9 Must-Read Books to Learn More About ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both adults and children. Despite the diagnosis being widespread, there are still many misconceptions about it.

ADHD impacts not only academic and professional performance but also interpersonal relationships. It is essential to gain in-depth knowledge about the disorder to help people navigate through the challenges it presents. One of the best ways to acquire knowledge is through reading.

Reading books about ADHD can be enlightening for individuals diagnosed with the disorder, loved ones of those diagnosed, and professionals in the field. These books can offer insightful perspectives, practical advice, and useful strategies for managing symptoms.

With a treasure trove of ADHD books available, it can be challenging to identify the most informative and relevant options. So here’s our hand-picked list of must-read books, saving you valuable time and effort!

The ADHD Workbook for Kids: Helping Children Gain Self-Confidence, Social Skills, and Self-Control by Lawrence Shapiro

Don’t miss the opportunity to check out Lawrence Shapiro’s “The ADHD Workbook for Kids” if you work with children who have ADHD as a teacher, therapist, or parent. This book provides valuable insight to help your child build self-confidence, develop social skills, and gain self-control.

This practical book offers effective tools to help children gain self-confidence, social skills, and self-control. It uses a cognitive-behavioral approach to teach children how to monitor their behavior, manage their emotions, and develop positive communication skills. The book also includes many kid-friendly activities and exercises that are designed to promote self-esteem, emotional intelligence, and social skills.

This is a fantastic resource for families looking for guidance on how to navigate the challenges of ADHD and help their children thrive. This book belongs on any comprehensive list of ADHD books or books about ADHD.

Recommended Reading

The ADHD Workbook for Kids: Helping Children Gain Self-Confidence, Social Skills, and Self-Control (Instant Help)

This workbook includes more than forty activities for kids developed by child psychologist Lawrence Shapiro that can help your child with ADHD handle everyday tasks, make friends, and build self-esteem while he or she learns to overcome the most challenging aspects of the disorder.

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Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell A. Barkley

As a parent, it can be challenging to navigate the world of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). To gain a better understanding of your child’s needs and how to support them, I highly recommend reading “Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents” by Russell A. Barkley.”

This comprehensive guide provides expert advice for parents and effective strategies that they can use to help their children manage the disorder. Russell Barkley, a renowned author and expert in the field of ADHD, presents the latest research and evidence-based practices to help parents better understand the behavior and thought patterns of children with ADHD.

From medication management to behavioral techniques, this excellent book offers valuable insights and hands-on strategies that parents can use to improve their child’s daily life. If you’re looking for top-quality ADHD books, this one should definitely be on your reading list.

Recommended Reading

Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents

The leading parent resource about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its treatment has now been revised and updated with the latest information and resources. 

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Driven to Distraction (Revised): Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood by Edward M. Hallowell

Read “Driven to Distraction (Revised)” by Edward M. Hallowell to understand and cope with ADHD from childhood through adulthood. Considered by many as one of the finest resources on ADHD, this book is equally valuable for both adults and children. It serves as an excellent guidebook for individuals who have just received a diagnosis or those who seek to broaden their knowledge about this condition.

This resource delivers an all-encompassing breakdown of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It highlights its impact on the brain and practical tactics to effectively handle symptoms and overcome the condition. The author, who also has ADHD, offers insightful personal anecdotes and practical advice for those who want to conquer the challenges of ADHD. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand ADHD and how to successfully navigate life with the disorder.

Recommended Reading

Driven to Distraction (Revised): Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder

Through vivid stories and case histories of patients—both adults and children—Hallowell and Ratey explore the varied forms ADHD takes, from hyperactivity to daydreaming.

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Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder by Edward M. Hallowell

“Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder” by Edward M. Hallowell is a must-read book about ADHD. Hallowell, a renowned psychiatrist and author, presents a comprehensive guide for adults with ADHD and their loved ones. The book explains ADHD and its effects on the brain, shares the latest research and gives practical solutions for managing its symptoms.

The book also includes real-life stories of people with ADHD who have found success in managing their symptoms and achieving their goals. If you are looking for a book that is both informative and inspiring, “Delivered from Distraction” is an excellent choice for your ADHD book collection.

Recommended Reading

Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder

Delivered from Distraction is a wise, loving guide to releasing the positive energy that all people with ADHD hold inside. If you have ADHD or care about someone who does, this is the book you must read.

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The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps by Melissa Orlov

Melissa Orlov’s “The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps” is an essential read if you’re seeking a thorough guide to comprehend and reconstruct your relationship in the presence of ADHD. This book offers practical strategies, tools, and solutions for couples struggling with the challenges that arise when one or both partners has ADHD.

Orlov explains how ADHD impacts relationships and suggests ways to nurture a strong and satisfying partnership through personal stories and practical instances.

If you’re struggling with ADHD, this book can be an incredibly useful tool for both managing your symptoms and improving your relationships, whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with it for years. As one of the most popular and well-reviewed ADHD books on the market, “The ADHD Effect on Marriage” should definitely be on your reading list if you’re interested in learning more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Recommended Reading

The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps

Awarded "Best Psychology Book of 2010" by ForeWord Reviews, and updated in 2020, this book is an invaluable resource for couples in which one of the partners suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

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Parenting Children with ADHD by Vincent J. Monastra

For parents raising kids with ADHD, Vincent J. Monastra’s “Parenting Your Child with ADHD” is a must-read amidst the numerous beneficial ADHD books on the market.

Monastra gives useful tips for dealing with the typical difficulties of raising a child with ADHD, such as lack of focus, excess energy, acting without thinking, and resistance.

The book focuses on fostering self-reliance and positive behaviors in children with ADHD, and encourages parents to use evidence-based strategies such as behavioral interventions and lifestyle changes to improve their child’s functioning. “Parenting Your Child with ADHD” is a must-have guide for parents looking to provide effective support for their children with ADHD. With its user-friendly format and practical tips, this resource is both engaging and invaluable.

Recommended Reading

Parenting Children With ADHD: 10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach (APA LifeTools Series)

Dr. Monastra discusses all the relevant issues for parents, including psychological treatment, diet, educational laws, and practical coping strategies for both parents and children. 

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ADHD: What Everyone Needs to Know by Stephen P. Hinshaw

“ADHD: What Everyone Needs to Know” by Stephen P. Hinshaw is a must-read. It provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of ADHD, including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and the latest research findings.

The book sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding ADHD and examines its impact on individuals and their families. Hinshaw, an expert in child and adolescent psychology, draws on his decades of experience to offer practical advice and strategies for managing the disorder.

This book can help parents, teachers, and people with ADHD understand and deal with the challenges of living with the condition.

Recommended Reading

ADHD: What Everyone Needs to Know

ADHD: What Everyone Needs to Know clears the air of the most polarizing and misleading information that abounds, providing straight talk and sound guidelines for educators, policymakers, health professionals, parents, and the general public.

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ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell and John. J. Ratey

If you’re looking for insightful and practical advice on how to manage ADHD, “ADHD 2.0” by Edward Hallowell and John J. Ratey is a must-read book. The Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health’s founder, Hallowell, who is an esteemed ADHD specialist, offers a revitalizing and contemporary outlook on the disorder that integrates cutting-edge technology and research.

In this book, Hallowell emphasizes that ADHD is not a disorder of attention but a disorder of self-regulation. He provides a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of ADHD symptoms, such as poor executive function and emotional dysregulation. His strategies include utilizing technology as a tool for self-regulation, cultivating positive emotions, and building strong relationships.

“ADHD 2.0” is a standout among the numerous books on ADHD due to its practical and pioneering approach, which derives from Hallowell’s extensive experience assisting people with ADHD. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or individual with ADHD, this book by Edward Hallowell and John J. Ratey provides valuable insights and actionable advice to improve your quality of life.

Recommended Reading

ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction--from Childhood through Adulthood

As inspiring as it is practical, ADHD 2.0 will help you tap into the power of the mercurial condition of ADHD and find the key that unlocks potential.

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You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!: The Classic Self-Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo

In the book “You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!”, Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo offer a compassionate and empowering take on ADHD in adults. This classic self-help book provides a wealth of information, personal anecdotes, and practical strategies for managing adult ADHD.

The authors, who are both women with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, provide a comprehensive understanding of ADHD and how it can affect different areas of life, such as relationships, work, and personal organization.

“You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!” takes a holistic approach to ADHD management, offering guidance on self-acceptance, building self-esteem, and developing effective, actionable coping mechanisms. The book also covers topics such as medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes that can help individuals with ADHD thrive.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the positive effects of ADHD, dispelling common misonceptions. Kelly and Ramundo highlight the unique strengths and abilities that ADHD individuals possess, such as creativity, hyperfocus, and the ability to think outside the box.

By reframing ADHD as a neurobiological trait rather than a personal flaw, the authors inspire readers to embrace their differences and unlock their full potential.

Recommended Reading

You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!

A revised and updated edition of the classic self-help book that has served as a lifeline to the millions of adults who have ADHD!

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Learn More About ADHD

These must-read books about ADHD are just a few of the many resources available. They give useful information about ADHD and provide tips for managing symptoms and living well with it.

Whether you are someone with ADHD, a caregiver, or simply interested in learning more about this topic, these books can be an invaluable resource.

By reading about the experiences of others and learning from experts, you can gain a deeper understanding of ADHD and the various ways it can affect people’s lives.

Keep reading to learn more about ADHD!