What Are Sources of Information and Support For Those With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD, ADHD)?

Several publications, organizations, and support groups exist to help individuals, teachers, and families to understand and cope with attention disorders. The following resources provide a good starting point for gaining insight, practical solutions, and support. Other resources are outpatient clinics of children's hospitals, university medical centers, and community mental health centers. Additional printed information can be found at libraries and book stores.

Books for Children and Teens:

Galvin, M. Otto Learns about his Medication. New York: Magination Press, 1988. (for young children)

Gehret, J. Learning Disabilities and the Don't Give Up Kid. Fairport, New York: Verbal Images Press, 1990. (for classmates and children with learning disabilities and attention difficulties, ages 7-12)

Gordon, M. Jumpin' Johnny, Get Back to Work! A Child's Guide to ADHD/Hyperactivity. DeWitt, New York: GSI Publications, 1991. (for ages 7-12)

Meyer, D.; Vadasy, P.; and Fewell, R. Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs: A Book for Sibs. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1985.

Moss, D. Shelly the Hyperactive Turtle.Rockville, MD: Woodbine House, 1989. (for young children)

Nadeau, K., and Dixon, E. Learning to Slow Down and Pay Attention. Annandale, VA: Chesapeake Psychological Publications, 1993.

Parker, R. Making the Grade: An Adolescent's Struggle with ADD. Plantation, FL: Impact Publications, 1992.

Quinn, P., and Stern, J. Putting on the Brakes: Young People's Guide to Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. New York: Magination Press, 1991. (for ages 8-12)

Thompson, M. My Brother Matthew. Rockville, MD: Woodbine House, 1992.

Books for Adults With Attention Disorders:

Adelman, P., and Wren, C. Learning Disabilities, Graduate School, and Careers: The Student's Perspective. Lake Forest, IL: Learning Opportunities Program, Barat College, 1990.

Hallowell, E., and Ratey, J. Driven to Distraction. New York: Pantheon Books, 1994.

Hartmann, T. Attention Deficit Disorder: A New Perception. Lancaster, PA: Underwood-Miller, 1993.

Kelly, K., and Ramundo, P. You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?! Cincinnati, OH: Tyrell and Jeremy Press, 1993.

Weiss, G., and Hechtman, L. (eds). Hyperactive Children Grown Up. 2d ed. New York: Guilford Press, 1992.

Weiss, L. Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults. Dallas, TX: Taylor Pub. Co., 1992.

Wender, P. The Hyperactive Child, Adolescence, and Adult: Attention Deficit Disorder Through the Lifespan. New York: Oxford University Press, 1987.

Books for Parents:

Anderson, W.; Chitwood, S.; and Hayden, D. Negotiating the Special Education Maze: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. 2d ed. Rockville, MD: Woodbine House, 1990.

Bain, L. A Parent's Guide to Attention Deficit Disorders. New York: Dell Publishing, 1991.

Barkley, R. Defiant Children. New York: Guilford Press, 1987.

Child Psychopharmacy Center, University of Wisconsin. Stimulants and Hyperactive Children. Madison: 1990. (Order by calling (608) 263-6171.)

Copeland, E., and Love, V. Attention, Please!: A Comprehensive Guide for Successfully Parenting Children with Attention Disorders and Hyperactivity. Atlanta, GA: SPI Press, 1991.

Fowler, M. Maybe You Know My Kid: A Parent's Guide to Identifying, Understanding, and Helping your Child with ADHD. New York: Birch Lane Press, 1990.

Goldstein, S., and Goldstein, M. Hyperactivity: Why Won't My Child Pay Attention? New York: J. Wiley, 1992.

Greenberg, G.; Horn, S.; and Wade F. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Questions & Answers for Parents. Champaign, IL: Research Press, 1991.

Ingersoll, B., and Goldstein, S. Attention Deficit Disorder and Learning Disabilities: Realities, Myths, and Controversial Treatments. New York: Doubleday, 1993.

Kennedy, P.; Terdal, L.; and Fusetti, L. The Hyperactive Child Book. New York: St. Martrin's Press, 1993.

Moss, R., and Dunlap, H. Why Johnny Can't Concentrate: Coping with Attention Deficit Problems. New York: Bantam Books, 1990.

Silver, L. Dr. Silver's Advice to Parents on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, 1993.

Vail, P. Smart Kids with School Problems. New York: EP Dutton, 1987.

Wilson, N. Optimizing Special Education: How Parents Can Make a Difference. New York: Insight Books, 1992.

Windell, J. Discipline: A Sourcebook of 50 Failsafe Techniques for Parents. New York: Collier Books, 1991.

Other Resources:

For individuals with a computer and modem, there are on-line bulletin boards where parents, adults with ADHD, and medical professionals share experiences, offer emotional support, and ask and respond to questions.

Two such on-line services include CompuServe [(800) 848-8990] and America Online [(800) 827-6364]. You may also wish to check with other national and local on-line communications companies to see if they offer similar services.

Resources for Teachers and Specialists:

Barkley, R. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (four 40-minute videocassettes in VHS format). New York: Guilford Publications, 1990.

Copeland, E., and Love, V. Attention Without Tension: A Teacher's Handbook on Attention Disorders. Atlanta, GA: 3 C's of Childhood, 1992.

Harris, K., and Graham, S. Helping Young Writers Master the Craft. Cambridge, MA: Brookline Books, 1992.

Johnson, D. I Can't Sit Still-Educating and Affirming Inattentive and Hyperactive Children: Suggestions for Parents, Teachers, and Other Care Providers of Children to Age 10. Santa Cruz, CA: ETR Associates, 1992.

Parker, H. The ADD Hyperactivity Handbook for Schools. Plantation, FL: Impact Publications, 1992.

Related Materials Available from NIH:

Attention Deficit Disorder Information Packet and "Know Your Brain Fact Sheet." Both are available from NIH Neurological Institute, P.O. Box 5801; Bethesda, MD 20824 (800) 352-9424. Learning Disabilities (NIH Pub. No. 93-3611) and "Plain Talk about Depression' (NIH Pub. No. 93-3561). These are available by contacting: NIMH, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rm. 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663.

Support Groups and Organizations

Attention Deficit Information Network (Ad-IN)
475 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02194
(781) 455-9895

Provides up-to-date information on current research, regional meetings. Offers aid in finding solutions to practical problems faced by adults and children with an attention disorder.

Center for Mental Health Services
Office of Consumer, Family, and Public Information
5600 Fishers Lane, Room 15-105
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-2792

This national center, a component of the U.S. Public Health Service, provides a range of information on mental health, treatment, and support services.

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders
(CH.A.D.D.)
499 NW 70th Avenue, Suite 101
Plantation, FL 33317
(800) 233-4050

A major advocate and key information source for people dealing with attention disorders. Sponsors support groups and publishes two newsletters concerning attention disorders for parents and professionals.

Council for Exceptional Children
11920 Association Drive
Reston, VA 22091
(703) 620-3660

Provides publications for educators. Can also provide referral to ERIC (Educational Resource Information Center) Clearinghouse for Handicapped and Gifted Children.

Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-7710

Provides information, support, and referrals through federation chapters throughout the country. This national parent-run organization focuses on the needs of children with broad mental health problems.

HEATH Resource Center
American Council on Education
1 Dupont Circle, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
(800) 544-3284

A national clearinghouse on post-high school education for people with disabilities.

Learning Disabilities Association of America
4156 Library Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
(412) 341-8077

Provides information and referral to state chapters, parent resources, and local support groups. Publishes news briefs and a professional journal.

National Association of Private Schools
for Exceptional Children
1522 K Street, NW, Suite 1032
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 408-3338

Provides referrals to private special education programs.

National Center for Learning Disabilities
99 Park Avenue, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10016
(212) 687-7211

Provides referrals and resources. Publishes Their World magazine describing true stories on ways children and adults cope with LD.

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
P.O. Box 2345
Rockville, MD 20847
(800) 729-6686

Provides information on the risks of alcohol during pregnancy, and fetal alcohol syndrome.

National Information Center for Children
and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013
(800) 695-0285

Publishes free, fact-filled newsletters. Arranges workshops. Advises parents on the laws entitling children with disabilities to special education and other services.

Sibling Information Network
A.J. Pappanikou Center
1776 Ellington Road
South Windsor, CT 06074
(203) 648-1205

Publishes a newsletter for and about siblings of children with special needs.

Tourette Syndrome Association
42-40 Bell Boulevard
Bayside, NY 11361
(718) 224-2999

State and local chapters provide national information, advocacy, research, and support.

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