Powered by ADHD: Strategies and Exercises for Women to Harness Their Untapped Gifts

by Amelia Kelley

Practical strategies and exercises that empower women with ADHD to use their gifts for everyday successBacked by the latest research on the benefits that exist with having ADHD, Powered by ADHD is a practical road map for women to take charge and harness their enormous strengths and talents. With more than 20 years of experience working with neurodivergence, Dr. Amelia Kelley offers guidance, skills, and tools that emphasize flexibility and self-compassion to help women develop a positive self-image and see immediate results in all areas of life. Powered by ADHD    A complete package for women with ADHD—grounded in the latest science and research; positive and motivating support; practical guides, tools, and strategies  Practical guidelines to the top ADHD gifts, including how to effectively use these strengths to meet productivity and accomplish goals Real-life adult ADHD challenges and clear strategic solutions for key areas of a woman’s life—work, home, relationships, finance, motherhood/caretaking, and more  Step-by-step and easy-to-follow exercises that are designed to work with and for the ADHD brain  

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

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2024

Reviews

[Sam Rock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a good book if it's the first ADHD-related book someone is picking up as a guide because they suspect they have ADHD or they have recently been diagnosed. I like how it's short with key takeaways. As someone with ADHD, I didn't struggle to find the point of any of the chapters.

I personally enjoyed the chapters on work and home the most. I admit that I skipped most of the chapter on parenting as I am not a parent. I also liked the acronyms explained throughout the book such as HALT and OHIO.

I did not care for the bits about successful/famous people who have ADHD. It read like an add-on to make the subject matter more... relatable?... but I wouldn't pick this book up just because. It is already relatable.

I especially would like to point out that as someone who lives in the United States, the suggestion to download and use a period tracker is ill-advised. I would never do that and encourage others to delete them if they have them. Use good ol' paper and pen, for your own safety. Please.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powered by ADHD offers a strengths-based approach to help adult women navigate their lives and goals. I appreciated that the book included prompts to help individuals apply the concepts discussed in the book. Additionally, I appreciated that the author did not shy away from topics often overlooked by ADHD resource books, including pregnancy and taking care of household duties. I will be recommending this book to adult women with ADHD I work with in my clinical work.

I received a copy of this text from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Дёклинн · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really helpful to remind yourself that it’s okay to have ADHD and to have compassion and forgive yourself. I have really struggled with ADHD in many different situations and this book validated my experience and gave me helpful tips for moving forward. I do wish this book had more prompts to work through. It’s a short book and that compelled me to read it all in one sitting. I don’t think that’s bad but I wish there was more in depth prompts and suggested prompts to do every day or every week. There were a few long term solutions in the prompts. Was just looking for a little bit more. Still super duper helpful. Made me feel better about myself.

[Martina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Not amazing or eye opening BUT it's got something.
For me to not DNF a self help book it means it might really be helpful.
I admit I skipped paragraphs here and there about topics not addressed to me, and that most of this knowledge I already had thanks to a couple hours viewing tik toks of actual people with ADHD.
Nonetheless it was a comprehensive guide, it included a couple of meditations I intend to try these days and 🥁 some new tips I'm going to try to see if they reveal useful to me! 🥹

[Jerrica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This validating, introspective, and motivating resource book offers insights into self-compassion and practical strategies for navigating your neurodivergence.

Each section is short, making for a palatable read. I found myself reading a couple of chapters at a time, then taking breaks to practice the strategies that resonated with me over the course of a few days.

This was the mind reset I needed. I encourage reading this book and recommend you share it with loved ones to provide a deeper understanding of your own experiences

#netgalleyarc

[Taylor Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only was this an informative read regarding different struggles that women face with ADHD but the exercises in each section helped tackle them in an easy and personal way. This book is packed with informative regarding ADHD in general and symptoms that are more prevalent in the female population. The information was presented in an easy to understand way and while it is credible and knowledge it is not bogged down by jargon and hard to follow as someone not in the medical field. The exercises are beneficial and I wish I was able to complete them better but found reading this as a digital copy I needed an additional notebook to get the full effect of the exercises.

This was overall an easy read but I would have liked to see additional resources and some personal stories from specific women in how effective the strategies have been for them to implement.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy of the book for a honest review!

[Chrystal Mahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her comprehensive book, Kelley offers a blend of scientific insights and practical advice, making it accessible and actionable for readers. She underscores the importance of recognizing the often overlooked and misunderstood symptoms of ADHD in women, such as chronic overwhelm, emotional sensitivity, and the tendency to internalize challenges. By understanding these nuances, Kelley aims to empower women to embrace their ADHD as a source of strength rather than a debilitating disorder.

“I got this product for free/at a discount in exchange for a review, but all opinions are my own.”

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about women & ADHD and strategies to help harness it. I loved this book. There was so much that resonated with me, and was like this is my life. I liked the first half more but the strategies and interactive nature of the second part was also great. I thought a lot of the tips and tricks were really helpful and practical. Kelley also ties each trait (aka superpower of ADHD) to how that can help do the strategy.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Leeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a book about ADHD specifically for women. Instead of outlining each of the "problems" that accompany having ADHD, she's turned them into positives. Having been diagnosed with ADD in my 30s, I did have some prior knowledge but this book had some new information. I also really liked the tips and tricks that she integrated into each chapter. They are real-life, easy-to-adopt techniques to make the most of each trait, which I really liked. I'll be recommending this to some of my girlfriends as well.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many great tips and I definitely bookmarked a lot. I'm going to implement a lot of these into our family. ADHD is different in everyone and some I think mask it and it's exhausting. So many helpful tips for all of the frustrating and overwhelming parts of adulting with a partner and mini-mes. Some day I'll get them to really help me but I'm so bad at asking for help.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was super informative but I have already implemented most of these techniques. I guess I deal with my adhd better than I thought lol 💪.

[Colleen Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As someone in the social worker/mental health field, I know firsthand that ADHD in women is severely understudied and there is a large portion of the population that have been misdiagnosed or educated on what ADHD looks like for women. I appreciate that this book is geared specifically towards women as ADHD in women is just….different.

As someone with ADHD, I found the layout of your book to be very engaging. There’s nothing more intimidating for a neurodivergent brain than an entire page of just words and no separation, paragraphs or bullets.

The most powerful portion of this book are the “Gifts of” sections. I appreciate the strengths based approach to this. Often mental health diagnoses are viewed in a negative light, but there is something to be said for reframing the way our mental illness can add to our lives in a positive way.

This book is informative, empathetic and most certainly a tool that I will reach for in my future practice.

[Linn J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an eArc.

Detta var en lärorik och givande läsning avseende ADHD med ett kvinnospektrum. Sen fanns det kanske brister i just hur adhd uppmärksamas hos kvinnor. Visst finns det spektrumet, det är ju bokens syfte. Men jag trycker inte det blev särskilt klarare för mig och det visar tyvärr att forskningen om kvinnor med adhd, har ett gap.

Jag tycker annars att det är en bra introduktion och lite av ett stöd att förstå adhd, vad det innebär och vad för stöd man kan skapa för att förhålla sig i verkliga livet.

[Nikao · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Powered by ADHD" by Amelia Kelley, PhD, offers a refreshing perspective on ADHD, one that emphasizes its strengths rather than just focusing on its challenges. Kelley, drawing from her professional expertise and personal experiences, presents ADHD not as a limitation but as a unique wiring that can lead to extraordinary achievements when understood and managed effectively.

One of the standout features of the book is its practical approach. Kelley provides actionable strategies and insights that individuals with ADHD can implement in their daily lives to harness their strengths and navigate potential obstacles. From tips on organization and time management to techniques for improving focus and productivity, the book offers a comprehensive toolkit for thriving with ADHD.

Moreover, Kelley's compassionate tone and understanding demeanor make the book highly relatable for readers grappling with ADHD themselves or supporting loved ones with the condition. By sharing stories of resilience and success, Kelley instills hope and empowers readers to embrace their ADHD as a source of power rather than shame.

Overall, "Powered by ADHD" is a must-read for anyone seeking a positive, empowering perspective on ADHD. Whether you're personally affected by the condition or simply curious about understanding it better, this book provides valuable insights and practical guidance that can benefit individuals of all ages.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I am not officially diagnosed with ADHD, some friends with it and my therapist think there is a really good chance that I do have it. I find myself strongly relating to a lot of content that I see online in regard to ADHD and have found several strategies that have been really helpful for my every day life thanks to that. When I saw this book that’s geared specifically to women with it, I knew I had to give it a read to see if I can find some more ways to make my life easier.

At first I was a little put off because most of my nonfiction reads that are not memoirs are written a lot more densely and discuss the research behind everything a lot more. But once I got over that hurdle, I got on with it a lot better. It’s supposed to be a book that helps you on a daily basis, that you can pick up really quickly when you need help with a specific thing. So of course you don’t want it to be really dense and over-explanatory. You want something that you can flip through quickly and find the tips you need right away. And for that, I really liked it.

There were some things that I already do that help and there are some things that will help me stay more organized and on task that I didn’t think of before. The only section that I didn’t find as helpful was for pregnancy and postpartum. They sounded more like a general experience of those phases rather than ADHD-specific. But that’s just my personal opinion. Other than that, I really liked this and found it very helpful. I’ve put it on my wishlist to get a print copy eventually because I want to annotate it to help me on a daily basis whenever I struggle with tasks.

[stara87 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up.

This book was clearly designed with the ADHD brain in mind. It is short, the formatting helps guide the reader to the salient points, and key takeaways are repeated. Many of the exercises and tactics offered were helpful, or at least intriguing and I plan to test them out in my real life. That said, the book isn't as grounded in research, or real-life experience, as others out there and I found that to be a drawback. I would rather hear about the author's actual patients than vague descriptions of how Greta Gerwig has found success, in spite of her diagnosis.

Additionally, the subtitle suggests this book will be focused on strategies for women with ADHD--a promise it doesn't really deliver on. While there are some mentions of how ADHD impacts women differently that isn't a thread that is woven throughout the whole book. There is mention of how female hormones impact ADHD but no concrete mitigation strategies or tactics are provided. It would have been helpful to know, say, whether there are particular times in a woman's cycle where their ADHD symptoms could be alleviated by employing a certain strategy (such as exercise).

Thank you to Zeitgeist/PRH for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is informational and a workbook at the same time. If I had to rate the pace, I would say it would be better to read at a slow pace if you are really wanting to focus on all the different areas she covers.
I gave this 5 stars because it personally was beneficial to me and helping me feel like I had tools that could help me with areas I have a hard time in. I also think it’s a great overview that many girls and women could find helpful — especially if they are someone like me who is really trying to figure out if they have an ADHD diagnosis.

I appreciated the focus on self-compassion and being patient with yourself as you are trying to find habits that work for you. This has general information about ADHD that is really helpful, but if you’re looking for a deep history on women and ADHD this isn’t really the book. This is a resource book that tries to give you strategies/skills you can start working on right away.

I am very much going to buy a physical copy of this to keep at my house. I will also put one on my classroom shelf.

#NetGallyARC

[Sid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have found that ADHD as a whole is greatly misunderstood and represented in the world, society, media, etc. It gets a quirky, annoying and underwhelming representation comparative to what it really is – which is extremely problematic and concerning due to how that ultimately leaves those who deal with it being viewed, treated and feel.

Women, face these judgements and develop self-doubt and an unkind self-voice even worse than boys as a result as well – and have to wait much longer in life to even be diagnosed...leaving them so far behind to understand themselves, their minds and how to cope and navigate a world that isn't wired for their success.

This books does a great job sharing important information about ADHD and practical and realistic tools to use and implement in the ADHD woman's life to make their difference, and what's often seen as a disadvantage, their power to prevail.

As a woman diagnosed very late in my life with ADHD, I really found this book helpful.

Thank you NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having only recently been diagnosed with ADHD somewhat later in life, I'm constantly looking for materials to read that can help me reframe my experiences and figure out how to proceed with that information. Especially since I'm continually learning that I'm just a bunch of ADHD symptoms in a trench coat.

I really liked how this book was broken out - short chapters, lots of bullet points - so they definitely know their audience. And I appreciated in Part I that they took each symptom that usually holds a negative connotation and reevaluated it so that it could be considered a positive. In Part II, it was really helpful that they broke out different aspects of someone's life so that you could hone in on what you'd find helpful (work/time management - yes, parenting/pregnancy - not so much). This is a great somewhat-beginner's guide to managing ADHD and was a nice consolidation of various resources and ideas. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

[Lael Walters · Rating 2 out of 5]

I personally have not been diagnosed but have gotten huge help from some ADHD books for a life where I've always struggled to get things done. Unfortunately this was not one of them -- most of the tips either weren't new to me or seemed like they were too complicated, or even if the idea was not actually complicated, the way it was worded made it seem much more complicated and unclear. And sometimes the author was just a little off in describing as well -- for example- in the Home section, she describes a "Doom box" as a place to keep track of important items -- but a Doom box is actually where you stashed everything when you were cleaning (maybe in a hurry because someone was coming over) and never got back to after. It is where important things get lost forever not where you purposely store important items. The only good thing I have to say about this book is that it is a fast and easy read and might give someone ideas to google that will be much better fleshed out elsewhere.

[kashiichan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great collection of the new information we have about ADHD, and manages to be positive without tipping over into being patronizing. I particularly liked that it includes self-assessment questions, which help guide you through the analysis of common problems people with ADHD face, so that you can come up with an answer that will work for you. Unlike other books I've read, it doesn't assume that you have lots of money and can just pay someone to deal with the stuff you find difficult; the suggestions it gives are both practical and holistic (i.e. it acknowledges that people are complex, and that their whole self need to be taken into account when planning strategies). It would be an excellent reference for people who are early in their ADHD journey, or who are ‘stuck’ and don't know why.

[RxReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a game-changer for women navigating life with ADHD. Kelley's compassionate tone and practical approach make it a refreshing read. Unlike some resources that may feel overwhelming or patronizing, Kelley's insights offer genuine validation and understanding. What makes this book exceptional is its emphasis on empowering women to view their ADHD not as a hindrance but as a unique asset. The actionable exercises and strategies shared are akin to having a supportive ally navigating daily hurdles, promoting self-compassion and personal development. Whether you're newly diagnosed or seeking a fresh perspective on ADHD, this book offers invaluable guidance for embracing your strengths and thriving.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

There was a lot of really validating information in Powered by ADHD. So many symptoms of ADHD are different in women than in men, and while I had known about a majority of them since my diagnosis a few years ago, it was still nice to read about how normal my neurodivergence is.

Although the information about symptoms was good, the rating reduction is because the coping techniques in the book were ridiculous at times. Techniques like “if you have a tendency to feel shame about things, find someone you can talk to about your shame to reduce it.” In a sentence, it sure sounds easy peasy, but in reality this could take months or years of therapy to feel comfortable doing.

Thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelley utilizes realistic strategies for productivity and relationships to exercises designed specifically for the ADHD brain, Rather than focusing on limitations, the book reframes common ADHD traits—like creativity and hyperfocus—as gifts to be understood and utilized. The step-by-step tools are easy to apply in work, home, and personal life, and Kelley’s encouraging tone makes the whole book feel like a supportive coach rather than a manual. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or seeking fresh ways to thrive, this read offers clarity, confidence, and immediately useful insights. Since it is written for the ADHD brain, the exercises are easy to implement. At times, some concepts feel familiar/repetitive if you’ve read other ADHD self-help books.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just reviewed Powered by ADHD by Amelia Kelley, PhD. #PoweredbyADHD #NetGalley

I wanted to love this as a women diagnosed with ADHD in 2023 and the title drew me in.

The layout of the book is a workbook with reflection questions starting with the self-assessment. Some chapters were more insightful with there facts than others but it was more a generalised overview of sub-traits.

Overall there was just too much going on and it deviated from the cover page description “strategies and exercises for women to harness their untapped gifts” it was written more as a reference manual for those doing research.

[Kriston Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really opened my eyes to ADHD and how it has not only impacted the world, but also how it has impacted my world personally. I felt seen while reading this book. So much makes sense.

I really appreciated the Strategies and Exercises this book provided and will be putting them to use. This was a quick read, but it will be one I read again and again. I highly recommend this read for any one with ADHD, those in relationship with someone who has ADHD, and even those that may not yet have a diagnosis. Knowledge is power!

THANK YOU for this!!

Thank You to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. This is my voluntary opinion of Powered by ADHD.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

***Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review***

The validating and strengths-based approach of this book helps to reframe some of the most common and harmful messaging that those with ADHD hear constantly. Dr. Kelley does not diminish or minimize struggles, but also does not combat them with a toxic positivity that could come across as patronizing. I found it helpful to look at certain traits beyond the binary of good and bad and to hold space for the ways in which they can present challenge but also enhance experiences. Unlike other books on ADHD I've read, this succeeds in delivering practical strategies rather than making false promises.

[Sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggle to get through this book, but as someone with ADHD, I’ve found that longer books on the subject can be difficult to get through. I think if they were broken down into smaller sections, maybe had more graphics that are engaging and were more colorful, they could hold my attention better. The title had really drawn me in as a woman, but I struggled to stay engaged. I think we are a hard target audience to write for. I appreciate though, that the author specifically targeted women with this book. We think differently than men, so what works for them might not work for us.

*I received an advance copy of this book for free, and am leaving my review voluntarily.*

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Zeitgeist and NetGalley, for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 
This book is a perfect fit for women who struggle to find balance in their lives due to ADHD. It is full of great explanations and tips for various situations, divided into chapters. You can also find here exercises that will help you use your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. Personally, I found this book easy to read and engaging. Because it has short chapters and paragraphs to keep your attention focused on the text. 

[Stefani Trask · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was finally diagnosed with ADHD as an adult after realizing how differently it manifests in women. Before the book, I did not see any positives from having ADHD. The author did a good job helping me reframe my thoughts. The chapters are nice and short, which is great for attention span. The prompts are very thought provoking.

Thank you Penguin Random House LLC for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.