Everyone’s ADHD manifests differently. The understanding of ADHD as a whole is important, as are different perspectives on how to best manage ADHD traits that may get in the way.
Here are my current Top 10 (in no particular order) books and a short review of each:
ADHD 2.0, Hallowell & Ratey, 2021:
This book highlights the latest science and plans for minimizing the downside and maximizing the benefits of ADHD. From embracing ADHD, exploring medication, to finding the environmental factors to support those with ADHD, this book offers a great roadmap, start to finish.
Living Well with ADHD, Huff, 2016:
This is an empowering book, both for the individual with ADHD and for those they come in contact with. This book covers the gamut, from activation, communication, relationships, and much more. My favorite chapter? Success stories. I love hearing how people have embraced their ADHD and created the life they want to live.
Faster Than Normal, Shankman, 2017:
I can’t even count the number of times this book comes up in ADHD conversations. Shankman has the ability to take what many believe to be a detriment and turn it into his biggest gift. This book is filled with positive, practical, and attainable thoughts on how to flip the script on ADHD.
More Attention, Less Deficit, Tuckman, 2009
Tuckman is one of the most approachable authors I’ve read. His humorous and practical approach to ADHD is very engaging. One fun thing about this book is that it doesn’t need to be read in chapter order. Bounce around as much as you’d like, and what ADHD brain doesn’t want to do that?
Smart but Stuck, Brown, 2014
This book reflects 35 plus years of clinical practical insights, the latest findings on neuroscience, and an engaging way to learn via eleven individual case studies. I’m almost certain anyone will find awareness and understanding in reading these real-life situations and solutions.
Women with ADHD, Solden, 1995 (updated in 2012):
Long considered the expert on women with ADHD, this book specifically focuses on how ADHD affects women differently. Solden highlights how shame, largely caused by unequal and unreasonable societal expectations, creates a much more difficult ADHD experience. I appreciate her focus on the three R’s: Restructuring, Redefining, Renegotiating, which apply not only to work but also home and relationships.
What does everybody else know that I don’t?, Novotni & Peterson, 1999
Developing social skills can be a challenge for individuals with ADHD. Since social competence is the primary determiner of adult success, this book will be invaluable to anyone with ADHD challenged in this arena, offering insights as to why social skills may not have been learned early in life, solutions on wrangling ADHD traits (inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity) that get in the way, and practical advice on how to handle common social problems.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for ADHD, Young & Bramham, 2012
This book is written a bit more for clinical and academic communities; however, it is full of practical tools and techniques for individuals with ADHD, their friends, family members, and other supporters. The book provides practical guidance and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques for adults and adolescents on the core ADHD challenges of attention, memory, organization, time management, and impulsivity.
The Disorganized Mind, Ratey, 2008
As a successful ADHD Coach, Ratey has written a book that brings her coaching strategies to the masses, focusing on time management, procrastination, impulsivity, distractibility, and transitions. If you are a self-starter and can hold yourself accountable for actions, this may be the perfect book to put you on the road to achieving your goals.
And just for fun . . .
All Dogs Have ADHD, Hoopmann, 2009:
What better way is there to normalize ADHD than looking at it through the eyes of man’s best friend?
Although many of my favorite authors are represented here, the totality of their works is not. I encourage you to learn about ADHD and how it affects the lives of those living with it and those around them. Knowledge truly is power.
Cindy Jobs
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