It All Makes Sense Now: Embrace Your ADHD Brain to Live a Creative and Colorful Life

by Meredith Carder

From the personal and coaching experience of an ADHDer, actionable tools and techniques to have your ADHD tendencies maximally benefit you.Do you often feel that your emotions are intense and difficult to regulate? Do you have a seemingly outsized intolerance for boredom? Does time continually fly by in a distressing, and definitely not fun, way?You're not alone. As cultural and medical awareness around ADHD shifts, millions of adults who are being newly diagnosed with the condition are unclear on what it actually means and how it affects the experience of their everyday life.Meredith Carder, an ADHD coach and ADHDer herself, shares real-life stories from her coaching and own lived experience to validate the challenges that exist and actionable exercises and strategies to help the power of self-compassion and self-awareness to embrace your unique brain Build your own toolkit of daily habits to prevent boredom and burnoutRate your level of focus and plan your energy accordinglyLearn to appreciate your ADHD brain and empower yourself to live a life rich with interestBy learning more about the way your mind works, you too can rewrite your inner dialogue and fully realize the life you want to live.

Genres: Adhd, Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook, Psychology, Health, Mental Health

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Emily Rainsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

This was a pretty nice and easy reading book about being ADHD.

As an AuDHDer, I can struggle to connect with pure ADHD content, as I don't experience externalised hyperactivity and my autism interacts with my ADHD to create its own unique experience. This one resonated a lot more, having been written by an adult-diagnosed woman, and covering more than just the standard diagnostic traits for ADHD.

Having said that, the very thing that made the book resonate with me is also the thing that irritated me a bit. Because there are a few chapters where it's like "this isn't one of diagnostic criteria but a lot of ADHDers experience this..." and then it goes on to describe... an autistic trait. The book felt like the book I've been wanting to read about AuDHD, but it thinks it's only about ADHD. It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine that people seem to be trying to expand the definition of ADHD to encompass autistic traits. ADHD is a disorder with very specific diagnostic criteria. Sensory issues are not ADHD. Black and white thinking is not ADHD. They're autism. My personal, possibly controversial opinion is that a lot of adult women's ADHD diagnoses are missing the "u".

The chapters are structured the same: based around a certain trait, such as time blindness or rumination, they begin with a personal anecdote from the author, move into discussion of the trait, and end with practical tips.

I'm not at a point in my journey where I'm interested in tips and I know myself well enough to know that I'm never going to look at them again, let alone implement them. Plus they're all pretty standard, logical things. So I honestly skim read the tips and I don't think I took anything new or practically useful from the book.

But I did find it a very validating read, and that's really what I read this type of book for. Not to change myself, but just to see myself in the pages, to know it's an experience I'm not alone in. For that, this book definitely served its purpose better than another popular ADHD book I tried.

[Nikki W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone who has, or suspect they have, or lives with someone diagnosed with ADHD.

[Anastasia King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was far funnier than it should have been 🤣 it has also resulted in 50 odd pages of notes

The tips, hacks, and exercises at the end of 85% of the chapters managed to be just as helpful as therapy— maybe more so, because it answered questions & gave answers to things I couldn’t figure out how to verbalise to my therapist since October last year

[Mary-Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is exactly the adhd explainer and guide I need. Finally, a resource that feels totally up-to-date with actual helpful strategies and sometimes mind-blowing insight. I'm tabbing and marking up and highlighting and basically carrying this thing around with me. Extra reco for chapter 8 and 21. And chapter 6. And pg 11 for setting up your optimal focus environment. I highly, HIGHLY recommend.

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book's main issue is that there's too much of it. It's quite repetitive. Carder often gives the same advice for multiple issues which makes me think there was a more effective way to structure the book and convey this information. Her advice isn't bad. The book has a few useful tips, but it's hardly revelatory.
The general tone of the book was very "self-help" I would have preferred more scientific information (we do get a bit of it) and fewer overly long personal anecdotes.

I'm aware I'm being a bit petty here, but I also found it a bit ironic that she was advocating for reward systems and claiming they were super effective in the classroom in one chapter, then in the next chapter is warning about the dangers of perfectionist thinking and people pleasing. Modern teaching methods are moving away from these types of reward systems specifically because they tend to encourage these tendencies in children who achieve these rewards and discourage those who can't.

[Averi · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who was diagnosed recently with ADHD in their mid twenties and started therapy, this book was a massive help. Everything really does make sense now and the amount of things I read and was like “oh I do that” and the tips to managing my ADHD were really eye opening for me. I can’t wait to see where these tips, tricks and knowledge take me now that I’m more aware of how my brain is wired to work.

[Jennifer Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable resource, especially for those who have received an ADHD diagnosis later in life.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book, which gives a deeper insight into the ADHD brain. It was so helpful to know the reasons ADHDers struggle with certain things & it also gives practical suggestions on how to overcome challenges, while helping move away from ‘shame’ based feelings.
Would definitely recommend to anyone with ADHD⭐️

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meredith Carder brings so much knowledge, insight and amazing tips throughout her book. I love how each chapter began with a relatable story and ended with an action. As someone who is not diagnosed, but strongly suspects I have ADHD, there were so many “omg this is me. I’ve been there!” moments throughout.

Her style is easy to read and digest. I can’t recommend this book enough! It’s fantastic!

[Ally Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a woman w ADHD that’s been diagnosed since 3rd grade, I used to feel alone. No one else had issues with completing basic life tasks yet excelled at school. I still struggle with the self image of feeling lazy even though I WANTED so desperately to complete them and be “normal”. It’s so satisfying and incredible to read this book as someone who’s trying so desperately to understand this diagnosis yet to this day—23 years later.

[Chris Oscarson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a great job of helping people understand ADHD - both for themselves and for people in their lives whom may have ADHD. "It All Makes Sense Now" helped be get an understanding of why certain tendencies I have are the way they are, as well as giving me tools and tricks to help overcome these hurdles. Overall, I would recommend this book to anybody that may fall into the same category as previously mentioned - either suffering from ADHD, or those who have close relationships with somebody who has ADHD.

[Carla Sofia Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, in-depth explanations and concrete, actionable suggestions. Compassionate without being fluffy. The rare self-help book that's actually helpful.

[Janet Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or suspect you have it or know/work with someone who does, this was a really eye opening book into what those with ADHD might face. What I love about the book is how it includes the counter to the struggles as superpowers.

The structure of the book was also really easy to follow— starts with the issue/symptom, how the ADHD brain responds, the challenges, the strengths and some practical tips.

Really fast read and relatable! Highly recommend!!

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on ADHD I’ve read so far!

[Tim Caird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meredith's balance of personal stories, reflections and practical suggestions from her experience make this a very helpful book.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

sometimes… i wish it didn’t all make sense now.

[ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was clear, concise, and extremely accessible in format and length. I thought it went over the basics while also getting into the weeds on harder topics. Overall, big fan!

[Hailey Van Dyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really truly does all make sense now!!! This journey with being diagnosed with ADHD has been really hard but so wonderful to truly know myself!! This book was such a good self help book for the adhd Mind!

[Agata]

Polski przekład to jest jakaś abominacja. Literówki, "terminy" wyssane z palca, losowa zmiana płci bohaterów, uporczywe zwracanie się do osób czytających w rodzaju męskim (... "kiedy używałeś tuszu do rzęs" wyszło chyba niezamierzenie inkluzywnie).
Sama książka bardzo ciekawa, daje to co obiecuje, zdecydowanie polecam osobom z tą diagnozą albo ich bliskim, ale jak umiecie, to po angielsku.

[Kelly]

I can't say I am one of those people who reads books and feels "seen." I don't read a lot of books on "self," but this came recommended, so I gave it a whirl.

This one did it. I felt seen, heard, and even read for filth (😉😂) It was a lot of the author "Have you ever experienced.....?" Followed by me internally screaming "How does this woman even know me, I don't know HER." 😩😂 It was funny at times, and at other times, brought feelings of shame, awareness, familiarity, guilt, connectedness, recognition, empathy, and more. A wave of conflicting, but oh-so-relatable feelings.

It also explained how over the years, more research and understanding of ADHD, brings us well past the narrow perception as "boys who are excessively hyper."

Every chapter resonated. It was like someone put experiences on paper what has always been too difficult to articulate. I appreciated this book so much.

[Erica Basnicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

All 4 stars have been awarded because of how nice it feels to read a book from someone who “gets it”, and can (temporarily, anyway) replace the overwhelmingly critical internal monologue with a different story to tell. I’m recently diagnosed, but the diagnosis has done very little to change me. I’m more interested in knowing what I can do to manage my ADHD.

This book doesn’t have all the answers. It offers suggestions, yes, but a lot of it boils down to “figure out what works for you” which is a bit silly considering the audience lol. But hey, there’s only so much a book can do. I think most suggestions are quite practical and a good place to start. Might be too general for someone further along their ADHD discovery quest.

I especially liked the graphic “Why am I overwhelmed and what might help?”. It’s visual, I now have a photo of it on my phone, when I’’m overwhelmed I can refer to it and not try to find the chapter in the book with all the words about what I should be doing when my head feels like it is being controlled by Anxiety from Inside Out 2 and the spinning is never ever going to stop…AHHHH!

Carder knows this brain. That’s why there are graphics. Very smooth. 😆

Carder is also an ADHD coach and this book reads like it was written by a coach. To me, that’s a very big positive. There is so much value in hearing/reading “hey, you are not a colossal failure and your inability to DO THINGS isn’t a permanent state.” Like I can refer to this book at any point on any page and probably feel a little bit better about myself.

I learned a few things, would’ve liked to learn maybe a bit more, but I finished the book feeling less like an extra-terrestrial. I haven’t read much about ADHD, but this has been a nice, comforting read.

[kashiichan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a LOT of books on neurodiversity, and this one stands out. That said, I think the tagline ("Embrace Your ADHD Brain to Live a Creative and Colorful Life") doesn't really align with the actual text inside, and thus didn't do it any favours.

Each chapter starts with a personal story, explains a bit about how the chapter topic affects ADHD folks more broadly, shares some potential strategies, then ends with an exercise. I've heard most of these strategies before as general tips, but it was good to see them clearly connected to common ADHD-related issues (e.g. movement, to help with rumination; avoiding hyperfocus rabbit holes late in the day, to help with sleep; creating a "red, yellow, green" system, to help with burnout). Being given terminology for particular things was especially helpful (e.g. "time agnosia" is so much better than "time blindness").

In my opinion, the following chapters were particularly good. Although much of the information wasn't completely new to me, in these chapters the author described things in an interesting way, or connected points in ways I hadn't considered before.
* 5: Challenges with Perceiving and Managing Time (p39)
* 16: People-Pleasing (p141)
* 17: Toxic Perfectionism (p149)
* 19: Chronic Overwhelm (p169)
* 20: ADHD Burnout (p183)

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up It All Makes Sense Now: Embrace Your ADHD Brain to Live a Colorful and Creative Life because I wanted to better understand some of the ADHD-related symptoms I’ve struggled with my whole life. What I loved about this book is that the author, Meredith Carder, is a woman—since ADHD often manifests differently in women than in men, I found myself connecting deeply with many of the situations and topics she discussed. This book made me feel less alone in my struggles and helped me better understand some of my quirks.

That said, I’m giving this book three stars because, while Carder offers advice for ADHDers, she isn’t a psychologist—just someone with lived experience. While I appreciated her perspective, I found the book most useful as a conversation starter with my therapist, using some of the topics she raised to work on skills in a more structured way.

[Megan Gerheart · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were some good basic tips in this book, and it would probably be a good resource for those newly diagnosed. However, it definitely doesn't do what the title and book jacket promises (tips on how to use your ADHD as a useful, beneficial tool). The author claimed early on that she would not trade her ADHD brain for a brain without it because of all the gifts that come with it, but I never got anything from this book that made me feel that way. It was mostly tips (good, basic tips to be fair) about how to cope which is different entirely to how to channel it into something good. I was hoping to feel less burdened by the way my brain works and hopefully more excited and maybe empowered, but I did not get that from this book at all.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began suspecting I had ADHD after seeing a lot of memes on Instagram that were so relatable. I started following this author because of her ADHD content, and saw her posts about the book. I ordered a copy immediately. Oh boy...it all made sense by page, like six. This was basically a handbook to being me. It explained SO much and was immediately reassuring. It's hard to sufficiently express my gratitude to Meredith Carder for making this book exist. Because of it, I was able to self-diagnose (or at least intensively self-suspect) and had language to use talking to a therapist about it. A must-read for anyone who has, or thinks they might have, ADHD, and their circles. I want everyone I know to read it to help them understand me.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read for adults with ADHD, especially for women with ADHD. The writer was diagnosed as an adult with ADHD and she writes from her experience, training and education. She has great suggestions for dealing with common struggles for women with ADHD, such as nutrition, sleep disorders, child rearing and burnout. The book contains excellent practical suggestions that are useful for any adult with ADHD, but are especially helpful for women with ADHD. The book is divided into chapters that deal with specific issues so that it is easy to dip back into the book when dealing with a specific issue. I will refer to this book often for ideas in the future.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book for anyone who thinks they might have ADHD, or who has been recently diagnosed. Meredith’s writing is straightforward and accessible, very easy to read. She shares a personal anecdote for each chapter, which I love, because it helps clarify what each “symptom” of ADHD might look like. The prompts and questions at the end of each chapter encourage self-reflection. I’ve highlighted and underlined SO MUCH of this book, and I know I’ll refer back to it often. Thank you for making us late-diagnosed (at age 39!) women feel seen, and for offering specific, practical ways to harness our natural skills. 💙

[Rebecca Ubhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not to take the title literally (my autistic ass does), but it all makes sense now!

Why I found driving so hard, why I can’t go back to sleep if I wake up in the middle of the night, why everything feels so overwhelming, why social interactions are hard. The all-or-nothing thinking, the chronic perfectionism, the analysis paralysis. Obviously my autism also plays a huge role, but there’s things that my diagnosis didn’t explain. This confirmed a lot of what I was thinking about being AuDHD.

I highly recommend this book if you’re a late diagnosed ADHDer (or even AuDHD).
It’s like being told “you’re not a failure, your brain just works differently.”

[brii | brii (three months behind...) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really connect with this book as much as I would have liked.

It's a struggle when you pick up a book about ADHD like this because the author uses so many real life experiences that they’ve gone through, and if you don’t connect with their experiences, it really dulls the overall experience with the book. Which is what happened here with me.

I didn’t know who the author was when I grabbed this book (I still don’t tbh) and so a lot of the talk about her social media and her “community” was completely lost to me.

While some of the chapters I did find relatable, and some of the following points were relatable… I just didn’t vibe with it.

[Emmeline Everdeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all. With each ADHD book I read the picture gets clearer, the shame starts to fall away and the struggle to be “normal” makes sense. This book was an easy and insightful read. With stories that help you see yourself differently and practical suggestions to help you through the daily difficulties we ADHDers face.
I am finding the confidence to stop trying to be “normal” and just embrace me.
Highly recommend to anyone trying to discover who they really are after years of hiding behind a mask.