ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction--from Childhood through Adulthood

Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. · John J. Ratey, M.D.

Jan 2021 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Fred Sanders

About this audiobook

A revolutionary new approach to ADD/ADHD featuring cutting-edge research and strategies to help readers thrive, by the bestselling authors of the seminal books Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction

“An inspired road map for living with a distractible brain . . . If you or your child suffer from ADHD, this book should be on your shelf. It will give you courage and hope.”—Michael Thompson, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling co-author of Raising Cain

World-renowned authors Dr. Edward M. Hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey literally “wrote the book” on ADD/ADHD more than two decades ago. Their bestseller, Driven to Distraction, largely introduced this diagnosis to the public and sold more than a million copies along the way.

Now, most people have heard of ADHD and know someone who may have it. But lost in the discussion of both childhood and adult diagnosis of ADHD is the potential upside: Many hugely successful entrepreneurs and highly creative people attribute their achievements to ADHD. Also unknown to most are the recent research developments, including innovations that give a clearer understanding of the ADHD brain in action. In ADHD 2.0, Drs. Hallowell and Ratey, both of whom have this “variable attention trait,” draw on the latest science to provide both parents and adults with ADHD a plan for minimizing the downside and maximizing the benefits of ADHD at any age. They offer an arsenal of new strategies and lifestyle hacks for thriving with ADHD, including

• Find the right kind of difficult. Use these behavior assessments to discover the work, activity, or creative outlet best suited to an individual’s unique strengths.
• Reimagine environment. What specific elements to look for—at home, at school, or in the workplace—to enhance the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit inherent in the ADHD mind.
• Embrace innate neurological tendencies. Take advantage of new findings about the brain’s default mode network and cerebellum, which confer major benefits for people with ADHD.
• Tap into the healing power of connection. Tips for establishing and maintaining positive connection “the other Vitamind C” and the best antidote to the negativity that plagues so many people with ADHD.
• Consider medication. Gets the facts about the underlying chemistry, side effects, and proven benefits of all the pharmaceutical options.

As inspiring as it is practical, ADHD 2.0 will help you tap into the power of this mercurial condition and find the key that unlocks potential.

*This audiobook includes a PDF of charts and appendices from the book.

Ratings and reviews

This was a good book, but filled with a lot of anecdotes and lots of common sense stuff, like eat healthy, have good social connections and exercise. I felt there was a lot of unnecessary "filler" material. I was hoping for more info about how to cope with ADHD.

Fred Sanders does a phenomenal job at narrating this and other audio books. The book itself is very well written and should be required reading for students in Grammer through high school as well as college and medical schools as it offers insights not only from specialized doctors but doctor(s) who have dealt directly with this. I am 68 and was told more than once that ADHD ADD manifests only when young, but I learned it doesn't and that people compensate, which is exactly what I tried to convey to clinicians by things I did, which I knew were related but didn't have the right word. Moreover, my son, who is autistic displays many behaviors to a tee. The book is written with empathy and great thought on what goes on in others' minds and how difficult daily struggles can be for those affected by ADHD which is the new main description. It's one of the best books I've read, or actually listened to as it is the audio version, which is very well done.

If only I had listened to this audio book sooner. I feel as if a veil has been lifted from my face and an avalanche of clarity has been gifted to me. So much valuable information has inspired to take the proper steps to remedy the conditions that have stffled my untapped potential. with gratitude, Martin D.

About the author

Edward Hallowell, M.D., is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, a world-renowned keynote speaker, and the New York Times bestselling author or co-author of more than twenty books, including Driven to Distraction (with John J. Ratey), which sparked a revolution in our understanding of ADHD. A graduate of Harvard College and Tulane Medical School, Dr. Hallowell was a Harvard Medical School faculty member for twenty-one years. A regular columnist for ADDitudemagazine, he is also the host of the weekly podcast Distraction. He is the founder of The Hallowell Centers in Boston MetroWest, New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle. He lives in the Boston area with his wife and their three children.

John J. Ratey, MD, is a cinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and is in private practice. He lives in the Boston area.

Fred Sanders has been seen on Broadway (The Buddy Holly Story), in national tours (Driving Miss Daisy and Big River), and on TV, including Seinfeld, The West Wing, Will and Grace, Numb3rs, Titus, and Malcolm in the Middle. His films include Sea of Love, The Shadow, and the Oscar-nominated short Culture. A native New Yorker and Yale graduate, he now lives in LA.