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Are you a parent navigating the ADHD journey with your child? ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, can seem daunting and complex to understand, especially when you're trying your best to provide the right kind of support for your child. Â
We carefully selected these ADHD books for parents in this guide to help you understand your child's world.  Â
These books can offer insights, share experiences, provide practical strategies, and, most importantly, remind you that you're not alone in this journey.Â
Let's dive into some of the best ADHD books that every parent should have on their bookshelf.
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Driven to Distraction
"Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder" by Dr. Edward M. Hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey
If you're looking for a comprehensive understanding of ADHD, this book is a must-read. Dr. Hallowell brings a unique perspective to the table.Â
Not only is he a respected psychiatrist who has worked with many ADHD patients over the years, but he himself has ADHD. He knows what he's talking about both professionally and personally.
"Driven to Distraction" offers a deep dive into the world of ADHD, going beyond the clinical definitions and exploring the real-world impact of the condition.
The narratives of different patients, detailed descriptions of their experiences, and the empathy in Dr. Hallowell's writing will give you a new perspective on ADHD.
Plus, it's available as an audiobook here (shown above). Let me tell you, the voiceover is fantastic, making the 13-hour-long book a surprisingly engaging listen.
Listening to this the first time is what told me I had ADHD, and I was later officially diagnosed. As I listened to Dr. Hallowell's detailed examples, I was floored!
Taking Charge of ADHD
"Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents" by Dr. Russell A. Barkley
If there's one person who's dedicated his life to understanding ADHD, it's Dr. Russell Barkley. Inspired by personal tragedy - the loss of his ADHD-diagnosed brother in a car accident - Barkley has become a leading authority in the field.Â
His book, "Taking Charge of ADHD," is a comprehensive guide that offers scientifically tested treatments and practical guidance for managing ADHD. If you don't read this book (or even if you do), please check out some of his amazing ADHD speeches on Youtube.
We talk more about Dr. Barkley's research on ADHD children and their maturity gap here.
Finally Focused
"Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD That Restores Attention, Minimizes Hyperactivity, and Helps Eliminate Drug Side Effects" by Dr. James Greenblatt.
Have you ever had one of those "Aha!" moments while reading a book where you feel like the author just GETS it? That's exactly how I felt when I cracked open
Navigating the world of ADHD as a parent can be a labyrinth of confusion and frustration. There are so many 'dos' and 'don'ts', and often, it feels like you're doing it all solo.
This book is like having a guide who takes your hand and calmly says, "Let me show you the way."
What sets "Finally Focused" apart from others is its balanced, holistic approach to understanding and managing ADHD. It's not just about reducing symptoms; it's about embracing a comprehensive plan that targets the root causes of ADHD.
Dr. Greenblatt bridges the gap between conventional and natural medicine, and presents strategies that are both scientifically backed and practical for everyday life.
You'll learn about essential mineral supplementation (remember us talking about magnesium for ADHD?), dietary changes, and lifestyle tweaks—all written in an easy-to-understand language that feels more like a conversation with a trusted friend than a medical jargon-laden manual.
Also, I have to say, I appreciate that Dr. Greenblatt addresses the side effects of common ADHD medications head-on. He only uses stimulant medication for his patients after trying all of the other alternatives.
And to be clear, we are not opposed to ADHD medication or stimulants in the slightest. I take Vyvanse daily in addition to several of the supplements Dr. Greenblatt recommends.
However, stimulant medications do have side effects that can be concerning for children, and I appreciate the more natural options Dr. Greenblatt details in his book.
He describes these natural treatment alternatives in detail and provides a guide to working with healthcare professionals to create a personalized treatment plan.
In summary, "Finally Focused" is a lifeline for parents navigating the choppy waters of ADHD. If you're feeling a little lost on your journey, I seriously recommend giving this book a read.
Parenting Children with ADHD
"Parenting Children with ADHD" by Vincent J. Monastra
This book is a goldmine of effective mindfulness techniques and strategies to help your child improve their attention and behavior. It's broken down easily into 10 lessons.
Monastra offers insights into daily routines, homework, and school issues, making it a practical guide for any parent.
The Explosive Child
"The Explosive Child" by Dr. Ross W. Greene
Kids with ADHD often have difficulty with emotional regulation, meaning it's especially hard to control their emotions whether they are sad or angry.
Dealing with your child's explosive emotions can be one of the toughest parts of parenting an ADHD child. "The Explosive Child" is a lifesaver in this regard.Â
The book guides you through understanding why your child is "explosive" and provides detailed steps and strategies to handle these challenging situations. Dr. Greene's compassionate and insightful approach can make a world of difference in your family's daily life.
The Sensory Child Gets Organized
"The Sensory Child Gets Organized" by Carolyn Dalgliesh
Children with ADHD often struggle with sensory processing challenges. "The Sensory Child Gets Organized" is a fantastic resource that provides solutions to help your child succeed at home, in school, and in life.
It's practical, easy to follow, and can make managing sensory processing disorder much easier.
Remember, every ADHD journey is unique, and these books offer a range of perspectives and approaches. They can help you better understand your child's world and provide the tools to navigate it.
Did we miss one of the best ADHD books for parents? Let us know in the comment section below!
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