Dreamin’ Reviews: So you have ADHD….

By: Jasmin Roden, LMSW, CAADC

This review is on a simple tool book for those who have ADHD. ADHD is a common mental health condition that impacts both children and adults.  The Mini ADHD Coach: Tools and Support to Make Life Easier, is a mixture of a book and a visual guide by Alice Gendron. Alice is an author who has lived experience with ADHD and is passionate about sharing tips on how to manage those symptoms to improve overall quality of life.

Her book has cute drawings throughout the book that visualize what a person with ADHD may be experiencing. Alice also is the creator of an online social platform and community offering tips advice and a place to connect those with ADHD and those who love and care about someone who has ADHD. She offers a free ADHD test, however, with the results, I strongly recommend that you follow up with your doctor or mental health specialist who has training in ADHD to confirm any new diagnosis. 

Part one of the book is a breakdown of what the symptoms of ADHD look like and how a person behaves when experiencing them. It informs on how to get an appropriate diagnosis by a qualified mental health professional. The first step is likely to speak to your primary care doctor or seek out a professional who does evaluations in your community. While I was reading this book, I started to laugh out loud because a person that I know and care about deeply, fits these experiences shared to a T. Alice shares how she has almost burnt her house down multiple times. I have a friend that is super intelligent, competent, and successful in her career, who also almost burned her grandparent's house down as she left a plastic lid on the electric burner of the stove. When I read this page I literally chuckled and sent this screenshot because apparently, this is a common occurrence for those with ADHD.

Part two of the book is titled “A Day with ADHD.” The author goes through a day in her life and how she manages her symptoms throughout the day with little tips and advice.  Alice explains how she handles getting up in the morning, personal hygiene, communication, work, deadlines, eating, and other activities that encompass the human experience. In particular, this chapter did give me lots of hope and feel goods that ADHD can be managed to where it does not impair a persons ability to function.

Part three is all about “ADHD Hacks.” Alice explains the importance of accepting yourself or someone you know who has ADHD and understanding that their brain operates differently. Acceptance and willingness to make adaptations to routines and tasks that better support a person with ADHD is imperative. A neat hack that I took from this part of the book was “gamify your life.” Essentially, many people with ADHD crave rewards, so this hack introduces small ways that you can reward yourself throughout the day to complete daily tasks. Bonus- find an accountability partner to support you in this hack. 

Readability: SUPER easy and quick. The images are great and provide humor to this topic.

Recommended Reader: This book is perfect for anyone who has ADHD from adolescent years on up. Most of the hacks and advice are geared toward those who are adults with ADHD. However, I could see how adolescents could benefit from these hacks in completing high school and preparation for launching from the nest. Of course, those who care about someone with ADHD would also benefit from reading this book. 

It is important to note that these books and other resources are not appropriate or meant to replace mental health or substance abuse treatment. If you have any prescription medication, do not stop taking your prescription medications until you consult with your prescriber.