A charity in Northern Ireland that offers support services for children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may have to shut down.

According to a Sept. 8 article on the BBC News website, the Northern Ireland ADD Support Centre (NI-ADD) says it faces a funding crisis that was caused, at least in part, by a lack of funding from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Sarah Salters, charity director with NI-ADD, said its current financial situation is untenable. "From June 2007 to June 2009 we provided 214 services to Belfast Trust," she explained. "In terms of money that we as an organization have had to secure, that equates to [$228,033.] Of that, Belfast Trust has given us nothing.”

A statement released by Belfast Trust said it is not in a position to provide funding to NI-ADD. NI-ADD didn’t indicate how long it could continue operating within its current financial framework, the BBC reported.

Labels: money, support groups

Residents in and around Princeton, New Jersey, are invited to attend a talk that is being hosted by the Princeton-Mercer chapter of CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). The program is being held Wednesday, Feb. 20, at Riverside Elementary School.

"This talk will focus on helping parents understand the social, emotional and cognitive tasks of adolescents, the inherent challenges for the ADHD teenager and his/her parents, and how a parent can help during adolescence while supporting healthy development."

The program's featured speaker will be Dr. Sharon Press, a licensed psychologist who specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and families. Dr. Press has developed and implemented several programs, including some for ADHD children and their parents. Source: The (NJ) Star-Ledger

Labels: parents, support groups

Those living in or around Egan, Minn., may benefit from an ADHD support group that's meeting Thursday, August 21st at Trinity Evangelical Free Church.

"This quarterly support group provides encouragement, support and information parents can put into practice to help their child. Learn how to seek help, what questions to ask, how other parents are dealing with it and what can be done in the home and school environments."

There is no cost to attend, and the meeting features two young adults who will share their experiences of growing up with ADHD. Source: AM980 KKMS

Labels: meetings, parents, support groups

Parents of children with ADHD know they need support and guidance, but don't always know where it can be found. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) has developed a class called Parent to Parent, to help equip parents and other family members.

"Parent to Parent provides educational information and support for individuals and families dealing with AD/HD... The entire course includes 14 hours of time and is usually offered as a seven week class, meeting for two hours once a week."

The curriculum covers parenting strategies, ADHD assessment, educational strategies and more. Courses are offered in local communities across the country. Read more at CHADD.org.

Still looking for a summer camp for your ADD/ADHD child? Visit the ADD Summer Camps page at SummerCampsInfo.com for a full list of camps.

Labels: families, parenting, support groups

In 2005, CHADD - the nation's leading organization for people affected by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, established a program called Parent-to-Parent. The purpose was to connect parents of children with ADHD, giving them a forum in which to share not only their challenges, but successful parenting practices.

"Parent-to-Parent is a unique educational program for parents and individuals who are dealing with ADHD; many participants, or their family members, have recently received a diagnosis of AD/HD and are searching for reliable, evidence-based information on the disorder. Courses are offered in 38 states and online by certified Parent to Parent teachers who have received training through CHADD."

A typical course is seven weeks long, meeting once a week for two hours. Topics include diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, behavioral/parenting strategies, and school issues. Read more online.

Labels: education, parenting, support groups

You might expect a book called "Shut Up About... Your Perfect Kid" to be a confrontational attack on parents who say their kids are perfect. In reality though, the book was written to encourage parents whose kids struggle with everything from Asperger's to ADHD.

"The book approaches with honest and humor the dashed expectations and Herculean challenges that can come with have a child with disabilities Among other things, the sisters write about the dreaded calls from schools, visits to the hospitals and the yin and yang of medication and therapists."

The sisters are Gina Gallagher and Patty Konjoian, whose daughters have been diagnosed with Asperger's and bipolar disorder respectively. Though much of the book contains their personal stories, they also talked to over 50 other families while conducting research for the book. The over-arching message of the book is that "while my daughter may be imperfect, she is wonderful..." Read more at Telegram.com.

Labels: aspergers, parenting, support groups

Sherry Young's son struggled with school, even in kindergarten. It was hard for him to pay attention, and he was disruptive. He was diagnosed with ADHD and began a combination of medication and counseling to help him learn to control his emotions. Young did her best to help her son, but her own battles with depression and anxiety were limiting her effectiveness.

"Her brother, Eddie Young, a former marine, became a positive role model and provided the discipline Alexander needed. His wife, Regina Sitton-Young, a speech pathologist, was able to help with homework."

Their willingness to help gave Sherry's son the structure he needed, and Sherry the time she needed to become healthy as well.

Read her story at GreenvilleOnline.com.

Labels: education, single parenting ADHD kids, support groups

Many people are affected by ADHD, not just those who are diagnosed with it. In an effort to help educate those affected, organizations and support groups are developing more and more distance education opportunities.

"Online learning is beneficial to those who learn better through visual modalities."

Teleclasses, audio streaming classes, and real time chats, and message forums are all available at websites like www.addaudiolibrary.com and www.addclasses.com.

Read more online.

Labels: education, support groups

A group of parents in Hattiesburg, Mississippi have pushed to start a CHADD support group in their city. CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Group serves as an avenue for parents seeking information and awareness about the disorder.

"CHADD's mission is to provide information to parents through professional speakers and allowing parents to meet and discuss the disorder and share coping skills."

The new Hattiesburg chapter wants to be a place where parents can find support, and learn how to best help their children succeed. Read more at HattiesburgAmerican.com.

Labels: support groups

A new year often means New Years Resolutions. As a parent with and ADHD child, one of your resolutions could be to keep finding new ways to help your child manage and cope with her ADHD.

"This new year, take stock of your child's life at home and at school - and how you think you are doing as her parent. How can you create an environment that helps your special, wonderful child overcome the obstacles in her path?"

Helping create strong family connections and leaving time for unstructured play are just two of the suggestions offered in this article. Read more at iVillage.com.

Learn about Camp Huntington special needs summer camps.

Labels: families, parenting, support groups