top of page
Search

Gaining Control with ADHD



Table of Contents


 

What is ADHD?


Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD, is a mental disorder most commonly found in children. ADHD impacts brain development and function, meaning a person with ADHD might be excessively active, unable to concentrate for long periods of time, or act impulsively without considering consequences. It tends to impact boys and girls differently, with boys being more hyperactive, and girls being more inactive. 


Though ADHD can be diagnosed at any age, it begins in childhood. It might prove difficult to diagnose ADHD because other conditions, such as learning disorders and mood disorders mimic its symptoms. The cause of ADHD has not yet been identified, but has been linked to several genes and factors relating to toxin exposure and stress during pregnancy. 


While ADHD is a chronic condition, there are various treatments available, often a combination of medicine and therapy, which can help improve symptoms. Many people are able to adjust their lives and even improve them because of their ADHD. 



ADHD as an Advantage


ADHD is not uncommon. There are so many people out there, children and adults included, who have been able to overcome the difficulties presented by their diagnosis and find passion and purpose. Remember, ADHD makes you different from others, which doesn’t need to be a bad thing. People with ADHD are known for being more creative thinkers, better problem solvers, better at adapting to change, and more engaging!




Managing ADHD

Though ADHD is a common disorder, everyone has a unique experience with it depending on their lifestyles and needs. It is important to note that different methods work for different people, and you should determine what approaches work best for you.

Organizing your time

Managing hyperactivity

Don’t be hard on yourself


Caring for someone with ADHD


Inform yourself

Create a consistent routine

Set behavioural expectations

Encourage social activity


Supporting You

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association offers several peer support groups ranging from general to specifically focused on topics such as entrepreneurship and family, whether it’s for beginners, for women over 50, for men, for queer women or non-binary people, the ADDA has a support group for everyone. They even have an international peer support group which meets weekly on Thursdays. 


Also known as the TAASG, the Toronto Adult ADHD Support Group has been led by and for people with ADHD for over 25 years! The group meets to discuss experiences and to help each other manage their daily lives. It’s also a great way to meet people going through something similar to you, and talk to someone who understands what it feels like. Membership for the support group is welcome internationally as well, since the group meets on Zoom. 


The support groups run by the Center for ADHD Awareness, Canada meet each month and are meant to create a safe space for people to discuss their ADHD, or even to simply listen to others who are living through something similar. They offer ADHD support groups for adults, parents and caregivers, and for substance use disorder. 


For more support groups, visit this link, enter your country at the top, and choose “Support Groups” in the dropdown menu to the left of the search bar: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups 


Helpful Resources


Organizations

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

The ADDA is a worldwide organization created and run by people with ADHD that provides information and support for people with ADHD. This includes support groups, workshops, articles, and stories. 


Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC)

The Center for ADHD Awareness, Canada works to promote awareness for ADHD both by advocating for it and by educating others. CADDAS runs programs and events for this purpose, as well as a variety of support groups. 


Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

CHADD is an American organization that aims to support and advocate for ADHD, while also providing reliable information in order to educate the public. 


National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

The National Institute of Mental Health provides research for mental illnesses and aims to reduce the stigma that surrounds it. 


The Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

The Center for Addiction and Mental Health provides support, care, and information for mental health illnesses and addictions.  

General Information and Tips

Financial Tips

Workplace Tips

Resources for Parents


References

(n.d.). Attention Deficit Disorder Association: Home - ADDA. Retrieved September 5, 2024,

(n.d.). CADDAC: Canadian ADHD Awareness | Education | Advocacy. Retrieved September

5, 2024, from https://caddac.ca/

(n.d.). CHADD - Improving the lives of people affected by ADHD. Retrieved September 5,

2024, from https://chadd.org/

ADHD Archives - ImpactParents. (n.d.). Impact Parents. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

The ADHD Center. (2023, 7 28). Mastering your finances: A guide for ADHD adults. The

ADHD Centre. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

ADHD Toronto. (n.d.). TAASG Adult ADHD Support Group. ADHD Toronto. Retrieved

Advanced Psychiatry Associates. (n.d.). Strategies for Adults Living With ADHD | Advanced

psychiatry associates. Advanced Psychiatry Associates. Retrieved September 4, 2024,

American Psychiatric Association. (2022, June). Psychiatry.org - What is ADHD? American

Psychiatric Association. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from

American Psychiatric Association. (2022, June). Psychiatry.org - What is ADHD? American

Psychiatric Association. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

Angel, T. (2023, November 1). ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): What Is

It? Healthline. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

Attention Deficit Disorder Association. (n.d.). ADDA Library - ADDA. Attention Deficit

Disorder Association. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://add.org/grow/adhd-

Attention Deficit Disorder Association. (n.d.). ADDA Virtual Peer Support Groups for Adults

with ADHD. Attention Deficit Disorder Association. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

Attention Deficit Disorder Association. (2023, November 17). ADHD Money Management:

Financial Success And Stability. Attention Deficit Disorder Association. Retrieved

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). (n.d.). CAMH. Retrieved September 5,

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (n.d.).

National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

care. (n.d.). Caring for a Child with ADHD or ADD - Caregiver Guide to Special Needs at

Care.com. Care.com. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.care.com/special-

Center for ADHD Awareness, Canada. (n.d.). Adults with ADHD Support Groups. CADDAC.

Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://caddac.ca/programs-events/adhd-support-

Chamlou, N. (2022, June 13). ADHD at Work: How to Manage Symptoms and Boost

Productivity. Psych Central. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. (n.d.). Managing Money

and ADHD. CHADD. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://chadd.org/for-

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. (2017, February 23).

Workplace Accommodations Can Make You and Your Employer Successful. CHADD.

Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://chadd.org/adhd-weekly/workplace-

Cootey, D. (n.d.). A Splintered Mind: ADHD. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from

Estelle, L. (n.d.). Blog • Lacy Estelle. Lacy Estelle. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

Ferguson, S. (2021, March 4). How to Manage ADHD: Tips and Coping Methods for

Everyday Life. Psych Central. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from

Gopal, A., Watson, S., Bonvissuto, D., & Schmidt, N. (2023, December 26). Adult ADHD at

Work: Tips for Organization and Control. WebMD. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

healthychildren.org. (2019, September 25). Understanding ADHD: Information for Parents.

HealthyChildren.org. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

HelpGuide.org. (2024, August 28). Tips for Managing Adult ADHD. HelpGuide.org.

Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://www.helpguide.org/mental-

Jain, U. (n.d.). ADHD Blog. TotallyADD. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

KidsHealth. (2022, May). ADHD In Kids (for Parents). Nemours KidsHealth. Retrieved

KidsHealth. (2022, May). Parenting a Child With ADHD (for Parents). Nemours KidsHealth.

Marschall, A. (2024, February 21). 8 Tips For Living With Adult ADHD. Verywell Mind.

Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-for-living-with-

Mayo Clinic. (2019, June 25). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children -

Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

Psychology Today. (n.d.). Find the Best Group Therapy and Support Groups Near You.

Psychology Today. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from

Staff, H. (2008, December 13). Top Ten ADHD Traps in the Workplace. HealthyPlace.

Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.healthyplace.com/adhd/articles/top-

teva Canada. (n.d.). Being an ADHD caregiver. Teva Canada. Retrieved September 5, 2024,

Understood (Director). (2016). Pierson Feeney: ADHD and Dance [Film]. Youtube.

Welcome to the No Judgment Zone: ADHD Blogs and Essays. (n.d.). ADDitude. Retrieved

West, M. (2023, June 28). Losing patience with a child with ADHD: Coping strategies and

tips. MedicalNewsToday. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page