ADHD Help

Today I am going to discuss some of the advantages of joining a support group.  Support groups can help you in several ways.  To begin with they offer you a group of peers with whom you can swap frustrations, successes, and strategies.  Frequently talking to peers is less threatening than talking to professionals.  Sometimes peers have practical insights which we professionals might overlook.

Next peer groups offer you  a place where you can learn which local professionals work well with ADHD.  Other parents know which professionals have been able to help them.  They also know which school teachers and counselors are sensitive to ADHD.

Peer groups are able to recommend or even provide advocates and help you to better understand your rights.  They are also able to set up professional presentations so that you can learn more about ADHD.  There are regional and national conventions at which you can learn from many different experts.  ChADD, http://www.chadd.org,, for example, will be having their national convention this November in Anaheim.  I will be there with Elwood and lots of other fun surprises.  I hope that I will be able to meet those of  you who attend.

Finally, sometimes you can meet parents at support groups who are willing to swap baby sitting with you.  As you all know, it is not always easy to find people you trust who are willing to stay with your children while you have a well needed, relaxing night away from responsibilities.

Peer support groups can be a very worthwhile investment in time, energy, and money.