Knowledge is power. This is especially true when you're dealing with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). The more you know about what you're dealing with, the better able you are to deal with it and make effective decisions. The amount you know about ADD or ADHD can have a dramatic impact on many aspects of your (or your loved one's) life. What's the solution? Educate yourself. Here are the top Four ways to learn about ADD/ADHD:
ADHD Education Source #1: Your local ADHD community. Talk to other people in your community. You may be surprised to find out you have tremendous resources right across the street. People that you may find great ADD/ADHD information from include: a teacher, a guidance counselor, a principal; another parent at school, or soccer, or church; community agencies (such as activity programs, camps, etc.), church groups. A note of caution with this - be careful of horror stories. You want to talk to knowledgeable people, and remember that just because someone had a bad experience, doesn't mean that you will.
ADHD Education Source #2: Support groups - you can visit online www.CHADD.org. They are a very large organization that has number of parent support groups throughout North America. They also have an outstanding Web site with a lot of information there. For my fellow Canadians, there is www.CADDAC.ca and that has a listing of different parent support groups in Canada. If you don't have one in your area, you can call them and they can provide you with some support or help to connect you with other people. You want to look for local agencies and resources that can be helpful. Sometimes a children's mental health agency can actually teach you a lot and point you in the direction of support groups and other areas.
ADHD Education Source #3: Books - www.TheADHDBookstore.com has a listing of the books that I recommend about ADHD. But you can certainly go to your public library, your local bookstore, and there you'll also find great titles on ADD and ADHD.
ADHD Education Source #4: Seminars, courses, and conferences can be very helpful. Look to your local mental health agencies, as well as parent support groups to seminars, conferences and courses which may be helpful to you. Additionally, home study courses can be very helpful to you.
ADHD Education Source #5: Online ADHD communities: The internet is a great source of information, (but also it can contain misinformation). Here are some wonderful and reliable sources of ADHD information. www.CHADD.org www.ADD.org www.russellbarkley.org www.ADDADHDBlog.com
Educating yourself about ADHD gives you tremendous power in dealing with the condition. There is a lot of misinformation out there so take care to listen to the facts and find reliable sources of information. The resources and websites I've presented are an excellent place to begin.
