A quick look at the 10 best ADHD books

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children in the United States. However, children aren’t the only ones impacted by this condition. ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood 60% of the time.

With ADHD being such a common disorder that can affect many families, books for ADHD can be helpful tools to turn to.

Whether you’re the parent of a child recently diagnosed with ADHD or an adult seeking new methods for managing ADHD symptoms, there is a wide variety of books for ADHD available to offer you some guidance.

Before you can pick up the best book for ADHD that fits your situation, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best books for ADHD according to the type of advice and topic you may be looking for, whether that’s a book for managing your own ADHD or solutions for connecting with your ADHD teen.

How we chose

We selected the best books about ADHD by looking at reviews to find books that were genuinely helpful and enjoyable for readers. All products have an average rating of at least four stars.

We also recommend products from trusted brands, authors, or organizations. Our brand vetting process considers medical credibility, company reputation, and good business practices. We made sure to research author expertise, too.

Additionally, when considering products related to mental health, we call on our team of mental health experts. These professionals help us ensure all information we share is accurate and up-to-date.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $18
  • $$ = over $18

Healthline’s picks for the 10 best ADHD books of 2022

Best classic

Driven to Distraction

Driven to Distraction
  • Price: $
  • Why we chose it: includes actionable coping mechanisms
  • Key message: By including anecdotes from both adults and children who have ADHD, this book offers actionable coping mechanisms for readers to use.

Originally published in 1994, “Driven to Distraction” has impacted the lives of millions of readers with ADHD for decades. Written by co-authors Edward Hallowell, MD and John J. Ratey, MD — who both have ADHD — the book offers a comprehensive look into the world of ADHD, offering everything from patient stories to management tools, and even tips for dealing with a loved one who has ADHD.

This book takes a broad approach to provide a guide for recognizing and coping with ADHD, whether you’re a parent with a child who has been recently diagnosed or you’re an adult hoping to learn new coping strategies.

The classic was revised in 2011 to modernize the content, though reviewers say the information is timeless. “My doctor recommended this book to me,” one reviewer wrote. “I couldn’t help but tear up a little whenever I read something that 100% described me. I definitely recommend this to anyone who is suffering from ADHD.”

Pros

  • It offers timeless advice.
  • It’s applicable for children and adults.
  • It’s research-backed.

Cons

  • This might not offer anything new if you’re already familiar with ADHD. 
  • The content can feel outdated at times.
  • Some reviewers suggest there weren’t as many coping techniques as they’d like.

Best for women

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD
  • Price: $$
  • Why we chose it: helpful guided workbook format
  • Key message: This workbook is specifically designed for women with ADHD to help readers understand that brain differences are not character flaws.

For women with ADHD, this book is for you. In “A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD,” author Sari Solden highlights the unique challenges and experiences women face when living with ADHD.

The author aims to combine traditional ADHD treatment with contemporary treatment methods in this therapy-like guide. With a focus on harnessing your unique strengths and accepting your ADHD, the goal of the book is to instill greater confidence and provide the tools needed to break through the barriers some women may feel if they have ADHD.

Reviewers like that “A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD” is a workbook, and many praise the exercises and writing prompts. “The workbook format was interesting and ADHD friendly,” said one reviewer. However, some reviewers weren’t a fan of the female-centric tone, with one review stating they “found some of this content to be a little soft and overtly feminine” for them.

Pros

  • It contains engaging exercises and writing prompts.
  • The workbook format is ADHD-friendly.
  • It’s tailored to women.

Cons

  • The feminine tone may be a turn-off for some.
  • The content can come across as more encouraging than actionable at times. 
  • Exercises and writing prompts may feel time consuming. 

Best for adults

Thriving with Adult ADHD

  • Price: $
  • Why we chose it: format is easy to read and retain
  • Key message: This book serves as a toolbox full of assessments, exercises, and tips to help readers manage daily life with ADHD.

With a focus on executive functioning, a critical component of managing ADHD, “Thriving with Adult ADHD” is a great read for adults who want to build a strong foundation for their lives with ADHD.

The book’s main objective is to explore executive functioning skills which can include focus, organization, and stress management, and share tools and strategies for strengthening those skills as someone with ADHD.

While this is especially helpful for those with new diagnoses, this book can also provide insight for those who may have lived with ADHD for a long time and have yet to grasp those essential executive functioning skills.

One reviewer praised the easy-to-read format, saying “I appreciate that most of the advice and guided exercises are written in list form.” Another review said, “This book reminds me to stay calm, focused, make plans, follow through with them, and organize my thoughts and life in general.” However, some readers suggest that the content itself isn’t anything new.

Pros

  • It offers tips for a variety of settings.
  • It contains self-assessment exercises.
  • There is clear and actionable advice.

Cons

  • If you’re already familiar with executive functioning, this may not offer anything new. 
  • The author isn’t concise at times.
  • There’s not enough research presented.

Best for everyday life

Order from Chaos

  • Price: $
  • Why we chose it: excellent organizational advice
  • Key message: helps readers understand how their brain works so they can better organize their life

“Order from Chaos” focuses on the stress and challenges that adults with ADHD face daily, from clutter around the house to forgetting to pay the bills on time. Based on the experiences of author and blogger of The ADHD Homestead, Jaclyn Paul, this book shares practical advice for managing everyday chaos and the systems that Paul has found helpful for staying organized.

Readers seem to appreciate that the author offers a realistic perspective on the subject, as a mom, wife, and blogger with ADHD. One reviewer also appreciated how the author dove right in, saying she “doesn’t waste much time explaining the ‘whys’ of ADHD,” adding, “but brilliantly describes the effects, the frustrations, and the needed interventions.”

Some readers felt that the anecdotes could be more succinct, but otherwise, this book has received high ratings.

Pros

  • It offers in-depth examinations of a variety of organizational systems. 
  • The tips are useful for anyone, not just those with ADHD.
  • The tone and content are easily digestible.

Cons

  • The anecdotes can be wordy at times.
  • It’s more anecdotal than research-driven, which may be a turn-off for some.
  • It focuses on organizational symptoms rather than presenting new information about ADHD.

Best for parents

What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew

  • Price: $
  • Why we chose it: author has valuable experience
  • Key message: Dr. Saline shares her knowledge from 25 years of counseling experience, making suggestions to parents to help kids who have ADHD succeed.

In “What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew,” author and psychologist Dr. Sharon Saline shares her proven roadmap that parents of children ages 6 to 18 can follow to help their child with ADHD succeed.

Leaning on her experiences counseling children and their families, Saline offers practical advice and real-life examples so parents can better understand ADHD and learn how they can help their child succeed in school, at home, and beyond.

The book primarily focuses on the brain of a child with ADHD and how it affects their behaviors and thoughts, which is something that online reviewers praise about the book. “As a parent of two ADHD children, I wish I’d had it earlier,” said one reviewer. They added, “what really moved me was how it explained the ADHD brain and the subjective experience of children with ADHD.”

Pros

  • It’s easy to read and has an empathetic tone. 
  • It contains practical tips and exercises. 
  • It’s best for parents of children and teens with ADHD. 

Cons

  • The primary focus is on parenting, which may not be a good fit for some. 
  • Some readers suggest it doesn’t present new information about the diagnosis of ADHD.
  • Exercises may feel time consuming.

Best for couples

The ADHD Effect on Marriage

  • Price: $
  • Why we chose it: includes worksheets and assessments
  • Key message: Learn how to recognize, avoid, and improve ADHD-related behaviors that can harm relationships.

For adults, ADHD can affect every relationship, primarily with your significant other. In “The ADHD Effect on Marriage,” Melissa Orlov explores the ways couples who experience ADHD in either one or both of the partners can better navigate their struggles and build a deeper relationship within their marriage. The book focuses on the ways each partner can better understand each other and offers techniques to strengthen communication.

One reviewer said this book “provided a roadmap back to a healthy marriage. It gave me hope after years of hopelessness and anger.” However, critics of this book call out the use of outdated language that focuses on the traditional roles of a marriage that involves a man and a woman, which makes it less inclusive of all types of marriages.

Pros

  • It’s best for couples who want to strengthen their understanding of ADHD in the relationship. 
  • It offers worksheets and exercises.
  • It uses real-life examples. 

Cons

  • Reviews suggest this caters more to the partner who doesn’t have ADHD.
  • The tone isn’t the most optimistic.
  • The author focuses on outdated marriage roles. 

Best for getting organized

Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD

  • Price: $$
  • Why we chose: good reference to have on hand
  • Key message: Chapters are organized by room or task and provide practical organizing strategies for people living with ADD and ADHD.

Organization can help reduce stress, at work and at home, and this book aims to strengthen those organizing skills for people with ADHD.

In “Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD,” author Susan C. Pinsky shares practical and actionable guidance on getting organized so you can complete tasks more efficiently, reduce clutter, and even ask for help, all of which are key to making your day a little easier. The book is organized by type of room or task for easy reading and reference.

Reviewers appreciate the useful, hands-on organizing systems Pinsky offers. One reviewer said this is the “only useful book I’ve read about how to handle paperwork and office organization, which is the bane of my existence.”

Pros

  • It contains practical and actionable tips. 
  • The format is tailored to an ADHD reader.
  • It’s easy to read and reference. 

Cons

  • Not every solution will work for everyone. 
  • Some reviews suggest that not all organizational methods are realistic for the average person.
  • The number of organizational methods can feel overwhelming at times. 

Best for harnessing your strengths

ADHD 2.0

  • Price: $
  • Why we chose: positive outlook
  • Key message: This book explains the hidden strengths that come with ADHD and encourages readers to harness those positive aspects

From the authors of the best-selling “Driven to Distraction,” “ADHD 2.0” offers a similar take on the subject. In this book, authors Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey present new research to back up their deep expertise on ADHD.

The difference between this book and those from other renowned authors is the focus on the positive side of ADHD — specifically the strengths that those with ADHD have. The book offers strategies and lifestyle hacks that those with ADHD can use to harness their strengths and minimize the negative effects of ADHD.

Readers appreciated the thorough explanations and fresh perspectives. Many reviews suggest this is a great read for those who want to better understand someone with ADHD, with one reviewer saying they “highly recommend it for everyone — if you work or live with someone with ADHD or have a child with it, and especially if you have it yourself.”

Though the book highlights medication in one section, some reviewers noted that this section was brief and left room for a more comprehensive explanation of the pros and cons of medications.

Pros

  • The tone is concise and practical.
  • The authors are experts on the topic. 
  • Research is backed.

Cons

  • Some reviewers suggest that there wasn’t much new information presented compared to the authors’ previous books.
  • It’s more focused on the positive than the negative effects, which might not offer the full picture.
  • It doesn’t cover all ADHD solutions in-depth.

Best for teens

Smart but Scattered Teens

  • Price: $
  • Why we chose: extremely thorough
  • Key message: In this guide, readers will find a science-based program to help their child learn executive skills and become more independent.

Parenting is never easy, but for parents with a teen who has ADHD, “Smart but Scattered Teens” should be at the top of your reading list. This book aims to provide parents with a step-by-step guide to building executive skills — focus, organization, and emotions, among other things — in their teens.

The book also comes with worksheets and exercises to supplement science-based insights. “If you’re a parent of a child with ADHD and are not already working with a professional to address your child’s struggles, I think this book would be helpful,” one review said.

Pros

  • It’s best for parents of teens. 
  • It’s thorough.
  • It provides actionable advice.

Cons

  • The text is a bit dense. 
  • Some readers suggest it could be more concise. 
  • Worksheets need to be downloaded. 

Best for children

Thriving with ADHD Workbook

  • Price: $
  • Why we chose: doesn’t require a parent’s help to work through the book
  • Key message: This workbook introduces kids to common ADHD symptoms and helps them learn to concentrate and stay focused.

“Thriving with ADHD” is designed to help children with ADHD self-regulate, focus, and succeed. The book begins by introducing ADHD by outlining the common ADHD symptoms and how kids can harness them to their advantage.

Following an overview, the workbook then provides 60 hands-on exercises focused on everything from skill-building to action-oriented learning, all of which can help them succeed at home and school.

Parents who have purchased this workbook for their children praise the book for its useful and easy activities that children can complete on their own. “The language is easy to understand, and my 5th grader had no problem navigating the book by herself,” said one online review. Overall, this workbook has received high ratings, especially among parents who say this book is a confidence booster for their children.

Pros

  • It contains engaging illustrations. 
  • It uses an empowering tone. 
  • There are easy exercises that children can do themselves. 

Cons

  • Some pages might include too much text for young readers.
  • The 60 activities may not be enough. 
  • Some reviews suggest the activities are more school-focused. 

Comparison of the best ADHD books

PriceWho it’s best forHighlights
Driven to Distraction$anyone who wants to learn about managing ADHD, regardless of ageincludes patient stories and management tools
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD$$people who identify as womenADHD-friendly workbook format
Thriving with Adult ADHD$adults who may be struggling to deal with symptoms of ADHDexplores executive functioning skills
Order from Chaos$people who want to manage their everyday lifepractical advice for daily life
What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew$parents of children who have ADHDprovides parents with tips on how to help their children succeed
The ADHD Effect on Marriage$couplesincludes worksheets and exercises
Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD$$people who want to get organizedhands-on organizing systems
ADHD 2.0$people who want to learn to harness their strengthslooks at ADHD from a positive perspective
Smart but Scattered Teens$teenshelps build executive skills in teens
Thriving with ADHD Workbook$kidsteaches kids about ADHD in an accessible way

How to choose the best ADHD book

If you’re looking for an ADHD book, start by considering your ADHD journey. For example:

  • Do you have an ADHD diagnosis or are you the parent or partner of someone who has ADHD?
  • What symptoms do you experience? How well do you understand the condition?
  • How does ADHD impact your daily life? In which areas do you need the most help?

These questions can help you understand what type of book would be most helpful to you.

When you start researching books, make sure to verify the author’s credentials and expertise. You may also want to look for a book that includes assessments, worksheets, or exercises to help you put principles into practice.

Frequently asked questions

Does reading calm ADHD?

It depends. Some people with ADHD find that they have trouble reading. This can be because they have trouble focusing or feel overwhelmed, which impacts reading comprehension. In this case, audiobooks may be a useful alternative to reading a physical book.

However, in other cases, you might find that reading calms the many thoughts swirling around in your head. Some people with ADHD experience hyperfocus and read an entire book in one sitting.

Do people with ADHD have a hard time reading books?

While the ADHD experience is not the same for everybody, many people with ADHD do have a difficult time focusing on reading a book. You might get distracted and lose your place on the page or miss important details that matter to the story. It can be hard to read with ADHD.

Is ADHD a disability?

Yes, ADHD is considered a disability. If your ADHD interferes with your ability to work a job or engage in society, it is a protected disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Do ADHD books work?

Many ADHD books provide research-backed advice as well as exercises, which makes them a great supplemental tool for managing ADHD.

If you or someone in your family has an ADHD diagnosis, it’s important to work with your healthcare professional to come up with a plan of action. If you don’t have a diagnosis but have experienced symptoms of ADHD, it’s best to see a mental health professional.

ADHD books provide helpful insights, activities, or potential solutions, but they’re just one piece of a comprehensive mental healthcare plan. 

Takeaway

ADHD is a common disorder that affects both children and adults.

If you’re seeking guidance on managing your symptoms or looking for ways to better connect with or understand a loved one with ADHD, there are tons of books that offer strategies and solutions.

Many ADHD books are even written by experts in the field, so the information presented is usually well worth the read.

Sam Lauron is a freelance lifestyle writer based in Austin, TX. When she’s not writing about wellness, creativity, or personal development, she spends her time reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and soaking up the sunny Austin weather with her partner and their dog. Connect with her on Instagram or Twitter, or by visiting her website.