Amazon.com lists over 6,000 books on ADHD, and it can be an incredibly overwhelming task to sort through the titles and find a good self-help book your ADHD teen might like. While I have a list of books that might be helpful, it might be a good idea to complement this with coaching or therapy. With the exception of highly disciplined teens, the ADHD brain is inconsistent and not used to self-help. It’s common for someone with ADHD to stay on track for a few days, and then fall short after a while.
Another thing you need to be aware of is that teens with ADHD are already aware of what they need to do to become better students or to be more organized. When it comes to staying focused and getting things done, self-help books won’t always work because they don’t provide the support needed.
That being said, these books contain insights and strategies that can help teens and young adults overcome the limits of their ADHD symptoms.
Applying to College for Students with ADD or LD by Blythe Grossberg
Applying to universities is challenging for high school kids, and especially difficult for those with ADHD. This book provides sound advice for a more organized application proces, from choosing the right college to successfully making it. The book also provides tips on how to deal with issues students might front beginning their junior year of high school. There are also checklists, timelines and charts – important tools the high school graduate will need.
A Bird’s Eye View of ADHD: Advice from Young Survivors by Chris A. Zeigler Dendy
& Alex Zeigler
Written especially for teens by teens struggling with ADHD, this survival guide offers practical advice using language and images young people can easily understand. The book contains useful tips for coping with issues that confront ADHD teens on a daily basis: sleep problems, forgetfulness, always being late, and more.
Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood by Edward Hallowell
A classic title, Driven to Distraction is a great read for all readers who are determined to succeed despite their symptoms. The book dismantles a number of myths about ADHD, and points out the many advantages that ADHD brings, such as creativity, intuitiveness, and enthusiasm.
The ADHD Workbook for Teens by Lara Honos-Webb
This thought-provoking workbook teaches teens the simple skills they need to do well in school, make friends, and finish every project they start. Using a series of worksheets and exercises, your teen can discover his or her strengths and interests, and use these to create ways to overcome ADHD-related difficulties. By the end of the book, your teen should realize that ADHD can be a gift that brings opportunities for growth and happiness.