ADD Resource List

I'm going to celebrate ADD Awareness Day by misplacing my car keys. But seriously, ADD is a big problem, mostly because it is so misunderstood. Even mental health professionals and teachers say the darndest things. A college teacher recently told one of my ADD clients, "Look, you turned your homework in on time, you don't have ADD, you aren't stupid." ADD isn't that simple, and people with ADD, both children and adults, stand to greatly improve their lives, dignity and effectiveness with the right knowledge or help.

The US Senate unanimously declared September 19th, 2007, National ADD Awareness Day because so many children and adults with ADD are undiagnosed, uninformed and untreated. With the right help, children with ADD are much more likely to graduate on time, finish high school and college, avoid teen pregnancy, delinquency and drug abuse, and go on to better jobs. But only one out of five adults with ADD know that it is causing them a lot of difficulties. The rest are missing out on help and knowledge that could dramatically improve their lives.

Attention deficit disorder (with or without hyperactivity) has its controversies, but many of the controversies stem from ignorance.

ADD Test

Amen Adult/Child ADD Test
This is a helpful test. Amen has other tests, and links the results to general recommendations for supplements, diet, and medication considerations.

Reading

Supplements and Medication for ADD/ADHD
From my discussions and reading, some supplements stand out. It's a short list. Also, some comments on medication.

ADD, a Fresh Perspective
This article tells how a fresh perspective and results-oriented approach can make a difference in the lives of people with ADD and other "invisible problems."

Stimulants and Safety
A short post, but a very informative and interesting one, by Katy Warren, who was the only person who testified before the FDA on the black box warning issue who was taking stimulant medication.

More Articles
A list of additional articles related to ADD/ADHD.

Major Resources

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
The ADDA "provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) lead better lives. We provide hope, empowerment and connections worldwide by bringing together science and the human experience for both adults with AD/HD and professionals who serve them."

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

ADDResources.org

ADD Forums
A wonderful source of support because of the active discussion forums.

Brain Talk ADD/ADHD forum

ADD Consults

Mental Health Today ADD Resources

LDOnline
"The world's leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD"
   ADD can come with some other challenges as part of the package. Learning disabilities can be one of them. If you or your child is having trouble learning, it's very important to get a handle on this. Many parents complain that thier kid's school provides inadequate assessment, no learning strategies that pertain to their child, and even fail to follow a formal plan that the school developed for their child. Getting somewhere can require a lot of strategic advocacy, some legal consultation, and willingness to confront the authority of the school.
   LDOnline has very active discussion forums and other features.

San Diego, California Area Resources

I have recently moved to San Diego, so I only have myself listed at this point.

Robert A. Yourell, 619/377-1570. I coach adults, and consult with families with children with behavior problems, defiance, or possible attention deficit disorder. I have phone, office and in-home sessions. I also work with anxiety, depression, possible addictions, and relationship problems. I help people work more effectively with psychiatrists, and I help solve problems with insurance and managed care organizations. My contact center provides more information.

ADD Coaching Drop In Group: You can RSVP at that link through MeetUp.com. After maintaining an ADD support group through MeetUp.com for three years that built up to about 150 people, I begain this group to focus on practical methods for success in all areas of life, in your own style.

San Diego County CHADD: Lists current support groups through Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 760/736-1111.

Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC): Maintains a calendar of activities. They sometimes schedule an adult ADD presentation at the same time as an experience for children. Click on their calendar link. 800/281-8252, 619/594-7416.

Learning Development Services has an ADD/ADHD support group for adults by Mark Katz, Ph.D., and various presentations and professional services. 858/581-5050.

Learning Disabilities Association of San Diego: This page lists ADD support groups, and may sometimes have a new listing that is not here. 858/467-9158

UCSD Adult Attention Deficit Program: A specialized program. 619/543-2827. "This program is one of few in the world specializing in Adult ADD. This program includes a full psychological and neuropsychological assessment, psychopharmacological treatment and behavioral counseling."

Denver, Colorado Area Resources

A lack of local organizational/support resources: The items below are kept current. People have been finding lists online for Denver area resources to be out-of-date and useless. I'll keep my ear to the rail and add anything I can find. Contact me with any new infomation.

Discussion and Presentations

Denver Adult ADD MeetUp
Free, informal, monthly meetings for adults with ADD. Share your experience, ideas and questions in a positive atmosphere. Attention deficit disorder (AD/HD, with or without hyperactivity or inattention) can be confusing. It is very important to understand the issues that come up regarding employment, medication, supplementation, relationships where attention deficit disorder is a concern.

ADHD Connection
Support and resource meetings for parents of children with ADHD and associated learning challenges or learning disorders. Meetings are the first Monday of every month. Meetings in Castle Rock (south metro Denver area). Contact: Bobbi Neiss or Kathy Barr, (303) 302-3306.

Parents of Borderline Independent Adults
Helping parents and families who have an adult with learning disability, aspergers syndrome, high functioning autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, and who has dependency issues. The group shares resources and positive ideas to empower these family members and co-plan for their future.
   Kristy Sweeney, certified financial planner, regarding any upcoming meetings. Sweeney & Associates, LLC, 6143 South Willow Drive #101, Greenwood Village, CO 80111, 303-773-0200
   Sue Capraro, 303-989-8104

Counseling, Coaching, Denver Area:

Wardenburg Psychological Health and Psychiatry
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Services, Boulder, Colorado, 303.492.5101

Group Counseling

Exceptional Young Adults Group
An on-going therapy program for young adults struggling with social and emotional relationships related to non-verbal learning disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Aspergers, Tourettes, or other related issues. The group is designed to help young adults (ages 21-29) improve social skills, self-confidence, and general life skills, as well as, job search strategies, work place relationships and communication.
   Led by Julianne Mitchell, MSW, (303) 756-4924 x 14

Classes or Group Training

The Wellness Coach Approach to Creating a Vibrant & Balanced Life
I've had great feedback on Elena from those I've referred to her, and I've seen her present. She is patient, yet dynamic.
   Envision and define your desired life vision and goals. Outline steps to create a holistic and customized plan to foster a balanced, healthful and vibrant lifestyle.
   Elana Patiño, Success Partner & Wellness Coach, 786/271-5368.

Persistence of Vision
Kate is a positive, upbeat person who successfuly created this in Los Angeles. She is not acting as a coach, but as the person who provides the training and structure. Folks with ADD really need this kind of ongoing support.
   A workshop and ongoing support structure. A one-month program with the option for ongoing attendance in weekly meetings to build on and maintain successful action. Has a unique, affordable one-time fee.
   Kate Rosen, 323/793-3926, 720/570-2589.

Organizations, Denver Area

I'm afraid that, as of this writing, there are no chapters of national organizations for ADD or ADHD meeting in the Denver metro area. Contact me if that changes, please.

Learning Disabilities Association of Colorado, (303) 894-0992