ADDA Attention Deficient Disorder Association

1. ADDA Attention Deficient Disorder Association “Helping those with ADD live better lives” Tony Guajardo Technical Writing Brieanna Casey 4/20/2013

2. Table Of Contents Introduction…………………….………3 The Problem…………………….……..4 What causes ADHD…………………..5 Living With ADHD……………………..6 How We Help………………………….7 Help Cont………………………………8 More Options……………………...…..9 Concluding Thoughts…………….....10 Works Cited……………………….….11

3. Introduction “According to epidemiological data, approximately 4% to 6% of the U.S. population has ADHD.  That is about 8 to 9 million adults (Jaska).” The Attention Deficit Disorder Association has been around for more than 24 years and helps aid those with the disorder. The ADDA has been helping people with ADD by offering support groups to those in need. The ADDA also continues to participate in research toward ADD. Whether the parent or the child suffers with ADD, the ADDA has many resources in which they can help. Most of the help comes from people with ADD that are willing to talk about their battle with the disorder. There are also several health professionals that will take time out of their life to assist those with ADD. The ADDA prides themselves in helping others in the form of support groups. Within the APPA, they have separated themselves in niche groups within the U.S. to pinpoint individuals to specific regions. These regions have support groups in all major cities and meet regularly. These ADDA support groups act as a place of positivity for individuals so they can overcome their problems with ADD.

4. ADD/ADHD : The Problem ADD/ADHD is a mental disorder which causes the diagnosed to display hyperactivity and inattentiveness. ADD/ADHD is normally diagnosed in young children but studies have shown that this disorder can persist into adulthood. “ADD/ADHD will continue to have ADD/ADHD into adulthood, it logically follows that for some kids identified as ADD/ADHD the disorder will disappear”(Armstrong) ADD/ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because there are so many symptoms. These symptoms also ,must be present in the child for a least 6 months for a proper diagnosis. “ADHD's defining symptoms include: either behaviors labeled inattention, the so-called quiet symptoms of ADHD (such as making frequent, careless mistakes, failing to pay attention to details, not listening when spoken to, difficulty organizing tasks, lack of follow-through, losing things, forgetfulness and easy distractibility) or hyperactivity and impulsivity, the two types of behaviors most often identified with ADHD (Light).”

5. What Causes ADD/ADHD Many researches have been studying what causes ADD/ADHD and they still do not know what causes this disorder. Scientists do believe that genetics do play a big role though. The ADDA website is a place where health professionals can share their input on research and also share their expertise with ADD. The ADDA also hosts an annual conference where people can get educated about what causes ADD and how to overcome the obstacles that ADD gives a person. While the origin is still not concrete there are many theories out there that are being looked at. The theories are as followed: • Genes – This disorder could be passed down from generations. • Sugar – This is one popular theory but researchers show that children who are given sugar show differences in behavior. • Environmental factors – Cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy could be a contributing factor. • Brain Injuries – Only a small amount of children with ADHD have suffered traumatic brain injury. • Food Additives - this is a relatively new study that is being conducted by British researchers. • (What Causes ADHD?)

6. Living With ADD/ADHD Many people with ADHD have said that living with the disorder is “chaotic”. Living with ADHD is a challenge and many of the diagnosed are not living the live they would like to live. Many problems can arise with ones diagnosis if they are not treated and can lead to negative social problems such as poor social interaction. “Left untreated, it(AHHD) can negatively affect schoolwork, job performance, and family and social relationships (Terrie).” Life already seems hard enough for some of us, so just try to imagine a life where you mentally could not focus and overcome simple obstacles that we are faced with in life. The ADDA seeks to solve these problems by positively engaging the diagnosed with others who have struggled with ADHD themselves.Whether it be one-on-one therapy, group therapy or therapy with a health professional is up to the patient. Through this therapy, the diagnosed can learn from other peoples stories and try to get a grasp on their lives. “Parent support groups for ADHD maybe helpful in the sourcing of such resources (Flisher).”

7. How the ADDA Helps The ADDA as many options that adults can choose from to seek help for either their ADHD or their child’s ADHD. The number one goal of the ADDA is get people informed and educate them on numerous treatment options for them. The main solution for people with ADHD is to seek help with others and learn from their struggles with the disorder. The ADDA prides themselves on providing support for those with ADHD. People who visit their website will be able to locate support groups in their area, connect with health professionals who specialize in ADHD and browse for self-help manuals. “The support of family and friends, caring professionals, and connections with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of living with ADHD can make the difference from just getting by to leading a happy, productive and fulfilling life.(Jaska)” The ADDA wants people to know that they are not alone and that people do care about them. These people know how far a little support will go and want to see those with ADD succeed in life, rather than let ADD bring them down.

8. How we Help Cont.… The ADDA knows that schoolwork can be problematic with some kids and offers scholarships to kids with ADHD. They have two scholarship: The Novotni Scholarship and The Moulton-Farnsworth Scholarship . These scholarships look for students that have met the challenges of living with ADHD and range from one thousand dollars to five thousand dollars. The winning essays are then posted online and gives a chance for others to learn from the struggles of someone else. An interview with a child psychologist suggests that the best way to deal with a child who has ADHD is as follows: “First: Keep it positive. It's a rare child who, in response to negative attention, improves his behavior or performance (Schipani).” The ADDA is a place where people can come for positive reinforcement and learn how to cope with ADHD. • “In conclusion, therefore, providing support to adults diagnosed with ADHD might assist in bringing about order and control to their chaos, and as such contribute significantly to a multimodal treatment approach (Toner).”

9. More Options Not only does the ADDA offer support for kids and parents, but it also helps those who live alone and need help. “For those adults with ADHD who live alone, the services of a mentor/coach (in the absence of a family to support them) might prove beneficial (Toner).” This support can vastly improves ones life and help the way they live with ADHD. The ADDA offers annual seminars and conferences where the diagnosed and their families can go seek face-to-face contact and help with their difficulties living with ADHD. Individuals may also visit the ADDA website at www.add.org to find the help they need to live the live they want to live. You can help by volunteering or donating to the ADDA. The ADDA is constantly looking for people to join their cause to raise awareness about ADD/ADHD. You can also donate money to the ADDA which goes toward not only a scholarship for students who have overcome ADD, but also helps with research as professionals continue to find out more about ADD.

10. Benifits The ADDA has many options that individuals can look up in order for them to have more order in their lives. Therapy proves to be very beneficial for people with ADD and can improve someone's quality of life. From the chart on the left you can see how effective help can be to someone who has ADD. There is a drastic change in multiple brain functions according to this study and the ADDA offers such help. It is extremely easy for someone to request support on the website as they have split into many smaller markets so they can meet the needs of people all across the US. Please do your part by contributing to the ADDA so people with ADD can lives better lives.

11. Works Cited Photos • http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/adhd.html • http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-child-learning-difficulty-image2591459 • http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20441463_9,00.html • http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20434639,00.html • http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-help.html • http://childadhdinfo.blogspot.com/2012/05/behavioral-therapy-for-adhd-children.html • http://www.shireadhdscholarship.com • www.add.org • http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/2010/october/health/adhd/overview/index.htm • http://www.candacesahm.com/adhd-coaching-for-life-sm/ Research • Terrie, Y. C. (2014). Living with ADHD. Pharmacy Times, 80(3), 84-85. • Schipani, D. (2008). thriving with ADHD. Scholastic Parent & Child, 15(8), 68 • What Causes ADHD?. (2011). Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 271-2. • Armstrong, T. (1999). ADD/ADHD Alternatives in the Classroom. Alexandria, Va: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. • Light, L. (1997). ADHD: The classroom epidemic. Vegetarian Times, (241), 71. • Toner, M., O'Donoghue, T., & Houghton, S. (2006). Living in Chaos and Striving for Control: How adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder deal with their disorder. International Journal Of Disability, Development & Education, 53(2), 247-261. doi:10.1080/10349120600716190 • 1998, Peter Jaksa, Ph.D, http://www.add.org/?page=ADHD_Fact_Sheet • Flisher, A. J., & Hawkridge, S. S. (2013). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. South African Journal Of Psychiatry, 136-140.