A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD book cover

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden & Michelle Frank Summary

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD
Sari Solden & Michelle Frank
3.64 (3659 Reviews)
Psychology
Self-growth
Health
Overview
Key Takeaways
Author
FAQs

Overview of A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD

Discover your ADHD superpowers in this revolutionary guide that reframes neurodivergence as a source of strength, not shame. Offering women practical strategies for harnessing scattered brilliance into focused achievement - the book that's helping thousands reclaim their narrative and transform chaos into creative genius.

Show more

Key Takeaways from A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD

  1. Replace shame with radical self-compassion through Sari Solden’s neurodiversity framework
  2. Craft ADHD-friendly personal mission statements to anchor decisions in core values
  3. Rewrite self-narratives by separating societal expectations from authentic ADHD strengths
  4. Transform hiding behaviors into unmasked authenticity using ACT therapy principles
  5. Build “ADHD-default resilience” by resetting automatic shame responses to challenges
  6. Design vision-driven goals that honor hyperfocus creativity and nonlinear productivity
  7. Michelle Frank’s boundary blueprint: Protect energy through intentional relationship frameworks
  8. Counteract “difference stigma” by reframing ADHD traits as evolutionary assets
  9. Implement Solden’s three-phase liberation model: worthiness → purpose → actualization
  10. Normalize resistance as growth fuel while navigating ADHD burnout cycles
  11. Cultivate bold self-advocacy using neurodivergent communication templates from Chapter 7
  12. Audit environments using the “ADHD friction test” to reduce sensory overload

Overview of its author - Sari Solden & Michelle Frank

Sari Solden and Michelle Frank, renowned experts in ADHD and neurodiversity, co-authored A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers, a groundbreaking self-help workbook empowering women to reframe ADHD as a strength.

Solden is a psychotherapist with over 35 years of experience specializing in ADHD. She is celebrated for her pioneering works like Women with Attention Deficit Disorder and Journeys Through ADDulthood, which redefined adult ADHD narratives.

Frank is a clinical psychologist who blends her expertise in neurodivergence with advocacy for gender-inclusive mental health frameworks.

Together, Solden and Frank combine clinical insights with actionable strategies, addressing shame, self-acceptance, and societal barriers. Solden’s globally bestselling books, frequently cited in academic and therapeutic settings, established her as a leading voice for women with ADHD, while Frank’s work bridges clinical practice and neurodiversity advocacy.

Their collaboration has been featured in ADDitude webinars and endorsed by major ADHD organizations. A Radical Guide has become a cornerstone resource in ADHD communities, recommended by mental health professionals worldwide and translated into multiple languages.

Common FAQs of A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD

What is A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD about?

A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD by Sari Solden and Michelle Frank is a workbook empowering women to embrace neurodiversity, challenge shame-based narratives, and build self-acceptance through exercises blending ADHD coaching with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). It focuses on reframing ADHD traits as strengths while providing tools to improve communication, self-regulation, and confidence.

Who should read A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD?

This book is ideal for women diagnosed with ADHD (or exploring a diagnosis) who struggle with self-criticism, masking behaviors, or societal expectations. It’s also valuable for therapists, partners, or family members seeking to understand ADHD’s emotional impact on women.

What are the main concepts in A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD?

Key concepts include:

  • Neurodiversity affirmation: Rejecting the idea that ADHD is a character flaw
  • Identity Triad: Addressing how masking, shame, and societal norms shape self-perception
  • ACT-based exercises: Using mindfulness and value-based actions to build self-compassion
How does A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD address shame?

The book dismantles shame by guiding readers to separate ADHD-related challenges from self-worth. It includes reflective prompts to identify internalized stigma and stories from women who’ve transformed self-criticism into self-advocacy.

What practical tools does A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD provide?
  • Journaling exercises to track emotional patterns
  • Communication frameworks for setting boundaries
  • Step-by-step ACT practices to align actions with personal values
  • Checklists for identifying strengths and masking behaviors
How does A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD differ from other ADHD books?

Unlike symptom-focused guides, Solden and Frank emphasize psychological healing over behavioral fixes. It uniquely combines clinical ADHD strategies with feminist neurodiversity principles, making it one of the first workbooks targeting women’s lived experiences.

What critiques exist about A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD?

Some reviewers note the book prioritizes mindset shifts over concrete organizational strategies, which may frustrate readers seeking immediate productivity hacks. However, most praise its compassionate tone and long-term empowerment approach.

How does Sari Solden’s expertise shape A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD?

Drawing on 35+ years as a therapist, Solden integrates clinical insights with her lived ADHD experience. Her earlier work (Women with Attention Deficit Disorder) laid the foundation for this more actionable, workbook-style guide.

Can A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD help with workplace challenges?

Yes. The book includes exercises to navigate RSD (rejection-sensitive dysphoria), advocate for accommodations, and leverage ADHD traits like creativity in professional settings. Case studies show women applying these tools to reduce burnout.

Why is A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD relevant in 2025?

As ADHD diagnoses rise among women, the book’s neurodiversity-affirming approach aligns with 2025’s mental health trends toward identity-informed care. Updated societal discussions about masking and gender roles make its frameworks timely.

What quotes from A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD resonate with readers?
  • “Your differences are not defects” – challenges pathologization of ADHD
  • “Stop trying to ‘pass’ and start showing up” – encourages authenticity over masking
How does A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD approach relationships?

It provides scripts for explaining ADHD to partners, plus exercises to address common issues like emotional dysregulation or unequal household labor. Emphasizes mutual understanding over blame.

Similar books to A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD

Start Reading Your Way
Quick Summary

Feel the book through the author's voice

Deep Dive

Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights

Flash Card

Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning

Fun

Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way

Explore Your Way of Learning
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Psychology. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD Summary in 10 Minutes

Quick Summary
Quick Summary
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD Summary in 10 Minutes

Break down key ideas from A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.

play
00:00
00:00

Flash Card Mode - Top 10 Insights from A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD in a Nutshell

Flash Card
Flash Card
Top 10 Insights from A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD in a Nutshell

Distill A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.

Flash Mode Swiper

Fun Mode - A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD Lessons Told Through 24-Min Stories

Fun
Fun
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD Lessons Told Through 24-Min Stories

Experience A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.

play
00:00
00:00

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD Summary in 0 Minutes

Personalize
Personalize
Experience A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD in your own way.

Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.

Flash Mode Swiper

From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

BeFreed Brings Together A Global Community Of 200,000+ Curious Minds

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments12
likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments96
likes4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments201
thumbsUp16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments12
likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments96
likes4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments201
thumbsUp16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments12
likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments96
likes4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
platform
comments201
thumbsUp16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
starstarstarstarstar
Start your learning journey, now
Download This Summary

Get the A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.