If you are an adult with ADHD, or a parent of an child with ADHD, you work hard to overcome the challenges ADHD brings to your life. You read books and this website, and you go online to stay abreast of research. Still, you can’t have too many ADHD resources.
One resource you might not have thought about is near at hand: you, and people like you. Lots of practical information about ADD is stored in the brains of those who have the condition. Tapping into this brain trust through an ADHD support group can be a godsend.
Meeting and talking with other ADHD adults or parents of older attention deficit children — those who have solved the problems you’re facing this moment — gives you hope. Participants learn — for the first time — that they are not alone.
With a little effort, you can find a support group that addresses your need — whether it’s your own loneliness or your ADHD child’s anxiety or learning disability. Two national ADD support and advocacy organizations, CHADD and Attention Deficit Disorder Association, sponsor regional networking and educational events. The Learning Disabilities Association of America also offers local meetings.In addition, many schools offer support programs and networking opportunities for parents of children with special needs. Check with your school counseling office or PTA for information. Ask your child’s doctor or your therapist if she or a colleague runs a group.
If you can’t find a group that meets your needs, start your own.
With a little effort, you can find a support group that addresses your need — whether it’s your own loneliness or your ADHD child’s anxiety or learning disability.
Although you don’t need a professional to run a group, you will need a committed person (or persons) to organize it. They will have to schedule meetings and speakers and, perhaps, moderate.
While face-to-face support groups are the most powerful way to connect, online groups may work better for you. As ADHD moms know, nothing is more precious in their lives than time. If you have downtime only in brief intervals, there are many avenues of support online.
Joining a support group will probably increase your patience with your ADHD child, spouse, or yourself. Most of all, support groups provide you with a team of concerned people ready to give you a healthy dose of vitamin C — vitamin “Connect”!
Excerpted from “Your ADD Life: ADHD Support Groups” in ADDitude magazine online. Read the full article.
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Source: ADDitude Magazine | Your ADD Life: ADHD Support Groups, https://www.additudemag.com/your-add-life-adhd-support-groups | Copyright © 1998 – 2025 WebMD LLC.
