If you have a child with ADHD (or you suspect that you do even if you haven’t sought an official diagnosis) or if you have ADHD yourself, ADHD 2.0 by Dr. Edward Hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey is a book you’ll want to read.

More than two decades ago, this duo wrote Driven to Distraction which served to introduce ADHD to the general public. In this follow-up, they share recent research, new strategies, and tips for thriving with this neurological difference. Both of these doctors have ADHD so they bring a personal interest and understanding to the topic.

Some things I found surprising were that “having ADHD costs a person nearly thirteen years of life” and that sometimes the organizational stress of managing adult life can bring out symptoms of ADHD for the first time. ADHD can be caused by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors.

While those with ADHD face many challenges, they are often also highly creative. “It brings you talents you can neither teach nor buy. It is often the lifeblood of creativity and artistic talents. It is a driver of ingenuity.”

The doctors offer a comprehensive list of characteristics of ADHD. They also discuss many ways of supporting and helping someone with ADHD including exercise, dietary adjustments, positive human interaction, and a thorough exploration of various supplements and medications. While there is no mention of homeschooling, the doctors do describe what educational strategies work better. Homeschoolers can use this information to create a more positive homeschool environment for a child with ADHD.

When it comes to parenting and homeschooling a child with neurological differences, knowledge and understanding can help a great deal. ADHD 2.0 is a fascinating, informative, and practical guide to living and thriving with an ADHD mind.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. Purchases made after clicking a link help support this site. Thank you!