Living with ADHD as an adult can be a journey filled with unique challenges and triumphs. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, undiagnosed but curious about potential symptoms, or have been managing ADHD for years, finding the right resources can make all the difference in understanding yourself better and improving your quality of life. As therapists, we’ve seen firsthand how knowledge and support can empower individuals to embrace their strengths and address their struggles with confidence.
We’ve curated nine valuable resources that cater to the diverse needs of adults with ADHD and many that can speak to children or teens with ADHD, too. These include insightful books, informative articles, engaging YouTube channels, and practical tools designed to offer guidance and foster personal growth. Our team chose these resources to provide clarity, practical advice, and emotional support to help you navigate the complexities of ADHD.
These resources offer a wealth of information and encouragement, whether you’re seeking practical strategies to improve focus and manage daily tasks or better understand your, your partner’s, or your child’s condition. You can also explore lesser-known complications of ADHD, such as its impact on relationships. Dive in and explore how these tools can help you unleash your potential and succeed in both your personal and professional life.
Book: ADHD is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD by Penn and Kim Holderness
This resource is helpful for anyone who is looking for a positive spin on the diagnosis of ADHD for themselves or a loved one.
Top takeaways from therapist Kelsee White
This book, authored by the popular social media duo Penn and Kim Holderness, is a delightful extension of their humorous and upbeat content that addresses the everyday challenges couples and families face. Known for their engaging videos and podcasts covering a wide array of topics—from generational gap differences to shopping trips at Costco—the Holdernesses bring their signature charm to this written work.
In the book, Penn courageously shares his journey with ADHD, revealing personal stories from his childhood, the time of his diagnosis, and his strategies for managing ADHD in adulthood. Throughout the book, Penn and Kim also explore how ADHD impacts their relationship. The book not only highlights the challenges of living with ADHD but also celebrates the unique bright spots it can bring. The positive perspective on ADHD is refreshing, and the Holdernesses’ storytelling is relatable, heartwarming, and will give you a good laugh.
I highly recommend the Audiobook version, as Penn and Kim narrate most of the book together. You will get a fuller and more engaging experience as you listen to them tell their story and provide hilarious commentary along the way.
Book: ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction – from Childhood Through Adulthood by Edward M. Hallowell M.D. and John J. Ratey M.D.
This resource is helpful not only for those diagnosed with ADHD but also for anyone wanting to learn more, such as a parent, educator, or clinician.
Top takeaways from therapist Dr. Faith Drew
A couple of years ago, I listened to the audible version of ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD, on Audible. I found it to be an incredibly interesting and informative resource. Hallowell and Ratey offer a fresh perspective on ADHD based on research, shedding light on its challenges and unique advantages. It was very helpful to spend time on the positive aspects of ADHD, such as creativity, energy, and the ability to think outside the box. The authors present the information in a way that makes complex concepts accessible and practical.
As a couples therapist, I also like the emphasis on building positive connections with others to reduce feelings of isolation. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about ADHD. I find reading books more difficult, especially at the end of a long workday—I tend to fall asleep too quickly when reading. I like that this was offered in Audible form so I could easily listen and learn while exercising or cleaning the house.
Digital Magazine: ADDitude Mag
This resource is helpful for anyone who experiences ADHD or has a friend or family member with ADHD and would like to understand more.
Top takeaways from therapist Ali Flowers
ADDitue Mag is a trusted resource for families and adults living with ADHD and related conditions and for professionals who work with those with ADHD. You’ll find articles by both experts and individuals living with ADHD, guides, strategies, and information about ADHD and related conditions, which may include learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and oppositional defiant disorder. The editors behind ADDitude take great pride in being a voice and advocate for the ADHD community. Check them out for a one-stop shop for diagnostic tests and symptom checklists, practical solutions, treatment options, articles, podcasts, webinars, and many other free resources.
Bonus: For a fee, you can subscribe to their digital or physical magazine for new and exclusive articles.
ADDitude Article: Secrets of the ADHD Brain: Why We Think, Act, and Feel the Way We Do by William Dodson, MD
This resource is helpful for someone looking to avoid ADHD stereotypes and better understand the symptoms they are experiencing with their condition.
Top takeaways from therapist Anna Malles
I love sharing this article with clients because it provides an insightful and compassionate look at how ADHD affects the brain, demystifying the symptoms you might be experiencing or observing in a loved one. By understanding the neurological differences at play, you can gain a clearer perspective on the unique challenges and strengths of a brain with ADHD. There can be so much stigma around an ADHD diagnosis, so highlighting the positive aspects of ADHD, such as creativity, hyperfocus abilities, and problem-solving skills, is incredibly important.
This article is a valuable resource for fostering self-knowledge and acceptance, beginning the journey to embracing your ADHD as an integral part of who you are, and exploring how to work with your brain instead of against it.
YouTube Channel: How To ADHD with Jessica McCabe
This resource is helpful for teens and adults who want to learn more about ADHD.
Top takeaways from sexual wellness specialist Liz Mallers
In her YouTube Channel, Jessica McCabe covers everything from the broadest topics, such as “what is ADHD,” to the more niche intersections, like “ADHD and chronic pain.” You can uncover a wealth of ADHD information in her thoughtfully produced videos. Remember: you can adjust the playback speed and use closed captions to enhance your viewing preferences.
Workbook: The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD by Melissa Orlov and Nancie Kohlenberger LMFT
This resource is most helpful for couples with one or both neurodivergent partners looking for concrete strategies.
Top takeaways from therapist Danae Kauffman
This workbook is a follow-up to “The ADHD Effect on Marriage,” which provides a more systemic and conceptual understanding of an ADHD couple’s cycle. Orlov and Kohlenberger discuss couples’ relationship patterns and concrete practices for neurotypical couples to implement. The tactile nature of this book makes it a good resource for both implementation and discussion.
Bonus: This book is available in print, Kindle, and audiobook.
Book: ADHD After Dark: Better Sex Life, Better Relationship by Ari Tuckman
This resource is helpful for couples who are looking for a practical guide to enhance their communication and connection surrounding ADHD-related barriers to their sexual intimacy.
Top takeaways from sexual wellness specialist Liz Mallers
This book provides valuable insights into how ADHD symptoms like distractibility, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation can affect a person’s sexuality and a couple’s intimacy. It’s easy to read and well-organized in digestible sections (those with ADHD will appreciate that).
Bonus: This book is available in print, Kindle, and audiobook.
Book: Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder by Dr. Gabor Maté MD
This resource is helpful for anyone struggling with ADHD, including family members and partners of those diagnosed.
Top takeaways from therapist Dr. George Bitar
In “Scattered Minds,” Dr. Gabor Maté expertly outlines how some symptoms related to ADHD are often childhood adaptions to trauma or a less-than-secure childhood attachment dynamic. Understanding this broader context of the origins of ADHD can allow for deeper compassion, connection, empowerment, and motivation to continue exploring new ways of managing and healing the condition.
Bonus: This book is available in print, Kindle, and audiobook.
Specialized ADHD Treatment and Management: Carolina Attention Specialists
This resource is helpful for children or adults looking for ADHD evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and family support in North Carolina.
Top takeaways from therapist Anna Malles
If you have been diagnosed with or think you may have ADHD, you may be looking for more tangible treatment options or individualized support than a book, podcast, or YouTube channel can offer. Carolina Attention Specialists can provide medication management, behavior therapy, and strategic coaching that helps you manage the specific symptoms you are most struggling with.
ADHD can be a challenge, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Accepting a diagnosis of ADHD or the limits associated with it can feel defeating. Many with ADHD feel misunderstood and isolated. At In Session Psych, we can help you process the symptoms you’re noticing and get the support you need to feel empowered. If you’re interested in individual therapy, we are available for in-person sessions at our Charlotte, NC office or virtually for residents of NC and SC.