I’ve collated some of the most helpful ADHD books for adults and also included Autism and Trauma too. Once upon a time I was a very big reader. In fact, I’d probably say that reading was my hyperfocus for many years. I couldn’t do anything else when I had a good book on the go, I read while I was walking along, while I was brushing my teeth, under the covers with a torch when I was supposed to be in bed asleep, totally and utterly absorbed. To the point where I’d grieve the ending of a book as I’d become so invested in the characters and their lives. I would also often ‘become’ the character I was reading about, taking on their personalities to the point where I would even steal their style and start dressing like them. (And no-one considered I might be autistic!!)
I totally lost that ability as I grew older, for various reasons, better choice of tv, being the queen of distraction and severe anxiety meaning I wouldn’t allow myself to sit down as I felt like I was being ‘lazy’ and a very busy brain. All classic symptoms of adhd! And I still struggle to read now thanks to my high energy and busy brain, but there have been some books that have been extremely helpful to me since my adhd diagnosis at the age of 37. They’ve helped me understand why I struggle with time management, offered practical advice, some are personal stories, some practical strategies and some are backed up with scientific research but all have been useful in understanding the autism, trauma, adhd struggle. The below selection is a list of the best books I have found invaluable in understanding myself or very helpful as I’ve been on my healing journey. The more my ADHD treatment works, the more I think I’m very likely to be autistic too and I don’t know a single late diagnosed neurodivergent who hasn’t experienced some degree of trauma so I’ve included a few of the numerous autism/cptsd/adhd books for adults that have really struck a chord in that area too. (Post contains affiliate links which means I get a tiny fraction if you buy something using my link.)
Scattered Minds – The Origins and Healing of ADHD by Gabor Mate
I know that there is some controversy around Dr Maté’s views on trauma causing ADHD but I found this comprehensive overview of adhd a fascinating read and the first book to really help me understand my adhd brain better and give me valuable insights into that adult adhd symptoms that separate it from all the mental health conditions I was previously diagnosed with. it is a comprehensive guide to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and one of the most well known adhd books, Gabor is considered to be a leading expert in this neurodevelopmental disorder. I got to spend a day listening to him speak at a trauma conference last year and it was pretty mind blowing to be honest!
Click here to buy the paperback from Amazon or here for the kindle edition.
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
I was lucky enough to listen to the author of the following book talk at a conference as well and was absolutely fascinated by his thoughts on trauma, mood disorders, brain development and treatment options. Particularly how positive he is about EMDR therapy, something I’ve found to be unbelievably effective in healing my own trauma. This book is so illuminating when it comes to trauma being stored in the body, something that I’ve experienced myself. Although not specifically adhd literature, there are so many cross overs between trauma and adhd that this is a valuable resource to help give a new understanding of adhd and why it might affect emotional regulation, mood swings and communication skills. When our bodies are constantly holding on to past events we can’t approach new situations with clear heads.
Click here to buy the paperback from Amazon or here for the kindle edition.
Can You See Me Now? By Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott
This is a beautiful beautiful book taken from diaries written by an 11 year old autistic girl and turned into this amazing story with the help of an esteemed writer. It really gives you an insight into the world as viewed by an autistic child. This book is brilliant for tweens/teens but also really worth reading as an adult trying to understand their child better. It’s part of a series of books, all of which are brilliant. It really helps have a unique perspective on how tough it can be for a little girl to navigate daily life with a neurodivergent brain.
Click here to buy the paperback from Amazon or here for the kindle edition.
Was It Even Abuse?: Restoring Clarity After Covert Abuse. By Emma Rose Byham
It can be so hard to recognise bad personal relationships when you are neurodivergent, and so many of us end up in toxic situations with damaged people always second guessing and doubting ourselves, our gut feelings buried under a tidal wave of uncertainty, misplaced empathy and people pleasing. This book is an absolutely incredible and insightful guide for clearing the fog and clearly lays out the slow creeping patterns of abuse to help you identify and most importantly heal from it. It has probably been the best self-help book for me in the case of c-ptsd, with a very compassionate approach with personal insights and it made a significant difference to my life.
Click here for the kindle edition and here for the paperback version.
PDA In The Family: Life After the Lightbulb Moment – Steph Curtis
This is a brilliant book by one of my favourite bloggers in the field of neurodivergence talking about the greatly misunderstood and debilitating subset of Autism; Pathological Demand Avoidance or PDA for short. Steph has blogged at Steph’s Two Girls on the topic for years and has turned her writings into this fantastic, open, honest book which acts as a practical guide for families who are also trying to navigate a world not built for their amazing children and balance the needs of themselves and their siblings too. Packed full of personal experiences, advice and strategies, this book is a must for anyone who lives with PDA. Steph’s holistic approach to her daughter’s very specific needs and the way she uses her blog to dispel common myths, focus on the positive aspects despite having to make big lifestyle changes and to embrace neurodiversity has always been a source of inspiration for me.
Click here to buy the kindle edition and here for the paperback.
UNMASKED: The Ultimate Guide to ADHD, Autism and Neurodivergence by Elle Middleton
This isn’t one that I’ve read personally (yet!) but I have heard so many people rave about it and Elle has a very large social media presence on her channels where she gives great, knowledgeable advice.
Click here to buy on kindle and here for the paperback.
Hope you enjoy these recommendations for Autism / Trauma/ ADHD Books for adults., I always love to hear about resources that have helped you on your journey towards understanding your neurodivergent brain (or someone elses!) so please drop all your suggestions below!
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