May We Introduce You To: A Review of Two Must-Use ADHD Websites
by Lee Gehrls R&D Coordinator (Volunteer)
Summer is winding down rapidly. The Minnesota State Fair will open before you know it and when it ends it’s back to school.
One task that I always did on my back-to-school list was to review my current resources of ADHD information to make sure that I had the most current information ready to start the school year off on the right foot. Whether you are a parent of a child who has ADHD, a college student with ADHD, or an adult who has ADHD you never have too many resources in your ADHD toolbox. However, my experience was 35 years ago and there was not much out there to put in my ADHD library.
As I drafted this article last week, I Googled ADHD and Google said there were “about 537,000,000 results” and that response popped up on my computer screen in 0.59 seconds. That is way too many resources to go through when you need information NOW.
It’s always better to have reliable ADHD information at your fingertips so you are ready in case you have an ADHD question, or an ADHD issue arises. Having to look for information and options is more difficult when you are under stress. And we all know when you live with ADHD in your household there will be ups and downs from time to time.
August is a smart time to ease back into your continual ADHD learning. To help you get back into your ADHD training mode we are going to give you a review and update on the four resources we recommend to all families and professionals – two this month and the remaining two in September.
ADDitude Magazine & Website
ADDitude remains one of the most comprehensive resources on ADHD from childhood (including preschool) through adulthood (including college students and retired adults) and most of its information is free.
ADDitude is currently leading the way in providing information on the impact of ADHD in women and girls.
In May 2021 ADDitude became a part of WebMD which was featured in our July 2021 issue of Positive Steps under Did You Know.
Here is a brief overview of some of the information they provide:
- Option to order their magazine which is five issues for 1 year, and nine issues for 2 years, and it comes in three different format packages.
- A website that is a complete and diverse source of ADHD information including the many comorbidities and other issues that can go along with the disorder. You will also learn about the positive aspects those with ADHD can have in their lives.
- Seven free newsletters.
- eBooks you can order on specific ADHD issues & challenges
- A robust Resource Directory
- They maintain a huge archive of articles written by professionals who specialize in the field of ADHD as well as guest blogs that were written by parents, adults with ADHD, retired adults with ADHD, non-ADHD spouses, grandparents, classroom teachers, and others.
- A professional’s section with the latest research
- Listing of future free webinars & an archive of past webinars & podcasts – the list is updated weekly.
CHADD – Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
CHADD is another comprehensive resource on ADHD from childhood to adulthood. Their home page is easy to use and here is a brief overview of what you will find:
- Sections for Adults, Parents, Educators, Professionals, Contact ADHD Specialist, Find a Local CHADD, Training & Events, and a Resource Directory
- Detailed information on the 2022 Annual International Conference on ADHD, November 17-19 in Dallas Texas – Strength in Connection
- Two online communities: CHADD’s Parent & Caregivers Community and CHADD’s Adult Support Community
- Two effortless ways to keep up with ADHD news: ADHD in the News & ADHD Weekly
- Event section where you can register for upcoming free webinars & explore their large archive of past webinars
- Information on Attention Magazine (six issues per year) and there are three different subscription packages.
We have all had a summer break to recharge our batteries. I encourage you to take some time this month to become familiar with these two websites especially if you are new to ADHD.
For those who have been living and managing ADHD for some time, a little review will get you ready for a new school year and prepare you for work and life challenges for the rest of the year. Each resource is unique and provides you with easy access to ADHD information.
In our September newsletter, I will review the other two resources we recommend. The one thing we all must remember is that we are not alone – we belong to a large ADHD community and that we have all traveled the same road looking for information and professional help.
Remember that ADHD is a lifelong learning process and that your ADHD knowledge will help you daily.
Disclaimer: A-D-A-M℠ provides information about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the form of resources, including articles, books, videos, and websites, as well as links to directories to help you find health professionals, services and facilities that provide services for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This information and these directories are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by A-D-A-M℠; and to the best of A-D-A-M’s knowledge are true and accurate at the time of publication. A-D-A-M℠ makes no claim, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the contents found in this information and in these directories, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions. Although great care is given to the composition and contents provided, A-D-A-M℠ cannot guarantee the correctness of the nature and contents of the information. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained through these resources does so at his or her own risk.
ADHD Con 2022