A key component of the hypothesis is that the proposed " hyperfocus" aspect of ADHD is a benefit under appropriate circumstances. Across the chapters, Hartmann backs his assertions up with evidence, offers non-drug methods and practices to help hunters (as well as those who live alongside them) to welcome their differences, hone their skills, cultivate their creativity, and find success in their lives. Henry Harpending of the University of Utah reports that with this genetic mutation, "You probably do better in a context of aggressive competition.

The theory put forth is interesting and helpfully positive, but i was hoping this book would go into greater detail and explore supporting evidence. In 1979 Hartmann and his wife Louise founded New England Salem Children's Village whose main purpose is to provide a home and a nurturing environment for neglected and emotionally disturbed children and New England Salem Childrens Trust (NESCT).

Hartmann claims that most or all humans were nomadic hunter-gatherers for hundreds of thousands of years, but that this standard gradually changed as agriculture developed in most societies, and more people worldwide became farmers. I can in no way recommend this book if you want a more in-depth and useful knowledge about ADHD or better understanding of people with ADHD.

The dietary-cause advocates contended that children pattern their parent’s eating habits, and this accounts for the generational patterns of ADHD. Through his affliiation with German Salem International organization and with that group he helped start international relief programs in Uganda, Colombia, Russia, Israel, India, Australia, and several other countries between 1979 and today.He sold his interest in that company in 1996 and retired to Vermont, although he and Louise now live in Washington D. An appeal of his book is questioning why ADHD is primarily inherited and why 10% of the population has ADHD. The opposite of a person with ADHD is the person who has the ability to focus attention on one task for an extended period of time. As hunters, they would have been constantly scanning their environment, looking for food or threats (distractibility); they'd have to act without hesitation (impulsivity); and they'd have to love the high-stimulation and risk-filled environment of the hunting field.

In considering the prison and the alcoholic populations, the high proportion of ADHD individuals would suggest a genetic ADHD predisposition for these problems. this is one of the most important books on understanding ADHD I have come across, and I've read/listened to a lot since being diagnosed at 42 with ADHD 9 years ago. About the time I got diagnosed with ADHD, Thom Hartmann produced the first edition of ADHD: Hunters in a Farmer’s World. this book is a wonderful, joyful educator and extreme tear jerker, be prepared to hear some very painful stories that you will likely empathise with and have possibly experienced.

I Disregarding that traits are labelled ‘hunter’ or ‘farmer’ it was interesting to hear more about how they developed and why they might be under utilised in a modern office environment. If so, Ritalin may do little to aid learning, but the child’s disruptive behavior in the classroom also limits learning. Thom Hartmann is the host of the internationally syndicated talkshow The Thom Hartmann Program and the TV show The Big Picture on the Free Speech TV network.

From an evolutionary viewpoint, "hyperfocus" was advantageous, conferring superb hunting skills and a prompt response to predators.If you really think about this, it is in fact quite strange that a society only strives for 1 set of rules [the "norm"] and in case you're not fitting in, you are labeled as being sick or not normal. I didn’t really feel like I learned anything from reading this book, though maybe for someone who had a negative mindset towards ADHD might find this a useful guide to understanding ADHD. A former psychotherapist and founder of the Hunter School, a residential and day school for children with ADHD, he lives in Washington, D. If you compare the list of classic ADHD symptoms, and the list of the characteristics of a good hunter, you’ll see that they match almost perfectly. I advise those with ADHD to figure out which activities naturally interest them, and to follow the direction that their compasses are pointing.