Straight Talk about ADHD in Girls: How to Help Your Daughter Thrive

by Stephen P. Hinshaw

Parenting a daughter with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is no easy path--especially because of the myth that the disorder is rare to nonexistent in girls. From pioneering researcher Stephen P. Hinshaw, this empowering guide provides vital information and advice to help you understand and meet your daughter's needs. Dr. Hinshaw delivers up-to-date facts on what ADHD is, why symptoms often appear differently in girls than in boys, why girls with ADHD behave the way they do, how to get an accurate diagnosis, and what treatments are most effective. There is so much pressure on girls to be "perfect"--and for those with ADHD, it feels especially hard to measure up. Learn concrete steps you can take to support your daughter's success from preschool through high school and beyond, while nurturing her confidence and self-worth.
 

Genres: Parenting, Adhd, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Psychology, Audiobook

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2022

About the author

Stephen Hinshaw grew up in Columbus, Ohio and attended Harvard and UCLA. A professor of psychology (UC Berkeley) and Psychiatry (UC San Francisco), he is an international presence in clinical psychology/mental health, with over 320 articles/chapters and 12 books. He received a Distinguished Teaching Award in 2001; his Teaching Company (‘Great Lecture’) series, “Origins of the Human Mind,” appeared in 2010. He has been recognized by the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology (2015), the James McKeen Cattell Award from the Association for Psychological Science (2016) for a lifetime of outstanding contributions to applied psychological research, and the Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Child Development Award (2017) from the Society for Research in Child Development. He lives in Berkeley, California, with his wife, Kelly Campbell; they have three sons. His newest book, "Another Kind of Madness," chronicles his father's recurring mental illness and the doctor-enforced silence surrounding it, plus the huge need to combat stigma.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steph...
www.stephenhinshawauthor.com

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think part of my problem with this book was the audio format--I found myself struggling to stay focused. There's definitely helpful information, but the analysis of girls being left out of the diagnosis and research of ADHD felt like it was mentioned way too often.

[Crystal Wilson · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook via Libby App. The narration did not hold my attention. Though the author seemed to reference every few chapters that when children are diagnosed it’s more than likely that one or both parents are also dealing with ADHD. Is this book then diagnosing me before my child has even had her own assessments?
I came to this book because my daughter is asking if she has AuDHD as a few of her friends have that or similar spectrum diagnoses & she sees more similarities in herself with them and some of their unique traits as opposed to her more overtly neurotypical peers. I certainly did struggle with building friendships groups (but my family moved often & I always ascribed it to that.) I am deeply introverted, & anxiety & functional depression are in my past medical files. Again, the book kept making me relive my childhood and assess myself at so many instances.
I had hoped there would have been clearer symptom and traits listed out and a detailed description from the DSM. Instead vignettes were spread throughout which left me having to mentally make bullet points. Maybe if I were to have a physical copy of this book I would highlight, tab, and annotate it to better pull out relevant points.
I nearly added this book to my DNF stack a few times. But each time I did, I’d listen a bit further & still find value in the book. I think it could have been better organized to actually avoid this.
The mid part of the book dealt with education options and expectations. I found this to be the most wishy-washy part of the book. The author/doctor clearly had bias towards public education & use of medication. While yet so briefly mentioning that for inattentive typed medication was less beneficial. There was also very clearly stereotypical bias against homeschool for the typical issues of socialization, and group projects. Yet seemed to begrudgingly mention that for bullied children & children needing to take subjects at their own pace, that homeschooling could be the better fit. Though also backhandedly added if the parents can handle it (you know, because you parents too have likely got these same problems.)
I did find useful the suggestions of family contracts to move kids off of rewards charts, & meet their growing maturity & need for greater trust & responsibilities. At these points I did see values in the vignettes.
Overall I feel like there has got to be a better organized source to study this topic. As a family we have been visiting a few YouTube channels and those often are done by both counselor & neurodivergent. It is something we’re still exploring. But as I keep asking her, if you were to be diagnosed, what would you expect this to mean? I don’t mean this to put her off. I contrast to say what would change from currently. She has hopes that if she had a diagnosis others would get her then. I told her even with a diagnosis it doesn’t mean accommodations are immediately available & everyone’s understanding. I want her to have a rational understanding that yes, a diagnosis can mean an action plan, or direction anyway, but that advocating will always still need to be a discussion, no matter what type of outcome. And if nothing else, this does help her be a more connected friend to her neurodivergent friends.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good book for someone who is newly diagnosed with ADHD. It describes the condition and what behaviors to expect, offered some insight in how to manage the different age groups. There was a lot of repetition throughout.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended with reservation; the section on choosing alternative schooling may not apply to some/most — admittedly I skimmed it. The rest is quite good, especially the discussion on types of support and the distinction by ages.

[Tabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found a lot of the information repetitive, and would like to read an ADHD female Doctor's perspective.

[Justin Swanson]

👂listened

[Jessica]

DNF

[Emily Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful since I really knew nothing about adhd in girls.