Tip of the ADHD Iceberg: An adult's guide to embracing the hidden layers of your neurodivergence

by Dr Samantha Hiew

"A refreshing, accessible roadmap to adapting to life as an ADHDer, designed with self-acceptance and advocacy in mind." - Devon Price, PhD - Social Psychologist and author of Unmasking Autism





A compassionate guide for everyone grappling with their neurodiversity


Accepting a label or receiving a formal diagnosis is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to neurodivergence. Your ADHD doesn't exist in a your upbringing, your culture, your relationships and any other conditions you might have, such as autism, depression or anxiety, all affect your experience as a neurodivergent individual. Navigating these intersecting areas can be challenging - but it isn't impossible.


Tip of the ADHD Iceberg offers a sensitive exploration of the nuances of neurodiversity, preparing you for the whirlwind that can come after a late diagnosis and equipping you with the essential tools for self-advocacy. In this book, ADHD Girls Founder and award-winning keynote speaker Dr Sam Hiew expertly blends her lived experience of ADHD and autism with her background in medical science to create a deeply empathetic guide to processing your diagnosis in the context of your whole life, from your personal relationships to the workplace environment.


Affirming, vindicating and empowering, you will learn to heal from a life of flying under the radar as well as how to prepare yourself for the road ahead.


Contents


- Step 1: Understand It's Not Your Fault


- Step 2: Expect to Discover Co-Occurring Conditions


- Step 3: Understand Your Nature


- Step 4: Trace Your Beginnings


- Step 5: Identify Your Emotional Needs


- Step 6: Expect Your Relationships to Change and Adapt


- Step 7: Navigate Your Neurodiversity at Work


- Step 8: Find Your Community


- Step 9: Emerge as Your True Self

Genres: Adhd, Nonfiction, Psychology

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2025

Reviews

[Andy Lopata · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book that should be top of the list for anybody who has received a diagnosis of ADHD, Autism or other form of neurodivergence. In fact, although it is written for people who are neurodivergent, it should be essential reading for the family members, friends and employers of those people, who simply want to understand them better.

I am not neurodivergent, nor do I have a family member who is. But, because I teach professional relationships, I read this book wanting to understand more. I always recognised that ND is a spectrum of behaviours and doesn't present in one simple form. This book takes that understanding much deeper, presenting neurodivergence as a range of strengths and challenges, symptoms and superpowers, all influenced by factors such as culture, upbringing, environment, and time of life.

There is a range of practical reflections and checklists, and, most importantly perhaps, there's a strong human element thanks to the author sharing vulnerably as she reflects on her own journey.

[Leo Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Samantha Hiew explains very well the complexities and challenges neurodivergent people face. I love how she combines her unique personal experiences with up to date understanding of neurodiversity, while explaining the complexity in an easy to understand manner. You get a detailed account on the challenges of ADHD, ASD and AuDHD.

I have also learned a lot more about the extra complexities that women face with ADHD on a hormonal level.

Samantha brings to perspective an important non euro/americacentric view on the experiences of being neurodivergent in a world that is much more diverse than the western «world».

I really appreciate the inclusion of interdisciplinary experts and methods for self advocacy and healing from trauma and adverse experiences.

[Vaseni R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would rate this book 3.5 stars.

It was very interesting to read about different perspectives on ADHD (also AuDHD). I appreciated how the book focuses on the less visible challenges and helps create a deeper understanding, while also emphasizing women’s experiences.

Some aspects could have been explored in more depth and supported with more scientific background. However, the book is informative and encourages greater awareness. It is a valuable read for anyone who wants to better understand ADHD and neurodiversity.

[Helen Palmer · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

A deep insight particularly into the coexistence of autism and ADHD and other neurodiversity. Focussed on the needs of an individual outside of a diagnosis and particularly around intersectionality.

Whilst I found this book had a lot of useful and relatable information, the typeset and layout did not lend itself to a ND brain, therefore I found it difficult to absorb a lot of the information.

[Benedict S · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting

As someone who suspected that they might have been masking underlying ADHD for many years, this book was absolutely incredible. A major contributor to finally understanding what makes me - and similar folk - come alive or come unstuck.

[Martyna Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the intersectional lens and the iceberg framework. And the use of IFS is always a winner for me. I feel like taking notes from the book will reveal even more for me and connect some of the dots.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much as a recently diagnosed AuDHD woman (42 years old) that I am buying myself a copy

[Ina Mukta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute read for women with adhd, autism and highly gifted. Been a joy to read there is someone like me! Perimenopause and neurodivergence in 1 book, thank you, Samantha.