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Now It All Makes Sense - How An ADHD Diagnosis Changed My Life: The Sunday Times Bestseller from the Founder of LadBible and UniLad
Aged just 21, Alex Partridge founded UNILAD and LADBible, social news sites which now have a following of 100 million people around the globe. A legal case over ownership in 2017 tipped him over the edge of the cliff into alcoholism, triggering years of mental health issues until, aged 34, he was diagnosed with ADHD.
Now it all makes sense.
In his chart-topping podcast, ADHD Chatter, Alex has spoken to dozens of experts on ADHD and related conditions in a bid to understand and improve outcomes for the neurodiverse population - and this groundbreaking book brings them all together, for the first time, in one place.
A blend of lived experience and expert insight, this deep dive into ADHD has the power to change your life. If you've ever wondered why you can't remember those critical appointments, how you can be hyper-focused one minute and down a YouTube rabbit-hole 30 seconds later, or why do people walk so slowly? then this relatable and unashamedly honest book is for you.
Written with Alex's trademark raw vulnerability, Now It All Makes Sense distils the essence of all the most important need-to-knows, from parenting with (and for) ADHD, to managing your mental health, your finances and even your shopping list. Most importantly it celebrates the opportunities and strengths, unique skillsets and positive traits of ADHD to remind that you that you are NOT broken - and you are enough.
Now it all makes sense.
In his chart-topping podcast, ADHD Chatter, Alex has spoken to dozens of experts on ADHD and related conditions in a bid to understand and improve outcomes for the neurodiverse population - and this groundbreaking book brings them all together, for the first time, in one place.
A blend of lived experience and expert insight, this deep dive into ADHD has the power to change your life. If you've ever wondered why you can't remember those critical appointments, how you can be hyper-focused one minute and down a YouTube rabbit-hole 30 seconds later, or why do people walk so slowly? then this relatable and unashamedly honest book is for you.
Written with Alex's trademark raw vulnerability, Now It All Makes Sense distils the essence of all the most important need-to-knows, from parenting with (and for) ADHD, to managing your mental health, your finances and even your shopping list. Most importantly it celebrates the opportunities and strengths, unique skillsets and positive traits of ADHD to remind that you that you are NOT broken - and you are enough.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2025
865 people are currently reading
7960 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
January 24, 2025
This book definitely covers a lot of tendencies I’ve found with in myself over the years. I teared up a couple of times as it seemed like he was reading a story from my life.
However, I also found myself questioning a lot of it. I think ADHD can present differently in different people with different personality traits. I also wonder how much of ADHD are common human occurrences that are hard to process, but by giving it a name it allows us to separate the shame from ourselves, therefore making it easier to overcome.
The author says, “It’s not your fault,” a lot, which might be true, but it’s still our responsibility to learn and grow through our different idiosyncrasies. I’m not sure “normal” exists. We all live in a world where we need to adjust at times to function or co-exist with others who think or behave differently, and that’s okay. Self-awareness and finding what personally works for us is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and to others.
Overall, I appreciate his insight. It’s written well. It’s definitely given me some things to think about. I recommend it if you think you might be struggling with ADHD tendencies or know someone who is. But I suggest reading it with critical thinking skills and curiosity, and not taking it as the “be all end all” on the topic or on yourself.
However, I also found myself questioning a lot of it. I think ADHD can present differently in different people with different personality traits. I also wonder how much of ADHD are common human occurrences that are hard to process, but by giving it a name it allows us to separate the shame from ourselves, therefore making it easier to overcome.
The author says, “It’s not your fault,” a lot, which might be true, but it’s still our responsibility to learn and grow through our different idiosyncrasies. I’m not sure “normal” exists. We all live in a world where we need to adjust at times to function or co-exist with others who think or behave differently, and that’s okay. Self-awareness and finding what personally works for us is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and to others.
Overall, I appreciate his insight. It’s written well. It’s definitely given me some things to think about. I recommend it if you think you might be struggling with ADHD tendencies or know someone who is. But I suggest reading it with critical thinking skills and curiosity, and not taking it as the “be all end all” on the topic or on yourself.
December 2, 2024
As a woman who was diagnosed (earlier this year) with ADHD at 35, much of this book resonated with me. I'm sure it will be relatable to most anyone who thinks they may have ADHD or was also recently diagnosed. Overall, I would recommend this book and plan to recommend it to a few specific people in my life.
The part about the ADHD impulse to just "do" things was incredibly validating. I often find myself unable to explain the why or how or something, and it's because there isn't an explanation. I just DID it.
The only parts that I didn't find very relatable were the chapters on parenting and relationships, but the content seemed well-done. It just wasn't content that I particularly needed.
I'd also like to note that I was unfamiliar with the author or his podcast before reading the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
The part about the ADHD impulse to just "do" things was incredibly validating. I often find myself unable to explain the why or how or something, and it's because there isn't an explanation. I just DID it.
The only parts that I didn't find very relatable were the chapters on parenting and relationships, but the content seemed well-done. It just wasn't content that I particularly needed.
I'd also like to note that I was unfamiliar with the author or his podcast before reading the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
February 3, 2025
Very validating and helped me understand myself. Knowing that I’m not alone in how I feel/am is a huge thing! Probably a book I will come back to time and time again. Will be purchasing a physical copy!
January 20, 2025
Not sure what to say. Three 'three stars' at first seems too low a grade for the amount of effort put into writing the book. The author clearly cares about the topic and the stigma that surrounds it, and though I enjoyed the most of it, I did feel like some parts are commercialised ADHD buzz-thoughts that in the end, feed that very stigma. I've also felt as if some symptoms of ADHD were too generalised while at the same time admitting the authenticity that comes with the diagnosed condition. This is far from a study on ADHD, but not totally a memoir either. The author is honest and vulnerable, which fuels the storytelling and his experience as a podcast host certainly adds to his oral storytelling abilities for the Audible version.
As an ADHD-er myself and someone who's eagerly followed his podcast in recent months, I've been looking forward to this book for a while now. However, after my first read/listen, 'three out of five' appears just about right for the so-so final product.
As an ADHD-er myself and someone who's eagerly followed his podcast in recent months, I've been looking forward to this book for a while now. However, after my first read/listen, 'three out of five' appears just about right for the so-so final product.
March 11, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc of this book! My opinions are, as always, my own.
I've been following the author's Instagram page for the ADHD chatter podcast, as well as his personal account. And of course I've seen Unilad posts online countless of times, without knowing who was behind it.
After my own diagnosis, I've read (or started reading, let's be honest) quite a few books on ADHD. Both from a scientific point of view, and a more personal one.
I was really curious to read this book in particular, because he runs a successful business not only despite, but also because of his ADHD!
This book stands out because it doesn't just focus on the bad parts. Of course they are there, and Alex's story is certainly an example of that... I'll let you read that for yourself. But it's only one side of ADHD. With the right tools, support and knowledge about yourself and your brain, it is possible to live a better life than you've ever thought possible. I thought it was refreshing to read about how ADHD affects someone like Alex. How it affects everyday life, such as in running a business, in relationships and in buying your groceries, even.
I specifically loved the little pieces of advice, like in the last chapter. They might not work for everyone, but they do show how inventive you have to become to deal with your brain sometimes. I'm definitely going to try a few of them! I've got enough shopping bags lying around in my house, might try stowing a few of them in my car...
I definitely recommend reading this book if you have ADHD, or have a loved one with ADHD. Is it the perfect book with all the answers? No. But it does give a different perspective that I've appreciated and enjoyed reading a lot!
I've been following the author's Instagram page for the ADHD chatter podcast, as well as his personal account. And of course I've seen Unilad posts online countless of times, without knowing who was behind it.
After my own diagnosis, I've read (or started reading, let's be honest) quite a few books on ADHD. Both from a scientific point of view, and a more personal one.
I was really curious to read this book in particular, because he runs a successful business not only despite, but also because of his ADHD!
This book stands out because it doesn't just focus on the bad parts. Of course they are there, and Alex's story is certainly an example of that... I'll let you read that for yourself. But it's only one side of ADHD. With the right tools, support and knowledge about yourself and your brain, it is possible to live a better life than you've ever thought possible. I thought it was refreshing to read about how ADHD affects someone like Alex. How it affects everyday life, such as in running a business, in relationships and in buying your groceries, even.
I specifically loved the little pieces of advice, like in the last chapter. They might not work for everyone, but they do show how inventive you have to become to deal with your brain sometimes. I'm definitely going to try a few of them! I've got enough shopping bags lying around in my house, might try stowing a few of them in my car...
I definitely recommend reading this book if you have ADHD, or have a loved one with ADHD. Is it the perfect book with all the answers? No. But it does give a different perspective that I've appreciated and enjoyed reading a lot!
July 28, 2025
A passionate yet under-researched book that couldn't seem to decide if it was a self-help book or an autobiography. Some sections were genuinely helpful, such as discussions of guilt around finances and RSD in relationships, but most of the information felt like it was sourced from social media posts. A lot of the "information" stated about ADHD was large overgeneralisations that excluded so much of the reality of living with ADHD. These generalisations were worded in ways that made it seem like ADHD was only these things. Not everyone with ADHD is creative, or successful, or well-behaved, or business-minded. And due to the high comorbidity of ADHD and autism, not everyone with ADHD is superhuman at understanding social situations.
There was a lot of repetition, and the format of the book was confusing. None of the information was particularly groundbreaking.
I feel as though this would be more relatable and helpful if I were a millennial millionaire who knew nothing about ADHD before beginning to read this book, so perhaps I am just the wrong demographic.
There was a lot of repetition, and the format of the book was confusing. None of the information was particularly groundbreaking.
I feel as though this would be more relatable and helpful if I were a millennial millionaire who knew nothing about ADHD before beginning to read this book, so perhaps I am just the wrong demographic.
February 21, 2025
this was rlly validating of a late diagnosis. This was so relatable & i feel so seen especially with the hyper activity and how exhausting it is for it all to be going on in ur head rather than the more talked abt signs of Adhd which is one of the reasons for such a late diagnosis especially in women. Also having a male author speak on much on how women specifically deal and show adhd symptoms was rlly refreshing. would rlly recommend this :)
January 18, 2026
I really liked it. Sent a copy to the hubs and I think it would be helpful for us both!
July 4, 2025
I don't think this is me, but even for people without ADHD, I feel like the book is full of useful advice and tips and tricks for dealing with just all the stuff life throws at you
October 13, 2024
✨Thanks to NetGalley for the arc, in exchange for an honest review
Alex Partridge was diagnosed with ADHD at 34, which for a man is pretty late in life (more common for women), it made him look back at his life and have a few ohhhh moments. When you finally know how your brain works, you realise that maybe some of the things you went through all your life were not entirely your own fault.
As a women aged 39 who has been diagnosed with GAD (like the author) and been told that I was most likely neurodivergent but that since I compensated for way too long, I would never get a diagnosis at my age (that was fun), that book spoke to me way too much.
Sometimes the best advice you’ll get about a condition if from the people actually suffering from it. Not that therapist and psychiatrist are not good at their job, but they do tend to give a lot of advice that may sound like good advice but don’t actually work if your brain works a little differently.
I may have wanted to cry reading that part
Women have become so good at hiding their ADHD traits because society teaches them that’s not how women should behave.Women are so good at masking they have even convinced their doctors that they’re ‘normal’ and then they get misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression or PMS. Too many women and girls are living in a constant state of overwhelm, have crippling low self-esteem, struggle to maintain relationships, are ultra-sensitive to rejection and they don’t know why. They feel misunderstood – and this can have disastrous outcomes.
Because yeah, so incredibly true. And this is why books like that are important. The author doesn’t say that everything will be perfect if you follow his advice, but what I took from it is that life doesn’t have to be that hard and that there are ways to make it easier. And the most important one is that we should forgive ourselves and give ourself grace.
Alex Partridge was diagnosed with ADHD at 34, which for a man is pretty late in life (more common for women), it made him look back at his life and have a few ohhhh moments. When you finally know how your brain works, you realise that maybe some of the things you went through all your life were not entirely your own fault.
As a women aged 39 who has been diagnosed with GAD (like the author) and been told that I was most likely neurodivergent but that since I compensated for way too long, I would never get a diagnosis at my age (that was fun), that book spoke to me way too much.
Sometimes the best advice you’ll get about a condition if from the people actually suffering from it. Not that therapist and psychiatrist are not good at their job, but they do tend to give a lot of advice that may sound like good advice but don’t actually work if your brain works a little differently.
I may have wanted to cry reading that part
Women have become so good at hiding their ADHD traits because society teaches them that’s not how women should behave.Women are so good at masking they have even convinced their doctors that they’re ‘normal’ and then they get misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression or PMS. Too many women and girls are living in a constant state of overwhelm, have crippling low self-esteem, struggle to maintain relationships, are ultra-sensitive to rejection and they don’t know why. They feel misunderstood – and this can have disastrous outcomes.
Because yeah, so incredibly true. And this is why books like that are important. The author doesn’t say that everything will be perfect if you follow his advice, but what I took from it is that life doesn’t have to be that hard and that there are ways to make it easier. And the most important one is that we should forgive ourselves and give ourself grace.
March 29, 2025
Alex has done so much for the ADHD community, and his passion and empathy are clear for all to see. I am very grateful for all he has done to raise awareness of ADHD, particularly for those of us diagnosed later in life, and enjoy his podcasts/YouTube. That said, this book wasn't what I was hoping it would be. For me, there were too many generalisations about what it means to have ADHD and some of the "hacks" just made me cringe. However, I'm in the minority here, judging by other reviews, and I think Alex's message is a very positive one overall.
July 16, 2025
4.5✨
Alex partridge was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 34, which for a man is quite late in life. Diagnoses of ADHD and other neurodivergence later in life is more common for women. Now it all makes sense is his memoir in which he looks back and reflects on his life, realising moments and traits he had that could have clued him into this diagnosis sooner.
I do not have a diagnosis of ADHD or any other ND but this book resonated with me. It is part of why I requested and downloaded this book from netgalley as I have been questioning myself recently.
Partridge allows himself to be vulnerable and write raw emotion onto the page. You can feel his fears and frustrations throughout his childhood and young adulthood up through his diagnosis and the relief he feels about having answers. He illustrates situations and examples well, focusing more on the positive aspects of ADHD whilst not trivialising the negative.
This book is very insightful for anyone struggling with ADHD or for anyone who is beginning to question whether they have it and/or are beginning their journey to a diagnosis. Books like this are very important.
Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray press for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Alex partridge was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 34, which for a man is quite late in life. Diagnoses of ADHD and other neurodivergence later in life is more common for women. Now it all makes sense is his memoir in which he looks back and reflects on his life, realising moments and traits he had that could have clued him into this diagnosis sooner.
I do not have a diagnosis of ADHD or any other ND but this book resonated with me. It is part of why I requested and downloaded this book from netgalley as I have been questioning myself recently.
Partridge allows himself to be vulnerable and write raw emotion onto the page. You can feel his fears and frustrations throughout his childhood and young adulthood up through his diagnosis and the relief he feels about having answers. He illustrates situations and examples well, focusing more on the positive aspects of ADHD whilst not trivialising the negative.
This book is very insightful for anyone struggling with ADHD or for anyone who is beginning to question whether they have it and/or are beginning their journey to a diagnosis. Books like this are very important.
Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray press for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2025
Sharing what I posted on my IG page:
I have read a lot about ADHD, I have tips and tricks I use to keep me focused on the daily. However, once I entered perimenopause, the symptoms I had previously managed began to worsen significantly, impacting my life and relationships in a negative way. In this new season I have actively worked hard to develop new coping methods. On the medical front, I underwent lab work and tackled issues like my very low B12 and iron levels, and I also began using BHRT pellets. I’m prioritizing my relationships and working through my challenges with object permanence. A recent focus has been grasping the complexities of RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria), which has proven to be particularly tough for me to handle. The book "Now it All Makes Sense" offers excellent insights into RSD, a frequent co-occurring symptom of ADHD, and I believe it would be beneficial for your partners, family, and close friends to read it as well. If you are a parent, teacher, or coach with a child who has ADHD, I strongly encourage you to read this book. The author, who was diagnosed as an adult, reflects on how understanding these issues earlier could have changed his narrative entirely. I pray my transparency will encourage you research for yourself and that you will feel less alone.
I have read a lot about ADHD, I have tips and tricks I use to keep me focused on the daily. However, once I entered perimenopause, the symptoms I had previously managed began to worsen significantly, impacting my life and relationships in a negative way. In this new season I have actively worked hard to develop new coping methods. On the medical front, I underwent lab work and tackled issues like my very low B12 and iron levels, and I also began using BHRT pellets. I’m prioritizing my relationships and working through my challenges with object permanence. A recent focus has been grasping the complexities of RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria), which has proven to be particularly tough for me to handle. The book "Now it All Makes Sense" offers excellent insights into RSD, a frequent co-occurring symptom of ADHD, and I believe it would be beneficial for your partners, family, and close friends to read it as well. If you are a parent, teacher, or coach with a child who has ADHD, I strongly encourage you to read this book. The author, who was diagnosed as an adult, reflects on how understanding these issues earlier could have changed his narrative entirely. I pray my transparency will encourage you research for yourself and that you will feel less alone.
July 3, 2025
Alex Partridge ima svojo moč na družbenih medijih, instagramu in svojem podcastu, kjer že nekaj let osvešča o ADHD, deli svoje izkušnje, nasvete in gosti tako strokovnjake s področja ADHD kot vrstnike. Tu ga zelo priporočam, knjiga pa žal zame ni delovala najboljše. Veliko napisanega se ponavlja, delo je mešanica Partridgevih osebnih izkušenj, rešitev in nasvetov strokovnjakov s prej omenjenega podcasta. Minus zame je bil, da je bilo preveč fokusa na poslovne opcije in priložnosti, kar le ni ne cilj ne forsa vsake ADHD osebe (je pa tako za Partridga).
Vseeno, sloh pa če ga ne poznate z družbenih medijev, je knjiga še vseeno vredna branja in osveščanja o ADHD, sploh ker je to pisateljevo lastno doživljanje sveta.
Vseeno, sloh pa če ga ne poznate z družbenih medijev, je knjiga še vseeno vredna branja in osveščanja o ADHD, sploh ker je to pisateljevo lastno doživljanje sveta.
February 2, 2025
I listened to this as an audiobook narrated by the author which I think enhanced the experience of this book. I had this book recommended to me by someone who has ADHD and suspects I have ADHD. I could definitely relate to a lot of the subjects covered in this book, especially as a (would be) late diagnosed person. This was a fast paced and easily digestible book with a lot of interesting stories from the authors life as well as quick and easily implemented tips and tricks. I’ll definitely be tuning into his podcast now, thankfully for the ADHD brain he has a fast voice so this could actually be listened at 1x speed without feeling frustrated.
April 8, 2025
grateful to have found Alex via instagram reels then his podcast, ADHD Chatter. but even more grateful that this book led to good conversations with my two favorite humans. (& excited to share with other favorites too!)
April 11, 2025
Alex's engaging narrative style of writing, coupled with his personal stories from his ADHD journey and the strategies and tools he's put in place made this an easy to read but very useful book both for someone with ADHD and also for those who have an ADHD person in their lives.
March 12, 2025
Especially the tips at the back! This book makes you rethink some of the simple things in life. But those seamingly simple things are so profound in how they guide you through your life.
June 13, 2025
Nice book about adhd (really love the way its written in short chapters) however it is written from his own experiences mostly and does not encompass all aspects or the great variety of adhd symptoms/experiences but still a very nice (and relatable) read.
September 22, 2025
Thank you Alex.
October 15, 2025
4 ⭐
Some of the things said I couldn't resonate with, but on the whole, whilst driving in the car listening to this book, I found myself slapping the steering wheel every 10 minutes shouting "YES EXACTLY", it's nice to know my brain is completely messed up
Some of the things said I couldn't resonate with, but on the whole, whilst driving in the car listening to this book, I found myself slapping the steering wheel every 10 minutes shouting "YES EXACTLY", it's nice to know my brain is completely messed up
December 29, 2025
When somebody asks me next year, “Why have you spent so much time and money on getting an ADHD test in your mid fifties?” I’ll give them this book.
To be honest, I would’ve liked more time given to discussing the traits, and less time to coping strategies. I also found it a bit repetitive that everything comes back to the podcast. Must say, though, this feels very much like the right book at the right time.
To be honest, I would’ve liked more time given to discussing the traits, and less time to coping strategies. I also found it a bit repetitive that everything comes back to the podcast. Must say, though, this feels very much like the right book at the right time.
March 11, 2025
Might cry. Probably cried inside multiple times. Seriously, wtf. How did it take me this long???? Oh, right, because industrial society doesn't understand nor want to try to understand our brains.
June 17, 2025
The fact that I actually finished a non-fiction is a miracle.
I will be making this book mandatory reading in my family because lord knows they won't go to therapy.
I will be making this book mandatory reading in my family because lord knows they won't go to therapy.
January 29, 2025
Some useful tips but I also zoned out while reading the autobiographical stuff.
December 16, 2025
3.5 stars 🌟
I related to so much within this book and couldn’t stop talking about it to my partner because of how much I resonated with the struggles described.
It has empowered me to seek my own assessment, to query if my diagnosis of GAD is correct or I have been misdiagnosed and medicated.
However, there was a lot I don’t agree with. Particularly around accountability for actions - there was a lot of ‘it’s not your fault’ when talking about poor behaviour. I am strongly anti-using MH diagnoses as an excuse for poor behaviour.
This related to both behaviour in the work place, with friends and in relationships.
Yes, ADHD needs to be understood in order for successful relationships, but the other parties feelings and impact on them should not simply come second.
I note at the end that Alex was only 2 years diagnosed at the point of this book, perhaps views have developed further since then?
Some useful pointers in terms of management though and clarity on why I may do a lot of things I do.
I related to so much within this book and couldn’t stop talking about it to my partner because of how much I resonated with the struggles described.
It has empowered me to seek my own assessment, to query if my diagnosis of GAD is correct or I have been misdiagnosed and medicated.
However, there was a lot I don’t agree with. Particularly around accountability for actions - there was a lot of ‘it’s not your fault’ when talking about poor behaviour. I am strongly anti-using MH diagnoses as an excuse for poor behaviour.
This related to both behaviour in the work place, with friends and in relationships.
Yes, ADHD needs to be understood in order for successful relationships, but the other parties feelings and impact on them should not simply come second.
I note at the end that Alex was only 2 years diagnosed at the point of this book, perhaps views have developed further since then?
Some useful pointers in terms of management though and clarity on why I may do a lot of things I do.
February 1, 2025
Listened to the audiobook.
Impressive and captivating storytelling is important to me and this book had plenty of it. The author told his own story through a positive lens, finding resources in ADHD symptoms but keeping it very real. Some repetitive examples were a bit tedious but the most valuable parts were the hacks how to live with ADHD.
I recommend the book to people with or without ADHD, everyone gets something useful out of it.
Impressive and captivating storytelling is important to me and this book had plenty of it. The author told his own story through a positive lens, finding resources in ADHD symptoms but keeping it very real. Some repetitive examples were a bit tedious but the most valuable parts were the hacks how to live with ADHD.
I recommend the book to people with or without ADHD, everyone gets something useful out of it.
7not-reading-or-interested
January 29, 2025I refuse to read this book because it's has almost the exact same title to a book that was published five months previously that was written by a female ADHDer and tops the results when you search for her book even though it's not the exact same title
This book was published on 16 January 2025 yet tops the results when you search for
by Meredith Carder even though her book was published on 27 August 2024. Also when you search Audible for Meredith's book Alex's book is further down the same page but when on Alex's books page Meredith's book is noticeably missing from further down that page.
The whole thing just feels iffy to me.
This book was published on 16 January 2025 yet tops the results when you search for
by Meredith Carder even though her book was published on 27 August 2024. Also when you search Audible for Meredith's book Alex's book is further down the same page but when on Alex's books page Meredith's book is noticeably missing from further down that page.
The whole thing just feels iffy to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews