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Whether your child got their ADHD diagnosis recently or years ago, it's important that you have access to the resources your family needs. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect all parts of life, including education, mood, family and home life, social relationships, and more. So, what are some of the best resources for parents of children with ADHD?
In this article, you'll find a comprehensive collection of websites, books, school resources, videos, and educational tools that you can use to help your child succeed.
What Are The Best ADHD Resources For Parents?
Whether you need help understanding your child's symptoms, addressing your child's behavior, finding effective treatment, or helping your child succeed in school, we have a recommendation on this list for you. From websites to your child's educational rights, here are some ADHD resources created to help you and your family.
Websites
There's a ton of medical and mental health information online for parents of children with ADHD. So much so that it can be tough to know where to start. Here are some top websites for parents of ADHD children that offer reliable, up-to-date information and resources.
Try Joon
Joon is more than an app. Joon's Parenting Resource Hub features over 100 research-backed articles, all of which are medically reviewed by PHDs in child psychology. The parenting resource hub has information on all you need to know about raising children with neurodivergence. In Parenting Resource Hub, you'll find information on ADHD symptoms, parenting techniques, common co-occurring disorders, technology and screen time, medication, treatment, diagnosis, executive functioning skills, and more.
Click here to claim your 7 day free trial.
For even more free content and support, join or follow us on social media:
Joon's Support Community for ADHD Families.
ADDitude
Technically, ADDitude is a multi-platform resource. However, the ADDitude Mag website offers extensive information and resources for families and individuals with ADHD and related conditions, as well as professionals.
Find the ADDitude Mag website here.
ADHD Awareness Month
Although ADHD Awareness Month takes place in October, the ADHD Awareness Month website is available all year, providing information and resources for people with ADHD, their families, and the general public.
Note: Joon is a new game designed for kids aged 6-12 with ADHD and their parents. Joon aids executive function, motivation, independence, and self-esteem while helping kids complete important daily tasks and routines. It's backed by child psychologists, occupational therapists, and teachers. Click here to try Joon for free.
CHADD
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is an organization initially founded in 1987. Now, the CHADD website is one of the largest online resources for ADHD. The CHADD.org website offers resources for adults, parents, educators, and professionals.
The National Resource Center on ADHD (or NRC) is a program of CHADD, found here.
Child Mind Institute
Child Mind Institute is a nonprofit organization. While it's not dedicated to ADHD exclusively, the Child Mind Institute website has a resource page for parents.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
Although the AACAP website is not exclusive to ADHD, it does have an ADHD resource center that parents of kids with ADHD may find helpful.
Note: Joon is a new game designed for kids aged 6-12 with ADHD and their parents. Joon aids executive function, motivation, independence, and self-esteem while helping kids complete important daily tasks and routines. It's backed by child psychologists, occupational therapists, and teachers. Click here to try Joon for free.
Books [For Parents And Children]
There are a ton of ADHD books out there for parents and kids. Some books focus on specific challenges, such as executive dysfunction, social skills, and outbursts. Others are about understanding ADHD, thriving with ADHD, and feeling less alone. Here are some books for parents of children with ADHD and books for children with ADHD.
For parents:
What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life - Dr. Sharon Saline.
Parenting Toolbox: 125 Activities Therapists Use to Reduce Meltdowns, Increase Positive Behaviors & Manage Emotions - Dr. Lisa Weed Phifer, DEd, NCSP, Jennifer Hunt Roden, MEd, CAGS, and Laura Sibbald, MA, CCC-SLP.
Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary "Executive Skills" Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential - Peg Dawson, EdH, and Richard Guare, Ph.D.
Smart but Scattered Teens: The "Executive Skills" Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential - Peg Dawson, EdH, Richard Guare, Ph.D., and Colin Guare.
The Explosive Child [Sixth Edition] - Ross W. Greene, Ph.D.
Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents - Russell Barkley, Ph.D.
For kids:
A Walk in the Rain with a Brain - Edward Hallowell.
A Dragon With ADHD: A Children's Story About ADHD - Steve Herman.
There are other "my dragon" books, too, like Train Your Angry Dragon (a children's book about anger management and emotions).
Mrs. Gorski, I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets: An ADHD and ADD Book for Kids with Tips and Tricks to Help Them Stay Focused (The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses) - Barbara Esham.
Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids: 60 Fun Activities to Help Children Self-Regulate, Focus, and Succeed (Health and Wellness Workbooks for Kids) - Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW.
The Homework Squad's ADHD Guide to School Success - Joshua Shifrin, Ph.D.
School Resources
School is a challenge for many children with ADHD. Trouble paying attention, focusing, or completing tasks can all get in the way. Similarly, hyperactivity or difficulty maintaining appropriate behavior in class can make school hard. The good news is that there are many education and school resources for kids with ADHD.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA is a piece of US legislation that ensures k-12 students with disabilities can access free, appropriate education tailored to their individual needs. ADHD is a legal disability, which means that children with ADHD can get accommodations and support via a 504 plan or IEP under IDEA. However, many parents don't know where to start. The first step to getting a 504 plan is to submit a formal written request to your child's principal or the 504 coordinator(s) at their school.
LD OnLine: The Educators' Guide to Learning Disabilities and ADHD
Not all teachers have a full understanding of ADHD and related disorders. Parents and teachers of children with learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia), ADHD, reading difficulties, speech, and related disorders may benefit from some of the educational practices and research found on the LD OnLine website.
You can review this page on academic success for kids with ADHD yourself or pass it along to your child's teacher: https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/teaching-instruction/ADHD-building-academic-success.
Tutoring
If your child faces difficulties with certain topics at school, you may opt for tutoring. However, for kids with ADHD, you want to ensure that you look for someone who has experience tutoring kids with ADHD before. You can search the web for a tutor for kids, or you can use a resource such as the CHADD resource directory to find one.
Videos
Videos are an excellent resource for parents and families because they provide easily digestible information. There are many videos on the web about ADHD, touching on everything from strategies for families to education and treatment options.
The Help For ADHD YouTube Channel
The Help For ADHD YouTube channel is by the National Resource Center on ADHD: A Program of CHADD. This YouTube channel features a range of videos on ADHD, including a video on how families can pursue IEPs and 504 plans, ADHD in marginalized groups, helping kids with ADHD manage homework, preparing for college, and more.
Click here for the Help For ADHD YouTube channel.
"That's Me, I Have ADHD!"
From the CADDAC (a Canadian organization), "That's Me, I have ADHD!" is the first video of the 3-part series on ADHD that is meant to educate children, offering information, understanding, and empathy. It covers how ADHD can present differently in different children and the many ways ADHD can affect a person's life. "That's Me, I Have ADHD!" not only goes over the challenges linked to ADHD; it also talks about strengths and overcoming common obstacles associated with ADHD.
"That's Me, I Have ADHD!" is a great video for both kids and parents of children with the disorder.
"What is ADHD?" From How To ADHD
This video provides a comprehensive definition of ADHD and aids in understanding what it's like to live with ADHD. Find "What is ADHD?" from How To ADHD here. The How To ADHD features videos on many other topics related to ADHD, such as ADHD in women.
Centers For Disease Control [CDC] ADHD Videos
Alongside other resources, the CDC website has a page featuring videos about ADHD. Topics include but aren't limited to diagnosis and treatment for kids aged 2-5 and a video in ASL on treatment recommendations (including therapy, medication, and school support) for ADHD.
Mental Health Professionals
It can be hard to find ADHD specialists, but when you're looking for a mental health professional, it's crucial to find someone who understands. Here are some resources for parents of kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) seeking mental health professionals.
Psychology Today
Psychology Today offers a free online directory that can help you find a mental health professional who specializes in ADHD, as well as a variety of other concerns. On the Psychology Today website, you can search for the following:
- Therapy (including online therapy).
- Psychiatrists or other prescribers.
- Treatment centers.
- Support groups.
You can also look for mental health professionals based on age group (kids, teens, or adults) and the kind of insurance you have with Psychology Today.
If you're stuck, medical doctors should be able to give you a referral or help you look for a specific professional who can work with you (e.g., for parent training) or your child.
The ADHD and Learning Disability Directory [From ADDitudeMag]
The ADDitudeMag ADHD and Learning Disability Directory can help you find a range of professionals and other resources, including but not limited to:
- ADHD coaches (read more about the cost of ADHD coaching services here.
- Therapists and psychologists.
- Physicians (including psychiatrists, pediatricians, and other professionals).
- Academic support.
Go to the ADDitude ADHD and Learning Disability Directory.
CHADD's Resource Directory
We talked about using the CHADD resource directory to find tutors. However, the CHADD resource directory can also be used to find a range of professionals, including but not limited to:
- Neurologists.
- Therapists.
- Educational therapists.
- Social workers.
- Psychiatrists
- Family doctors and pediatricians.
- Lawyers.
Go to the CHADD Resource Directory.
Educational
If your child with ADHD was diagnosed recently, you might be looking for some educational resources to help you learn about the condition and what steps to take next. Alternatively, you might want to seek additional information on how to help your child with ADHD or educational information on ADHD to share with someone else in your child's life. Here are some educational resources on ADHD.
Centers for Disease Control [CDC]
Videos aren't the only resource on ADHD offered by the CDC. The CDC website has links and printouts that are great for those seeking basic education on ADHD, as well as treatment methods like parent training in behavioral management.
Click here for the CDC’s page on ADHD.
National Institute on Mental Health [NIMH]
Like the CDC, the NIMH is not dedicated to ADHD exclusively. However, they do have a resource page with helpful information on ADHD treatment, symptoms, and research that can help families of kids with ADHD as well as others who work with or are close to someone with the disorder.
Click here for the NIMH resource page on ADHD.
Final Thoughts
ADHD can affect all areas of life, from education and school to social skills, home life, and more. However, there are many resources for families of children diagnosed with ADHD that can help. Use resources such as the Joon app and our parenting resource hub to make life easier for you, your child, and your family.
About
Sarah Schulze MSN, APRN, CPNP
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