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10 Best ADHD Books for 2021

Published: August 27, 2021 Updated: May 16, 2022
Published: 08/27/2021 Updated: 05/16/2022
Headshot of Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC
Written by:

Sandra Calzadilla

LMHC
Headshot of Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D.
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

Pharm. D.
  • ADHD Books for ParentsFor Parents
  • ADHD Books for KidsFor Kids
  • Adult ADHD BooksAdults With ADHD
  • ADHD Books for CouplesFor Couples
  • When to See a TherapistFind a Therapist
  • Additional ResourcesResources
Headshot of Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC
Written by:

Sandra Calzadilla

LMHC
Headshot of Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D.
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

Pharm. D.

Whether you have ADHD or have a friend or loved one with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, finding stories from therapists, doctors, and those living with ADHD can help you make sense of ADHD symptoms and provide insight into the way ADHD brains work.

Perhaps you’re a parent whose child was recently diagnosed, or you’re an adult wondering why you can’t seem to focus on the right things. Either way, these books on ADHD can help with advice, insight, or, at the very least, let you know you’re not alone.

For our audience’s convenience, we include links to Amazon so recommended books can be easily purchased. Choosing Therapy may earn a commission from Amazon when purchases are made using the links on this page. Read more about our high editorial standards and advertising policy.

ADHD Books for Parents

Parenting is challenging enough, and attention issues like struggling to stay focused, constantly high-energy, and the inability to stick with a project can make it feel impossible. These books are for parents who want to navigate their childrens’ ADHD while helping them thrive.

Understanding Girls with ADHD: How They Feel and Why They Do What They Do, by Kathleen Nadeau, Ellen Littman, and Patricia Quinn1. Understanding Girls with ADHD: How They Feel and Why They Do What They Do, by Kathleen Nadeau, Ellen Littman, and Patricia Quinn

ADHD is no longer “just for boys.” This informative book breaks down common ADHD issues in young girls and puts them into easy, understandable categories so that you can find what you need quickly.

It’s also not afraid to dive into difficult questions like determining if your daughter’s symptoms are actually ADHD or whether or not medication may be worthwhile for your child.

Taking Charge of Adult ADHD by Russel A. Barkley, PhD2. Taking Charge of ADHD, Second Edition: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents, by Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.

This often-cited ADHD book comes up high on most lists, and for good reason. This latest edition includes a section for parents with ADHD themselves, as well as updated information on medication, treatment plans, and behavior solutions to help your child manage their symptoms and move ahead.

HyperHealing: The Empowered Parent’s Complete Guide to Raising a Healthy Child with ADHD Symptoms, by Avigail Gimpel M.S.3. HyperHealing: The Empowered Parent’s Complete Guide to Raising a Healthy Child with ADHD Symptoms, by Avigail Gimpel M.S.

Avigail Gimpel was a teacher who loved all of her students, but always had a special spot for those with “a special energy.” These kids daydreamed, often struggled to stay on task, and sometimes had a hard time in social or emotional situations.

Her experience teaching these students, as well as raising her own children diagnosed with ADHD, led her on a 20-year journey to identify the best ways to help these children grow into their healthiest selves.

ADHD Books for Kids

Kids are smarter than we often give them credit for, so why not tackle their ADHD diagnosis together? These books are written for kids to help them understand their emotions, find meaningful strategies, and thrive into happy, healthy adults.

Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids: 60 Fun Activities to Help Children Self-Regulate, Focus, and Succeed, by Kelli Miller LCSW MSW4. Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids: 60 Fun Activities to Help Children Self-Regulate, Focus, and Succeed, by Kelli Miller LCSW MSW

Understanding their ADHD diagnosis can be a frightening time for children, but this helpful workbook reframes ADHD as a positive asset and offers tons of activities for children to better understand themselves and manage their symptoms. Children can learn about the different types of ADHD, find skill-building activities, and learn real coping strategies to help them grow and succeed.

A Dragon With ADHD: A Children’s Story About ADHD. A Cute Book to Help Kids Get Organized, Focus, and Succeed, by Steve Herman 5. A Dragon With ADHD: A Children’s Story About ADHD. A Cute Book to Help Kids Get Organized, Focus, and Succeed, by Steve Herman

Part of Steve Herman’s children’s book series on understanding mental health and emotions, A Dragon With ADHD is perfect for kids who need help understanding ADHD and how it affects their moods. Every book features a pet dragon that personifies a mental health issue: in this case, a pet dragon with ADHD. This cute and friendly book is a great companion for a recent diagnosis or for kids who struggle to understand why they feel different from others.

Mindfulness Activities for Kids with ADHD: Engaging Stories and Exercises to Help You Learn And Thrive, by Dr. Sharon Grand, Ph.D.6. Mindfulness Activities for Kids with ADHD: Engaging Stories and Exercises to Help You Learn And Thrive, by Dr. Sharon Grand, Ph.D.

If you’re looking for ways to teach your children mindful strategies for their ADHD, this activity and storybook is for you. Each story offers helpful questions, activities for feeling overwhelmed, and lots more. Kids can read it by themselves or parents can read it to their kids, perhaps as a calming bedtime story.

Adult ADHD Books

Adult ADHD leaves people navigating careers, parenting, and other demanding aspects of adulthood struggling with attention issues, especially if they never received a diagnosis as a child. These books on adult ADHD offer advice and hands-on practical solutions for dealing with symptoms of ADHD in adulthood.

Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder, by Edward M. Hallowell M.D., and John J. Ratey M.D.7. Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder, by Edward M. Hallowell M.D., and John J. Ratey M.D.

Older readers appreciate this ADHD guide for adults with ADHD. It’s full of practical advice, updated medical information, and, most importantly, how to recognize and manage your symptoms.

Driven to Distraction offers both adult and child cases with expert advice from Dr. Hallowell and focuses on the positive aspects of ADHD just as much as the side effects.

Taking Charge of Adult ADHD, by Russell A. Barkley8. Taking Charge of Adult ADHD, by Russell A. Barkley

If you’re struggling to cope with your ADHD symptoms, whether you lack focus, can’t stay organized, or struggle in personal relationships, then Dr. Barkley’s hands-on, practical guide may be just what you need. Full of self-assessment tools and skill-building exercises, this workbook is a great start for those looking to better manage their ADHD.

ADHD Books for Couples

Attention issues can easily affect communication in couples, or leave one spouse with the impression that their partner is forgetful, unorganized, or lazy. These marriage-focused books help realign couples with ADHD to better help spouses understand each other and work together towards a happier marriage.

The ADHD Effect on Marriages: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps, by Melissa Orlov9. The ADHD Effect on Marriages: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps, by Melissa Orlov

If you struggle to understand your partner with ADHD, or your ADHD symptoms are behind some relationship strife, then Orlov’s part counseling, part understanding book will likely come in handy.

Read first-hand accounts from other ADHD couples tackling issues and see how they overcame, with examples and advice from Orlov. There are also worksheets and exercises to help couples find a solution that works for their styles of communication.

The ADHD Marriage Workbook: A User-Friendly Guide to Improving Your Relationship, by Michael T Bell10. The ADHD Marriage Workbook: A User-Friendly Guide to Improving Your Relationship, by Michael T. Bell

Many doctors and therapists are qualified to talk about ADHD and its effects on a marriage, but knowing that the author of this book not only has been studying ADHD since 1999 but also has ADHD himself, may win over uncertain couples.

Dr. Bell wrote this workbook after years of experience in his own marriage, and now offers his advice as well as practical solutions for common issues like communication, frustrations, and more. For couples looking to establish a connection, respect, and love from ADHD-related issues, this workbook is a valuable resource.

When to See a Therapist

ADHD is a serious diagnosis and you may need a therapist or counselor to navigate different parts of your journey. A trained therapist can help you control your symptoms and establish healthy coping mechanisms in order to lead a more fulfilled, happy life. Find a therapist in your area today.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for referrals by the companies mentioned below.

Online Psychiatry & Medication – Answer a few questions and Talkspace will match you with an online prescriber and get schedule a video psychiatry session. Your online psychiatry prescriber will personalize your treatment, which may include psychiatric medication and follow-ups. Get started for $249 or see if your insurance is one of many Talkspace accepts. Learn More

Talkspace Online Therapy – Online therapy is convenient with Talkspace. Get therapy for as little as $69 per week, or potentially much less if you have insurance from Cigna, Optum, or UHR. Try Talkspace

Choosing Therapy’s Directory – Find an experienced therapist who is committed to your wellbeing. You can search for a therapist by specialty, availability, insurance, and affordability. Therapist profiles and introductory videos provide insight into the therapist’s personality so you find the right fit. Find a therapist today.

Mindfulness & Meditation App – Headspace is an easy way to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into your routine. See for yourself how a few minutes each day can impact your stress levels, mood, and sleep. A monthly subscription for Headspace is only $12.99 per month and comes with a 7-day free trial. Try Headspace

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by Talkspace and Headspace

For Further Reading

  • Links Between ADHD and Depression
  • Learn About CBT Therapy for ADHD
  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov

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Headshot of Sandra Calzadilla, LMHC
Written by:

Sandra Calzadilla

LMHC
Headshot of Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D.
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

Pharm. D.
  • ADHD Books for ParentsFor Parents
  • ADHD Books for KidsFor Kids
  • Adult ADHD BooksAdults With ADHD
  • ADHD Books for CouplesFor Couples
  • When to See a TherapistFind a Therapist
  • Additional ResourcesResources
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