The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain to Take Control of Your Time, Tasks, and Talents Paperback – December 23, 2008

I found this book very readable and had excellent tools for the reader to use. As an Occupational Therapist now with ADD and executive functioning disorder I felt this book did a good job of educating the reader and offering resources/tool. I was able to use Nancy as a coach and felt we accomplished a lot. I have skills to use that transfered over into my life, tracking finances, being positive, planning home renovation jobs as well as business.

I've read a good number of books on ADHD, or ADD, as I am not, nor have ever been a hyperactive type... and this is one of the best, if not the best of them all.Since the author has ADD herself, as well as her training in psychology, she's very well suited to write such a book. ADD has been a blessing and curse in my life, gifting me with various exceptional talents, while at the same time creating obstacles (distractibility, procrastination, disorganization, etc) to becoming as successful as my potential warrants. She is right on the money with her depictions of how this condition can throw us for a loop, as it can feel like we are doing things all day, being very engaged, and yet, as we go to bed, we are left wondering why all those things on our "to do" list are still there, with perhaps even more added.This is a good book for those recently diagnosed, as she explains & describes what, how, & why we do what we do, and don't do what we don't, so that we can at least get a clear picture of what we are dealing with. Then she offers plenty of good advice as to how to cope, avoid &/or deal with the pitfalls & bad habits we've acquired over the years, and she writes with a supportive, yet straight to the point tone. All in all, you really can't go wrong with this book, I'm very glad I own it.Now, if I can just get myself to quit putting off finishing my reading of this excellent book!

GREAT BOOK with lots of helpful information for those of us who struggle with symptoms of ADHD.

I have not had any formal diagnosis of having ADHD (have 2 children that have), but after reading "the disorganized mind", I am certainly considering the possibility. As I gradually read through each chapter, I have had many "ah" type moments. I can identify with so many of Nancy Ratey's client examples. And this is why I would highly recommend this book. The way Nancy has chosen to write the book kept me curious from one chapter to the next and has helped me to understand I need to continue to learn more about ... the possibility of me and ADHD. Nancy defines ADHD using real people, real stories, their unique challenges, and the friends, loved ones and work colleagues affected by the ADHD behavior. Having ADHD herself, and having achieved a number of other very impressive credentials, I feel Nancy is certainly a credible authority on the topic. Although I hesitated to start reading this book at first thinking I would be getting a series of "how to" work book type exercises on how to deal with ADHD, I found that Nancy rather cleverly integrates solutions (self and/or outside "coaching" techniques) with the real live ADHD behavior. Confession; I have not followed any of her tips and techniques yet (maybe part of my ADHD, if I have it? :-) but I am more aware now and am ... considering ... much. I will follow her good advice to further educate myself. I have underlined many parts in her book and marked many pages. I'll plan to come back to reference these areas for inspiration and as a reminder/trigger. If you are like me and on a journey to better understand what ADHD is and how it can become a total positive force in your life, add Nancy's book to your library ... worth all 5 stars!

Nancy, thank you for your committment to people with attention deficit. Your book is a detailed framework with gentle, nonjudgemental insights that will help people with ADD/ADHD get back on track. This is a very special resource and is for people that might need a clearer understanding of how to begin restructuring their lives. No: Nancy is not promoting herself. The goal is to coach yourself. Her examples are relatable and honest, not the detached musings of an entitled collegiate. If you are struggling with ADD or ADHD, read this book. You will feel acknowledged, supported and understood.

If you are willing to read through at least Chap 9 (of 14 chapters), you will find many practical suggestions (and an explanation of the suggestions/tips/tactics) to try. The book was recommended to me by a Psychiatrist so I could learn more about a loved one's challenges. I read the entire book, and did find it quite worthwhile. Even if ADHD medicine is a part of one's solution, ADHD coaching is the component to address the issue that "pills don't teach skills".

I can't seem to get organized enough to read much of this book. I continue to try because it hits the target and I need a great deal of help. The strategic A N S W E R tool seems like it could help me get organized enough to use it. I hope so.

This book really helped. Great ideas