Piece Comment

Review of He Just Can't Help It


Drawn to this because I know some parents struggling with ADHD kids, and grateful for an illuminating journey inside one family's experience of life with an ADHD child. Narrator Marybeth Whalen interviews her parents and hyper younger brother who at times seems to her like the devil. Her direct questions illicit good tape from all involved. A weary father lists all the ways you need to keep an eye out for Patrick; a tense mother defends her time away at work and urges understanding and compassion; Patrick talks about the craziness he feels inside until the medication kicks in; and Marybeth tries to see her way to a higher ground, one that does not involve throwing things in Patrick's direction. Though Marybeth's delivery occasionally feels stiff, her words and openness are refreshing. It's a common problem in this fast-paced world and many listeners would benefit from this work. Could be paired with news or information on ADHD.