Customer Reviews

Journeys Through ADDulthood: Discover a New Sense of Identity and Meaning with Attention Deficit Disorder

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I haven't finished reading it, but already I can't say enough about how much this book has helped me. If you are an adult struggling with ADD/ADHD this book is a must have, because it's one of the few that deals with the post-diagnosis dilemma. And adult who's diagnosed with ADD experiences many things at once; relief because there is now a name for what have likely been life-long problems, anxiety because a diagnosis naturally brings with it a change in self-image and a potential identity crisis, frustration because there is "treatment" but no "cure for ADD, etc., etc. While any number of books do a wonderful job of explaining what ADD is, or offering strategies to cope with the symptoms of ADD, few if any deal effectively with the inner-life and struggle of the adult who is learning to cope with the symptoms of ADD while simultaneously trying to craft a new identity post-diagnosis, and put the past and the present into context. Basically, few other books give advice on how to effectively get on with life after diagnosis.

At first Solden's words may be hard to take. She matter-of-factly states that there is no "cure" for ADD, that it probably can't' be "fixed" and that the symptoms will probably continue to cause problems for the adult with ADD. To her credit, she puts this as gently as possible, and offers the promise that what she has to say will help the reader stop trying to "fix" himself or herself, and gain a balanced perspective of self that will help him or her to move forward and live his or her best life while continuing to live with and struggle with ADD.

Solden's central, and perhaps most powerful, message is simple: diagnosis is not identity. People with ADD, unfortunately, live in a world that reminds them of their difficulties and shortcomings on almost a daily basis. Solden sees how this distorts the self-concept of the adult with ADD and offers tools and methods to begin shifting that self concept from focusing on difficulties to a more balanced focus that looks realistically at individual difficulties and strengths.

I could say more, but I'll sum my opinion of this book by saying that were it in my power to do so, I would give a copy of this book to every single adult with ADD. In fact, it would be handed out with the diagnosis and first prescription.

Sari Solden wrote what I think is the best add book for adult women with her first book, especially those newly diagnosed and this book is just as good. Here, she is addressing primarily those of us (men and women) who have lived for a couple of years or more with a diagnosis of addult add (most likely not diagnosed as a child). She clearly explains, using examples, the how different people deal with the diagnosis over the years, what the stumbling blocks are in terms of career choice and home life, and how to overcome them. She speaks about how many of us may accept we have add, and dutifully take our meds, but still have problems because we don't think about the life changes we may need to make to best utilize our unique skills and the help we may need to be succesful. She talks about how to identify problem areas and think up solutions. Excellent book for the add adult--though not the best "intro" book.

Ms. Solden has opened the door to new territories in this book. Unlike other books on AD/HD that seem to repeat much of the same information over and over again, Journeys into ADDulthood gently leads the reader into the next stage of one's ADD self-discovery and growth. It is a refreshing look at "what happens next"- after one is diagnosed and treated.

The author breaks up the book into three main sections, or journeys: The Crisis of Understanding, The Crisis of Identity, and the Crisis of Success. She gently walks the reader through each stage, offering insights and gems of wisdom. Each chapter ends with an "Exploration"- a short self-help exercise to help you think more about how you can use the material in a personal way for self-growth.

Both practical, sensitive and emotionally packed with wisdom from this pioneer in the field of AD/HD, I highly recommend this not only to those touched by AD/HD, but to those who work with them.

The author recounts the experiences of the adult with ADHD extremely well. It's reassuring to know that others have the same issues and challenges, the same doubts, fears and frustrations that I have been experiencing. It's encouraging to see how many adults with the disorder become happy, succesful, relatively well adjusted human beings--the author being a good example of this.
After receiving my official diagnosis almost 2 years ago, I read Sari Solden's first book. It was surprising how well she described my life! It gave me some comfort to know I was not alone in this experience. When I discovered her new book, I was able to recapture that sense of relief and comfort in knowing that there were "others" in the same boat.
I am in the process of completing a graduate degree in Psychology (emphasis in neuropsychology), so I was not terribly concerned about technical jargon, etc. Fortunately, this book does NOT read like a text book (a nice break). It is very easy to understand and a pleasure to read. I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone interested in adults/women with ADHD.

As a male not diagnosed with ADHD until my early 40's, I've found this book extremely helpful. Most books dealing with ADD/ADHD describe the symptoms and treatments but this is the first book that I've read that helps me face and deal with my extreme sense of loss and grief over growing up with ADHD without knowing what on earth was wrong with me! The author also provides exercises that help gain an new sense of self and acceptance. Additionally there is a section on dealing with practical issues such as organizational skills, getting along with others, etc. I highly recommend this book.

I think I've read just about every book for adults with ADD that's out there, but this is the best one yet. Sari offers not just insight as to how the ADDult mind works, but she also gives solid advice on how to reclaim one's goals and dreams despite our difficulties. This is the first book I've read that really helps those with ADD to learn to separate our difficulties from our gifts and talents, and to forge ahead in the knowledge that ADD need not destine us to a life of resignation to getting less from ourselves because of our difficulties. This book was a real breakthrough for me and just what I needed to read at this point in my own ADD journey. Kudos to Sari for a very well-written and necessary addition to the number of works on adult ADD.

Ms. Solden has opened the door to new territories in this book. Unlike other books on AD/HD that seem to repeat much of the same information over and over again, Journeys into ADDulthood gently leads the reader into the next stage of one's ADD self-discovery and growth. It is a refreshing look at "what happens next"- after one is diagnosed and treated.

The author breaks up the book into three main sections, or journeys: The Crisis of Understanding, The Crisis of Identity, and the Crisis of Success. She gently walks the reader through each stage, offering insights and gems of wisdom. Each chapter ends with an "Exploration"- a short self-help exercise to help you think more about how you can use the material in a personal way for self-growth.

Both practical, sensitive and emotionally packed with wisdom from this pioneer in the field of AD/HD, I highly recommend this not only to those touched by AD/HD, but to those who work with them.

I have read and listened to so many books on ADD/ADHD that I felt discouraged and ripped off. Too many offer the same clinical blah that is only short term help or self diagnoses. Most other books are photocopied, repetitive, text book junk. This is one of only a few that deal with the personal struggles that accompany ADD and the path to long term success. I would like to personally thank Sari Solden for her books. I am 36 years old male who's struggled my entire life with the ups and downs of this disorder. With her help I have finnyly been able to see there is no one answer or path for everyone. With out this book i would not pushed as hard to find the right counsoler and Dr.. I would also emphasize more than anyone thing that having a consoler and Dr. who specialize in ADHD (not your family Dr.) is essential.
In short this book can be the beginning of the life you thought you could never have.

Sari Solden takes readers through the change process with sensitivity and honesty. Unlike other books about AD/HD that explain what it is, this books deals with the different stages people go through in accepting their diagnoses, reaching out for help, and finding their value as whole people, not just as ADDers. This is a good book to read after you have gotten the initial medical information about AD/HD and need to process what it means. Really, this book can be useful for anyone in a period of identity transition.

This book goes beyond the normal ADD books. It helps you deal with life after the diagnosis and getting on medication. How you deal with the emotions of low self esteem, not ever being good enough etc. Then how to live so that others can see you as a different person. Different that you were before you found the REAL you underneath all those annoying ADD traits.