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Judith Stern focuses on children who have problems focusing. When the Rockville resident began teaching more than 30 years ago, her interest was piqued by the students who were struggling to learn.

"When I did my graduate work, ADD [attention deficit disorder] and AD/HD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] were not being diagnosed," she explains. "Once the field became more developed, I became excited about learning all I could and using the information to help students and their parents."

Sixteen years after releasing the first edition of their book for this audience, Stern and developmental pediatrician Patricia Quinn have released a new and improved "Putting on the Brakes: Understanding and Taking Control of Your ADD or ADHD."

The word "your" in the title emphasizes that the book is intended for children, ages 8 to 13, with attention problems and their parents.

"When we first had the idea of writing the book, we were amazed to find that there were no books available for children who wanted to learn more about ADHD," Stern says. "I am a teacher and Pat Quinn is a pediatrician, and we frequently found ourselves explaining to the children we worked with what it meant to have AD/HD in language and concepts they could understand."

With the landscape of treatment for attention disorders having changed dramatically since the original edition, the authors have added information about the latest treatments and coping methods. Among them, Stern says, are new medications, as well as laptop computers and cell phones that can be used to remind users about tasks. Even meditation, progressive relaxation and routine time outdoors are now employed to help with focus.

The book thoroughly explains attention deficit disorders, beginning with its challenges like focusing, keeping still, thinking before acting, keeping track of things and learning. Children with hyperactivity may feel upset, anxious or sleepy if they are unable to move around.

"You may get angry when an adult keeps telling you to pay attention, especially when you feel that you are trying very hard to do just that," the authors write. "And in spite of your efforts, the results may not be as good as you (or your parents or teachers) wish."

Stern and Quinn also get down to the scientific nitty gritty, explaining how a lack of neurotransmitters may lead to messages not being properly carried between brain cells.

Even amid the science, sensitivity is maintained. Stern says she and Quinn worked together to ensure a positive tone and a message that there is a lot children can do to manage their symptoms.

"Scientists also know that while these problems with the neurotransmitters affect some of the brain's jobs, like learning and remembering, they do not affect intelligence, personality or creativity," they write. "Kids with AD/HD are just as smart, talented, and healthy as other kids."

Stern says the most common misconception about AD/HD is that it is over-diagnosed.

"In fact, there are many children who have the disorder and are never diagnosed or treated," she insists.

Another myth is that AD/HD is a fad.

"Actually, many adults are now finding out that they had AD/HD when they were young, but people did not know what it was then," she says.

Stern has published several books on learning disabilities, and is currently working on a new book for parents and teachers about dyslexia. She speaks to parent and professional groups on a variety of educational topics, including learning problems, organizational skills, homework strategies and behavior management.

The point Stern wants to drive home the point that children who have ADD and AD/HD are not alone. Parents, teachers, counselors and doctors are there to help.

"It's not easy having ADD or AD/HD," she says, "but if you work hard, along with those people who are there to support you, you will be able to achieve your goals."

"Putting on the Brakes: Understanding and Taking Control of your ADD or ADHD," published by Magination Press, the children's publishing division of the American Psychological Association, and may be purchased through most major online booksellers or by calling 1-800-374-2721.