ADHD Go-to Guide

The original ADHD Go-To Guide was primarily focused on children. This revised edition is intended for parents, educators, employers, and individuals living with ADHD. It offers current, evidence-based information presented in a straightforward and accessible manner, while also dispelling common misconceptions. Additionally, this volume provides a framework for managing and advocating for yourself and your child in various settings – home, school, and workplace, with or without medication.

Developmental pediatrician and international expert Professor Desiree Silva and ADHD coach Dr Michele Toner are both committed to enhancing the quality of life for children with ADHD and their families, and they recognise the importance of this practical resource.

Professor Desiree Silva is a paediatrician and researcher with over 30 years of experience in child health, specialising in ADHD, autism, anxiety, and developmental conditions. She is Professor of Paediatrics at The University of Western Australia and Director of Research at Joondalup Health Campus, where she leads work to improve early diagnosis and support for children with neurodevelopmental challenges. Trained in the UK, Desiree completed her paediatric specialist training in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Her PhD explored early environmental risk factors and long-term outcomes for children diagnosed with ADHD. A passionate advocate for early intervention, Desiree is the co-director of ORIGINS, one of Australia's most significant longitudinal research studies. investigating how early life factors influence the development of conditions such as allergies, asthma, obesity, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Desiree is actively involved in national and international research networks. She serves on the scientific committee for the World ADHD Congress and the Australasian Society for Developmental Paediatrics (ASDP) and has previously served on the professional advisory board for ADHDWA. She is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and is known for translating complex research into practical, family-friendly advice. A finalist for the 2024 West Australian of the Year (Professional Division), Desiree is a passionate advocate for evidence-based, compassionate care that helps children and families thrive.Michele Toner is Chair of the Board at ADHD WA and member of their Professional Advisory Body. She has been involved with ADHD WA since 1995 and has held various positions in the organisation, including helpline volunteer, support group facilitator and office manager. She was awarded research prizes from the University of Western Australia for both her Masters and PhD theses in the field of ADHD. In 2009 she became the first ADHD coach in Australia and in 2024 became the first Australian ADHD coach to hold the credential of Master Certified Coach (MCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She is a senior faculty member of the ADD Coach Academy in New York where she trains and mentors ADHD coaches. She is committed to supporting and promoting well qualified ADHD coaches and is has mentored over 100 Australian coaches to this end. She has held board positions with ICF Australasia and is the convenor of the ICF's monthly ADHD Coaching Forum. In addition to her coaching, Michele works passionately to promote ADHD Awareness and Advocacy. Alongside her work at ADHD WA, she held inaugural board positions for ADHD Australia, and The Australian Association of ADHD Professionals (AADPA). Michele was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2021 for her work in the ADHD space.