Resources: Books
Books
As with the above websites, I am comfortable recommending the books below based on the value I have received from them, both personally and professionally. I will continue to add books as I continue on my own path of development.
You will notice that I have included links for each book to Amazon. I chose Amazon for three reasons:
- First, Amazon is fairly competitive in the pricing of its books.
- Second, no one matches Amazon's selection and ability to ship as quickly.
- Last, in the spirit of openness, I want you to know that I earn a small commission when you click the link and buy the book through Amazon. This additional source of income allows me to use my time to create value that I can pass along to you, such as this resource list. Of course, you should feel free to buy the books through whichever vendor you prefer.
General
ADD Success Stories by Thom Hartmann
Summary: This is an interesting book for the author’s presentation of his theory of people with AD/HD as being hunters in a farmers’ world. I also think that it is worth reading for the use of peoples’ real life stories as a means of illustrating different approaches to dealing with AD/HD.
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults: A Different Way of Thinking by Lynn Weiss
Summary: I like this book for Dr. Weiss’ alternative perspective of AD/HD; she believes that that AD/HD is not a disability, but a different brain style. It is in this context that she outlines different strategies, techniques and treatment options to address the needs of those with an AD/HD brain style. If you think that having AD/HD means that you are broken, you just might think differently after reading this book.
Driven To Distraction : Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey
Summary: The authors draw upon their clinical experience treating patients with AD/HD as well as their personal experience as they point out the challenges and the benefits of having AD/HD. They also offer very succinct explanations of what ADD is, how it may affect people and possible treatments. I would recommend “Delivered from Distraction,” however, as it is a more updated version of this book.
Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey
Summary: I consider this to be the most comprehensive and up to date primer on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD; it is based on the author’s earlier book, Driven to Distraction. If you are considering getting your first book on AD/HD, I would recommend this one.
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
Summary: I highly recommend this book for everyone. For those who have AD/HD, you know that developing your EQ can be a struggle. This seminal work addresses what it means to be emotionally intelligent, how to develop it and apply it in different settings. This is a good book to start with, if you are interested in exploring the concept of Emotional Intelligence.
Leadership and Self Deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute
Summary: If your own thoughts can sometimes be your worst enemy, this book will be an eye opener. While a deceptively easy read, this book could possibly transform how you view your relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. It did for me.
Mindfulness by Ellen J. Langer
Summary: This is an excellent book on the connection between our actions and how we think. It is a particularly interesting read for folks with AD/HD, as it gives light to the necessity of creating space to slow down in order to go forward.
Taming Your Gremlin by Rick Carson
Summary: We all have self–limiting beliefs that were formed somewhere along the way. Although a serious topic, to be sure, the author uses humor as he explores the various gremlins, our self-limiting beliefs, and how they may affect us. Thankfully, he also suggests ways to “tame” them, so that they do not rule our lives.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Summary: Tried and true principles that, if practiced, could help you move toward your goals. It is a good reference book to remind you of what you can do to help yourself reach your vision.
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
Summary: This 2006 updated version is a very thorough reference book on all facets of living with AD/HD. The authors’ engaging, straightforward and at times humorous approach to the topic makes the book highly readable for all those interested in learning about AD/HD.
Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life by Sari Solden
Summary: As a clinician who treats adults with AD/HD and an Adult with AD/HD, Sari Solden details with passion and humor what it is like to be a women with AD/HD. She also summarizes options for treatment from both a personal and professional perspective. This is one of my favorite books, as Sari does such a wonderful job of giving a voice to women with AD/HD.
Career
A.D.D. on the Job: Making Your A.D.D. Work for You by Lynn Weiss
Summary: This book provides specific information on how your style of AD/HD may be affecting your ability to function well in your job. Strategies to counter problematic aspects of your AD/HD style and strategies to use your strengths to enhance your job performance are provided. If your current job is not a good fit, Dr. Weiss also includes a section in which she looks at a career change or self employment as a possible alternative to staying in your current position.
Children/Parenting
A Mind at a Time by Mel Levine
Summary: I highly recommend this book for all parents. Dr. Levine explains in a very accessible manner how to: identify your child’s style of learning, use their strengths to help them succeed, and help overcome or mitigate their weaknesses to further their chances of success. I also find the information very helpful in enhancing parents’ ability to partner with school personnel and to advocate for their child.
Between Parent and Child by Alice Ginott and H. Wallace Goddard
Summary:
For every parent who wants to interact with their child in an emotionally healthy and respectful way, as well as raise emotionally healthy children, this updated and revised version of the original by Dr. Haim Ginott, is an indispensable resource to help guide your parenting.
1-2-3 Magic: Effective Discipline for Children 2-12 by Thomas Phelan
Summary: While I do not really think there is any magic in parenting, this system may work for you. Using this system of discipline consistently will allow you to approach managing your child’s behavior in a less emotionally charged manner. If what you are doing now does not work for you or your child, I recommend this as a possibility. You will learn how to set boundaries, while still caring for the emotional well being of your child.
Putting on the Brakes: Young People's Guide to Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Patricia Quinn
Summary: Kids with AD/HD, ages 8-13, will certainly better understand AD/HD after reading this book. I think that they will enjoy it, too. Of course, parents will need to decide whether to read the book with their child or to allow them to read it alone.
Ready or Not, Here Life Comes by Mel Levine
Summary: Parents, you may want to read this book while your child is still in middle school. Then you can be proactive and avoid the pitfalls detailed in the book of not preparing your child early on for life after college/high school. I would also recommend this book for young adults as early as high school to assist them in becoming more self aware.
Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell Barkley
Summary: If you are looking for a book that is both scientifically based and straightforward, this is a great choice. Reading this book will allow you to better take charge of your child’s treatment and become an even better advocate for your child in various settings. Becoming more knowledgeable will help you to better assist your child in meeting with success at home, in school and in social settings.
The Myth of Laziness by Mel Levine
Summary: Through a series of case studies, Dr. Levine illustrates how some children can be mislabeled as lazy when the lack of output may be due to a neurodevelopmental dysfunction. While emphasizing the deleterious affects on the development of kids who are mislabeled, he also stresses the importance of consultation with a professional in order to create an appropriate treatment plan.
Teen/College
Coaching College Students with AD/HD : Issues and Answers by Patricia O. Quinn, Nancy A. Ratey, and Theresa L. Maitland
Summary: With all of the energy put into applying to colleges, parents and students might overlook the need to develop the social, academic and daily living skills needed to be successful once in college. In addition to an extensive outline of these specific skills, the authors explore the potential challenges for a student with AD/HD and ways to address these challenges. This is a useful resource, not only for coaches, but also for parents and students.
Don't Tell Me What to Do, Just Send Money: The Essential Parenting Guide to the College Years by Helen E. Johnson, and Christine Schelhas-Miller
Summary: The authors do a superb job of helping you understand the various issues your college student and family may encounter during the college years. What is notable about this guide is its focus on giving parents information on how to develop a different role vis-à-vis their son or daughter. The authors suggest that you will be able to better support your college student and, and at the same time, give them room to grow by taking on the role of a coach and mentor. If you are not sure what to expect or how to navigate the college years, this a helpful read.
Learning Outside The Lines by David Cole and Jonathan Mooney
Summary: Written by two Brown College graduates, one who has Dyslexia and one who has AD/HD, the authors give hope, as well as concrete suggestions on how to succeed in college when you have an LD or AD/HD. I am confident that all college students who have a learning disability or AD/HD will enjoy and benefit from this book.
Survival Guide for College Students with ADHD or LD by Kathleen Nadeau
Summary: This is a nice overview of what to take into consideration when choosing a college, as well as what types of resources are available on campus to help. In addition, there is a section that outlines how students can help themselves while in college.
Organizing
ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life
Summary: Someone with AD/HD, who finds organizing difficult, will certainly find useful strategies in this book. If you are going to buy one book that deals with organization, I suggest starting with this one. The author’s discussion of the organization of time, things and paper clearly demonstrates that they understand the impact of AD/HD.
The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play by Neil Fiore
Summary: While this book is not specifically written for people with ADD, it is certainly ADD friendly. Fiore presents a program for overcoming procrastination on big projects that takes into consideration the real reasons that people procrastinate. So, rather than suggesting more time management techniques, he proposes that you schedule all of your fixed appointments and “play time” first. According to his program, you commit to working on your important project a certain about of time each day, but do not need to schedule the time; you work when you have gaps of at least ½ hr. It really works
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