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.