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If you, or someone you know, raise, care for, or teach a child with Attention Deficit Disorder, you know that it can cause feelings of helplessness, frustration and confusion. There are seemingly endless obstacles to overcome in helping these children to succeed and live happy, productive lives. It's difficult to even know where to begin looking for help. Statistics from the A.D.D. F.A.Q. Site show that 2.5-3 million school-aged children live with this disorder. Everyday, new advances are being made in the treatment of A.D.D/A.D.H.D, and more resources are available, to provide support, help and treatment for these children, their families and schools, than ever before.
After your child has been diagnosed by a pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist, medications are usually indicated, such as Ritalin or Adderall, and counseling may be suggested, for the child, as well as the family. Other than that, it may feel like you've been dropped out of the nest and expected to fly or fall. Don't despair, help is all around. From support groups, to internet sites, to books, there are more than enough resources to assist your child and your family in successfully dealing with this disorder. Following are some suggestions for where to begin and who to contact for assistance.
After the diagnosis and medical treatments are in place, it will help to sit down with all this information, read it, digest it and make it family knowledge. There are myriad books about A.D.D/A.D.H.D, which will offer helpful plans to incorporate and provide your family the opportunity to work around the child's disorder and make their experiences easier to cope with and help them to overcome symptoms that they must deal with. Attention Deficit Disorder: Helpful, Practical Information: A Guide For Parents & Educators by Elaine K. McEwan is an excellent resource for ideas and plans for the home and for school. Check your library out for more titles available on this subject. Books are only the beginning.
Another excellent resource is the internet. Just type “A.D.D” into any search engine and you instantly have access to some of the best online resources available.
From learning and parenting resources such as A.D.D. Warehouse, providing books, videos and other materials for parents and teachers, to ADHD Owner's Manual, a terrific site for learning and answering your questions, you can find virtually anything you need to know in cyberspace.
For support and understanding, try one of the many clubs on Yahoo, or MSN created by people who also live with this disorder. The ability to talk, vent and otherwise communicate with those who are in the same "boat" can be a great source of strength, inspiration and motivation for parents and family members, and even the A.D.D child!
Keep all lines of communication open in order to receive the full benefit of all resources available. Even within your own community there are resources designed to assist. Talk to your child's doctors and counselors. Ask questions. Ask for referrals to local support groups. One of the most active groups, nationwide is (C.H.A.D.D.-Children And Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a group which participates in legislative and policy concerns for A.D.D., provides seminars and conferences, and can provide more resources to members. Another group to contact is NADDA-National Attention Deficit Disorder Association (1-800-487-2282). Use these groups to gain information on what's available in your area.
Keep your eyes, ears and mind open to the world of A.D.D. and never be afraid to ask for help. What you learn and incorporate will make the biggest difference in your child's success. Use these resources to your advantage, learn all that you can about the disorder, treatments, and resources to help turn this diagnosis into a minor glitch, instead of a major crisis. The most important factor is you, and how you handle what you've been given. All these resources are there to back you up, all you have to do is use them!
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