A Book Review: Launching into Young Adulthood with ADHD, Ready or Not

By Annette Tabor

As I read Launching into Young Adulthood with ADHD, Ready or Not by Chris A Zeigler Dendy, M S. and Ruth Hughes, Ph.D., I was reminded of the many traits, experiences and challenges that face teens and young adults with ADHD.

In the first chapter of this book, a Message of Hope, the authors answer an important question; Can you help your teen with ADHD move into successful adulthood? They said the answer was a resounding, “Yes!” This question and answer leads into the rest of the book.

There are chapters about very important issues related to school. These important areas include such diverse topics as 504s and IEPs to federal law. These are extremely important to help teens with ADHD in school. Medication for teens with ADHD is another important area they discuss. The authors say the most important factor to consider is finding the right medical professional for your teen.

A lack of sleep can dramatically affect your ADHD symptoms. Since so many children and teens are chronically deprived of good quality sleep, the authors talk about ADHD Sleep Facts. They also share some sleep strategies to help with falling and staying asleep. Of course, they also provide strategies to help with waking up.

One of their suggestions is that parents should educate themselves about ADHD, executive function and their impact on school performance and behavior. Armed with more knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to find the appropriate person to help you with ADHD issues and related issues that often appear, such as self-esteem.

This book helps you find ways you can help your child with ADHD learn to get along with others, manage anxiety and navigate the special issues that come along with middle school and high school.

The next part of the book explores a very important area, decisions about after high school graduation. How do you select and apply to the right college? How can you help your teens succeed in college? This book also helps you consider important questions such as deciding if college is the right option for your teen. You may be better off helping your son or daughter launch a career. And of course, there’s always the speed bumps we encounter along the way.

I particularly enjoyed the photo gallery where the authors shared pictures of their own children as they grew from teen to adulthood. They also included other teens and young adults.

I think this book is a must read for the parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. Teachers and medical personnel will benefit from reading this book as well, as it will help them better understand issues facing teens and young adults with ADHD. This book offers suggestions for better ways to work with their students and patients with ADHD.

On a personal note, I have met both Chris A. Zeigler Dendy and Dr. Ruth Hughes through volunteering for CHADD in the 1990s. It was an honor and a pleasure to serve with them on CHADD committees and to see and hear them present at various ADHD Conferences over the years.

Reading their book, Launching into Young Adulthood with ADHD, Ready or Not has only reinforced what I learned from working with them and listening to their presentations.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

Annette Tabor is a graduate of Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She lives in Florida with her husband. They raised two daughters and are now the proud grandparents of 4 grandchildren. Four years ago, Annette retired from a 40-year teaching career. Now, she tutors part time, volunteers with ADDA, and enjoys her grandchildren. She is happy to serve on the ADDA Board leading the Education Committee.