8 Essential Books for Parents of Children with ADHD

As a parent of a child with ADHD, you’re inundated with opinions and ‘helpful’ suggestions from relatives, colleagues, friends and medical professionals. Add to that the growing prevalence of “ADHD hacks” and ADHD content on social media, and it’s easy to understand how you might feel confused or conflicted.

Recent, large-scale research shows ADHD affects nearly 1 in 25 children. Of these kids, 70% demonstrate a ‘psychiatric comorbidity,’ or a mental health diagnosis which will also affect their interactions at home, school and social events, as well as their perception of themselves and their ADHD diagnosis.

Parenting a child with ADHD can be a long and complicated road. Finding a few key resources you can trust will help bring calm to you, so you can help bring calm to your child. 

8 Must-Read Books for Parents of Children with ADHD

In addition to 1:1 educational support for your child with ADHD, these books can help you navigate the world of ADHD symptoms, treatments and strategies. These 8 books — many of which have been revised and updated as research progresses — offer support, stories from other ADHD parents and science-based strategies you can take to your child’s doctor or teacher.

A leading expert in the assessment and treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder dispels myths and offers reassuring, practical information about treatments.

Filled with instructive information and effective hints, the imaginary journal of Tom will help young people, parents, and education and psychology professionals understand and cope with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

This revised and updated resource will help you become a supportive and assertive advocate for your child. In print for more than twenty years, The Misunderstood Child has become the go-to reference guide for families of children with learning disorders.

Always sensitive while still being authoritative, this book will empower girls and their families in ways that are sorely needed. Its emphasis on gender-specific manifestations of ADHD and its inclusion of practical strategies will ensure its continued status as core guidebook.

Through vivid stories of the experiences of their patients (both adults and children), Drs. Hallowell and Ratey show the varied forms ADD takes — from the hyperactive search for high stimulation to the floating inattention of daydreaming — and the transforming impact of precise diagnosis and treatment.

Through vivid stories of the experiences of their patients (both adults and children), Drs. Hallowell and Ratey show the varied forms ADD takes — from the hyperactive search for high stimulation to the floating inattention of daydreaming — and the transforming impact of precise diagnosis and treatment.

Through vivid stories of the experiences of their patients (both adults and children), Drs. Hallowell and Ratey show the varied forms ADD takes — from the hyperactive search for high stimulation to the floating inattention of daydreaming — and the transforming impact of precise diagnosis and treatment.

In this insightful and practical book, veteran psychologist Sharon Saline shares the words and inner struggles of children and teens living with ADHD—and a blueprint for achieving lasting success by working together.

What book, blog or resource has helped you understand, support and advocate for your child with ADHD? Share your favourites below!