National Resource Center On Adhd

For students with ADHD, the transition from high school to college is a time for them to show their independence and not rely much on their parents' support. But college is dramatically different than high school. With increased academic demands, differences in teaching methods and grading procedures, and fewer available accommodations and supports, many students with ADHD soon find themselves falling behind. Judy Bass, a Certified Educational Planner, talks about the learning supports and interventions that help students who learn differently to succeed in college.

College isn't for every student graduating from high school. How do you know if college is the right choice for your teen with ADHD? Judy Bass, a Certified Educational Planner, talks about the career options for students with ADHD after high school, how to evaluate colleges to find the right fit, college application requirements, and how to help teens develop self-advocacy skills.

Executive functions: we all have and need them to manage everyday living. But many children with ADHD have executive function deficits and need help to learn how to manage their time better, stay organized, and be motivated. There are strategies and interventions that you as a parent can teach your child to help them improve in those challenging areas. In this episode, Dr. Carey Heller talks about time management, organizational, and study skills from a psychological perspective, providing insights on executive function coaching and strategies to help children thrive.

People report that marijuana use helps improve their ADHD symptoms. But does it really help? Or does it mask a person’s ability to care about their problems rather than work to solve them? What are the benefits and downsides to using marijuana if you have ADHD? CHADD's resident expert Dr. Gene Arnold and guest Dr. Maggie Sibley discuss the research on the therapeutic role of marijuana, the potential downside of using unregulated drugs to help with ADHD symptoms, and why more research is needed.

The symptoms of ADHD can have profound effects on intimate relationships such as dating and marriage. But even though ADHD is present, it doesn’t mean that the person with ADHD is the sole cause of problems. Transforming your relationship starts with both partners understanding the role that ADHD plays and nondefensive listening. Melissa Orlov, the founder of ADHD Marriage, provides tools to help couples create a responsive relationship that feels “just right” for both individuals. Melissa Orlov is the founder of ADHDmarriage.com and the author of two award-winning books on the impact of ADHD in relationships: The ADHD Effect on Marriage (2010) and The Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHD (2014). She is considered one of the foremost authorities on the topic of how ADHD impacts adult relationships. As a marriage consultant, she helps ADHD-affected couples from around the world rebalance their relationships and learn to thrive through her seminars, consulting practice, and books. She also teaches marriage cou

Historically, suicide rates have been higher among whites than any other racial group. Recent studies confirm this but show the growing rate among Black youth, which now surpasses that of their white counterparts. Despite making up 15% of the population, Black youth make up 37% of youth suicides. The highest demographic is young Black males. The assumption would be that depression significantly contributes to the increase in suicides. However, new studies indicate that much of the increase correlates to ADHD and untreated learning disabilities. While recent trends show the growing number of suicides in Black youth and adolescents, even more alarming is the rate of suicide among very young Black children. In this episode, Dr. Napoleon Higgins shares insights about how ADHD may be contributing to the increased number of suicides in Black youth and identifies why this is happening now. He also gives recommendations for educators and healthcare providers about cultural sensitivity and offers expert advice for par

The national obesity rate continues to climb, and the minority communities in the US are being hit the hardest. Black women and Hispanic men and women all have obesity rates that are higher than the national average. Having ADHD increases the odds of developing dysregulated eating, leading to issues with body weight. Why does having ADHD increase the odds of developing dysregulated eating? Providing insight into the matter is psychologist Roberto Olivardia. He will discuss the challenges and explain why Black Americans are at greater risk of developing the coexisting conditions that result from obesity. Dr. Olivardia stresses the importance of a proper ADHD diagnosis from culturally knowledgeable healthcare providers, while also spotlighting the barriers encountered by Black individuals to receiving good healthcare and management and treatment options. ________________________________ Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a clinical psychologist and lecturer in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He m

The Black community continues to have difficulty discussing and acknowledging ADHD and other mental health issues. On the flip side, it’s being reported that Black children are being over- and under-diagnosed, due to implicit racial bias and cultural incompetence among professionals. So, how do we change the mindset of Black Americans about mental health issues and culturally insensitive educators and healthcare providers? Dr. Brandi Walker provides insight into the Black community’s reluctance to discuss mental health matters, myths about diagnosis and treatment, the consequences of undiagnosed and untreated ADHD, and much more. ___________________________________________ Major Brandi Walker is an active-duty officer in the Army’s Medical Services Corps, serving as a clinical psychologist at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. She is a recent graduate of Howard University's clinical psychology program, where she specialized in children, adolescents, and families. She obtained a master’s in rehabilitative counseling

Many women struggle at midlife with undiagnosed and untreated ADHD complicated by hormonal changes. They typically report feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, misunderstood, and distressed at a time in their lives when they often have the greatest demands on their time and energy. Women not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disorders, eating disorders, substance use, and low self-esteem. In this episode, Dr. Carol Robbins provides an understanding of the challenges women face in midlife with ADHD, coping strategies, and the importance of reaching out when help is needed. Carol Ann Robbins, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD across the lifespan. She is the clinical director of the Annapolis ADHD Center and works with Kathleen Nadeau, PhD, an internationally known expert on ADHD, at the Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland. Dr. Robbins is a seasoned speaker, presenter, and author, as well

ADHD impairments are made worse for many individuals by their struggles with excessive anxiety, persistent depression, compulsive behaviors, difficulties with mood regulation, or other coexisting disorders that persistently disrupt their daily lives. Sometimes this could lead a person struggling with their ADHD down a dark road to contemplating suicide. Talking about suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm with a loved one you suspect has these feelings can be challenging. Dr. Roberto Olivardia talks with Susan Buningh about the risk factors in children and adults who have ADHD, warning signs, and preventive measures to help someone you think may be considering self-harm or suicide. Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a clinical psychologist and lecturer in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he specializes in the treatment of ADHD, executive functioning issues, and students with learning differences. He also spec

ADHD is found in all communities. For Latinos, cultural norms and barriers to healthcare affect the perception of ADHD symptoms in children, which may go unnoticed or undiagnosed. What are some of the cultural barriers to ADHD treatment? How can cultural beliefs affect treatment for ADHD? Dr. Lauren Haack will discuss common symptoms of ADHD and its presence in the Latino population. In addition, she gives insight into important cultural considerations professionals need to be aware of when treating Latinos with ADHD. She will also discuss how gender roles and family values may influence decisions about treatment options. Lauren Haack, PhD, is an assistant professor and attending psychologist in the department of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. Her research program and clinical practice focus on accessible and culturally attuned evidence-based services for vulnerable youth and families, with a particular specialty in ADHD services for children in Spanish-speaking, Latinx families.

The death of someone you love is often met with sadness. But the heartache felt by family members and friends can become more confusing and unnerving when the cause of death is suicide. Researchers say adults with ADHD have a high prevalence of attempted suicide. But is there a direct link between ADHD and suicide? What other risk factors are involved? Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman shares insight and understanding of risk factors and other conditions that often coexist with ADHD, increasing suicidal thoughts and attempts. She also discusses warning signals, preventive measures, and the approach to take if faced with someone expressing suicidal ideation. Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD, is vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She works with over 200 scientific advisors to evaluate progress in the field and chart the next areas of inquiry to yield impactful insights and strategies for suicide prevention. Dr. Harkavy-Friedman has published over 100 articles. She works closely wit

Children and teenagers are more exposed than ever due to social media. They share what they are doing in real-time. As a result, experts say kids are growing up with more anxiety and less self-esteem. For parents, knowing what their child or teen is thinking and feeling becomes even more challenging. So, when do the usual ups and downs of a child with ADHD become something to worry over? What if your teen is thinking about suicide? Do you know the warning signs? In this episode, Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman talks about the warning signs for parents to watch for in their children. Also, she provides strategies for talking to your child and teen about suicide, building a support network, and preventive measures. Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD, is vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She works with over 200 scientific advisors to evaluate progress in the field and chart the next areas of inquiry to yield impactful insights and strategies for suicide prevention. Dr. Harkavy-

Transitioning from high school to college is a sign of independence for many teens. But is your teen with ADHD ready for the responsibilities that come with college life? Do they have the self-advocacy skills needed for college? Judith S. Bass, a certified educational planner, provides insight on ways to help parents determine if their teen is college-ready. She also discusses the life tools students need to survive college and the appropriate time to start teaching self-advocacy skills to your child with ADHD. Judith S. Bass, CEP Founder, CollegeWebLD, and Certified Educational Planner Judith S. Bass, CEP, is an internationally recognized expert in the field of college and postsecondary placement for students who learn differently. For the past twenty years, she has provided comprehensive planning services for students with ADHD, ASD, and other learning differences. Bass is a contributing author to Navigating the Transition from High School to College for Students with Disabilities. Her articles have appear

Many teens and young adults with ADHD struggle about staying compliant with their treatment plans for various reasons. Strategies that work for their lifestyle are the key to treatment compliance. But what is an effective treatment plan for someone with ADHD? In this episode, Kate Barrett provides strategies for medication compliance, good sleep hygiene, and recognizing the signs when your method is no longer effective. She also gives insight into the effects of self-medicating with caffeine and marijuana to help with ADHD symptoms. BIO: Kate Barrett, ACG, ACC, is a writer and ADHD and executive function coach and the founder of Coaching Cville, providing services internationally from Charlottesville, Virginia. Her background includes extensive volunteer and advocacy roles in the public school system and ADHD expert roles in parent, couple, and student education seminars. She presents individual and group programs locally and internationally and speaks regularly to professionals, community, and industry on

Convincing teens or young adults about the importance of sticking with a treatment plan for their ADHD proves challenging for many parents. What is the best way for a parent to support transition-age youth through a period when they reject their diagnosis or treatment completely? What if something in the treatment plan is not working? What can a parent do if they notice symptoms are becoming a problem, but the teen or young adult either is not seeing it—or does not want to discuss the matter? ADHD coach Kate Barrett shares treatment compliance strategies and tips to help parents support teens or young adults through a successful transition toward adulthood. Kate Barrett, ACG, ACC, is a writer and ADHD and EF coach and founder of Coaching Cville, providing services internationally from Charlottesville, Virginia. Her background includes extensive volunteer and advocacy roles in the public school system and ADHD expert roles in parent, couple, and student education seminars. She provides individual and group p

ADHD professionals recommend combining treatment approaches to address children’s ADHD symptoms. These can include social skills training, behavioral treatment, parent education and support, medication management, and coaching for older teens. But, as a parent, how do you choose the best treatment options for your child? What questions should you ask? And where do you begin to look for the answers you need? In this episode, clinical psychologist Roberto Olivardia and a parent will model the conversations you would like to have with your child’s ADHD professional or treatment provider. This discussion offers an example of the questions to ask your child’s provider. In addition, it provides a road map that may make your family’s ADHD journey a little easier. Roberto Olivardia, PhD Dr. Olivardia is a lecturer in the department of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he specializes in the treatment of ADHD, executive functioning i

It’s school time again, and as a parent, you want to make sure your child with ADHD has all the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom. Therefore, it’s crucial that you establish good communication with your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school year to ensure a smooth and successful term. If your child requires accommodations, how do you know if they are being provided or working? What is the best way to stay in contact with teachers? What if your child’s teacher isn’t familiar with ADHD—what should you do? This role-playing episode features Laci Culbreth, Head of School at Chatham Academy, and Jami Demuth, CHADD’s Midwest Regional Manager. You will learn the importance of establishing good communication with your child’s teachers, getting school support for your child’s learning challenges, asking for accommodations, creating a support network, and much more. Laci Culbreth Head of School at Chatham Academy Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools have transitioned to remote l

Trying to find a suitable doctor for your child with ADHD can be challenging. The key to a successful search is knowing as much as possible about ADHD, your child’s struggles, and the right questions to ask the potential provider. In fact, knowing the right questions to ask can make a big difference in the way you manage your child’s ADHD. In this role-playing episode featuring Dr. Maggie Sibley and Jami Demuth, you’ll hear how one parent interviewed a psychologist before she made her selection and scheduled her child’s first appointment. Margaret H. Sibley, PhD: Dr. Margaret Sibley is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Research Institute. Dr. Sibley’s work focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adolescents and young adults. She has authored or co-authored over 80 scientific papers on ADHD and published a book with Guilford Press on treating executive functioning and motivation deficits in teens. She

Some students with ADHD and learning differences need additional academic support to reach their full potential. Some parents choose to send their children to boarding school. Why? How do you know if boarding school is the right choice for your child and family? Meghan McNeill, director of the learning skills program at Christchurch School, shares insights into why some parents make the boarding school choice, discusses how the program is designed to enrich students with learning challenges and dispels myths about boarding schools. Bio: Meghan McNeill Meghan McNeill is a heart-centered and trauma-informed educator with over a decade of experience in various settings ranging from high school, higher education, to experiential learning and international education. She brings a strong sense of curiosity and unique perspective cultivated from a mental health perspective, a deep understanding of the needs of students with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and learning differences, and the benefits of her own mindfulne