Member Reviews

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and Watkins Publishing | Watkins in exchange for a free and honest review.

A very insightful book tackling ADHD in women, from signs, diagnosis, treatment and co-morbidities. I think this book would make a good reference guide with clear and concise chapters. I would advise readers to also get the ebook/ physical version for easy reference, as the author includes a lot of exercises to try. Overall, a good book with a great narration by Kate Handford and I would recommend to everyone as I feel the included exercises can be of benefit to all.

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I am slightly shaken by the experience of reading this book as an educator with ADHD. I was initially disconnected from the early chapters because I have quite a lot of information about the context of ADHD and female diagnosis. However, I found the second half of the book invaluable. I've learned things about myself and identified areas that I would like to pursue to make my life better in the near future. I think this will be a very important book for women of many ages and the challenges and options while living with ADHD. I will definitely buy a physical copy to share with my students when it comes out.

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As someone who fits perfectly within the target audience for this book, I devoured it in just one day. I’ve never taken so many notes while reading, so thank you so much!

My psychotherapist first mentioned the possibility of me being neurodivergent and having ADHD shortly after I began seeing her—just a few appointments in. I was 26 at the time, the same age as the author when she was diagnosed, so that really hit home. My initial reaction? Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. I was angry and wanted to stop therapy. I thought, “No, that can’t be it,” as if ADHD were a dirty word, an insult. I found it easier to accept the possibility of other disorders over ADHD because of the stigma and misinformation surrounding it. The author addresses this well, especially noting how ADHD often coexists with other conditions, particularly in women. Even now, nearly two years later, I’m still coming to terms with my diagnosis, figuring out what it means for me, and acknowledging there’s still a long way to go.

The real struggle for me has been moving beyond "acceptance." While I may have had access to some tools, I’ve either overlooked or avoided them. This book came into my life just when I needed it, offering me both comfort and practical strategies. Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, I found the book's factual hacks exactly what I needed. It made me feel truly seen, and almost everything resonated deeply.

The structure is engaging, with each chapter ending in a helpful summary of key takeaways. I listened to the audiobook version at 1.75x speed while working and had to stop several times just to jot down notes. The tips and hacks were the standout feature for me, offering a lot to reflect on and apply. I’m eagerly awaiting a physical copy because I believe it will enhance the experience even more than the audiobook did.

The book closes with the line, "Congratulations again on how far you've come. Now it's time to embrace all of who you are." - this sentence moved me deeply, and it's such a beautiful message I will make mine.

I will make sure to make a TikTok video for this book as well closer to the publication date, a week before or so, to make sure that people who watch that will be able to pre-order/buy soon.

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NOTE: I am a woman in her early thirties seeking am ADHD diagnosis.

An incredibly powerful book that aims to allow women to navigate the challenges of ADHD - from seeking an initial diagnosis to daily living.

I really appreciated how accessible the language is in this book. Usually, books with a medical basis are written in such a way that it isn't accessible for all. In contrast, Dr Janina Maschke uses fantastic examples from her own life to clearly illustrate the inner-workings of the ADHD brain at all stages of life - with tools to combat any difficulties women may face! I found myself making notes of tools that I could apply to my life to make both my work and home life easier...

One of my first thoughts upon finishing this book was that it should be required reading for teaching staff and parents of children with ADHD. It is absolutely a must-read for women with ADHD (or suspected ADHD) as Dr Maschke provides strategies to overcome some of the daily barriers we face.

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This was FASCINATING. Really enjoyed it and learned a lot. I can’t wait for it to come out to buy for friends.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I walked into this audiobook as a 20-year-old woman with suspected but ultimately undiagnosed ADHD. As the book went along, I found myself relating to symptoms more and more whilst my understanding broadened too.

I found that the author approached the book with kindness, authenticity and understanding- almost like a big sister’s perspective. I found the format to be clear, easy to understand and accessible and I appreciated the attention to detail whilst still maintaining my focus. Saying that, in some areas (almost ironically) I found myself zoning out when some topics felt a little tedious. However, I found myself thoroughly engaged whenever strategies and practical approaches were discussed and I am keen to try out some of these methods myself!

Something I found particularly interesting was the talk on the discrepancies in diagnostic rates between boys and girls and the wider health care system and debate. I also was very interested in the discussion about hormones and hormonal changes in regards to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. This allowed me to almost glimpse into what I could expect in the future, or at least have as knowledge in order to support others.

A very insightful read that I would recommend to women in a similar position.

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As someone with ADHD who is also female presenting, I appreciate this book a lot.

The introduction alone quite frankly had me in tears, because this is exactly what I experienced in school. I too was the "dreamy" girl in school and the "extremely talkative" girl everywhere outside of it, which had mostly to do with the bullying I had to suffer due to being different. I too was only diagnosed in my 20s, when my ADHD severely affected my ability to work in an office setting (my first actual full-time job). Basically all of the fem representing people with ADHD I have talked to over the years were diagnosed in they adulthood.

The fact that Maschke goes so in depth in terms of the healthcare/-system discrepancy between men and women is wonderful. It is something not talked about enough. She doesn't limit the topics of this book to "just" ADHD, but also goes into detail regarding the correlation between the condition and the hormones a woman's body produces. Not only that, she also talks about periods, pregnancy, and even menopause. Some topics I feel are still considered very "taboo".

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I enjoyed this audiobook, it was very informative especially the first half of it and as someone diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it was so easy to relate to the author! It definitely helped me understand why I do things a certain way and how my brain works (scientifically!). There were some sections of the book which I felt like I didn't relate to, especially towards the end (e.g., skipped most of the chapter on maternity & ADHD) but all in all this is a useful and informative guidebook and self-help book!

thank you to NetGalley & Watkins Publishing for a free advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review ✨

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This was pretty good, i liked that there was a lot of focus on explaining the changes with hormones, life events, etc. it was also really good at talking about practical ways to develop and deal with the adhd symptoms. A good read!

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Janina Maschke's audiobook, is an insightful and empowering work that explores the unique challenges women with ADHD face. In my opinion, the audiobook is narrated in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to listeners regardless of their prior knowledge of the subject. Maschke's tone is compassionate and understanding, which adds a personal touch to the book. The narration strikes a balance between being informative and empathetic, which I believe is crucial for a topic as personal and often stigmatized as ADHD. The book's focus on how ADHD specifically affects women is, in my view, its greatest strength. Maschke fills a much-needed gap in the literature by addressing the specific challenges that women face in a world that often fails to recognize their struggles. The audiobook offers practical strategies that listeners can implement in their daily lives, making it not just an educational resource but also a practical guide. Additionally, Maschke's feminist approach is both empowering and validating for women who have felt marginalized or misunderstood because of ADHD. While the audiobook is generally excellent, I believe it could benefit from greater diversity of voices and experiences. The experiences of women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from different socioeconomic backgrounds could be further explored to provide a more inclusive perspective on ADHD. In conclusion, is, in my opinion, a must-listen for women with ADHD and anyone interested in understanding the condition through a feminist lens. It is informative, practical, and deeply empathetic, offering valuable insights and strategies for women who have long been overlooked by traditional ADHD narratives. The audiobook not only educates but also empowers women to thrive in a world that was not designed with their needs in mind.

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I recently listened to the audiobook version of A Feminist’s Guide to ADHD and found it insightful. The narrator was clear and easy to follow, making the experience enjoyable. This book is a must for anyone who suspects they might have ADHD, knows someone who does, or simply wants to learn more about it. It opened my eyes (and ears) to many aspects of ADHD that I recognized in myself.

Thank you to #WatkinsPublishing for my audio copy via #NetGalley.

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Reminded me a little of the Ellie Middleton book I’ve read, having a family member with AFHA this book was something that really benefited us. Honest and clearly set out, not all non fiction suits audio but this one definitely does. It’s easy to concentrate on which is particularly important given the topic it covers. Great job, have recommended to family and friends

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A wonderfully supportive book. Clear explanations and helpful advice for those with adhd and those who are supporting someone with adhd. The female viewpoint is very important and helps clarify why so many women haven’t be diagnosed until later in life. The clarify on behaviours and reasons for these behaviours was very informative.
A must read for anyone affected by adhd.

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