What it’s like to discover you have ADHD after 50

In this book, Steven Johnson delves into the concept of emergence, explaining how self-organizing systems can lead to collective intelligence and higher-level structures without a central planner. He provides examples from diverse fields such as ant colonies, brain function, urban planning, and software design, highlighting how local, parallel interactions result in complex and adaptive behaviors. Johnson argues that the power of self-organization, coupled with the connective technology of the Internet, will revolutionize the way we see the world, much like the introduction of electricity did in the past.

In this book, Dr. Gabor Maté argues that Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) is not a genetic 'illness' but a response to environmental stress. He explains that the brain circuits responsible for emotional self-regulation and attention control fail to develop in infancy due to life experiences. The book provides insights for parents to understand their ADD children and for adults with ADD to gain insights into their emotions and behaviors. It presents a program to promote neurological development in both children and adults, emphasizing the role of social and emotional environments in both the cause and cure of the condition.

This book reframes ADHD as a neurological difference that can be a source of unique strengths and abilities. It challenges the traditional deficit-based view of ADHD and offers practical strategies for parents and educators to help children with ADHD thrive. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual needs and strengths of each child and provides tools to support their development. It encourages a strengths-based approach, focusing on how to leverage individual talents and abilities to overcome challenges associated with ADHD. The author offers a compassionate and empowering perspective on ADHD, helping readers to see it as a gift rather than a deficit.

In 'An Anthropologist on Mars,' Oliver Sacks presents seven intriguing narratives of individuals with neurological conditions such as autism, Tourette's syndrome, and cerebral achromatopsia. Through these stories, Sacks highlights the remarkable adaptability and creativity of his subjects, offering insights into the human brain and its capacity to transform challenges into unique strengths. The book combines scientific exploration with compassionate storytelling, making it both informative and engaging.