THIS IS A.D.H.D: An Interactive and Informative Guide by Chanelle Moriah — reviewed by Stella
Chanelle Moriah was diagnosed with autism at 21 and ADHD (Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) at 22. They are the author and Illustrator of I Am Autistic and This Is ADHD. These are practical and informative handbooks for neurodivergent folk and by extension their whanau, friends and colleagues. I’ve just finished reading This is ADHD and I found it extremely useful, as well as interesting. It has helped me start to understand what life is like for someone with ADHD. Why simple tasks become so complicated, what neurodivergence can be, how behaviours can be misinterpreted, and how other disorders (depression and anxiety to name two) can impact the ADHDer. Whether you are (or your loved one is) diagnosed or not, this book will be helpful. In the first reading, it has given me more understanding and knowledge about ADHD, and hopefully prepared me to be a better parent and support person. The book is set out with a bold pattern and colour palette, with passages highlighted, and plenty of lists and tick-boxes. The text is in a hand-written style (not a typed font), which surprised me. Moriah has made this book the way that makes sense to them and sits comfortably for someone with ADHD. I was also surprised at the references that jump you forward and back in the book, but after reading about boredom and ADHD this all made sense. There are plenty of spaces and pages to write on, with only a swirl of colour — no completely blank pages. There are many short chapters on numerous aspects (some which will be relevant to the individual, others not — Moriah stresses that ADHD is diverse), including sleep, mood, anxiety, talking too much, zoning out, dopamine, and learning styles. Moriah tells it as it is: they give plenty of options and tools for dealing with some of the challenges of ADHD, but also celebrate the benefits. This is ADHD is empowering, interactive and an excellent resource for anyone interested in neurodiversity.