Review of How to ADHD: An Insider’s Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It) by Jessica McCabe
Recently, I found myself at a crossroads in my reading life, looking for something that not only entertained but also enlightened. That’s when How to ADHD crossed my path. Jessica McCabe’s honest, relatable voice immediately drew me in. As someone who has always been fascinated by the complexities of the human mind, especially in the landscape of neurodiversity, this book felt like a beacon of understanding—like having a conversation with a wise friend who just gets it.
From the moment I plunged into McCabe’s world, I felt embraced by her conversational style. She expertly distills complicated concepts like executive function into digestible nuggets without dumbing them down. Imagine someone explaining intricate brain science over coffee—thoughtful, engaging, and occasionally peppered with humor. It’s a rare talent to discuss executive function and elicit a grin, but McCabe has a knack for it.
The book offers a structured approach that I found incredibly helpful. Each section opens with McCabe’s personal experience, a brave and earnest touch that made her insights feel grounded and applicable. She doesn’t shy away from pointing out that ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone. I appreciated her message about the misconception of “attention deficit”—how, at times, we hyperfocus so intensely on what fascinates us that it feels almost paradoxical. This was a lightbulb moment for me, and I suspect many readers will have similar revelations.
A few standout moments struck a chord with me. McCabe’s assertion that “when you experience that gear-grinding feeling that tells you something isn’t working, don’t try harder. Try different,” resonated deeply. It’s a gentle reminder that the quest for productivity doesn’t have to be a linear struggle; there’s room for experimentation. Furthermore, her emphasis that “you do not need to be fixed because you are not a broken version of normal” beautifully encapsulates the essence of acceptance and self-love.
The pacing of her narrative flows effortlessly, intertwining personal anecdotes from her own life and experiences shared within the ADHD community. This reflects a deep understanding of the emotional landscape of ADHD—how feelings can be amplified and how they impact our interactions with the world. McCabe’s insights into the often-overlooked emotional intensity of ADHD are spot-on. She describes how, for many individuals, emotions can strike like a tempest, leaving us reeling and searching for calm.
I also couldn’t help but nod my head in agreement as McCabe discusses the various manifestations of hyperactivity, particularly in girls and women. The prevalence of “verbal hyperactivity” explains a lot about my own experience and those of others I know, painting a richer, more nuanced picture of ADHD.
For anyone who is on their own ADHD journey—whether diagnosed or suspecting they might be—How to ADHD serves as an invaluable starting point. But it’s also a wealth of wisdom for those of us who want to better understand our friends, family, or partners who navigate life with ADHD. Jess McCabe’s YouTube channel, How to ADHD, is a perfect companion to this read, reinforcing the book’s principles in a more interactive format.
In closing, How to ADHD is not just a book about ADHD; it’s an exploration of how to embrace our different brains. It invites each reader to reflect on their unique experiences and find strategies that resonate. It taught me that my brain may not fit the “norm,” but that doesn’t mean it’s not capable of brilliance. This book is a nurturing companion for anyone seeking to understand ADHD or just looking for encouragement in a world that often doesn’t accommodate our differences. I finished feeling empowered—and I believe you will too.
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