Where there is Knowledge, There is Empowerment: Enjoying a Moment of Thanksgiving

Our ever changing world has brought us an abundance of information.

Advances in science and technology now allow us to study the brain and other systems of the body in ways only dreamed of several decades before. A facet of this research has led to an increased understanding around neurodiversity.

Simply stated, neurodiversity refers to neurological brain differences found throughout society. Where these differences were once viewed negatively, we are now living in a time of acceptance. A time where we can embrace neurodiversity. Thankfully, we do not all have the same brain wiring.

Inherent in the term neurodiversity are many unique strengths, as well as challenges. These challenges are especially evident when we try to fit a neuro-diverse brain into a “standard” mold.

Neurodiversity is responsible for inventions and inventors, brilliantly creative and artistic minds, cutting edge entrepreneurs, gold medal winners, all-star athletes, comedians, educators, Pulitzer Prize winners, and so much more.

In addition to these more notable people, are amazing individuals who make everyday life run smoothly across a variety of settings. These individuals thankfully have chosen a path less taken, and as a result continue to leave a positive mark on our society.

When ADHD is seen in the light of neurodiversity, it becomes an explanation for how individuals affected by ADHD operate. As parents, educators, partners, friends, family members and co-workers we owe it to ourselves to find and understand accurate information regarding ADHD. Myths only serve to isolate. Knowledge empowers.

In celebration of November, a month where many of us take the time out of our busy lives to give thanks, I would like to give thanks to the many individuals who are revolutionizing the way we see ADHD and neurodiversity. I have compiled a list of resources where you can find accurate information and support around a variety of ADHD issues.

I wish you a holiday season full of thanksgiving.

Good Resource Books Related to ADHD:

Edward Hallowell, M.D. and John Ratey, M.D.:

• Driven to Distraction
• Delivered from Distraction
• Answers to Distraction

Peg Dawson, EdD, and Richard Guare, PhD:

• Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential
• Smart but Scattered Teens: The “Executive Skills” Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential

Susan Kruger, M.Ed.:

• SOAR Study Skills

Roland Rotz, Ph.D., and Sarah D. Wright, M.S., A.C.T.:

• Fidget to Focus, Outwit Your Boredom: Sensory Strategies for Living with ADD.

Vincent J. Monastra, Ph.D.:

• Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach

Joyce Cooper-Kahn, Ph.D. and Laurie Dietzel, Ph.D.:

• Late, Lost, and Unprepared; A Parents’ Guide to Helping Children with Executive Functioning

Thomas Brown, Ph.D:

• Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults
• Smart but Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults with ADHD
• A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults: Executive Function Impairments

Kenny Handelman, MD:

• Attention Difference Disorder – How to Turn Your ADHD Child or Teen’s Differences into Strengths in 7 Simple Steps

Nancy A. Ratey, M.Ed., MCC, SCAC:

• The disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain to Take Control of Your Time, Tasks and Talents

Jonathan Mooney and David Cole:

• Learning Outside the Lines: Two Ivy League Students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD Give You the Tools for Academic Success and Educational Revolution

Additional ADHD Resources:

• CHADD: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder http://www.chadd.org/

• National Resource Center on ADHD: A Program of CHADD http://www.help4adhd.org/

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry http://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/ADHD_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

• National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/index.shtml

• Attention Deficit Disorder Association http://www.add.org/

• National Center for Learning Disabilities ncld.org

• Additude Magazine www.additudemag.com

• Wrightslaw – accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities www.wrightslaw.com

ADHD Support Team Members:

ADHD Coach:

“The ADHD coaching partnership […] empowers clients to learn about themselves and their unique brain processing so they can make choices and take actions to create the lives they choose to live. The ADHD coach listens with an appreciation and working experience of how ADHD may be impacting the client.

ADHD coaches create a safe, non-judgmental environment, listen with an ADHD understanding, observe what is preventing the client from reaching specific goals, explore ways in which the client can maximize strengths, talents, and passion, and enlist strategies and behaviors congruent with the ADHD client’s learning, processing, and organization styles.”

(Professional Association of ADHD Coaches, http://www.paaccoaches.org/adhd-coaching/)

Medical and Mental Health Professionals:

Can include:

• Family physician
• Psychologist
• Psychiatrist
• Neurodevelopmental Pediatrician
• Social Worker

School Support:

• Teacher
• Guidance counselor
• Tutor
• ADHD Coach
• 504 plan and/or IEP: accommodations and goals in an educational setting (for information on IEPs and 504 visit: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-web/article/570.html or the U.S. Department of Education.

Support Groups:

Check www.CHADD.org for ADHD support groups in your area. Like us on Facebook!

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Kristine (Shiverick) Kaufmann

Kristine received her ADHD coach training from the ADD Coach Academy (www.addca.com), the only ICF accredited coach training program dedicated to the field of ADHD coaching.

She continues to advance her knowledge and training by attending a variety of professional development opportunities. Her passion for learning about ADHD and helping individuals and families develop an understanding of the uniquely wired ADHD brain comes from a very personal place. Coaching is a natural progression from her B.A. in Severe Special Needs Education, a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and parenting a child with ADHD.

Through coaching, Kristine is able to provide resources to help individuals and families discover effective strategies, minimize the challenges of ADHD, build healthy and supportive habits, and live the life they want to live. A.B.L.E Coaching for ADHD, LLC provides A. Better. Life. Experience.

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