a coordinated parenting team, not allowing the kids to divide us on issues. We now present a more unified front to the kids.

Dr. Weather's is wonderful. He is not only a reachable "Dr. Phil" who is no nonsense and tells you how it is, but has a scientific and proven technique that breaks bad habits and desensitizes you to what makes you over-react emotionally. My goodness! It's is so simple that the solutions to problems like these seem "too good to be true." But his solution is! It really is!

I highly recommend this book to others. Believe me, Dr. Weathers saved our lives!

 

ADHD: A Path to Success: A Revolutionary Theory and New Innovation in Drug-Free Therapy, January 21, 2003
 

 

Reviewer: David Henderson from Los Angeles, CA USA

I highly recommend Dr. Weather's and his book. His simple no nonsense and high creative approach to this topic has been the light at the end of the tunnel for my family. I think this book should be mandatory reading for all school systems and it wouldn't hurt for a lot of corporate managers either. I tip my hat to Dr. Weather's on cutting through all the B.S. and telling it like it is.

 

Our son is now totally off medication., January 1, 2003
 

 

Reviewer: A reader from Somerset, PA United States

Putting our son on medication for ADHD was one of the hardest decisions we've ever made. But we were desperate for him to be able to survive in school. The meds seemed to work for awhile, but then would quit working and we'd have to switch to something new. Each time the side effects were worse and the doctor would prescribe more meds to counteract the side effects. It was a vicious cycle. In addition, we were going to monthly counseling at this doctor's and med reviews, etc, which were costing us a fortune.
Three years into this program, we came across information on Dr. Weathers' book on the internet. It sounded too good to be true, so we didn't check into it any further.
Two years later - five years on meds, and with side effects that had become worse than the original ADHD problems, we were desperate. We came across the information on Dr. Weathers again, and decided to read the book. It made a lot of sense. It was a totally new way for us to look at ADHD. We could see our son in so many of the scenarios in the book.
After reading the book and exchanging e-mails with Dr. Weathers, we decided to make the trip to Spokane. We were cautiously optimistic.
Dr. Weathers was the first person we've taken our son to, who proceeded to tell us what our son CAN do. Throughout all our visits to ADHD specialists, we had been told what accommodations we/teachers/siblings/etc. needed to make because we couldn't expect our child to do so many things. At our visit, we began to see our son in a whole different light. He has taken no meds since the day we left for Spokane.
His progress has been amazing. He IS able to behave. He CAN follow directions. He CAN get along with others - and with no meds. All is not perfect. This is a work in progress. We, as parents, have also had to change. We still have frequent e-mail contact with Dr. Weathers.
Yes, the book does lead to Dr. Weathers and thank heavens we decided to take the trip. Our son is definitely worth it.

 

Emotional Repatterning Approach For ADHD, September 2, 2002
Reviewer: Jed Shlackman  from Miami, FL United States
Having been to the author's website and viewed the book index and initial portion of his book and related articles, I must say that this approach is logical and consistent with the concepts used in EMDR and neurolinguistic programming.  Also, the "cause" is not explained as simply dysfunctional home environment, but as the emotional defense mechanism used in reaction to social stressors, a mechanism that some children could become more dependent on than are other children, due to biological or other factors. It's not about placing blame, but finding healthy solutions. Most people in our civilization have some level of "dysfunction" in their home and/or school environment, while only a certain percentage become dependent on ADHD behavioral responses. The author's approach can desensitize an individual to these negative triggers. This is empowering, not blaming, and the approach can be applied for family members and teachers to help them release unhealthy emotional responses that contribute to negative patterns. This book is a great complement to the literature on holistic, non-coercive approaches to addressing ADHD issues.


This saved my boys from drugs., May 10, 2002
Reviewer: jenwainner  from Littleton, CO USA
Both my boys were diagnosed ADD. Our older one is the inattentive type, the younger is behavioral. We read the book as a last ditch effort to find something besides Ritalin to help them. After reading it, we felt the need to visit Dr. Weathers personally. We flew with our boys to Spokane over Thanksgiving, 2001. Since returning, our boys have improved significantly. The younger has been on a sticker chart at school since September. Before visiting Dr. Weathers, he routinely got only 2 (or less) out of 4 stickers because he was disruptive, agressive and highly distractable. Now he routinely gets 4 out 4. Our older son went from C's and D's to B's and A's. We are so pleased! Dr. Weathers showed us patterns of parenting that were contributing to their school problems, and ways of managing this and encouraging them to improve. Now we've told all of our friends and neighbors, many who also have ADD children, about Dr. Weathers. I highly recommend contacting him!
 

  A reviewer (Rgeorge98@aol.com), December 12, 2001,
Success with our son and marriage
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to help their ADHD child. In July 2001, our pediatrician suggested putting our 6 year old son on stimulants. Unable to bear with that decision, I researched endlessly for another solution before stumbling upon Dr. Weather's website. With nothing to lose, as we had tried everything, we decided to give our situation one last shot, before thinking of succumbing to medication. Prior to treatment, we read Dr. Weather's book; it was completely intriguing, offering a whole new perspective on not only ADHD thinking, but also on the mechanisms of human thinking and why we act the way we do. What an eye opener it was to us! We found his thoughts refreshing; no other information had ever made so much sense and was so interesting and easy to read. We learned that our son's 'condition' was not a neurological problem, but that it was entirely a learned response to a family dynamics problem. This book gave us a glimmer of hope that we thought was impossible. As it turned out, we went to Spokane and met Dr. Weathers. He was caring, genuine, witty, amazingly perceptive and intelligent. He often took words out of our heads even before we knew how to speak them. He is as brilliant as you would imagine the author of this book to be. Our son is now a model child in his class...far from his former days of disrespecting his peers (hitting, kicking, pushing, yelling, spitting), refusing to cooperate with authority and activities... just 6 months ago. He now has high self-esteem. Children want to play with him at school and at home. His new teacher remarks what a compassionate boy he is, always helping others with schoolwork or when someone gets hurt on the playground, etc. He is in an accelerated reading program with one other child in his class, and is demonstrating exemplary behavior in and out of the classroom. We could have never imagined it. He is a much healthier, happier child. The book also taps in to other areas that Dr. Weathers addresses: asthma, allergies, stomach/intestinal problems, depression...many conditions that are affected by our emotions. My son's 6 year long asthma condition is near non-existent. We noticed his rapid improvement when we emotionally responded to it differently. Incredible! His pediatrician is speechless. Dr. Weather's CAER machine, as described in the book, takes so much credit for our success as well. It's amazing! It is based on Francine Shapiro's EMDR(eye movement desensitization-reprocessing). With its help, you are able to 'wash away' strong negative past emotions. Once this has occurred, you then can move forward, changing current dysfunctional behaviors. I can't speak highly enough of Dr. Weathers, his book and his CAER therapy. I strongly encourage anyone to read this book and visit Dr. Weathers, as I am confident that he can turn your life around as he did ours. We will be forever grateful to him. Thank-you Dr. Weathers!!!!!
 

ADHD - to medicate or not, October 18, 2001
Reviewer: Roz Barber from London, England
ADHD - to medicate or not

My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was six years old. When he was diagnosed, it was a big shock but I set out to discover what this ADHD was all about. My search led me eventually to this book by Dr Lawrence Weathers, ADHD - A Path to Success, a revolutionary theory and new innovation in drug free therapy. Revolutionary - yes. Drug free! Was it possible? Yes!
If your child has ADHD and you are questioning the conventional treatment to medicate, read this book and explore the reasoning in it. It is an easy read and when I read it, it felt like a light had been switched on in my head. Suddenly, I could see how my son had slipped down the slippery spiral of defeat and failure. Yes, he was on medication for a while and it did help him focus at school, but was it worth it for all the side affects the medication caused? My conscience nagged me about drugging my child and this book gave me hope.
Having taken the plunge and risked traveling from England, half way round the world, I am pleased to say that the treatment does work if you let it. I now have a Grade 5 son in the advanced Maths group and the top Literacy group. He has several good mates, gets invited to their houses and has them to play in ours. Yes, he does still have bad days, (don't we all), but nowadays the good days far outweigh the bad ones.
If you read this book, it could well change your life and that of your child. ...

 

Dr. Weathers saved our son and our marriage., August 23, 2001 
Reviewer: A reader from Leadville. CO USA effects
Our 11 year old son was diagnosed with adhd when he was 7. Since then, we had read all the adhd books and have tried medications, counselors, tutoring, everything we could think of. Not much helped for long. We then found Dr. Weathers website and bought his book. What an eye-opener his book was. It made so much more sense than anything else we had found. We could see out son in those pages.

After discussing our situation with Dr. Weathers through email several times, we decided to go to Spokane for CAER treatment. We are so glad we did. Not only is our son off drugs, and doing very well, our marriage is also much better. Dr. Weathers ongoing advice after treatment has been great. I strongly recommend that anyone who has an adhd child or marriage problems get this book and go see Dr. Weathers. It is the best investment you will ever make in your family.

 

A Path to Success Success Story, August 4, 2001
Reviewer: A 10-year old reader from Austin, Texas
My 10 year old child was diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago after completing first grade. It was decided by his physician and my husband and I to try Ritalin. While it seemed to help his level of focus at school, we noticed that his behavior wasn't changing, at least not at home. I began feeling more convinced that meds were not the right answer. We weren't solving any behavior problems. After much research and reading I was immediately intrigued by Dr. Weather's approach to treatment. My husband, son and I flew to Spokane and met with him for 3 days. The results have been incredible and life changing for all of us. My son has been off Ritalin since March 2001 and upon returning to school the teachers never knew that we had taken him off his meds. I recommend this book and treatment to anyone who suffers from ADHD. It has truly been a blessing to us.

 

Gwen, a teacher and the mother of 3 boys., August 15, 2001
A Drug Free Alternative for Behavior Change
My youngest son had been on Ritalin for 3 years and my husband I were feeling more and more convicted that there had to be another alternative to medication. While Ritalin helped him to focus during school, his behavior at home (when he was off meds) was difficult to deal with. We felt that we were just existing day-to-day without solving any long-term problems. After reading Dr. Weather's book, however, we felt that we had discovered a wonderful opportunity. Dr. Weather's treatment was not only instant but beneficial to our whole family. Our son has been med free since spring break of the 2001 school year. The best part was that his teachers never new he had stopped taking the Ritalin! His self-confidence is stronger as is his sense of responsibility to complete and turn in assignments at school. At home he is the respectful, loving, and bright child we know. We are eternally greatful to Dr. Weathers and his CAER treatment. We have learned to be better parents and our son can be the precious child he was created to be. This was definitely an answer to a prayer.

 

Opened the door, March 22, 2001
Reviewer: Brian D. Terho from Honeoye Falls, N.Y. United States
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to help their ADHD child become happier and more successful, and/or has struggled in frustration watching their child "fail" after trying traditionally modeled therapies. The authors ideas are presented in an easy to understand, readable format. The theories are supported with hands-on, real-life examples in a way that "makes sense". The perspective is different and more encouraging than other visions of what ADHD is, and Dr. Weathers offers solutions that show real, measurable results. I came to this book after watching traditional therapies fail over and over, and wondering what I was doing to my son by filling him full of medication every day and seeing little or no results. The ideas presented by Dr. Weathers gave me new hope for my son and have lead to some breakthroughs in his behavior that suggest a new, more positive chapter in his development and opened the door to a greater sense of self-confidence and well-being for him. Do yourself and your child a favor and make the time to at least read this book, if not participate in the program too.  

 

Dupuy from university place, Wa , February 5, 1999
A must for every parent and teacher to read.
I was very impressed with Dr. Weathers book. So much vital information in this book have help improve the quality of life for my family tremendously. The book points out how everyone involve in the child's life could have a big impact on there daily behavior problems. I highly recommend anyone whose child have been observed or diagnosed with ADHD to read Dr. Weathers' book. Thank you for writing this book.

 

kdalian@ford.com from Michigan, USA , January 5, 1999
The best book on ADHD available!!!
As parents of a pre-teen ADHD child, my wife and I have read many books on the subject. Most of them describe ADHD behavior well, but none of them accurately describe how it is formed. And NONE of them provide truly effective methods of treatment. This book was an eye opening experience. I am not a psychologist, but I have never read anything that seemed so right on target as this book is. My wife and I were so impressed that she and our son traveled to visit Dr. Weathers. The treatment was everything the book describes. If you have, or know someone who has an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder person in their life, I strongly suggest you read this book. It can literally change lives for the better.

 

A reader from The Midwest  September 23, 1999
Drug-free treatment for ADHD that works!,
 Our son was diagnosed with ADHD based on observed behaviors eighteen months ago. Like good parents we wanted to help our child and took him to his pediatrician who handed us a prescription for Ritalin. After some initial improvement, our hope began to wane as his behavior deteriorated and we were again faced with increasing his Ritalin dosage. We were not happy with the continued prospect of higher doses of stimulants to control our son's behavior. It was at this point that we stumbled across Dr. Weather's book, "ADHD: A Path to Success". His approach to ADHD really made sense to us. After much investigation and research into ADHD, this was the first treatment that offered lasting, drug-free results. My son's treatment with CAER coupled with common-sense discipline bridged our son into learned behaviors that are cooperative, appropriate and pleasant. We heartily endorse Dr. Weather's book and treatment for anyone trying to regain control of their child's life.

 

A reader from Spokane WA , December 30, 1998
Finally a book and treatment that make sense, and work.
I read ADHD: A Path to Success by Dr. Lawrence Weathers. Prior to that I had read several other books on the subject. The school was recommending he take Ritalin but I did not want to go that route. Dr. Weathers book made a lot of sense so I took my 9 year old son to him for treatment. The changes that took place in a short period of time were quite dramatic. His behavior changed from being “all over the place” and impossible to handle to being cooperative and able to sit down and do his school work. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Weathers and I would highly recommend his book and treatment to other parents with the same problem.

 

creta1244@aol.com from Spokane WA , April 2, 1998
A drug-free way to help children and parents.
Reading Dr. Weathers' book, "ADHD: A Path to Success," took me back to my third grade class. I remember the terror of spelling tests, my total inability to figure out how a word might be spelled, the feeling of frustration and the awful knowledge that I was the only one in the class who would flunk the test over and over. As Dr. Weathers describes the children in his book, how they use attentional avoidance to escape unpleasant situations, I felt that he was describing my experiences as a child. As an adult, I went back to college and found his treatment helpful in overcoming my math and writing anxiety. Dr. Weathers explains attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from the child's point of view, giving a clearer understanding of how and why children develop this means of coping with problems. He details how his therapy offers a new, drug-free way to help children and their parents. The book is an informative and interesting read, offering hope to parents who often feel there is no way to help their children except through drugs. It also offers hope for schools overburdened with government mandates that insist schools address the psychological needs of children. Having a sister as a teacher, I know that teachers and schools want to educate children and help them achieve their highest potential. Our society makes that harder and harder for them to do. Dr. Weathers' new therapy offers a way to reach children without drugging them, to enable parents and educators to work together in the best interest of the child. A must read for anyone who works with, or has a child who has been diagnosed as an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder child.

 

A reader from Spokane, WA , March 24, 1998
Must read for all because of new theory and treatment.
ADHD: A Path to Success effectively addresses two different readers: families burdened with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as professionals who dissatisfied with available treatments. Dr. Weathers (himself an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder success story) effectively integrates a wide theoretical perspectives and research data to create a striking new and more convincing explanation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This new model presents the experience of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from the afflicted child’s point of view. The whole phenomenon of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder makes infinitely more sense when seen on the basis of the child’s rather than the adult’s needs. From the child’s point of view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is an adaptation to his world, not a defect or disability. To take advantage of his new theory Dr. Weathers has developed a psychotherapy machine to treat these children. This machine, an extension of Francine Shapiro’s Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by extinguishing the child’s learned aversion to his school, parents, teachers, work etc. so that he no longer needs attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to adapt to his environment. The book is interesting, well thought out and clearly written. It represents a major innovation in the theory and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Anyone working with these children, whether teacher, parent, or psychologist must read it.

      Jim Flynn, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist Spokane WA

 

    

ADHD: A Path to Success   

by

Lawrence Weathers, Ph. D.

Reader Reviews From Amazon.com

Average Customer Review:

Customer Comments
 

Life Changes as a result of CAER described in this book, February 18, 2005
 

Reviewer:

M. Patton - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)  

Read the book, talked to some folks who had been through the treatment and in May of 2004 we took part in Dr. Lawrence Weather's CAER treatment. Prior to treatment, my son was on Metadate for ADHD & Zoloft for depression & struggling desperately. Dr. Weathers requires the child be on no medication for treatment, so I took my son out of school for a couple of weeks & stayed home with him where I could monitor him closely while we gradually came off of ADHD meds and Zoloft. He has been medication free & successful in school since our Treatment with Dr. Weathers. It's amazing. He still is a little different than the mainstream & we still have little hiccups every now & then, but our life has changed dramatically. We are no longer waiting with baited breath in the morning for the pills to kick in & no longer wishing he could have one more dose in the evening in order for us to have a pleasant home-life. He is steady and enjoyable. He has had no disciplinary action at school (he just started middle school), and he's bringing home reasonable grades. Actually, his grades have come down from A's & B's to include some C's, but this is because he's more socially active, which means he's rushing through his work in order to be able to play. After being socially ostracized for so long - we are actually happy that we have NEW challenges that are more "normal." My shining moment was last week when I needed to send an e-mail to the school regarding some curriculum issues. I wanted to include the Vice Principal in my correspondence. I asked my son to remind me of her name & he didn't have a clue. My son doesn't even know who the vice principal is...let alone being a close personal friend as in the past. Couldn't recommend it more & would be happy to share more details.

 


 

Hope for ADD/ADHD Families is in this Book , December 16, 2004
 

Reviewer:

N. Pickering - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)  

My experience mirrors alot of the other positive reviews for this book. I am so grateful that I took the leap of faith and took my 8-old-year son last March for treatment with Dr. Weathers. The book takes a totally nonconventional approach to ADHD. It doesn't approach ADD/ADHD as a chemical imbalance of the brain. Rather Dr. Weathers attributes many of the ADHD behaviors as a result of learned behaviors and defense mechanisms. His treatments are usually a short 3 days and also very nonconventional. It does sound too good to be true, but I can speak personally from experience that it does work if you put the time and effort into the treatment.

My son was a terror since he was a toddler. He had terrible temper tantrums, was impatient, aggressive. and could not seem to concentrate at school. He was even expelled from preschool. He constantly got into trouble at school. I dreaded answering the phone during the week, because it was often the school calling about my son's behavior. We took my son to at least 4 different doctors--psychologists and psychiatrists. Each one seem to agree he had ADHD. We also got diagnoses of Bipolar disease, Depression, Anxiety, Aspergers Syndrome. It seemed like Ian had every known diagnosis to account for his strange behaviors.

I read many books on all these diagnoses and we tried many behaviorial modifications, supplements, etc., and nothing seemed to help. I was obsessed with my son's problems. The stress extended to the rest of the family too. We finally succumbed to trying drugs when he started to fail in school academically. We tried Trileptal and Concerta for a few months without success. It was terrible. My son became a zombie, he hated himself. He had no self esteem. We all truly believed he had problems because he had a brain disorder which he had no control over. But I was very concerned about the side effects of the drugs and the long term usage. It was when these drugs did not help and my psychiatrist recommended adding another drug that I turned to Dr. Weathers for help. I had read his book a long time ago, but thought it was a "scam" because it sounded too incredible to be true.

In desperation, I reread his book and talked to other parents who had success with the program. I talked to Dr. Weathers and he assured me Ian could be helped. It was the best money we ever spent. In the span of 3 days with Dr. Weathers, my son turned into a different boy. Today he listens, he does homework without a battle, he is attentive at school. In fact, he is excelling in all his classes and is in accelerated classes. He is starting to make friends. I'm not saying that the work ends once you get home. You have to continually work at it, but it's amazing how fast and steady the change has been and ALL WITHOUT DRUGS. Best of all, Ian has his self-esteem back. He no longer blames his troubles on his ADHD, because he has no ADHD or brain disorder. He is proof positive of that.

Dr. Weathers is a brilliant man and has been the most helpful of all the doctors we saw over the years. He will support you even after your treatment is done. I highly recommend this book to any parents who are troubled by the drugs being pushed onto their ADHD kids. Drugs are convenient for the school and doctors, but it shouldn't be thought as the only option available.

Take the time to read and investigate Dr. Weather's treatment. Your child, your family, and your marriage will be better for it.


 


 

Mom's with Young Kids take heed, November 3, 2004
 

Reviewer:

Young Mom "Beth" (Woodland, WA) - See all my reviews

If you are a mom with young children or children of any age and the school is telling you that your child is uncontrollable. This is the book for you.

My seven year old was sent home with a note last year the said he needed counseling and was uncontrollable in the classroom. Dr. Weathers' book ADHD: A Path to Success is just that. This book opens the door to how to deal with ADHD or ADD without medication of any kind.

Since reading this book and spending time with Dr. Weathers, my son has done a 180 in the classroom. He no longer hates school. He reads on his own time by choice. His homework is the first thing that he does. He now makes friends instead of chasing them away. He does still need to be the center of attention sometimes but I no longer feel like I am going to pull my hair out to get him to listen.

This book really brought to light ADHD and how it is looked at today and what you can do about it. It gave me the opportunity to help my son without covering up the problem with medication. The best part is there are no side affects other than more laughter and less yelling.


 

 

A "must read" for anyone with ADHD, September 21, 2004
 

Reviewer:

Elizabeth Blane (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)  

If your child is affected with ADD or ADHD, you must read this book immediately. It may save you years of anguish and thousands of dollars, but most importantly, it may help you to reestablish the loving relationship with your child that has been heretofore lost because of the stress of dealing with ADHD.

My now 17-year-old son, Alex, was a difficult baby and child and had terrible problems in school with distractibility, homework, and organization, among other things. Because he was not hyperactive, his ADD was not apparent until he reached 5th grade, when he began having a different teacher for each subject; all hell broke loose. Evenings often found the entire family in tears. In fifth grade he was diagnosed with ADD; medication was recommended but refused. That was the worst year of our lives.

Alex struggled along until the beginning of 11th grade; we tried a few of the ADHD medications. After a few weeks Alex refused to take them because of the side effects. I was secretly relieved that he didn't want to take these drugs.

In the middle of his 11th grade year I discovered Dr. Weathers' book. Its on-line excerpts instantly clicked with me. I ordered the book and read it; it made more sense to me than everything I had read before. In his book, Dr. Weathers systematically and easily destroys the prevailing idea: "ADHD is a chemical imbalance". This idea is chanted as a mantra in mainstream psychology and is used as the rationale to give kids stimulants. It was gratifying to see this stupid idea finally debunked by someone using a rational explanation and backed up with plenty of clinical experience.

We went to Dr. Weathers' clinic in Spokane, Washington, in May 2004. Not only is Dr. Weathers brilliant, he is also a very nice guy and easy to work with. We did the treatment with him as a family for three days.

Alex finished off his 11th grade year well and earned himself a car over the summer. He is now a senior in high school. His GPA for the first quarter so far is 3.3. He has pretty much lost the ability to explode in anger that used to characterize his frustrated moments before Spokane. He gets up in the morning by himself now, whereas mornings used to be a pitched battle between parent and child. He is a pleasure to be around. Last weekend, he removed and replaced the kitchen faucet for me almost completely by himself; he stuck to this difficult job until it was finished. I would never have imagined he could do something like this before. I am now hopeful about Alex's future; we are busy planning his college career.

I cannot recommend Dr. Weathers' book highly enough. It will get you thinking about the erroneous mindset the mainstream has convinced everyone is true and it will help you to see the real reasons your child acts the way s/he acts.


 

 

Adult ADD , September 15, 2004
 

Reviewer:

EVM "EVM" (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews

After a lifetime of problems with activities requiring focus and concentration, and as an adult person, I was finally diagnosed with Adult ADD. The diagnosis clarified for me a condition that explained why I have had the kind of problems that have besieged me my whole life. As a child I was a serious problem for my parents, brothers and sisters. Further, I failed in school, could not maintain positive and/or intimate relationships, and as an adult I lost jobs, primarily due to my inability to handle stress and anger as well as my inappropriate behavior. Moreover, I spent years in a state of depression abusing substances (alcohol, uppers and downers) as a way to ease the pain, confusion and anger I felt. Years of therapy helped me solve other problems that might or might not have been connected to ADD and ADHD. I took pills for depression but their effect was so negative that I never continued for long.

Two years ago I started EMDR therapy with great success and it was in the context of this therapy that I found out I had ADD. Shortly after the diagnosis I started to take Strattera, but before I felt the effect of this drug I found Dr. Weathers'book ADHD: A Path to Success. I bought it right away, read it immediately, was enthusiastic and relieved by what I read and soon thereafter I travelled to Spokane, WA where I stayed for 6 days using the CAER machine and having brief talks with Dr. Weathers. When I came back home many disturbing things happened to me. I dealt with all the bad things in a calm manner, without falling into a depressive state. After two months of bad news, things have begun to sort themselves out in a positive way. I truly believe that my experience in Spokane, in addition to the use of the materials I brought home with me to continue the treatment on my own have allowed me to function appropriately during this time of great stress. I'm off Strattera.

 

 

Our Family's on the Path to Success, August 21, 2004
 

Reviewer:

Tui Yoh (Burlington, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)  

Our 8 year old son was diagnosed ADHD and placed on medications. As parents, we saw many negative side effects from mood swings to an extreme weight loss. That's when I said there has to be a better way. We had the bookshelves filled with ADHD books, but had not found a better way. While surfing the web, I came across Dr Weathers book. What drew me to his book were the book reviews (just like this one). I could relate to the tensions, anxieties, and stresses described by parents dealing with their children and more importantly I marveled at the results I read about. I ordered the book on the spot. Dr Weather's theory gave us a whole new way of looking at our son. We removed our son from all medication and began exchanging emails with Dr Weathers to learn more about his CAER therapy. Emails led to phone calls and by spring break we had a visit planned to Dr Weathers in Spokane. Dr Weathers uses a straightforward, no nonsense approach. He helped us to understand that the problem did not lie soley with our son, but with our family unit. He not only treated our son, but my husband and I as well. Dr Weathers shared with us his own personal experience as an ADHD child. Dr Weathers taught us how to function as a family in order to get optimal efforts/performance from our son. We saw immediate results in Spokane and continue to experience more every day at home and school. Our son is a work in progress. But as long as we continue to apply Dr Weather's theory, we continue to meet the daily challenges. My son is going to second grade in September and I've already scheduled a meeting with his teacher so I can share Dr Weather's book with her. My son continues to be drug free and my husband and I continue to watch him blossom, all thanks to Dr Weathers theory and CAER.
 

 

 

Different Approach from Talk Therapy and Medication, June 1, 2004
Reviewer: A reader
My 20 year old son who was on medication for ADD and smoking pot was giving my wife and I a very difficult time when we came across Dr. Weathers book. I was very taken with Dr. Weather's approach and pursuaded my son to read his book. After he read the book he was ready to try the techniques recommended by Dr. Weathers as he was not happy with the medication claiming that medicine put him in a 'zone'. The straight talking Dr. Weathers and his method of confronting and getting rid of old disturbing experiences worked. My son has since stopped smoking, given up medication completely (after being on different ones for over a year) and is gaining self confidence every day. He is well on his way to completing his degree at UCLA. The examples in the book of how families treat kids with ADD were an eye opener.

 

 

 

4 out of 5 starsMy Review: ADHD: A Path to Success, May 27, 2004
 

 

Reviewer: Glenn C from New York, NY

About four years ago, my son was diagnosed with ADHD and ODD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder. His behavior was increasingly difficult to manage at home and when it finally manifested in school, my wife and I reluctantly submitted to medications to control him. We were determined that the drugs were a temporary fix; that we were going to find a permanent solution to our sons problems. We spent many nights searching the Internet for books that could help us deal with these issues. We ordered every book we thought appropriate. Finally, after reading 20 books on ADD, ADHD, ODD and more, we came across "ADHD: A Path to Success: A Revolutionary Theory and New Innovation in Drug-Free Therapy". The "Drug-Free Therapy" wording in the title jumped out at us. We ordered two copies and began our reading. It was clear that Dr. Weathers understood what our son was experiencing and what the parents were feeling as well. His case studies and success stories gave us a sense of hope. Most importantly was Dr. Weathers own admission of being diagnosed as ADHD as a child and the frustrations he experienced. His writing was simple and direct. Unlike a majority of the books we read on the subject, Dr. Weathers was writing for those without a degree in Psychology or medicine. His explanation of his therapy, CAER, clearly defined the process. Once we completed our reading, we contacted Dr. Weathers via email and then by phone. My wife and I decided that we would schedule an appointment with Dr. Weathers. The end results could not have been better. It has been four years since our visit and my son has not been on any medication since. He is performing very well in school, has many friends and is in general, a very happy and contented young man. Needless to say, his parents are thrilled with the results. Dr. Weathers' book gave us the hope and the answers we were so determined to find.

 

5 out of 5 starsDifferent Approach from Talk Therapy and Medication, June 1, 2004
 

 

Reviewer: A reader from San Francisco, CA USA

My 20 year old son who was on medication for ADD and smoking pot was giving my wife and I a very difficult time when we came across Dr. Weathers book. I was very taken with Dr. Weather's approach and pursuaded my son to read his book. After he read the book he was ready to try the techniques recommended by Dr. Weathers as he was not happy with the medication claiming that medicine put him in a 'zone'. The straight talking Dr. Weathers and his method of confronting and getting rid of old disturbing experiences worked. My son has since stopped smoking, given up medication completely (after being on different ones for over a year) and is gaining self confidence every day. He is well on his way to completing his degree at UCLA. The examples in the book of how families treat kids with ADD were an eye opener.

 

5 out of 5 starsThe Answers Lie Within, January 13, 2004
 

 

Reviewer: A reader from Gainesville, Florida United States

When it comes to understanding what motivates children toward positive and negative behavior Dr. Weathers is truly a genius! Prior to reading "ADHD:A Path to Success" I have read many books on ADHD, and I was not comfortable with their theoretical basis because the theories did not fit the behavioral patterns I noticed in my son. When I started reading "ADHD:A Path to Success" I immediately knew I was reading something very special. Dr. Weathers very clearly elucidates the causes for ADHD, and to my surprise, his theories fit all of the behavioral patterns I have noticed with my son. After reading the book, I immediately contacted Dr. Weathers for CAER therapy. The results were outstanding, and my son is currently excelling in school without any medication. I highly recommend this book and CAER therapy to all parents that have children diagnosed with ADHD. The answers to ADHD lie within this book.

 

4 out of 5 starsAlmost turned off, then became a fan, May 15, 2003
 

 

Reviewer: billwilts from Monterey, CA USA

reviews were excellent, so I bought the book. During the first 50 pages I almost regretted it. It reads like an extended advertisement for Dr. Weathers' practice in Spokane, WA. Most off-putting is his term "CAER" for the machine in which he performs most of his therapy. It took until page 221 to find out what a CAER machine really did, and I was SO relieved. It is a mostly automated way to do EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization/ Reprogramming, a fifteen-year old method of reducing affect about specific events. EMDR is a proven methodology. Anybody can do it given a little training, although you may not know this from reading the book. Most important, the book has tremendous scope, dealing with the complex causes and possible cures of ADHD in an understandable and comprehensive way. By the way, the patents on his CAER machine are 5,219,322 and 5,725,472 which are good reading if you are a geek

 

5 out of 5 starsADHD: A Path to Success: A Revolutionary Theory and New Innovation in Drug-Free Therapy, April 6, 2003
 

 

Reviewer: Hank and Denae from Houma, LA United States

I would like to say this book is not only educational for the adult but for the child as well. I recommend that all the family members read it. Dr. Weathers has put so much helpful information in this book. It explains in detail situations that you and/or your child have experienced in their lives. It is hard to be a child let alone one that is labeled ADHD. I have three boys and 2 are labeled Dyslexic and ADHD. They were on medicine for many years. I felt that this was not the answer to the problem, at least not the one I wanted. My kids were lazy, dopey looking, tired alot and not eating well from the medication. I took them off it and searched for another solution. I had put the kids in programs for ADHD children also, I had enrolled them in a school for Dyslexic children. They were failing school and had no attention span for schoolwork. The list was getting way to long without any promising results. Then I went searching for something else. I came across Dr. Weathers web site. I read all that he had on there. I then wrote to him about the kids and explained all that they have been through. He responded and said that he doesn't believe in labels and that there are ways to get these kids to learn to deal with there true inner problems, feelings and to be able to do better in school and in life. I then bought the book from Dr. Weathers and my family and I read it. It was unbelievable the information that was in it. I have come to comprehend so many things that I saw in my kids and now someone was explaining them to me and in a way that I could understand. I then made an appointment with Dr. Weathers in December 2002. We flew out there and he told us he was going to fix our kids and our family. We were very leery but, believe it or not he did. My husband and the two boys were in therapy for 3 days and I was there for 5. I had my own personal problems. I dealt with depression and I smoked. When we came home it was a big change. I am no longer depressed and I do not SMOKE!! The boys have come along way. They no longer yell and fight they actually talk and play together without problems. We were all FIXED as Dr. Weathers said we would be. I recommend this book to all of you who are searching as I did! This is the answer.
 

Chemicals-not the answer, April 3, 2003

 

Reviewer: suewiz63 from Central Ohio

My son had been on medication for ADHD since his early years in school. I had recently taken him off medication on my own since it didn't seem to be working anymore. I was always searching for new information and stumbled on Dr. Weathers website. I read the book which made better sense than what any of the other Doctors had suggested. Needless to say our family ended up traveling to Spokane. Dr. Weathers no nonsense approach and treatment did for my son what medication never could...gave him his life back.

Fantastic Information, February 28, 2003

 

Reviewer: RF from Houston, TX

This book and treatment are Incredible!! As a stepmother of 3 teenagers, I highly recommend Dr. Weather's incredible, no-nonsense approach to dealing with ADHD and family.

My middle stepson was diagnosed with ADHD a few years back. He was prescribed Dexedrine, was in "resource" classes, and performing 3 grade levels below where he should have been when he came to live with his dad and I. On top of this condition, we had to integrate this child, his older brother, and younger sister into our household. Thankfully, my son did not want to continue with medication, and was somewhat open to other options. During this time, our child had also been convinced by his mother that he inherited fibromyalgea, depression, and bipolar disorder along with his ADHD. He had low self-esteem, was constantly whiney and unsocial. We decided not to use the medication, and began searching for other options. He went through one full school year at his regular level of the 6th grade. This took lots of tutoring and guidance on our part. Though, he passed 6th grade in regular classes (instead of resource), he still had trouble. We felt we were working harder at his homework than he was. Our lives were in a mess. This child got most of the attention from the entire family, and there was always someone there to bail him out. Finally, my husband found out about Dr. Weather's CAER program through his website. We read his book and immediately started applying some of the performance-based techniques. On our first school break, we packed our bags and took the entire family to visit Dr. Weather's in Washington. After 2 years (and 3 days with Dr. Weathers) we finally learned that my son did not have a problem. He was just fine. The problem was with the whole family. Dr. Weather's and his program have been our saving grace.

The program and principles worked for all of us. The other 2 children improved scholastically, and the whole family functioned. One is an honor roll student and the other enrolled in all honors classes. My husband and I learned to be a coordinated parenting team, not allowing the kids to divide us on issues. We now present a more unified front to the kids.

Dr. Weather's is wonderful. He is not only a reachable "Dr. Phil" who is no nonsense and tells you how it is, but has a scientific and proven technique that breaks bad habits and desensitizes you to what makes you over-react emotionally. My goodness! It's is so simple that the solutions to problems like these seem "too good to be true." But his solution is! It really is!

I highly recommend this book to others. Believe me, Dr. Weathers saved our lives!

 

ADHD: A Path to Success: A Revolutionary Theory and New Innovation in Drug-Free Therapy, January 21, 2003
 

 

Reviewer: David Henderson from Los Angeles, CA USA

I highly recommend Dr. Weather's and his book. His simple no nonsense and high creative approach to this topic has been the light at the end of the tunnel for my family. I think this book should be mandatory reading for all school systems and it wouldn't hurt for a lot of corporate managers either. I tip my hat to Dr. Weather's on cutting through all the B.S. and telling it like it is.

 

Our son is now totally off medication., January 1, 2003
 

 

Reviewer: A reader from Somerset, PA United States

Putting our son on medication for ADHD was one of the hardest decisions we've ever made. But we were desperate for him to be able to survive in school. The meds seemed to work for awhile, but then would quit working and we'd have to switch to something new. Each time the side effects were worse and the doctor would prescribe more meds to counteract the side effects. It was a vicious cycle. In addition, we were going to monthly counseling at this doctor's and med reviews, etc, which were costing us a fortune.
Three years into this program, we came across information on Dr. Weathers' book on the internet. It sounded too good to be true, so we didn't check into it any further.
Two years later - five years on meds, and with side effects that had become worse than the original ADHD problems, we were desperate. We came across the information on Dr. Weathers again, and decided to read the book. It made a lot of sense. It was a totally new way for us to look at ADHD. We could see our son in so many of the scenarios in the book.
After reading the book and exchanging e-mails with Dr. Weathers, we decided to make the trip to Spokane. We were cautiously optimistic.
Dr. Weathers was the first person we've taken our son to, who proceeded to tell us what our son CAN do. Throughout all our visits to ADHD specialists, we had been told what accommodations we/teachers/siblings/etc. needed to make because we couldn't expect our child to do so many things. At our visit, we began to see our son in a whole different light. He has taken no meds since the day we left for Spokane.
His progress has been amazing. He IS able to behave. He CAN follow directions. He CAN get along with others - and with no meds. All is not perfect. This is a work in progress. We, as parents, have also had to change. We still have frequent e-mail contact with Dr. Weathers.
Yes, the book does lead to Dr. Weathers and thank heavens we decided to take the trip. Our son is definitely worth it.

 

Emotional Repatterning Approach For ADHD, September 2, 2002
Reviewer: Jed Shlackman  from Miami, FL United States
Having been to the author's website and viewed the book index and initial portion of his book and related articles, I must say that this approach is logical and consistent with the concepts used in EMDR and neurolinguistic programming.  Also, the "cause" is not explained as simply dysfunctional home environment, but as the emotional defense mechanism used in reaction to social stressors, a mechanism that some children could become more dependent on than are other children, due to biological or other factors. It's not about placing blame, but finding healthy solutions. Most people in our civilization have some level of "dysfunction" in their home and/or school environment, while only a certain percentage become dependent on ADHD behavioral responses. The author's approach can desensitize an individual to these negative triggers. This is empowering, not blaming, and the approach can be applied for family members and teachers to help them release unhealthy emotional responses that contribute to negative patterns. This book is a great complement to the literature on holistic, non-coercive approaches to addressing ADHD issues.


This saved my boys from drugs., May 10, 2002
Reviewer: jenwainner  from Littleton, CO USA
Both my boys were diagnosed ADD. Our older one is the inattentive type, the younger is behavioral. We read the book as a last ditch effort to find something besides Ritalin to help them. After reading it, we felt the need to visit Dr. Weathers personally. We flew with our boys to Spokane over Thanksgiving, 2001. Since returning, our boys have improved significantly. The younger has been on a sticker chart at school since September. Before visiting Dr. Weathers, he routinely got only 2 (or less) out of 4 stickers because he was disruptive, agressive and highly distractable. Now he routinely gets 4 out 4. Our older son went from C's and D's to B's and A's. We are so pleased! Dr. Weathers showed us patterns of parenting that were contributing to their school problems, and ways of managing this and encouraging them to improve. Now we've told all of our friends and neighbors, many who also have ADD children, about Dr. Weathers. I highly recommend contacting him!
 

  A reviewer (Rgeorge98@aol.com), December 12, 2001,
Success with our son and marriage
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to help their ADHD child. In July 2001, our pediatrician suggested putting our 6 year old son on stimulants. Unable to bear with that decision, I researched endlessly for another solution before stumbling upon Dr. Weather's website. With nothing to lose, as we had tried everything, we decided to give our situation one last shot, before thinking of succumbing to medication. Prior to treatment, we read Dr. Weather's book; it was completely intriguing, offering a whole new perspective on not only ADHD thinking, but also on the mechanisms of human thinking and why we act the way we do. What an eye opener it was to us! We found his thoughts refreshing; no other information had ever made so much sense and was so interesting and easy to read. We learned that our son's 'condition' was not a neurological problem, but that it was entirely a learned response to a family dynamics problem. This book gave us a glimmer of hope that we thought was impossible. As it turned out, we went to Spokane and met Dr. Weathers. He was caring, genuine, witty, amazingly perceptive and intelligent. He often took words out of our heads even before we knew how to speak them. He is as brilliant as you would imagine the author of this book to be. Our son is now a model child in his class...far from his former days of disrespecting his peers (hitting, kicking, pushing, yelling, spitting), refusing to cooperate with authority and activities... just 6 months ago. He now has high self-esteem. Children want to play with him at school and at home. His new teacher remarks what a compassionate boy he is, always helping others with schoolwork or when someone gets hurt on the playground, etc. He is in an accelerated reading program with one other child in his class, and is demonstrating exemplary behavior in and out of the classroom. We could have never imagined it. He is a much healthier, happier child. The book also taps in to other areas that Dr. Weathers addresses: asthma, allergies, stomach/intestinal problems, depression...many conditions that are affected by our emotions. My son's 6 year long asthma condition is near non-existent. We noticed his rapid improvement when we emotionally responded to it differently. Incredible! His pediatrician is speechless. Dr. Weather's CAER machine, as described in the book, takes so much credit for our success as well. It's amazing! It is based on Francine Shapiro's EMDR(eye movement desensitization-reprocessing). With its help, you are able to 'wash away' strong negative past emotions. Once this has occurred, you then can move forward, changing current dysfunctional behaviors. I can't speak highly enough of Dr. Weathers, his book and his CAER therapy. I strongly encourage anyone to read this book and visit Dr. Weathers, as I am confident that he can turn your life around as he did ours. We will be forever grateful to him. Thank-you Dr. Weathers!!!!!
 

ADHD - to medicate or not, October 18, 2001
Reviewer: Roz Barber from London, England
ADHD - to medicate or not

My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was six years old. When he was diagnosed, it was a big shock but I set out to discover what this ADHD was all about. My search led me eventually to this book by Dr Lawrence Weathers, ADHD - A Path to Success, a revolutionary theory and new innovation in drug free therapy. Revolutionary - yes. Drug free! Was it possible? Yes!
If your child has ADHD and you are questioning the conventional treatment to medicate, read this book and explore the reasoning in it. It is an easy read and when I read it, it felt like a light had been switched on in my head. Suddenly, I could see how my son had slipped down the slippery spiral of defeat and failure. Yes, he was on medication for a while and it did help him focus at school, but was it worth it for all the side affects the medication caused? My conscience nagged me about drugging my child and this book gave me hope.
Having taken the plunge and risked traveling from England, half way round the world, I am pleased to say that the treatment does work if you let it. I now have a Grade 5 son in the advanced Maths group and the top Literacy group. He has several good mates, gets invited to their houses and has them to play in ours. Yes, he does still have bad days, (don't we all), but nowadays the good days far outweigh the bad ones.
If you read this book, it could well change your life and that of your child. ...

 

Dr. Weathers saved our son and our marriage., August 23, 2001 
Reviewer: A reader from Leadville. CO USA effects
Our 11 year old son was diagnosed with adhd when he was 7. Since then, we had read all the adhd books and have tried medications, counselors, tutoring, everything we could think of. Not much helped for long. We then found Dr. Weathers website and bought his book. What an eye-opener his book was. It made so much more sense than anything else we had found. We could see out son in those pages.

After discussing our situation with Dr. Weathers through email several times, we decided to go to Spokane for CAER treatment. We are so glad we did. Not only is our son off drugs, and doing very well, our marriage is also much better. Dr. Weathers ongoing advice after treatment has been great. I strongly recommend that anyone who has an adhd child or marriage problems get this book and go see Dr. Weathers. It is the best investment you will ever make in your family.

 

A Path to Success Success Story, August 4, 2001
Reviewer: A 10-year old reader from Austin, Texas
My 10 year old child was diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago after completing first grade. It was decided by his physician and my husband and I to try Ritalin. While it seemed to help his level of focus at school, we noticed that his behavior wasn't changing, at least not at home. I began feeling more convinced that meds were not the right answer. We weren't solving any behavior problems. After much research and reading I was immediately intrigued by Dr. Weather's approach to treatment. My husband, son and I flew to Spokane and met with him for 3 days. The results have been incredible and life changing for all of us. My son has been off Ritalin since March 2001 and upon returning to school the teachers never knew that we had taken him off his meds. I recommend this book and treatment to anyone who suffers from ADHD. It has truly been a blessing to us.

 

Gwen, a teacher and the mother of 3 boys., August 15, 2001
A Drug Free Alternative for Behavior Change
My youngest son had been on Ritalin for 3 years and my husband I were feeling more and more convicted that there had to be another alternative to medication. While Ritalin helped him to focus during school, his behavior at home (when he was off meds) was difficult to deal with. We felt that we were just existing day-to-day without solving any long-term problems. After reading Dr. Weather's book, however, we felt that we had discovered a wonderful opportunity. Dr. Weather's treatment was not only instant but beneficial to our whole family. Our son has been med free since spring break of the 2001 school year. The best part was that his teachers never new he had stopped taking the Ritalin! His self-confidence is stronger as is his sense of responsibility to complete and turn in assignments at school. At home he is the respectful, loving, and bright child we know. We are eternally greatful to Dr. Weathers and his CAER treatment. We have learned to be better parents and our son can be the precious child he was created to be. This was definitely an answer to a prayer.

 

Opened the door, March 22, 2001
Reviewer: Brian D. Terho from Honeoye Falls, N.Y. United States
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to help their ADHD child become happier and more successful, and/or has struggled in frustration watching their child "fail" after trying traditionally modeled therapies. The authors ideas are presented in an easy to understand, readable format. The theories are supported with hands-on, real-life examples in a way that "makes sense". The perspective is different and more encouraging than other visions of what ADHD is, and Dr. Weathers offers solutions that show real, measurable results. I came to this book after watching traditional therapies fail over and over, and wondering what I was doing to my son by filling him full of medication every day and seeing little or no results. The ideas presented by Dr. Weathers gave me new hope for my son and have lead to some breakthroughs in his behavior that suggest a new, more positive chapter in his development and opened the door to a greater sense of self-confidence and well-being for him. Do yourself and your child a favor and make the time to at least read this book, if not participate in the program too.  

 

Dupuy from university place, Wa , February 5, 1999
A must for every parent and teacher to read.
I was very impressed with Dr. Weathers book. So much vital information in this book have help improve the quality of life for my family tremendously. The book points out how everyone involve in the child's life could have a big impact on there daily behavior problems. I highly recommend anyone whose child have been observed or diagnosed with ADHD to read Dr. Weathers' book. Thank you for writing this book.

 

kdalian@ford.com from Michigan, USA , January 5, 1999
The best book on ADHD available!!!
As parents of a pre-teen ADHD child, my wife and I have read many books on the subject. Most of them describe ADHD behavior well, but none of them accurately describe how it is formed. And NONE of them provide truly effective methods of treatment. This book was an eye opening experience. I am not a psychologist, but I have never read anything that seemed so right on target as this book is. My wife and I were so impressed that she and our son traveled to visit Dr. Weathers. The treatment was everything the book describes. If you have, or know someone who has an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder person in their life, I strongly suggest you read this book. It can literally change lives for the better.

 

A reader from The Midwest  September 23, 1999
Drug-free treatment for ADHD that works!,
 Our son was diagnosed with ADHD based on observed behaviors eighteen months ago. Like good parents we wanted to help our child and took him to his pediatrician who handed us a prescription for Ritalin. After some initial improvement, our hope began to wane as his behavior deteriorated and we were again faced with increasing his Ritalin dosage. We were not happy with the continued prospect of higher doses of stimulants to control our son's behavior. It was at this point that we stumbled across Dr. Weather's book, "ADHD: A Path to Success". His approach to ADHD really made sense to us. After much investigation and research into ADHD, this was the first treatment that offered lasting, drug-free results. My son's treatment with CAER coupled with common-sense discipline bridged our son into learned behaviors that are cooperative, appropriate and pleasant. We heartily endorse Dr. Weather's book and treatment for anyone trying to regain control of their child's life.

 

A reader from Spokane WA , December 30, 1998
Finally a book and treatment that make sense, and work.
I read ADHD: A Path to Success by Dr. Lawrence Weathers. Prior to that I had read several other books on the subject. The school was recommending he take Ritalin but I did not want to go that route. Dr. Weathers book made a lot of sense so I took my 9 year old son to him for treatment. The changes that took place in a short period of time were quite dramatic. His behavior changed from being “all over the place” and impossible to handle to being cooperative and able to sit down and do his school work. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Weathers and I would highly recommend his book and treatment to other parents with the same problem.

 

creta1244@aol.com from Spokane WA , April 2, 1998
A drug-free way to help children and parents.
Reading Dr. Weathers' book, "ADHD: A Path to Success," took me back to my third grade class. I remember the terror of spelling tests, my total inability to figure out how a word might be spelled, the feeling of frustration and the awful knowledge that I was the only one in the class who would flunk the test over and over. As Dr. Weathers describes the children in his book, how they use attentional avoidance to escape unpleasant situations, I felt that he was describing my experiences as a child. As an adult, I went back to college and found his treatment helpful in overcoming my math and writing anxiety. Dr. Weathers explains attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from the child's point of view, giving a clearer understanding of how and why children develop this means of coping with problems. He details how his therapy offers a new, drug-free way to help children and their parents. The book is an informative and interesting read, offering hope to parents who often feel there is no way to help their children except through drugs. It also offers hope for schools overburdened with government mandates that insist schools address the psychological needs of children. Having a sister as a teacher, I know that teachers and schools want to educate children and help them achieve their highest potential. Our society makes that harder and harder for them to do. Dr. Weathers' new therapy offers a way to reach children without drugging them, to enable parents and educators to work together in the best interest of the child. A must read for anyone who works with, or has a child who has been diagnosed as an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder child.

 

A reader from Spokane, WA , March 24, 1998
Must read for all because of new theory and treatment.
ADHD: A Path to Success effectively addresses two different readers: families burdened with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as professionals who dissatisfied with available treatments. Dr. Weathers (himself an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder success story) effectively integrates a wide theoretical perspectives and research data to create a striking new and more convincing explanation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This new model presents the experience of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder from the afflicted child’s point of view. The whole phenomenon of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder makes infinitely more sense when seen on the basis of the child’s rather than the adult’s needs. From the child’s point of view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is an adaptation to his world, not a defect or disability. To take advantage of his new theory Dr. Weathers has developed a psychotherapy machine to treat these children. This machine, an extension of Francine Shapiro’s Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by extinguishing the child’s learned aversion to his school, parents, teachers, work etc. so that he no longer needs attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to adapt to his environment. The book is interesting, well thought out and clearly written. It represents a major innovation in the theory and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Anyone working with these children, whether teacher, parent, or psychologist must read it.

      Jim Flynn, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist Spokane WA