Book Review: The ADHD Productivity Manual by Ari Tuckman

For ADHD partners (and their non-ADHD partners) ready for a practical, proven game plan

Book Review The ADHD Productivity Manual by Ari Tuckman

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One of the most common things I hear from ADHD partners—whether they’ve just been diagnosed or have known for years—is how overwhelmed and frustrated they feel. For those newly diagnosed, there’s relief in finally having an explanation—but also a sense of, Now what? And for those who’ve been aware of their ADHD and have already tried to piece things together on their own, the frustration often comes from not seeing the progress they hoped for. With so much information out there—blogs, books, podcasts, and conflicting advice—it’s easy to get lost in the noise.

Dr. Ari Tuckman just published a new book called The ADHD Productivity Manual, where he provides practical, structured advice grounded in two decades of real-life clinical experience. If you want to take the guessing out of your plan and start moving forward with more clarity and confidence, this might be the book for you.

Who is Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA?

If you’ve ever attended the PESI ADHD conference or CHADD’s international conference, you’ve likely come across Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA. He’s a well-known psychologist, international speaker, and author of five books on adult ADHD. Ari is widely respected for his ability to turn complex ADHD concepts into practical, relatable tools—with a dose of humor. He’s delivered over 750 presentations, serves as co-chair of CHADD’s conference committee, and was recently honored with their 2023 Hall of Fame award for his contributions to the field.

Beyond the stage and the page, Ari works directly with individuals and couples in his private practice in West Chester, PA—helping ADHD relationships one step at a time.

What do I think of this book?

Many ADHD partners have spent years being misunderstood, criticized, or unintentionally hurt by people who just don’t grasp the invisible challenges they face every day. That’s why I love that one of Ari Tuckman’s goals in this book—beyond improving productivity—is to help ADHD partners feel better about themselves. He explains how ADHD creates specific challenges and then shares practical strategies ADHD partners can try to overcome them. It’s not just about doing more; it’s about reclaiming confidence and self-worth.

From my point of view, this book strikes just the right note to encourage ADHD partners to give it a try—without feeling overwhelmed or judged.

Three Reasons I Recommend This Book

1. It’s built on 20 years of real clinical experience.

One of the biggest strengths of The ADHD Productivity Manual is that it’s based on Dr. Tuckman’s two decades of clinical practice. Over the course of helping hundreds—if not thousands—of ADHD individuals and couples, he’s distilled what actually works into a step-by-step format. This manual includes 36 concise chapters divided into seven key sections: starting with understanding ADHD-related productivity challenges, then laying a strong foundation, followed by strategies across personal, work, and mental life that can help readers build better lives.

For ADHD partners who need structure without feeling overwhelmed, this layout is incredibly approachable. And for non-ADHD partners who are feeling frustrated or confused about why things aren’t getting done, this book offers a valuable education—helping you understand what’s really going on and how to support your partner in a way that actually works.

2. It’s structured to turn insights into action.

The book’s bite-sized chapters and ADHD-friendly format make it easy to stay engaged. Ari layers in simple diagrams and highlight boxes to reinforce key concepts, then ends each chapter with targeted reflection questions. These prompts aren’t just filler—they’re designed to help ADHD partners apply what they’ve just learned, explore their personal “why,” and choose strategies that make sense for their life. Instead of being another book that sits unread on a shelf, this manual gently nudges readers toward real growth and lasting change.

3. It’s one of the few books I recommend couples read together.

Although The ADHD Productivity Manual is primarily written for ADHD partners, non-ADHD partners will find it just as valuable. The balanced, non-judgmental tone makes it a safe space for both partners to learn and grow together. While the reflection questions are directed at the ADHD partner, they can foster meaningful conversations about what kinds of support are actually helpful for maintaining change. By working through the book as a team, you can create support structures and accountability systems that fit your unique dynamic. For more on how to build those systems, check out my blog post on designing support structures for ADHD couples—it’s the perfect companion to this manual.

Conclusion

The ADHD Productivity Manual isn’t just another self-help book—it’s a clear, compassionate roadmap shaped by 20 years of hands-on clinical experience. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, have been managing ADHD for years without the results you want, or you’re a non-ADHD partner trying to better support your loved one, this book delivers the clarity, confidence, and tools you need. Work through it at your own pace, talk about it together, and use it as a springboard to create the life and relationship you both deserve.