Where to begin
After reading over the many possibilities on this website, you may wonder where to begin, and what the logical sequence to follow may look like.
It goes without saying that you always begin with a thorough diagnosis from a qualified Healthcare Provider such as a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Neurologist or other Healthcare Provider that makes you comfortable.
How to talk to your healthcare provider
Before your first visit, take the time to log the unacceptable behaviors and emotions that you wish to address. This will help the doctor in his or her assessment and diagnosis. Knowing that frequency is very important in diagnosing AD/HD, I developed a chart for you to use in monitoring the frequency of those unacceptable behaviors and emotions.
Download the free Behavior Monitoring tool.
Other things everyone can do in the beginning
- Join a support group through groups like CHADD (look for one in your area at www.chadd.org) or find local groups through schools or libraries
- Eat well
- Get plenty of exercise
- Get a good night sleep
- Read all you can on AD/HD from reliable sources such as the National Institute of Mental Health, ADDitude Magazine, CHADD website and publications
Find specific help below for
Adults
- Attend the Adults with AD/HD Workshop: Coaching & Building Life-Long Strategies
- Watch this Collaborative Solutions video or download the brochure as a PDF
- Start working on organizing your environment by enlisting the help of a professional organizer (Find help on the website of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (They are trained to work specifically with people who have ADD.), National Association of Professional Organizers, or www.organize-simplify.com)
- Use One-on-One Coaching to continue learning techniques after the Adult Workshop
Families
- Call to setup an appointment for Family Coaching or participate in a 2-day Conference on AD/HD for Families
- After Family Coaching, get involved in one-on-one coaching that focuses on developing specific areas such as communications, homework, interactions, etc.
- Consider coaching assistance with writing the IEP/Section 504 plans or do it yourself with S.C.O.P.E. written by Joyce Kubik
- Inform the appropriate person at your child’s school of the workshops available for families as well as in the Workplace.
College Students
- Schedule an appointment for 3 coaching sessions on Managing the College Agenda: Life-long Learning Skills
- Enlist help with One-on-One Coaching via weekly telephone calls to keep you on track
- Do you have organizational issues in your dorm? – Seek the help of a professional organizer (Find help on the website of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (They are trained to work specifically with people who have ADD.), National Association of Professional Organizers, or www.organize-simplify.com)
Professional Development
Educators:
- How Dare You Disrupt My (Your) Classroom (2 or 4 hour presentations or as a breakout session)
- Living and Learning in an AD/HD World: A Family Affair – 10-12 hours (12.5 hours for Graduate Credit)
- Make available the FREE presentation The Successful AD/HD Student to your school community (2 hrs)
Therapists, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Counselors and Family Healthcare Providers
- Beyond the Diagnosis of AD/HD – Information that is presented at Grand Rounds or in your practice
- Bringing Coaching into your Practice
- Learn through organizations like CHADD and ADDitude about help available for families and adults with AD/HD.
