When you’re looking for more information on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children or adults, or if you want to connect with other people who have ADHD, here are some resources to help you get started, including nonprofit organizations, blogs, and online communities.
When you get information on any health topic from blogs or online communities (including social media), keep in mind that while you may get the personal perspectives of people who live with ADHD, it’s not medical advice. Also ask yourself these questions:
- Who runs or created the site? Are they selling anything?
- Does it make claims that sound too good to be true?
- Is the information up to date, reviewed, and based on scientific research?
A note about support groups: Some meet in person or online. They may be led by professionals or by peers. Find a group that best meets your needs, including educational updates, tips for daily living, or emotional support. Your doctor or therapist may be able to put you in touch with an ADHD support group.
Nonprofit Organizations
Looking for more information on ADHD? Try these organizations.
American Academy for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
The academy has special sections with information for families and medical professionals. It offers updated guidelines for diagnosing and treating ADHD.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
This association can broaden your understanding of the disorder. It offers resources to help you manage ADHD and find local support groups. You can also attend a tele-class and get details about upcoming ADHD conferences.
American Psychological Association
This group's web site covers addictions, ADHD, anger, anxiety, bullying, medication, and other emotional health issues. You’ll also find links to help you locate a psychologist in your area.
American Psychiatric Association
Here you can search for facts about mental health problems common with ADHD. You can read in-depth information about anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders. You can locate a psychiatrist in your town through the site, too.
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
This is a leading nonprofit organization with chapters throughout the U.S. At CHADD’s web site, you can find social support by connecting with others affected by ADHD. You can search for a local chapter of CHADD to connect with other families near you living with ADHD.
National Resource Center on ADHD
This center is a program of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). It calls itself “the national clearinghouse for the latest evidence-based information on ADHD.”
National Institute of Mental Health
This government agency provides detailed information about ADHD, including statistics, symptoms and diagnosis. It also lists clinical trials that are available, and providwww.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/index.htmle free written and media resources about ADHD.
The CDC provides basic information about ADHD, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatments. It also discusses ADHD in children and the resources they need to succeed at home and in school.
This organization is a resource for the public as well as health care professionals who need to be educated about ADHD in adults. While providing overall information, it also offers continuing medical education to doctors and other health care professionals to help them diagnose and manage ADHD.
Blogs
Many people who live with ADHD write about their experiences online. Some of these blogs feature helpful content from parents who are raising kids with ADHD, as well as experts who treat the condition. While these blogs are filled with useful information, check with your doctor before trying anything that you find online.
- Totally ADD: https://totallyadd.com/adhd-blog/
- ADHD In Adults: https://adhdinadults.com/blog/
- CHADD: The ADHD Blog: https://chadd.org/the-adhd-blog/
- Impact ADHD: https://impactparents.com/blog/adhd/
Online Communities
Most national and local ADHD organizations have social media accounts. These and other online communities can offer a wealth of good information and supportive resources. Here are some to explore.
Reddit. This site connects you with others in the ADHD community. You can join different forums and learn more from people who share your experiences. You can post your tips and read posts from others.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/
Facebook. This social media platform allows you to connect with others who live with ADHD. Some Facebook groups may be private, so you may have to request to join.
https://www.facebook.com/chadd.org/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/additudemag/
https://www.facebook.com/howtoadhd
Popular hashtags. #ADHD, #adhdlife, #add, #adhdproblems
It’s important to know if content you find on Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites is reliable. Some information online is incorrect. Make sure that you:
- Check that the social media account is what it says it is. Always go through an organization’s website to find its social media pages.
- Look for verified accounts. Major organizations have a specific symbol that ensures they’re real and not spam accounts.
- Ask yourself the same questions about the quality of the information that you would for anything else you read online.
