Five Great Education Resources For ADD

Last week I ended up having several discussions on the phone and through email about the the post on the source of my creativity (Kryptonian Kreativity). A couple even mentioned they thought maybe they had ADD based on the test I had included. During those exchanges I suggested a few resources they cold tap into for more information, and I'd like to include them here for anyone interested.

Personally speaking, education is the best way to live effectively with ADD in a non-ADD structured world. I constantly felt defeated and frustrated in my ability to get things done and in my relationships, but once I started to read up on the typical behaviour patterns and thought processes for an ADD-wired brain, I realized I wasn't a nut-job either.

Educating yourself isn't just good for you, it's good for those around you like your spouse, family, and friends as well as your kids, who may be ADD themselves since it's a hereditary thing. My oldest son is, and as I've educated myself, I've learned to recognize behaviour patterns in him which have opened doors of dialogue between us that may not be open to non-ADD family members.

Before I list these resources, let me preface it by saying don't be like me. When I first was diagnosed I ran out to the bookstore and bought every book I could on the matter and brought them all home with the idea of reading them all. Guess what? I read maybe one out of the fifteen I purchased (and I didn't even finish the one). One classic ADD trait is to get all excited about something new and shiny, commit to immersing yourself in it and then forgetting about it the minute something shinier comes along. I exemplify this remark to the point of ridiculousness which I am aware of, and so I warn you now not to clear out your local bookstore or library as you are overcome with dizzying hysteria.

That said, I will also mention I had planned on offering 10 resources, but 10 is a tsunami of information, whereas 5 is more reasonable (but it still can be a shotgun blast to the face).

5 ADD Educational Resources

1. The books Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction by Dr. Edward M. Hallowell. Both are landmark books written by a doctor with ADD on understanding and dealing with ADD on all levels from childhood to adulthood. The first book (Driven) was the only one of the 15 I bought that I read (mostly), and the second (Delivered) was so good, I've purchased several copies and handed them out like gifts to people struggling with the issue. Dr. Hallowell also has a blog and website for ongoing updates and information.

2. Odd One Out: The Maverick's Guide To Adult ADD by Jennifer Kortesky. Jennifer's book is extremely motivating, easy to read and filled with quick tips and helpful stories. Given the fact she's an ADD management coach with ADD herself, the content is practical and easy to relate with. She also has a regular blog/website where I get weekly motivational emails (but she's also selling her services too which can be a turn-off to some people).

3. ADD & Creativity: Tapping Your Inner Muse written by Dr. Lynn Weiss. I recently went back to this book to re-read several chapters as a reminder of how ADD affects my productivity, and now I plan on re-reading the whole thing because I forgot how empowering it was. Dr. Weiss is a writer and painter in addition to pioneering much of the original research into the ADD. She also has ADD herself (starting to see a pattern here?).

4. ADDitute Magazine. There's a couple ways you tap into this resource: by mail or by web. I've done both and I like the web version best since they send a notification by email with highlights of the key material. That way if none of the articles sound like they apply then I can just delete it, whereas with the actual magazine I end up with an additional element of clutter to use as a coaster. The information is mainly geared to parenting ADD children, but they still cover adult issues that are relevant. Oh ya, it was started by a mom who's son was diagnosed with ADD so started the magazine as way to bring other together while presenting solid information in an ADD friendly format. Another bonus is a readers forum you can register for in order to find out first-hand insights on all kinds of subjects from meds to ADD Diets.

5. The Shire: Life Management Center. This is a new resource for me, but thus far I like it - especially with the free on-line classes on topics such as how to organize your life and tools on becoming more productive. The site offers quite a lot of info on ADD medication (many of whom I think are major sponsors), but I'm not going to complain since I qualified for an offer through this site for free samples of my meds.
If you noticed, that's actually more than five resources (ADD is incorrigible sometimes) given there are multiple books and websites within what I listed. You'll have to pare down what works for you, but let me add a few notes of consideration to these resources.

- Only get information from those with ADD themselves. No offense to the non-ADD'ers but I have a hard time taking advice from anyone who doesn't understand this going on in my head.

- Don't overwhelm yourself. Take one at a time. I recommend the books first since you can get lost on the Internet.

- Speaking of which, stick to only one or two web sites. If you do use resources from the web limit them to a couple sources and take advantage of RSS feeds and email subscriptions. Also, avoid the glitzy ones started by amateurs looking to make a buck... these sites are shiny objects on purpose and that's to take advantage of the main weakness of ADD to make a buck off it.

- One last note, once you get educated, don't expect everyone to know what you're talking about. I made this mistake (I made many), and people just looked at me like I was preaching about the Apocalypse, which became frustrating. Educating yourself can be a freeing experience, but it's a personal one that only you can enjoy so don't get discouraged if others don't start speaking in tongues and rolling on the floor with you.