EMBRACING YOUR ADHD BRAIN

A neurodiversity coach who’s autistic and has ADHD offers a customizable toolkit to help teens manage their ADHD.

The tone of this work is upbeat, presenting ADHD as a collection of characteristics—some beneficial, some challenging. A different neurodivergent trait, left-handedness, serves as an example of how erasing stigma paves the way for accommodations and understanding. Accustomed to being defined by their deficits, young adult ADHDers can feel helpless to overcome them. Sullivan’s approach places them in the driver’s seat, empowered to take charge, using journaling and short exercises to reflect on obstacles and brainstorm solutions. Readers are asked to identify their personal qualities from a long list of adjectives, then narrow them down through reflection and input from those who know them. While working through the topics of emotional self-regulation, sensory processing issues, and executive functioning, readers encounter strategies for reframing challenges and receive support in fostering self-awareness and the ability to manage difficulties by defining problems (like forgetting homework) and developing solutions (such as having an accountability buddy). The author encourages readers to seek out and share insights from family members, peers, and teachers and to modify strategies when necessary. She suggests ways to both limit distractions from smartphones and use phones to assist in achieving one’s goals. This concise work is written in a welcoming tone, and the design includes icons that assist with navigating the various types of content.

A useful resource that supports teen agency.