|
The music clip, which is used with permission, is from “Fish Are Orderly” written by Tom Paxton and performed by Fran Friedman.
|
|
Medline Plus, a service of the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, provides an excellent list of links to resources and articles on ADHD. |
|
If you are a parent of a child or teen with ADD, you will find this website especially beneficial. The purpose of this organization is “keeping parents informed.” |
|
Find innumerable resources for ADDers. |
|
Participate in free teleseminars. In addition, this website includes ADD Coaching opportunities and an audio library. |
|
Because of his extensive and seminal research in the field, Dr. Russell Barkley has been referred to as the “father of ADHD.” Click his picture to find out more about him and his work.
|
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(Place cursor over Amber Alert to stop scrolling.) |
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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD, ADHD, AD/HD) |
We’re Okay
One of my college students with ADHD made a comment that I thought was profoundly succinct and wise: “People are quick to notice what you do wrong but forget to notice what you do right.” He captured an important truth about life with ADD in those words. How do I know? I have the inattentive type myself. I must admit, I hesitated to admit that on this website, wondering if doing so might cost me opportunities. However, I believe the stigma must end. The real opportunities lost would be to those who miss out on the many gifts people with AD/HD have to offer. If I say there is no shame to disability, then I must live my life that way. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the types, I’ll give you a quick breakdown. Before I do, let me emphasize those gifts I mentioned—creativity, intuition, insight, honesty, compassion, tenaciousness, etc., etc., etc.—that result from the same brain glitches (excuse the technical term) that cause challenges. Unfortunately, the condition has to seriously mess up daily functioning to receive a disability label, so here are some typical challenges faced by kids and adults who have the various types. Inattentive type (usually referred to as ADD)
F daydreams; F is forgetful and disorganized; F has difficulty starting projects and/or following through with projects to completion; F finds that starting a project or focusing becomes even more challenging as they try to force themselves or feel pressure from others (yes, really—it’s a brain-glitch thing); F enjoys multitasking, even if none of them are completed; F exhibits hypOactivity (Teacher, grab this kid and carry her out the door if there’s a fire; otherwise, she might not make it!); F is socially withdrawn, especially in large, noisy crowds (may have one or two close friends and feel no need for more); F struggles with depression; F is often viewed as indifferent, absentminded (spacey), or lazy but capable by others; F is less likely to be diagnosed than other types because of lack of acting out behaviors that drive parents, teachers, and spouses to a frenzied search for answers; F lack of diagnosis and treatment may contribute to more severe problems with academic or occupational underachievement and self-esteem than other types. Hyperactive-impulsive type (sometimes referred to as ADHD)
F bounces off the walls; F blurts out whatever thought happens to pop into the brain, without regard for social acceptability; F feels restless and agitated; F desires high level of stimulation; F acts out whatever thought pops into the brain, without regard for rules and safety concerns; F has difficulty controlling emotions; F may be viewed by others as weird, rebellious, or annoying. Most researchers report that few people past the age of 6 or 7 have this type. I suspect some highly successful adults fall into this category. Because they can focus and organize, they accomplish at high levels. Why should they get diagnosed? They don’t think they have a problem. Of course, the people who work and live with them might feel differently! Keep in mind that I’m basing this solely on ADD intuition—and that some of these folks drink gallons of coffee each day or in other ways seem to self-medicate. Combined type (may also be referred to as ADHD, which is confusing, I know) F exhibits features of both the other types; F may not have as much difficulty starting a task as the inattentive type, but tends to be easily distracted from completion; F is the most commonly diagnosed. Do you remember the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes? Calvin is the epitome of the combined type. In one strip he daydreams about being Spaceman Spiff during math class. In another, he yells to his teacher, “This is a big fat waste of my time!” Check him out! You are in for a treat if you are too young to remember this delightful little boy and his stuffed tiger.
Inattentive and Combined types (may be referred to as ADD, ADHD, or AD/HD when lumped together—don’t blame me; I’m just the messenger!) Those of us who have either of these types tend to share characteristics that perplex people without ADD. F Hyperfocus is both a blessing and a curse. When something catches our interest, we can get locked into it and not find our way out, even forgetting to eat and sleep. (That’s what’s happened to me as I’ve worked on this website. Yawn!) It’s a blessing because we can accomplish some amazing projects. It’s a curse because of what it can do to our health, social life, and other commitments. F Time is our enemy, circling us from fore and aft, sabotaging our best intentions. It’s an enemy we don’t understand, no matter how hard we try. What’s worse, the rest of the world seems to embrace TIME. We usually think of EMtI in three ways: now, not now, or maybe later (Hallowell & Ratey). One of the links to the left will take you to an article on MIET and ADD. F Consequences do not compute. The problem is not that we don’t care. The reason the mistake is repeated is the same brain glitch that caused us to make the mistake in the first place. For example, a person with ADD has her water cut off more than once for nonpayment. The results are extremely embarrassing, annoying, and inconvenient, as well as expensive. You would think she’d learn, right? When it occurs the second time, she thinks, “Didn’t I just pay that a couple of weeks ago?” Then she finds out it was more than a couple of months ago. See what I mean? F Self-loathing can haunt us because we want to fit into society’s demands. We know we have gifts and want to share them with the world. We don’t enjoy being out of sync. We know that the ADD-less among us wonder why we find difficult what comes easily to them. We also realize that our ADD-related challenges inconvenience and frustrate the ADD-less, and we regret the imposition, sometimes beating ourselves up because of it. Our mistakes are not willful, which brings me back to my student’s comment: “People are quick to notice what you do wrong but forget to notice what you do right.” The world needs what we have to offer. Some of the most gifted individuals throughout history and living today benefited society by strengths that resulted from ADD. I ask two things. Those of you who are teachers, spouses, parents, friends, or colleagues of kids or adults with ADD, thank them today for the gifts their ADD has brought into your life. For those of us who have ADD, let’s link cyber-hands and remind ourselves, “We’re okay.” — Marilyn |
|
Here’s an interesting concept: Provide biofeedback by monitoring brain waves through a helmet as a person watches a video screen, cuing them when their attention wanes. View the website’s flash video to see how this program, which is based on NASA technology, uses video games to improve concentration. |
ADDitudeI always look forward to reading I think you will, too. You can subscribe from the which also includes a plethora of resources on AD/HD. Be sure to check out the podcasts by AD/HD experts. |
AD/HD Research
to read recent research by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). NIMH Disclaimer: Addition of non-Federal Government logos and website links should not imply an NIMH endorsement of any specific commercial products or services and/or medical treatments or services. |
Learning the Basics
Ned Hallowell and John Ratey, psychiatrists who have ADD themselves, have written a book that provides an overview of ADD in a reader-friendly format. If you only read one book about ADD, I highly recommend Delivered from Distraction. Read success stories in Positively ADD (Catherine Corman and Ned Hallowell). |
|
Other ADD Resources |
|
The music clip, which is used with permission, is from “Fish Are Orderly” written by Tom Paxton and performed by Fran Friedman.
|
|
For more information, read the article ADHD: Diagnosis Dilemma by William Lawson on PsychologyToday.com . |
|
Dr. Ned Hallowell and Melissa Orlov have created a blog and reader forum to “help adults thrive in relationships impacted by ADHD.” If you are single and have AD/HD, you will also find resources to enrich your life. Click here for Dr. Hallowell’s general blog. Create a free account and join in the discussions. |
|
Do you think you might have ADD? The Amen Clinics, which specialize in brain research through brain imagining, provide a free ADD test. You can also take a test to help you learn about your brain systems.
|
|
Are there people in your life who doubt that ADD exists? Hand them a copy of this info sheet from The Attention Center. They may want to hang on to their misconceptions, but at least you will have tried to educate them. |
|
Search for research articles and other information in this comprehensive library. |
|
This article from ADHD Library.org discusses research on the differences in the ability to sense spans of time by children with and without ADHD. |
|
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) is the largest organization in the field. Parents, professionals, and adults with ADD benefit from their support and resources, which include Attention! Magazine and conferences for members. |
|
This resource center, a service of CHADD, provides articles on ADD news and research. You can complete a registration form and receive weekly “News from CHADD” through e-mail. The What We Know Info Sheets offer an overview of current information on various topics. |
|
Medline Plus, a service of the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, provides an excellent list of links to resources and articles on ADHD. |
|
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association is the largest organization serving adults with ADD. Along with finding articles or other resources on this website, you can learn where to join or how to start a support group. ADDA also offers national and regional conferences . |
|
Time Timers are excellent products for ADDers. The clock face has a red indicator that tells you how much time you have left to work on an assignment, spend on housework, complete a presentation, etc.. You can purchase three different sizes of clocks or a CD that displays the clock face on a PC or Mac. |
|
Because of our tendency to hyperfocus at the computer, we can sit for hours without taking a break. Check out some ergonomic software that will help you remember to take care of yourself by stretching, resulting in less likelihood of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). You will also find strategies for improving the ergonomics of your home and work office. |
|
Along with info on adult office and computing ergonomics, this website includes a section called Healthy Computing for Kids. This section discusses backpacks and gaming as well as computer usage. |
|
Brain Scans |
|
I thought you might find some of the brain scan studies of ADHD interesting. Here are a few examples that show how the brains of ADDers and non-ADDers can differ: Images of Attention Deficit Disorder Brain Scans Reveal Physiology of ADHD Brain Scan of ADHD (video link)
|
|
You can purchase ADD books, videos, and training materials at this website. In addition, be sure to check out the following free articles: ADD Warehouse Medication Chart to Treat ADHD ADAPT: Accommodations to Help Students with ADD How to Know if Your Child is Depressed
|
|
You will find helpful articles, webcasts, and current events related to ADHD on this website. In addition, for a yearly fee, you can receive newsletters and check out videos, books, and other materials in their lending library. |
|
Are you like me in finding that most planning and organizational software is more confusing than helpful? And what happens when you forget that one-time reminder? Finally, some folks with ADD designed software specifically to meet our needs. One facet of this planner that I especially appreciate is the ability to play with colors. You can even add music to your reminders. Check it out! |
|
You know the proverb. “The ADDer and his money are soon parted.” Here’s software to help you add some cash to your piggybank. You will also find budget software for kids, teens, and college students. |
|
ADHD Support has excellent links on their page on educational rights. Learn about the laws that affect your children’s education and what to do if they are violated. The website also includes links on a variety of topics. |
|
Terry Matlen, MSW, ACSW, has created a site with helpful information, forums, and links. She even includes an area for ADDers to post artwork and creative writing. Her “World’s Largest One-Stop ADD Shop” lists interesting items from alarm clocks to wall-hanging bill reminders—a good place to kick in some hyperfocus, ADDers! |
|
Can’t find your keys? For that matter, can’t find your lif? The National Organization of Professional Organizers can help you find someone in your area to help you organize your home and office. |
Receipt Woes
If you have AD/HD, you can feel as though you are drowning in paper. The piles multiply like alien creatures every time you turn my back. Receipts are a particular problem—losing them, neglecting to enter them in a spreadsheet, having them fade as though they were written with invisible ink, etc. You probably know the drill. Recently, I purchased a NeatReceipts Scanalizer™, a portable scanner that enters the info automatically during scanning. Then you can throw those critters away! |
|
ADDers can benefit from having a person in our life (not a close family member or friend) who serves as a coach—someone in your corner who helps you focus on and reach your goals. This organization trains and certifies ADD coaches and provide a search for coaches in your area. |
|
Often the needs of women and girls with ADD are overlooked, probably because women and girls are not as likely to have acting out behaviors. ADDvance, which provides “ADDvice for ADD-Friendly Living” to all individuals with ADD, is also a leader in providing support for women and girls. |
|
Do you have a PDA or Smartphone? Turn that gizmo into a tool to help manage your AD/HD. Handango has organizing software. Search “brain” for games to improve memory and concentration. |
|
This professional organization is another outstanding resource to help you find a coach. You will also find more information about how coaches serve their clients with ADD. |
|
Because of his extensive and seminal research in the field, Dr. Russell Barkley has been referred to as the “father of ADHD.” Click his picture to find out more about him and his work.
|
|
Dr. Yvonne Pennington has developed a workbook that parents and teachers can use with children who have ADD to enhance their organizational and behavioral skills You can download the workbook free. Look for more downloadable books and materials soon. |
|
Bonnie Mincu lists valuable resources for ADD. Be sure to check out the “Time Sense Exercise” under Useful Products. Also, look for audio recordings and notes from her coaching classes. |
Kids andKids at Heart,Check This Out!
Dav Pilkey, says that he had AD/HD as a kid—with an extra helping of H! His second-grade teacher ripped up the comic books he created as fast as he could make them and told him he couldn’t spend the rest of his life making silly little books. “Fortunately, I wasn’t a good listener,” Dav says. Click the picture to see what Dav’s doing with his life today.
|
|
Participate in free teleseminars. In addition, this website includes ADD Coaching opportunities and an audio library. |
|
If you are a parent of a child or teen with ADD, you will find this website especially beneficial. The purpose of this organization is “keeping parents informed.” |
We’re Okay
One of my college students with ADHD made a comment that I thought was profoundly succinct and wise: “People are quick to notice what you do wrong but forget to notice what you do right.” He captured an important truth about life with ADD in those words. How do I know? I have the inattentive type myself. I must admit, I hesitated to admit that on this website, wondering if doing so might cost me opportunities. However, I believe the stigma must end. The real opportunities lost would be to those who miss out on the many gifts people with AD/HD have to offer. If I say there is no shame to disability, then I must live my life that way. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the types, I’ll give you a quick breakdown. Before I do, let me emphasize those gifts I mentioned—creativity, intuition, insight, honesty, compassion, tenaciousness, etc., etc., etc.—that result from the same brain glitches (excuse the technical term) that cause challenges. Unfortunately, the condition has to seriously mess up daily functioning to receive a disability label, so here are some typical challenges faced by kids and adults who have the various types. Inattentive type (usually referred to as ADD)
F daydreams; F is forgetful and disorganized; F has difficulty starting projects and/or following through with projects to completion; F finds that starting a project or focusing becomes even more challenging as they try to force themselves or feel pressure from others (yes, really—it’s a brain-glitch thing); F enjoys multitasking, even if none of them are completed; F exhibits hypOactivity (Teacher, grab this kid and carry her out the door if there’s a fire; otherwise, she might not make it!); F is socially withdrawn, especially in large, noisy crowds (may have one or two close friends and feel no need for more); F struggles with depression; F is often viewed as indifferent, absentminded (spacey), or lazy but capable by others; F is less likely to be diagnosed than other types because of lack of acting out behaviors that drive parents, teachers, and spouses to a frenzied search for answers; F lack of diagnosis and treatment may contribute to more severe problems with academic or occupational underachievement and self-esteem than other types. Hyperactive-impulsive type (sometimes referred to as ADHD)
F bounces off the walls; F blurts out whatever thought happens to pop into the brain, without regard for social acceptability; F feels restless and agitated; F desires high level of stimulation; F acts out whatever thought pops into the brain, without regard for rules and safety concerns; F has difficulty controlling emotions; F may be viewed by others as weird, rebellious, or annoying. Most researchers report that few people past the age of 6 or 7 have this type. I suspect some highly successful adults fall into this category. Because they can focus and organize, they accomplish at high levels. Why should they get diagnosed? They don’t think they have a problem. Of course, the people who work and live with them might feel differently! Keep in mind that I’m basing this solely on ADD intuition—and that some of these folks drink gallons of coffee each day or in other ways seem to self-medicate. Combined type (may also be referred to as ADHD, which is confusing, I know) F exhibits features of both the other types; F may not have as much difficulty starting a task as the inattentive type, but tends to be easily distracted from completion; F is the most commonly diagnosed. Do you remember the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes? Calvin is the epitome of the combined type. In one strip he daydreams about being Spaceman Spiff during math class. In another, he yells to his teacher, “This is a big fat waste of my time!” Check him out! You are in for a treat if you are too young to remember this delightful little boy and his stuffed tiger.
Inattentive and Combined types (may be referred to as ADD, ADHD, or AD/HD when lumped together—don’t blame me; I’m just the messenger!) Those of us who have either of these types tend to share characteristics that perplex people without ADD. F Hyperfocus is both a blessing and a curse. When something catches our interest, we can get locked into it and not find our way out, even forgetting to eat and sleep. (That’s what’s happened to me as I’ve worked on this website. Yawn!) It’s a blessing because we can accomplish some amazing projects. It’s a curse because of what it can do to our health, social life, and other commitments. F Time is our enemy, circling us from fore and aft, sabotaging our best intentions. It’s an enemy we don’t understand, no matter how hard we try. What’s worse, the rest of the world seems to embrace TIME. We usually think of EMtI in three ways: now, not now, or maybe later (Hallowell & Ratey). One of the links to the left will take you to an article on MIET and ADD. F Consequences do not compute. The problem is not that we don’t care. The reason the mistake is repeated is the same brain glitch that caused us to make the mistake in the first place. For example, a person with ADD has her water cut off more than once for nonpayment. The results are extremely embarrassing, annoying, and inconvenient, as well as expensive. You would think she’d learn, right? When it occurs the second time, she thinks, “Didn’t I just pay that a couple of weeks ago?” Then she finds out it was more than a couple of months ago. See what I mean? F Self-loathing can haunt us because we want to fit into society’s demands. We know we have gifts and want to share them with the world. We don’t enjoy being out of sync. We know that the ADD-less among us wonder why we find difficult what comes easily to them. We also realize that our ADD-related challenges inconvenience and frustrate the ADD-less, and we regret the imposition, sometimes beating ourselves up because of it. Our mistakes are not willful, which brings me back to my student’s comment: “People are quick to notice what you do wrong but forget to notice what you do right.” The world needs what we have to offer. Some of the most gifted individuals throughout history and living today benefited society by strengths that resulted from ADD. I ask two things. Those of you who are teachers, spouses, parents, friends, or colleagues of kids or adults with ADD, thank them today for the gifts their ADD has brought into your life. For those of us who have ADD, let’s link cyber-hands and remind ourselves, “We’re okay.” — Marilyn |
|
Here’s an interesting concept: Provide biofeedback by monitoring brain waves through a helmet as a person watches a video screen, cuing them when their attention wanes. View the website’s flash video to see how this program, which is based on NASA technology, uses video games to improve concentration. |
ADDitudeI always look forward to reading I think you will, too. You can subscribe from the which also includes a plethora of resources on AD/HD. Be sure to check out the podcasts by AD/HD experts. |
AD/HD Research
to read recent research by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). NIMH Disclaimer: Addition of non-Federal Government logos and website links should not imply an NIMH endorsement of any specific commercial products or services and/or medical treatments or services. |
Learning the Basics
Ned Hallowell and John Ratey, psychiatrists who have ADD themselves, have written a book that provides an overview of ADD in a reader-friendly format. If you only read one book about ADD, I highly recommend Delivered from Distraction. Read success stories in Positively ADD (Catherine Corman and Ned Hallowell). |
|
Other ADD Resources |
|
Dr. Ned Hallowell and Melissa Orlov have created a blog and reader forum to “help adults thrive in relationships impacted by ADHD.” If you are single and have AD/HD, you will also find resources to enrich your life. Click here for Dr. Hallowell’s general blog. Create a free account and join in the discussions. |
|
Do you think you might have ADD? The Amen Clinics, which specialize in brain research through brain imagining, provide a free ADD test. You can also take a test to help you learn about your brain systems.
|
|
Are there people in your life who doubt that ADD exists? Hand them a copy of this info sheet from The Attention Center. They may want to hang on to their misconceptions, but at least you will have tried to educate them. |
|
Search for research articles and other information in this comprehensive library. |
|
This article from ADHD Library.org discusses research on the differences in the ability to sense spans of time by children with and without ADHD. |
|
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD) is the largest organization in the field. Parents, professionals, and adults with ADD benefit from their support and resources, which include Attention! Magazine and conferences for members. |
|
This resource center, a service of CHADD, provides articles on ADD news and research. You can complete a registration form and receive weekly “News from CHADD” through e-mail. The What We Know Info Sheets offer an overview of current information on various topics. |
|
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association is the largest organization serving adults with ADD. Along with finding articles or other resources on this website, you can learn where to join or how to start a support group. ADDA also offers national and regional conference |
|
Time Timers are excellent products for ADDers. The clock face has a red indicator that tells you how much time you have left to work on an assignment, spend on housework, complete a presentation, etc.. You can purchase three different sizes of clocks or a CD that displays the clock face on a PC or Mac. |
|
Because of our tendency to hyperfocus at the computer, we can sit for hours without taking a break. Check out some ergonomic software that will help you remember to take care of yourself by stretching, resulting in less likelihood of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). You will also find strategies for improving the ergonomics of your home and work office. |
|
Along with info on adult office and computing ergonomics, this website includes a section called Healthy Computing for Kids. This section discusses backpacks and gaming as well as computer usage. |
|
Brain Scans |
|
I thought you might find some of the brain scan studies of ADHD interesting. Here are a few examples that show how the brains of ADDers and non-ADDers can differ: Images of Attention Deficit Disorder Brain Scans Reveal Physiology of ADHD Brain Scan of ADHD (video link)
|
|
You can purchase ADD books, videos, and training materials at this website. In addition, be sure to check out the following free articles: ADD Warehouse Medication Chart to Treat ADHD ADAPT: Accommodations to Help Students with ADD How to Know if Your Child is Depressed
|
|
You will find helpful articles, webcasts, and current events related to ADHD on this website. In addition, for a yearly fee, you can receive newsletters and check out videos, books, and other materials in their lending library. |
|
Are you like me in finding that most planning and organizational software is more confusing than helpful? And what happens when you forget that one-time reminder? Finally, some folks with ADD designed software specifically to meet our needs. One facet of this planner that I especially appreciate is the ability to play with colors. You can even add music to your reminders. Check it out! |
|
ADHD Support has excellent links on their page on educational rights. Learn about the laws that affect your children’s education and what to do if they are violated. The website also includes links on a variety of topics. |
|
Terry Matlen, MSW, ACSW, has created a site with helpful information, forums, and links. She even includes an area for ADDers to post artwork and creative writing. Her “World’s Largest One-Stop ADD Shop” lists interesting items from alarm clocks to wall-hanging bill reminders—a good place to kick in some hyperfocus, ADDers! |
|
Can’t find your keys? For that matter, can’t find your lif? The National Organization of Professional Organizers can help you find someone in your area to help you organize your home and office. |
Receipt Woes
If you have AD/HD, you can feel as though you are drowning in paper. The piles multiply like alien creatures every time you turn my back. Receipts are a particular problem—losing them, neglecting to enter them in a spreadsheet, having them fade as though they were written with invisible ink, etc. You probably know the drill. Recently, I purchased a NeatReceipts Scanalizer™, a portable scanner that enters the info automatically during scanning. Then you can throw those critters away! |
|
ADDers can benefit from having a person in our life (not a close family member or friend) who serves as a coach—someone in your corner who helps you focus on and reach your goals. This organization trains and certifies ADD coaches and provide a search for coaches in your area. |
|
Often the needs of women and girls with ADD are overlooked, probably because women and girls are not as likely to have acting out behaviors. ADDvance, which provides “ADDvice for ADD-Friendly Living” to all individuals with ADD, is also a leader in providing support for women and girls. |
|
Do you have a PDA or Smartphone? Turn that gizmo into a tool to help manage your AD/HD. Handango has organizing software. Search “brain” for games to improve memory and concentration. |
|
This professional organization is another outstanding resource to help you find a coach. You will also find more information about how coaches serve their clients with ADD. |
|
Dr. Yvonne Pennington has developed a workbook that parents and teachers can use with children who have ADD to enhance their organizational and behavioral skills You can download the workbook free. Look for more downloadable books and materials soon. |
|
Bonnie Mincu lists valuable resources for ADD. Be sure to check out the “Time Sense Exercise” under Useful Products. Also, look for audio recordings and notes from her coaching classes. |
Kids andKids at Heart,Check This Out!
Dav Pilkey, says that he had AD/HD as a kid—with an extra helping of H! His second-grade teacher ripped up the comic books he created as fast as he could make them and told him he couldn’t spend the rest of his life making silly little books. “Fortunately, I wasn’t a good listener,” Dav says. Click the picture to see what Dav’s doing with his life today.
|
“Fish Are Orderly” |