These groups offer supportive environments where people can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who understand the challenges linked with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
ADHD support groups are organized communities of individuals who come together to provide support, share experiences, and learn from one another about living with ADHD.
These groups typically involve people with ADHD, their family members, and loved ones. They can also include professionals interested in ADHD and its impact on daily life.
This article discusses support groups, provides options for people with ADHD and their families, and examines potential financial solutions.
A person can find support groups from the following organizations.
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) offers many virtual programs for people experiencing ADHD. They provide support groups for the following demographics:
- women older than 50
- parents and caregivers
- non-ADHD partners
- queer women and nonbinary people
- people outside the United States
- young adults
- men
- Black people
- people with high IQs and ADHD
- couples
- entrepreneurs and self-employed people
- people of South Asian descent
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
The organization Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) offers in-person support groups across the United States. Each affiliate provides local resources and help for children, young adults, and adults.
These groups provide advocacy, support, networking, and information for people with ADHD and their loved ones.
CHADD also provides an online directory to find healthcare professionals who specialize in ADHD.
ADDitude magazine
ADDitude is an online magazine. It provides news, advice, and resources for those with ADHD, their families and loved ones, and healthcare professionals.
It also has an online directory to help find healthcare professionals and support groups.
Support groups may benefit those with ADHD and their loved ones.
Those with ADHD
Support groups can be helpful for individuals with ADHD regardless of their ages. This is because they offer spaces to address the specific challenges linked with the condition.
They allow individuals to learn from one another, gain valuable insights, and develop a sense of empowerment in managing their ADHD symptoms and thriving in various aspects of their lives.
Along with other treatment options for ADHD, support groups can help people:
maintain new behaviors - reinforce new thought processes
- focus on managing day-to-day symptoms
Parents and caregivers
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With help from mental health professionals, support groups for parents of individuals with ADHD can provide nurturing and understanding environments where parents can:
- gain knowledge
- share experiences
- receive emotional support
- learn effective strategies for parenting their children with ADHD
Support groups can be valuable resources for navigating raising children with ADHD and promoting their overall well-being.
Non-ADHD partners
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The researchers stated that partners of those with ADHD may feel overburdened from having excess responsibilities.
By joining support groups, partners and spouses can:
- gain knowledge
- share experiences
- get emotional support
- learn strategies to strengthen their relationship dynamics
Support groups can provide valuable spaces for growth, understanding, and connection, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both partners involved.
The purpose of ADHD support groups is to create safe and understanding environments where members can discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes related to ADHD.
Other benefits include:
- Peer support: Support groups provide an opportunity to connect with individuals who have firsthand experience with ADHD. Sharing challenges, successes, and strategies with others who understand can be tremendously empowering and validating.
- Education: Support groups often offer educational resources, materials, and guest speakers who can provide valuable information about ADHD, treatment options, and coping strategies.
- Coping skills: Participants can learn practical strategies and techniques for managing symptoms of ADHD in various areas of life, such as time management, organization, and communication.
- Emotional support: Support groups provide safe spaces to express emotions, discuss frustrations, and receive encouragement from others who have faced similar challenges.
- Networking: Connecting with individuals with ADHD can help expand social networks and build friendships with people who share common experiences.
People may wish to determine whether a professional facilitator leads a support group or whether it is peer-led.
A professional facilitator, such as a psychologist, therapist, or social worker with expertise in ADHD, can provide the group structure, guidance, and specialized knowledge.
Peer-led groups, on the other hand, may offer a more informal setting with shared experiences.
It is also worth considering the meeting format of the support group. Some groups meet in person, while others may connect online through video conferences or chat platforms.
Online groups can provide flexibility and accessibility, especially for those with mobility or transportation limitations.
People can find ADHD support groups using various methods.
- Mental health professionals: They can reach out to mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or therapists, who specialize in ADHD. These professionals may have information about local support groups or can refer people to appropriate resources.
- Medical institutions: People can contact local hospitals, clinics, or medical institutions offering services related to ADHD. They may have information on support groups or be able to connect people with relevant resources.
- Schools and educational institutions: People looking for support groups specifically for children or teenagers with ADHD could reach out to schools, colleges, or universities in their local areas. They may have information about local support groups or resources for students.
- National and local organizations: They can explore national and local mental health organizations, such as the ADDA, CHADD, or local chapters. They often maintain directories or can provide information about support groups in the area.
Financial aid options for ADHD support groups can vary, depending on factors such as location, the nature of the support group, and available resources.
Some potential avenues to explore for financial assistance include:
- Health insurance: Some insurance plans provide coverage for therapy or counseling services, which may include participation in support groups.
- Nonprofits: A person can look for organizations focusing on ADHD or mental health support. Some nonprofits offer financial assistance programs to individuals in need.
- Sliding scale fees: Some groups may have flexibility in their pricing based on individuals’ financial circumstances.
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs): EAPs often provide resources and financial assistance for employees seeking mental health support. It is a good idea for people to review their EAP benefits or consult their human resources department for more information.
While support groups can benefit individuals with ADHD, alternative options can provide support and assistance. These may include:
- individual therapy
- couples or family therapy
- online forums
- self-help resources, such as books, podcasts, or websites
- ADHD coaching
People may also be entitled to education or workplace accommodations.
ADHD support groups are communities where individuals with ADHD, their family members, loved ones, and health professionals come together to provide support, share experiences, and learn from one another.
They can be in-person or online and offer valuable resources for navigating living with ADHD.