Good Books
Outside the Box: Rethinking ADD/ADHD in Children and Adults
Thomas E. Brown, 2017
Dr. Brown's newest book has been said to be the most practical book on ADHD ever written. Even if you just read the introduction, in which Dr. Brown elucidates false assumptions about ADHD, you will know more than most people ever will about ADHD.
“… all of those diagnosed with ADHD tend to have at least a few specific activities or tasks for which they have no difficulty in exercising these very same [executive] functions in a normal or even extraordinary way."
Click to purchase the BOOK
Smart but Stuck
Thomas E. Brown, 2014
In Smart but Stuck, Dr. Brown offers a "New Working Definition of ADHD" that is based on current research rather than worn-out assumptions. If you really want to understand ADHD, read and then re-read Chapter 1.
“Sometimes the working memory impairments of ADHD allow a momentary emotion to become too strong; the person is flooded with one emotion and unable to attend to other emotions, facts, and memories relevant to that immediate situation.”
Click to purchase the BOOK
or AUDIOBOOK
Your Brain at Work
David Rock, 2009
While not explicitly about ADHD, this book masterfully describes the overwhelm we create for our brain's executive functions in the contemporary workplace by following Emily and Paul as they try to get control.
“Workers everywhere are experiencing an epidemic of overwhelm … for many, every day involves a constant, massive, and overwhelming volume of work. As the world digitizes, globalizes, unplugs, and reorganizes, having too much to do has become our biggest complaint.”
Click to purchase the BOOK
Essentialism
Greg McKeown, 2014
This book provides a clear path toward reducing overwhelm and increasing effectiveness. It is not a book about ADHD, but it is a book I recommend to my clients with ADHD, especially those who are being pulled in too many directions, struggling to make decisions about what is important, and craving priorities.
“The Essentialist deliberately distinguishes the vital few from the trivial many, eliminates the nonessentials, and then removes obstacles so the essential things have clear smooth passage."
Click to purchase the BOOK
or AUDIOBOOK
Living Well with ADHD
Terry Huff, 2016
Terry Huff is a psychotherapist that specialises in ADHD. In this book, he provides clear, practical approaches to creating a supportive mindset and discovering new ways to live well with ADHD. Chapter ten encourages us to "stop thinking and start doing" and references MindfullyADD!
“You don't have to assign negative value to necessary tasks. Substituting action for thought will tame the beast of excessive thought and make your goals attainable."
Click to purchase the BOOK
Natural Relief for Adult ADHD
Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, 2015
In her new book, Dr. Stephanie Moulton Sarkis delivers rapid-fire information on alternative treatments for ADHD, covering everything from coaching, brain games, and supplements, to mindfulness and diet.
"Having ADHD is like being on a mountain with a backpack full of rocks: You're trying to climb, but your load is heavy and you're huffing and puffing. You see climbers passing you by on the way to the summit …Treatments, if they are working effectively, take a lot of rocks out of that backpack…"
Click to purchase the BOOK
Taking Charge of Adult ADHD
Russell A. Barkley, 2010
Dr. Barkley combines research with practical strategies that are easy to understand. He provides concrete methods for creating an external environment to make up for the neurological challenges of adult ADHD.
“Happiness can come only from accepting yourself as you are, and that includes ADHD. Owning your ADHD doesn’t have to demoralize you, because when you really own it, … then you can really begin to work with and master it."
Click to purchase the BOOK
The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD
Lidia Zylowska, 2012
Dr. Zylowska beautifully describes a research-proven program of mindfulness designed to treat ADHD symptoms and provides several guided audio practices.
"… mindfulness practice encourages returning to the present moment so that, if necessary, the attention can be pulled back, refocused, or in some way readjusted so the mind is neither overly engrossed nor too scattered."
Click to purchase the BOOK
Driven to Distraction at Work
Edward Hallowell, 2015
Dr. Hallowell is famous in ADHD circles for his original bestseller, Driven to Distraction. Now he turns his attention to helping contemporary professionals as they experience "attention deficit trait" whether ADHD or not.
“I've witnessed the vaporization of attention, as if it were boiling away, while people tried valiantly to keep track of more data than even the most adept human brain could possibly accommodate. Since modern life induces [attention deficit trait] …"
Click to purchase the BOOK
Gadgets, Apps & Supplies
Miracle Cube Timer
This may be the easiest timer to set ever invented – just pick it up and put it back down with the amount of time you want to be counted facing up. Use it to chunk projects into manageable time bits.
Click to purchase the Miracle Cube Timer
Time Timer
Hands down my favorite timer. There's the little 3-inch, 8-inch, bold 12-inch, Time Timer watch, desktop version, Apps, and the cute new "MOD." I use them and my clients love them to visually regulate their use of time.
Click to purchase the Time Timer
Freedom App
Set yourself up to get tasks done, stay focused, and block distractions. For a low monthly fee, you can schedule to block the web, apps, or sites that will get in the way of paying attention. Works on the computer and smartphone, so my clients love it!
Blue Max Full Spectrum Lamp
I love this lamp! It helps to combat the winter blues and helps me to focus in the mornings. It is UV safe and is dimmable for comfort. Use for 30 minutes in the mornings to help reset circadian rhythms and help you get to bed on time in the evenings.
Click to purchase the Full Spectrum Lamp..
Philips Wake Up Light Alarm Clock
This is a full spectrum lamp and alarm clock in one. It gently brightens in the morning to help you wake up and slowly dims at night to help you drift to sleep.
Click to purchase the Philips Alarm Clock
Tile
Stick it to whatever it is that you don't want to lose and then use the App to locate lost items. One client put a Tile in his car to help him find it in the parking lot. Now he arrives on time.
Post-it Easel Pad
Another client favorite! Keep your morning routine, to-do list, reminders, or just inspirations in plain sight on these giant stickies. Sketch out everything you need to know for the exam on one sheet! Sticks almost anywhere!
Click to purchase the Post-it Easel Pad
Homedics White Noise Machine
This is a great noise blocker and totally adjustable with 4 tones, timer settings, and a volume control. Perfect for small or big spaces to help you focus or sleep.
Click to purchase the White Noise Machine
BestSelf Weekly Action Pad
A to-do list that has it all, the BestSelf Weekly Action Pad allows you to list projects and tasks, set priorities, and estimate time. Best of all, it asks you to designate whether a task will be energizing, neutral, or draining. And, you can reward yourself with a checkmark when done.
Click to purchase the BestSelf Weekly Action Pad