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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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ADHD 2.0 summary
Edward M. Hallowell
John J. Ratey
New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction – from Childhood through Adulthood
25 mins
Brief summary
ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey is a guidebook for individuals and families dealing with ADHD. It shares the latest ADHD research, provides practical tips for managing symptoms, and offers hope for those affected.
Table of Contents
ADHD 2.0
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
People with ADHD have brains that are structured and function differently.
If you or someone you care about has ADHD, you’ll be used to the negative stereotypes. There’s the socially awkward kid who disrupts the class. The spouse who’s constantly late and forgets appointments. The employee who’d be a workplace star if they could just get their act together.
And this isn’t fair. Because people with ADHD are many other things, too. They’re the kid whose projects are amazing when they’re interested in the subject matter. Or the partner who loves more fiercely than anyone else you know. Or the colleague who comes up with a brilliant solution seemingly out of nowhere.
Yes, they may be impulsive, hyperactive, and distractible. But they have important qualities that outweigh this. An ADHD brain makes you energized, creative, fearless in the face of problems no one else wants to deal with and committed to seeing whatever you’re invested in through – no matter what.
These are some of the many gifts ADHD brings to the world. In fact, it can be a superpower. To unleash its full potential, it helps to understand what’s going on inside that dynamic brain, and then put some strategies into practice to get the most out of it. We’re going to explore those strategies a bit later on. But first, let’s take a look at what makes these brains in particular, such a hive of activity.
We’ve recently learned a lot about how different brains function, thanks to the development of fMRI – functional magnetic resonance imaging. This amazing new technology lets us watch the brain in action, kind of like a moving X-ray. It’s helped scientists identify two key modes of thinking that act like a seesaw with each other.
The first is TPN – which stands for task-positive network. This type of thinking happens when you’re immersed in a task – in the zone, so to speak. When TPN is in play, you pretty much forget everything except what you’re doing. If you experience hyperfocus, you’ll know how that feels. It’s also the reason why sometimes you can’t step away from what you’re doing.
The second mode of thinking is DMN – or default-mode network. This is the realm of the imagination. It allows you to look back, draw on past experiences, and look forward to imagined plans or outcomes. When you’re in DMN, you might be innovating or solving problems.
TPN and DMN are designed to tag team each other, keeping us balanced between getting things done and dreaming up the next big thing. The challenge for people with ADHD is that their brains don’t switch between the two modes of thinking as seamlessly or regularly as other people’s brains. This makes them susceptible to getting stuck in one mode. And this can lead to all kinds of consequences.
First, they might be so engrossed in a task that they forget their other obligations – picking up the kids from school, going to an important appointment, meeting the person they’re dating. Or their imaginations can lead them into dark places, making them fixate on failures, disappointments, and shame they may have experienced because of their ADHD.
The other recent discovery we’ve made about ADHD brains is that a strip down the center of their cerebellum is smaller than in other brains. The cerebellum is the part of your brain that looks after motor function, as well as cognitive and emotional processes. It’s responsible for things like learning new skills, regulating emotions, and making quick decisions, but, interestingly, also balance and coordination.
Luckily, the cerebellum is also the most plastic part of the brain, meaning that with some understanding and commitment, people with ADHD can strengthen it and overcome some of the challenges ADHD causes.
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What is ADHD 2.0 about?
ADHD 2.0 (2021) provides updated science and guidance on living a successful and happy life with attention deficiency hyperactivity disorder – ADHD. It offers insights into how people with ADHD can tap into their strengths and unleash their full potential.
ADHD 2.0 Review
ADHD 2.0 (2021) by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey provides a comprehensive understanding of ADHD and offers practical strategies for living a fulfilling life. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- Grounded in scientific research, it delves into the complexities of ADHD, helping readers gain valuable insights and strategies.
- Through compelling personal stories and relatable examples, the book explores the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD, making it highly relatable.
- With its emphasis on holistic approaches and practical tools for success, it presents a refreshing perspective on managing ADHD and unlocking one's full potential.
Who should read ADHD 2.0?
- People with ADHD who want to reach their full potential
- Teachers and parents supporting children with ADHD
- Managers and leaders who value an inclusive work environment
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ADHD 2.0 FAQs
What is the main message of ADHD 2.0?
The main message of ADHD 2.0 is that ADHD is not a deficit of attention, but a different style of attention.
How long does it take to read ADHD 2.0?
The reading time for ADHD 2.0 varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is ADHD 2.0 a good book? Is it worth reading?
ADHD 2.0 is worth reading for its fresh perspective and practical strategies to harness the strengths of ADHD. It's a valuable resource for individuals with ADHD and those who support them.
Who is the author of ADHD 2.0?
The authors of ADHD 2.0 are Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey.
What to read after ADHD 2.0?
If you're wondering what to read next after ADHD 2.0, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The ADHD Advantage by Dale Archer
- ADHD an A-Z by Leanne Maskell
- Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté
- The Better Brain by Bonnie J. Kaplan and Julia J. Rucklidge
- DIRTY LAUNDRY by Richard Pink & Roxanne Emery
- What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew by Sharon Saline
- ADHD for Smart Ass Women by Tracy Otsuka
- Faster Than Normal by Peter Shankman
- Hold on to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Maté
- Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche