By the way, tonight I will attend our Adult ADHD group, and I just enjoy the heck out of it. Partly, we have some great laughs. But we also have very interesting conversations among the most unlikely gathering of people (all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, educational levels, nationalities, etc.)

More importantly, perhaps, the driving impetus of our meetings is: “We’re not going to take mediocre (or even cockamamie) ADHD strategies.”

We’re putting our heads together (and there are some very smart people in that group, along with some who greatly need the others’ help), comparing notes and experiences, reading and sharing research, and taking charge. As you say, Jeff, they’re sharing “how they did it.”

We’re not accepting the standard one-size-fits-all “talk therapy” that can often make ADHD worse. We’re not accepting lazy, apathetic medical care of the “here, try this Rx, here try that Rx” variety. We’re giving people the confidence to demand better.

And no one comes in there wanting to talk all night about their “gifts.” They come because they’re tired of beating their heads against the wall or underperforming in their career or receiving a deafening amount of negative feedback. They don’t need someone to tell them that they are brilliant engineer, graphic designer, nurse, etc. They need help in not shooting themselves in the foot in ways that are totally incongruous with their intelligence.

As you can see, I get a little worked up.

Wish you both could join us!
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Thanks for your comments. And I wholeheartedly agree with you that Gina writes from true concern and passion, hence my description of her perspective as being passionately empathetic. I too wonder “how did they do it.” That, perhaps, is the biggest puzzle of all for an A.D.D.er.

Great review! I think the ‘map’ metaphor fits nicely and most accurately. The thing about this book is that although it could be used as a user’s manual, Gina writes from her true concern and allows her passion to shine through in the personal stories she tells from folks who were lost and found their way. Sometimes I have found myself in envy of others and wondered ‘how did they do it’, Gina explains how, why and what steps could help me as well. Previous to this book “Taking Charge of ADHD” was my go-to book, but, Gina’s has taken its place!