Kay Grossman :: ADHD & Effectiveness Coach
Kay Grossman :: ADHD & Effectiveness Coach
If you only get
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maybe you should call Kay!
 

Resources

Below are some books and Web sites that my clients and I have found helpful. The list is not at all exhaustive. It merely offers places to further your quest for greater understanding and the empowerment that follows.

Some of the books are also available in an audible format.

Books

"It only takes one idea in one book to take your life to a new level. Someone, somewhere has been through what you are going through. Be wise and learn from them." (Author Robin Sharma)

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About ADHD

You are not alone with your ADHD super powers and challenges! The following books are informative, practical and useful.

Understand Your Brain, Get More Done: The ADHD Executive Functions Workbook, by Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA.

ISBN: 1886041394

Tuckman uses the latest science to help you understand how your brain works. He suggests strategies for working with the challenges of executive function that often show up for people with ADHD. The book is both informative and very practical. Tuckman's description of working memory is the best I've come across.

Faster Than Normal: Turbocharge your focus, productivity, and success with the secrets of the adhd brain, by Peter Shankman

ISBN-10: 0143131222

Thank you to two of my clients who alerted me to this most useful, fun to read book. As the back cover blurb states, “…this positive, practical book flips the script on ADHD—and is an invaluable handbook for anyone who wants to drive their faster-than-normal brain at maximum speed…without crashing.”

You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?!, by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo

ISBN: 0743264487

Full of how-to's and moral support. One of the classics about and for adults with ADD/ADHD.

Outside the Box: Rethinking ADD/ADHD in Children and Adults, A Practical Guide, by Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D.

ISBN: 9781450761376

This book dispels the myths of ADD/ADHD and provides scientifically based recommendations for its management. Brown views ADD as chronic difficulties with executive functions in the brain. The book is practical and written in plain, understandable language.

The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain to Take Control of Your Time, Tasks, and Talents, by Nancy A. Ratey, Ed.M., MCC

ISBN: 0312355343

Master coach Ratey offers a self-coaching guide for people with ADHD. Whether or not you opt to fully coach yourself, there is much to glean from her tell-it-like-it-is, practical approach to personal growth and change.

Permission to Proceed: The Keys to Creating a Life of Passion, Purpose and Possibility for Adults with ADHD, by David Giwerc

ISBN: 9781450761376

Master Certified Coach David Giwerc is the founder and president of the ADD Coach Academy. David is also one of my mentors. He clearly communicates his vision that all people with ADHD can maximize their strengths, minimize their weaknesses, and achieve their life purpose. He offers his readers a positive perspective, practical exercises, and an enormous amount of hope.

The Attention Deficit Disorder In Adults Workbook, by Lynn Weiss, Ph.D.

ISBN: 1589792483

Many practical ideas, self-quizzes, exercises and step-by-step methods to help manage daily living with ADD. Weiss helps you better understand how your own ADD manifests and offers techniques for reducing frustration.

Fidget to Focus—Outwit Your Boredom: Sensory Strategies for Living with ADD, by Roland Rotz and Sarah D. Wright

ISBN: 0595350100

A fascinating book about ways to stay focused and on track while doing dull, tedious and boring tasks.

Not in the book, but while I'm on the topic, forget the fidget spinners!! They are usually a distraction, not a useful fidget tool, no matter how ubiquitous and well-promoted!!

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About Women and ADHD

Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life, by Sari Solden

ISBN: 0978590929

This book gives insight as to how and why ADD/ADHD affects women differently than men. Several of my female clients reported that this book helped them change their negative self-perceptions and feelings of shame.

Understanding Women with ADHD, edited by Kathleen Nadeau and Patricia Quinn

ISBN: 0966036646

Choose the articles that interest you. This book includes a useful chapter on the college experience.

Survival Tips for Women with ADHD: Beyond Piles, Palms and Post-its, by Terry Matlen, MSW, ACSW

ISBN: 1886941599

Choose the articles that interest you. This book includes a useful chapter on the college experience.

US NEWS Article – Understanding ADHD in Women:

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About Marriage and ADHD

The Couples Guide to Thriving with ADHD, by Melissa Orlov and Nancie Kohlenberger, LMFT

ISBN: 193776110x

No one with ADHD or married to someone with ADHD will be surprised to discover that ADHD symptoms impact their relationship. Approaches that work for partners when no ADHD is present often do not work when one or both partners have ADHD. Orlov helps couples learn how to work effectively without judgment or blame to reestablish a healthy relationship.

Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?: Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder, by Gina Pera

ISBN: 9780981548708

Despite good intentions, people with ADHD usually have challenges navigating the demands and nuances of relationships. Both members of romantic partnerships tend to struggle when one or both have ADHD. Pera offers insights and practical strategies for taking charge of the ADHD and maintaining a strong, loving relationship.

Married to Distraction: How to Restore Intimacy and Strengthen Your Partnership in an Age of Interruption, by Edward M. Hallowell MD, Sue Hallowell, and Melissa Orlov

ISBN: 0345508009

A psychiatrist specializing in ADHD, a couples' therapist, and a couples' consultant teamed up to write this book of strategies for richly connecting with one's spouse in our age of overload and interruptions. This book is useful for all couples, whether or not ADHD is in the mix.

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About Work and ADHD

The ADHD Guide to Career Success: Harness your Strengths, Manage Your Challenges, by Kathleen Nadeau

ISBN: 1138843660

Fresh, open, easy format, with key points bulleted and collected in summaries. Nadeau suggests ways to cultivate a work environment that supports people to capitalize on their strengths and unique abilities associated with their ADHD.

ADD on the Job ADD on the Job, by Lynne Weiss.

ISBN: 0878339175

Written from a positive perspective about managing ADD traits on the job. The last chapter is a list of 101 useful tips for living successfully with ADD.

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About Mindfulness and ADHD

The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD: An 8-Step Program for Strengthening Attention, Managing Your Emotions, and Achieving Your Goals, by Lidia Zylowska, MD and Daniel Siegel

ISBN: 1590308476

If you've always thought you were not the meditating type, think again! Dr. Zylowska researched mindfulness as it relates to ADHD. She offers methods for practicing mindfulness that fit an ADHD brain style. I speak from first-hand knowledge that you can benefit from the book even without adopting the whole program. (Shh, don't tell anybody.)

Mindfulness for Teens With ADHD: A Skill-building Workbook to Help You Focus and Succeed, by Debra Burdick, LCSW

ISBN: 162625625X

This book is for teens and those who work with them. It goes to the heart of typical teens' struggles and introduces mindfulness practices to better manage them—with compassion, curiosity, and self-acceptance. The mindfulness-based approach is a great fit for teens with an ADHD brain style.

Mindful Parenting for ADHD: A Guide to Cultivating Calm, Reducing Stress, and Helping Children Thrive, by Mark Bertin MD and forward by Ari Tuchman PsyD

ISBN: 1626251797

Learn to use simple mindful practices to become calmer and more focused and to model that for your children. Dr. Bertin "explains how practicing mindfulness changes the way you as a parent see your child through the lens of truly understanding the ADHD experience." In addition, Dr. Bertin provides current information about ADHD and executive functioning deficits, as well as evidence-based strategies for managing behaviors.

The Monastery and the Microscope: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on Mind, Mindfulness, and the Nature of Reality, by Wendy Hasenkamp and Janna R. White

ISBN: 0300218087

I'm including this book because I find it to be fascinating. For years the Dalai Lama has hosted dialogues with with scientists, philosophers, and contemplatives in order to integrate science with wisdom traditions. This book recounts the most recent dialogue, a six-day meeting at a Tibetan monastery in India in 2013. Reading the book feels like spying on private conversations about consciousness, reality, and the neuroscience of meditation.

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About and by People with ADHD:

Positively ADD, by Catherine A. Corman and Edward Hallowell

ISBN: 0802789889

Success stories of people with ADD/ADHD with a huge range of interests and life circumstances. Pick and choose those that resonate for you.

Copy This!: Lessons from a hyperactive dyslexic who turned a bright idea into one of America's best companies, by Paul Orfalea (Kinko's founder)

ISBN: 0761137777

Orfalea's personal story of resilience and hope, from flunking second grade to building a billion dollar company. A fun, inspiring read.

The Little Monster: Growing Up With ADHD, by Robert Jergen

ISBN: 1578861047

A great description of what it's like to grow up with ADHD and how to use it as a major asset. A story of struggle, pain and success. Highly readable.

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About Organizing with ADHD:

ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life, by Judith Kolberg and Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D.

ISBN: 1138190748

A professional organizer and a psychologist focus on the special organizational conundrums and needs of adults with ADD/ADHD. It is filled with easy-to-implement strategies and tools.

Organizing Solutions for People with Attention Deficit Disorder (2nd edition-revised and updated): Tips and Tools to Help You TakeCharge of your Life and Get Organized, by Susan C. Pinsky

ISBN: 1592335128

Colorful photos of organized spaces make this a winner for some of my clients. The book offers tips and bulleted lists that make it a manageable read and a practical home reference.

Time Management from the Inside Out, by Julie Morgenstern

ISBN: 0805075909

While not written specifically for adults with ADD/ADHD, this book offers great tools for thinking about and managing your time.

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About College and ADHD

Ready for Take-Off: Preparing Your Teen With ADHD or LD for College , by Theresa E. Laurie Maitland, PhD, and Patricia O. Quinn, MD

ISBN: 1433808919

This excellent book provides a practical guide for promoting the skills teens need for succeeding at "life on their own" in college. It includes readiness surveys and worksheets that help teens move through the transition process. Of particular benefit is the coaching perspective offered to parents to use as they interact with and empower their teens as they prepare for the increased demands of college.

ADHD and the College Student: The Everything Guide to Your Most Urgent Questions, by Patricia O. Quinn

ISBN: 1433811316

Dr. Quinn answers the most common questions related to succeeding in college with ADHD. The format is easy to read and use. Dip in where you are interested!

College Confidence with ADD: The Ultimate Success Manual for ADD Students, by Michael Sandler

ISBN: 1402212518

Sandler biked across the United States to increase awareness of ADHD. He conquered his own ADD in college and with two master degrees on his resume, speaks, coaches and writes about his proven techniques for success.

Making the Grade with ADD: A Student's Guide to Succeeding in College with Attention Deficit Disorder, by Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, Ph.D.

ISBN: 1572245549

Practical, insightful suggestions for navigating college with ADD.

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About Parenting

Smart But Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential, by Peg Dawson, EdD, and Richard Guare, PhD

ISBN: 1593854455

It is confusing and frustrating to watch your bright, talented child struggle with the typical daily tasks of home and school.With ADHD, it is likely that your child has some weaknesses in executive functioning. Executive skills are fundamental brain-based skills necessary for planning, organizing, staying on task, and much more. This book offers many techniques for helping your child to improve executive skills and fully reach his or her potential.

Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents, by Russell A. Barkley

ISBN: 1462507891

A great resource for parents of children with ADHD who have hyperactivity. (Inattentive ADHD is not targeted in this book.) Barkley is well known for translating scientifically validated information into practical tools and advice. It provides step-by-step methods for managing the behaviors of children with ADHD in a range of everyday situations.

Mindful Parenting for ADHD: A Guide to Cultivating Calm, Reducing Stress, and Helping Children Thrive, by Mark Bertin MD and forward by Ari Tuckman PsyD

ISBN: 1626251797

Learn to use simple mindful practices to become calmer and more focused and to model that for your children. Dr. Bertin "explains how practicing mindfulness changes the way you as a parent see your child through the lens of truly understanding the ADHD experience." In addition, Dr. Bertin provides current information about ADHD and executive functioning deficits, as well as evidence-based strategies for managing behaviors.

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About Learning

A Mind at a Time, by Mel Levine.

ISBN: 0743202236

We all learn differently and should not be penalized for it! This book offers a clear, comprehensive discussion of learning differences and specific ways parents and teachers can encourage a child's strengths and bypass their weaknesses.

The Myth of Laziness, by Mel Levine.

ISBN: 0743213688

No child is lazy. We all want to be productive. Levine describes various types of output-failure, such as difficulties organizing thoughts to express orally or in writing, and specific ways to help children succeed.

Teaching Teens With ADD, ADHD & Executive Function Deficits, by Chris A. Zeigler Dendy, M.S.

ISBN: 1606130161

An excellent resource for parents, filled with useful information about how to work with attention deficit disorders and executive function deficits to achieve success during middle and high school years. Dendy offers many practical interventions and strategies for addressing behavioral and academic struggles.

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For Students

Putting on the Brakes: Understanding and Taking Control of Your ADD or ADHD, by Patricia O. Quinn, M.D. and Judith M. Stern, M.A. (See comments below.)

ISBN: 1433811340

The "Putting on the Brakes" Activity Book for Young People with ADHD, by Patricia O. Quinn and Judith M. Stern, M.A.

ISBN: 1433804417

These books are designed to give children between the ages of 8 and 12 a sense of control in their lives. Quinn and Stern reassure young people with ADHD that their problems are not unique and that there are many ways they can help themselves. The books address homework, keeping organized, following directions and maintaining self-control with clear, encouraging instructions, pictures, puzzles, checklists and other activities.

The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD, by John Taylor, Ph.D.

ISBN: 1575424479

This book offers helpful advice for children in grades 3-5. It is reader friendly, but probably most effective when read with a parent, counselor, or coach.

Learning to Slow Down and Pay Attention: A Book for Kids About ADHD, by Kathleen G. Nadeau

ISBN: 1591471559

Written from the child's perspective (approximately ages 6-11), this book provides tips for organizing, and managing schoolwork, friends and more. It is colorful and engaging, with easy-to-read text.

Mindfulness for Teens With ADHD: A Skill-building Workbook to Help You Focus and Succeed, by Debra Burdick, LCSW

ISBN: 162625625X

This book is for teens and those who work with them. It goes to the heart of typical teens' struggles and introduces mindfulness practices to better manage them—with compassion, curiosity, and self-acceptance. The mindfulness-based approach is a great fit for teens with an ADHD brain style.

Organizing From the Inside Out for Teens: The Foolproof System for Organizing Your Room, Your Time, and Your Life, by Julie Morgenstern and Jessi Morgenstern-Colon

ISBN: 0805064702

"Analyze, strategize and attack" to organize your space and manage your time. Co-written by Morgenstern, author of the excellent Organizing from the Inside Out (1998) for adult readers, and her daughter, this book offers workable solutions for disorganized teenagers.

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Podcasts

The following podcasts are informative, practical and useful.

More Attention, Less Deficit, by Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA

— https://adultadhdbook.com/more-attention-podcast/

Tuckman’s podcast is a treasure trove of pertinent, accessible, practical information about how to live successfully with ADHD. He covers a wide range of topics and offers a myriad of insights and actionable strategies.

Translating ADHD, by Cameron Gott and Shelly Collins

— https://translatingadhd.com/

Hosts Cameron Gott and Shelly Collins share their insights as ADHD coaches and people who have ADHD themselves. They want to get the word out about what the ADHD experience really is and how to navigate the world with ADHD with greater understanding and success. As one of their Internet blurbs says, "We believe that being successful with ADHD is not only possible, it's entirely within reach (with a little translation).” I’ve spoken with Cam in person at a few conferences and can fully recommend him and his work.

Hacking Your ADHD, by William Curb

— https://www.hackingyouradhd.com/

I first learned of this podcast from a few of my coaching clients who have found it very helpful. The Internet description says that “ADHD can be a struggle, but it doesn't always have to be. If you have ADHD or someone in your life does and you want to get organized, get focused and get motivated then this podcast is for you.” The podcasts are approximately 15 minutes long, with useful insights and perspectives.

How to ADHD, by Jessica McCabe

— https://howtoadhd.com/

Several coaching clients alerted me to this useful website and series of YouTube videos. As founder Jessica McCabe states, "We post videos with tips, tricks and insights into the ADHD brain. This channel is my ADHD toolbox – a place to keep all the strategies I’ve learned about having and living with ADHD.”

Internet Links

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Organizations

ADDA — Attention Deficit Disorder Association. ADDA provides information, resources and networking to adults with ADHD. Their annual May conferences are life changing for many people.

CHADD — Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder. A national organization providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADD/ADHD. Check to see if they have a local chapter near you.Their annual conferences are excellent. Search the site for lots of information about ADHD. You can sign up for a weekly newsletter.

ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA) — ADDCA offers in-depth coach training teleclasses for both new and experienced coaches who want to work with individuals with ADD/ADHD. It was founded by David Giwerc, Master Certified Coach and former President of ADDA. This is where I received my coach training. I was honored to have David as my instructor and mentor.

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Other ADHD Resources

Understood.org — This site has useful information about ADHD and other learning and being-in-the-world differences, with a primary focus on children. "We focus on making real, positive impact in the lives of people who learn and think differently by offering tools, support, and community. Because our differences are our greatest strength.”

About.com: ADD/ADHD — A great resource for information about ADHD. It includes articles, blogs and videos. The editor, Keath Low, based one of her articles entirely on an article I wrote, crediting me all the way!

verywell.com – An Overview of ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder Resources — A national non-profit organization that provides information, resources and support for individuals with ADD/ADHD.

ADDitude Magazine — A consumer and lifestyle magazine for people with ADD/ADHD. Full of helpful strategies, advice, and encouraging personal stories, both online for free, and in a magazine.

Attention Research Update — From the National Resource Center on ADHD. A free monthly e-mail newsletter that helps us all stay informed about important new research on ADHD. Look for the What We Know Info Sheets for key information.

ADHD Research Digest — From the British Psychological Society. Interesting studies about various aspects of ADHD.

LD Online — An information and advice packed web site about LD and ADHD.

ADDvance — Patricia Quinn and Kathleen Nadeau provide answers to a vast range of questions about ADD/ADHD in children, teens and adults. Quinn and Nadeau are highly respected authorities and authors in this field.

Thomas E. Brown on ADHD and Executive Functions

Thomas E. Brown on ADHD and Emotions

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Organizing and Planning

FlyLady — An online organizing system and support group for the most disorganized among us.

Online Organizing — Find a professional organizer in your area, organizing tips and links to other resources. Good checklist of questions to ask before hiring, including, "Do you work with ADD/ADHD clients?"

ADD Planner — An exciting tool for technophiles who spend lots of time at their computers. Audio and visual cues keep you on task and on time. Check this out!

Busy Body Book, Personal and Family Organizer — Reasonably priced (under $20) and versatile.

Planner Pad Organizer — The open 2-page weekly spread provides room for monthly and weekly to-do lists as well as for daily appointments. Available in 3 sizes and 4 quarterly start dates.

Thinkbin — Large family wall calendar designed by two moms. Many useful features. Under $20.

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Apps & Gadgets

10% Happier App: Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics (Web App or Apple App Store) — A fun, interesting, and easy introduction to meditation. It offers both guided and unguided meditations of all kinds and lengths—from 1 minute to 60, walking and sitting, for de-stressing or sleeping or mindfulness or focus, and much more.

Headspace App — Another user-friendly, versatile meditation app. Like the 10% Happier App, it offers themed meditations of various lengths, including bitesize.

The Most Dangerous Writing App Ever — For people who want to get over their writer's block. Once you stop writing your text disappears. You can choose to write nonstop for 5 to 60 minutes (phew!).

The Pomodoro Technique — A great tool for conquering procrastination. It's available as an Android or Apple app, as well as on a range of easy-to-find Web sites. You can also purchase the physical timer.

Time Timer — An excellent tool for those of us who have challenges sensing the passing of time. This timer shows time "going away." I have used it during coaching sessions and when working on projects. My clients find it handy to keep on their desks at work or at school. I have clients who use it with their children to signal how long until bedtime, when to leave for school, etc. It is available as an actual physical timer, as a watch, or as an app on your devices.

MotivAider — A small electronic device that helps us change habits by keeping us focused on the change we want to make. Clever idea. Great tool for making positive behavior changes.

Aroma Therapy, Peaceful Progression Clock — Awaken more easily to both sound and scent. Choose a nature sound and aroma to gently ease you into wakefulness. A Google search finds a range of options and prices.

Sonic Bomb Vibrating Alarm Clock — A vibrating attachment clips under your mattress and shakes you awake. The clock has a large digital time display and loud alarm, as well.

Clocky
— Believe it or not, this clock rolls off your nightstand and drives around your room when it's time to get up. You must chase it and catch it to silence the alarm.

Fun Wake-up Service
— Wake up to a phone call telling you a joke or a quote of the day. Snooze options available.

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Buying Green

Environmental Defense Fund
 — Environment Defense's List of Green Gifts

Green America
 — Coop America's Top 10 Green Toys

Union of Concerned Scientists
 — LED Christmas Lights


You may be interested in my other Web Site, www.FOCUSdammit.com. It targets successful, busy professionals who are looking for some
Attention... Traction!
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