There are many types of resources for ADHD. Read on and explore everything from in-person support groups and conferences to websites and books. You can also find resources you can use to learn more about the benefits to which you or your child are entitled.
National Support Organizations
CHADD—Children and Adults with ADHD CHADD (chadd.org) is the largest national support organization for ADHD. It provides education, advocacy, and support for children and adults living with ADHD and their families, as well as teachers and healthcare professionals. CHADD offers programs and services locally and nationally. Every year CHADD hosts a conference where speakers talk about ADHD and the latest research findings. The CHADD website has a resource directory where you can find ADHD professionals in your state. Examples of those listed are physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, speech language pathologists, psychologists, coaches, and education specialists. ADDA—Attention Deficit Disorder Association ADDA (add.org) provides information and training resources for adults with ADHD, and promotes ADHD awareness. The organization also spearheads advocacy efforts (for example, advocating for ADHD treatment in correctional facilities). They also have virtual support groups. You can connect with other people living with ADHD, even if you live in a remote location. ADDA has a resource directory of professionals who specialize in ADHD, including coaches, bookkeepers, professional organizers, doctors, and psychiatrists.
ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD Awareness Month is held annually each October. It brings attention to a condition that is still misunderstood by many people. Each year has a theme. For example, ‘The Many Faces of ADHD’ highlighted that ADHD affects all ages, genders, and social and economic groups. The month also celebrates the positive aspects of ADHD. Many health groups and government agencies get involved. You can learn more at adhdawarenessmonth.org .
Books
There are many helpful books about ADHD. Some people with ADHD struggle to read a book cover to cover. However, these books can be dipped into as a reference. Most are available in an audio version, so they can be listened to rather than read, if that is preferable to you.
For Parents of Kids with ADHD
Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell A. Barkley, PhDThis book gives a detailed account of what ADHD is, its symptoms, and how it is diagnosed. It provides practical advice about working with your child’s school and parenting strategies. 1000 Best Tips for ADHD: Expert Answers and Bright Advice to Help You and Your Child by Susan Ashley, PhDThis concise and easy-to-read book offers parents helpful solutions to some common challenges of raising a child with ADHD. ADHD: What Everyone Needs to Knowby Stephen P. Hinshaw and Katherine EllisonIn this question and answer style book, the authors answer the most pressing questions people have about ADHD in children and adults.
For Children with ADHD
Check out this list of books written specifically for children with ADHD to help them understand more about their condition and its symptoms: Books for Children With ADHD.
For Adults with ADHD
Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies for Increasing Focus, Attention, and Motivation With or Without Medicationby Stephanie Sarkis, PhDPeople are usually very curious about whether ADHD can be treated naturally. In this book, the author offers a comprehensive overview of the different options, all backed by the latest research. The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos, Find Focus, and Get More Doneby Terry Matlen, MSWThis book addresses the problems women have with ADHD, including how hormones affect ADHD symptoms and the different stages of life. ADD and Your Money: A Guide to Personal Finance for Adults with Attention-Deficit Disorder by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD, and Karl Klein, JDADHD symptoms can make organizing personal finances very challenging. This book gives practical ideas and solutions so you can pay your bills on time and plan for the future. Fast Minds: How to Thrive if You Have ADHD (Or Think You Might)by Craig Surman, MD, Tim Bilkey, MD, and Karen WeintraubA practical guide to help you and your loved ones understand ADHD symptoms and develop strategies to put a stop to being chronically overwhelmed. The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Stepsby Melissa OrlovUntreated ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness or impulsivity may cause conflict in marriages. This book addresses these patterns and offers six steps to rebuild a relationship. The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHDby Lidia Zylowska, MDMindfulness can help adults with ADHD improve focus and attention. In this book, Dr. Zylowska explains the benefits and how to practice mindfulness in your life.
Job Accommodations
If ADHD symptoms are causing problems for you at your workplace, you might be eligible to have job accommodations. In the United States, there are two laws designed to provide workplace protection for employees who have disabilities: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008. If you need help understanding how these apply to you and your place of work, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) can help. This organization offers incredible, free services and is very approachable.
Accommodations for Students With ADHD
Federal law requires schools to provide equal education opportunities to students with disabilities. ADHD students are eligible for an individual accommodation plan under section 504. However, many parents have experienced problems getting these accommodations for their children. In July 2016, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a report for school districts with guidance on how to create and follow section 504 plans for students with ADHD. Get a better understanding of how to get a 504 plan for your child by reading the office’s Know Your Rights: Students With ADHD guide (PDF).
Summer Camps for Kids With ADHD
There are camps designed and run especially for kids with ADHD. They cater to the unique challenges that children with ADHD face, like building self-esteem and making/keeping friends. At the same time, they ensure the children have a positive summer experience.
ADHD Summer Camps: A list of ADHD day and residential summer camps.
Magazines About ADHD
ADDitude: Strategies and Support for ADHD and LDThis lifestyle magazine devoted to living with ADHD is published quarterly and is available in print and digital versions. It covers a broad range of topics on ADHD and learning disabilities. Topics include parenting children with ADHD, relationship advice for adults with ADHD, medication, and alternative therapies. Attention MagazineThis magazine is designed to keep parents and adults living with ADHD up to date about ADHD issues. It is published six times a year by CHADD and is available to the organization’s members in both print and digital versions.
ADHD Documentary
The documentary “ADD and Loving It” follows comedian Patrick McKenna as he is diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. It uncovers many of the myths about ADHD and is informative, yet fun. When it aired on PBS, many viewers recognized themselves in the description of the ADHD symptoms and, as a result, were diagnosed.
Podcasts
Podcasts are a great resource when you have ADHD. You can listen and learn about the latest ADHD research (even while performing another task, like housework). Here are four compelling ADHD podcasts: ADDitude ADHD Experts PodcastLeading experts in the ADHD world share their knowledge. Distraction with Dr. Ned HallowellThe Distraction podcast is hosted by Dr. Edward Hallowell, ADHD expert, author and psychiatrist. ADHD reWired with Eric TiversHosted by coach and therapist Eric Tivers. Adult ADHD ADD podcastHosted by Bahman Sarram and ADHD coach Michael Joseph Ferguson.
Websites and Blogs About ADHD
Blogs There are many blogs about ADHD to choose from, and they can be a great source of information. Blogs often offer accounts of the blogger’s personal ADHD challenges. Some popular ADHD blogs include An ADD Woman and Impact ADHD. While blogs may or may not be written by credentialed experts (there are typically more cases of the latter), they can often offer real-life perspectives you may find helpful. Websites Reputable websites can further educate you on ADHD, and you can start right here with Verywell. We have an extensive library of articles on core topics, like symptoms, how ADHD is diagnosed in children and adults, how it is treated, and more. We also write on many of the lesser-known aspects of life with ADHD, such as tips for meal-planning.
