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Discussion Guide

ADHD is Awesome

An instant New York Times bestseller 

You live in a world that wasn't designed for you. A world where you're expected to sit still, stay quiet, and focus. Because of the way your brain is wired, you can feel like you’re failing at life. But you are not failing. You are awesome.

Award-winning content creators Penn and Kim Holderness are on a mission to reboot how we think about the unfortunately named "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder." As always, they are doing it by looking in the mirror, because they don't just study ADHD; they live it. Penn was in college when he was diagnosed with ADHD. Rather than view the diagnosis as a curse or give in to feelings of inadequacy or failure, he took a different approach, one that he wants to share with fellow ADHDers and the people who care about them.

Drawing on their often-hilarious insights and the expertise of doctors, researchers, and specialists; Kim and Penn provide fun, easy-to-digest advice and explanations, including:

  • What it's actually like to live with an ADHD brain.
  • How to find humor in the pitfalls, sob stories, and unbelievable triumphs (like the time they won The Amazing Race!) that come with ADHD.
  • How to tackle the challenges ADHD presents with a positive outlook.
  • Targeted tools and techniques to play to your unique strengths.
  • Fun extras like ADHD Bingo, an ode to cargo pants, and what the world would look like if ADHDers were in charge.

Take it from Penn: Having ADHD can be scary, but it comes with incredible upsides, including creativity, hyperfocus, and energy. You might even say it's kind of awesome. Whether you have ADHD or want to support someone else in their journey, this is the guide you need to make the life you want.

 

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Harper Horizon.

Book club questions for ADHD is Awesome by Kim Holderness and Penn Holderness

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

ADHDers hate boredom. Can’t stand it. They are always on the lookout for stimulation—aka a dopamine hit. Neurotypicals also crave dopamine, but ADHDers just need it more due to a faulty transporter gene. What activities are at the top of your dopamine list?

In Chapter 4, Penn lists a few ways to make the world more ADHD-friendly, such as no lines at the grocery store, self-cleaning cars, and 20-minute school periods. What is one thing you would change in the world today to make your day-to-day life easier?

For years, ADHD has been advertised as little boys bouncing all over classrooms. However, recent studies have found ADHD is underdiagnosed in adults, women, highly intelligent people, and minority populations. What other misconceptions did the book reveal for you?

In Chapter 7, Penn says ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) has a terrible name, specifically highlighting that most with ADHD have an abundance of attention. How would you rename ADHD?

In Chapter 8, Penn says if someone put a button in front of him to get rid of his ADHD, he wouldn’t press it. Would you press it? Why or why not?

In Chapter 8, Penn encourages ADHDers to reframe some of the negative traits associated with the disorder, like reframing hyper as energetic, or impulsive as creative. Can you think of some personal traits you struggle with that could benefit from a reframe?

In Chapter 11, Penn lists some best practices that experts recommend for ADHDers, such as gamifying your tasks, implementing new treatments one at a time, and creating incentives. Can you identify where one or more of these might help in your daily life?

Dr. Marcy Caldwell lists six things that refill our fuel cells: exercise, sleep, nutrition, connection, medication, and meditation. Is there one or more of these that you excel at or maybe need to work on?

In Chapter 18, Penn shares some “ADHD magic words” that ADHDers can use to help or thank their supporters. Did any of these pre-written phrases resonate with you?

ADHD is Awesome Book Club Questions PDF

Click here for a printable PDF of the ADHD is Awesome discussion questions

“A hilarious and compassionate guide to rocking life with an ADHD brain. Packed with humor and genuine insights, it's the rare self-help book you'll love reading all the way to the end.” — MARCY CALDWELL, PsyD, clinical psychologist specialized in adult ADHD

“Few books embrace the lived experience of someone with ADHD quite like ADHD Is Awesome. This heartfelt firsthand account of what it is like to live with ADHD (and a partner or child with ADHD) dispels widely held myths and conveys evidence-based information about ADHD with honesty, compassion, and (lots and lots of) humor. Filled with relatable anecdotes and fun graphics, this book is sure to keep the attention of those with ADHD. Importantly, this book is hopeful in suggesting skills and strategies for embracing your ADHD brain so you can survive and thrive with ADHD.” — ANDREA CHRONIS-TUSCANO, PhD, Professor at University of Maryland; director of Maryland ADHD Program; and president of the American Psychological Association Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

“Hilarious, smart, and oh so relatable! Penn takes us through his own lived experience of ADHD, helping the reader feel seen, supported, and celebrated. A must-read for anyone with ADHD and the ones who love them.” — EMILY W. KING, PhD, Child psychologist

“Relentlessly upbeat, chock-full of wisdom, and eminently readable, ADHD Is Awesome clearly acknowledges the reality and challenges associated with this condition--but does so in ways that are practical, snappy, and often humorous. Featuring true-to-life examples, evidence-based treatments, meditation, a host of life hacks, and self-compassion, it will strike a major chord for all experiencing ADHD in themselves or family members.” — STEPHEN P. HINSHAW, PhD, Distinguished professor of psychology at University of California, Berkeley