Helping Your Young Child Understand Their ADHD.

​Harold Robert Meyer | The ADD Resource Center  08/06/2025
Listen to understand, rather than to react.

Preview the book first to ensure it’s appropriate for your child and to prepare yourself for any questions they might ask.

Here are some outstanding books designed to help very young children understand ADHD in positive, age-appropriate ways:

For Ages 3-6:

• “All Dogs Have ADHD” by Kathy Hoopmann – Uses adorable dog photos to explain ADHD traits in a fun, relatable way that doesn’t feel clinical
• “Shelley, the Hyperactive Turtle” by Deborah Moss – A classic story about a turtle who learns to manage her energy and impulsivity
• “My Brain Needs Glasses” by Lara Honos-Webb – Uses the familiar concept of glasses to explain how ADHD brains work differently

For Ages 4-8:

• “ADHD and Me: What I Learned from Lighting Fires at the Dinner Table” by Blake Taylor – Written by someone with ADHD, though you’d want to preview this one first
• “The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD” by John Taylor – More comprehensive, but has sections suitable for younger children with parent guidance
• “Cory Stories” series by Jeanne Kraus – Features a character with ADHD in everyday situations

Key things to look for in ADHD books for young children:

• Strength-based messaging that celebrates differences
• Simple, concrete explanations without overwhelming medical terminology
• Stories that show kids with ADHD finding their unique talents
• Illustrations that are engaging and non-stigmatizing

Tip: Many parents find it helpful to read these books together and pause to relate the stories to their child’s own experiences, emphasizing the positive aspects and coping strategies rather than focusing on challenges.

Note: The ADD Resource Center has not reviewed these books. We do not receive any compensation for any of the listed books.

---

---

Disclaimer: Our content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, errors or omissions may occur. Content may be generated with artificial intelligence tools, which can produce inaccuracies. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

---

About The ADD Resource Center

Evidence-based ADHD, business, career, and life coaching and consultation for individuals, couples, groups, and corporate clients. 
Empowering growth through personalized guidance and strategies. 

Contact Information 
Email: info@addrc.org 
Phone: +1 (646) 205-8080 
Address: 127 West 83rd St., Unit 133, Planetarium Station, New York, NY, 10024-0840 USA 
 

Follow Us: Facebook | “X”  | LinkedIn  | Substack  | ADHD Research and Innovation

Newsletter & Community 

Join our community and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest resources and insights. 
To unsubscribe, email addrc@mail.com with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line. We’ll promptly remove you from our list. 

Harold Meyer 
The ADD Resource Center, Inc. 
Email: HaroldMeyer@addrc.org 

Legal 
Privacy Policy  

Under GDPR and CCPA, you have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data. Contact us at info@addrc.org for requests or inquiries.  

• © 2025 The ADD Resource Center. All rights reserved.
  Content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice.