The initial diagnosis of ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) cannot be done on the Internet or through reading a book about it. There are, however, a vast amount of resources that parents can access to find out more about the disorder and that can also act as a support tool for both parents and children who are dealing with this on a day-to-day basis.

The information found online offers parents a better understanding of the problems and gives them the confidence they need to approach the medical health professionals about their concerns.

According to recent epidemiological statistics, about one-half to two-thirds of children who are diagnosed with childhood ADD/ADHD will continue to face difficulties with the disorder into their adulthood.

Resources that are available online will help parents in their search for answers about ADD/ADHD. It gives parents a huge advantage when talking with doctors if they are educated in treatment options and other key issues associated with this disorder. Knowledge is power.

Resources Available Online

• CHADD – CHADD is the nation's largest ADD organization with over 22,000 members and 225 affiliates nationwide. The site for CHADD contains up-to-date information on ADD. There are research facts and information on support groups, policy issues and more.
• Mental Help Net – Operating online since 1995, this site is one of the most comprehensive sources of online mental health information, news and resources. Plug in ADD under search and find the latest news, books and community resources.
• One A.D.D. Place – This informative site offers parents a place to search the library of books available on ADD and to read articles on ADD. It also offers a listing of professional services and resources for learning, managing and support, as well as a calendar of events.
• Attention.com – This site is packed full of articles for parents, expert resources, tools and up-to-date news geared at helping children improve their attention skills.
• ConductDisorders.com – This is a site featuring a large group of parents who are raising challenging children. It is a great place to connect with other parents who are dealing with similar issues in their own families and who can offer you tips based on their own experiences. This easy-to-maneuver site also offers great articles, book reviews and great support forums. It is not exclusively an ADD information site, but offers such a great forum for discussion that it should not be overlooked.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – This valuable resource offers information on symptoms, treatment options, educational options and a wealth of information on contacts for support organizations.
• ADHDNews.com – A wonderful place to meet other parents to discuss key issues in the health of your children. It provides a great deal of information on advocacy, as well as problem-solving tips, books and educational articles. Though the newsletter is currently on hold, the archives provide a lot of information for parents and children.
• ADD Helpline -- This award-winning site provides support and information for a variety of approaches to treatment through its chat room, message board and specialist directory. It also offers monthly columns and a newsletter and a wide variety of ADD articles. The great thing about this site is that it has a special place for kids to learn more about ADD through a link called For Kids Like Me.
• ADDitude Magazine – This magazine is available in print. The subscription information can be found at the Web site. The site offers information about ADD and articles on current issues in health, education and other key areas of concern when dealing with ADD. There is also an area for experts where you can ask questions and have the answers posted online.

Reaching Out for Help
"I go online for information," says Suzanne Guidry of Baton Rouge, La. "It is always readily available. It has been extremely helpful in helping find a diagnosis for my son."

With the ever-growing pace of Internet sites and the demand for up-to-date information from parents, there will never be a lack of information online. If you take the time and do your research, you will find many helpful contacts and informative articles that will ultimately give you a better sense of what ADD is all about. It is also a great place to chat with other parents who are facing the same obstacles. It is always nice to know you are not alone in your struggles.

Brandi Valentine, whose son was diagnosed with ADHD after a long battle with professionals, created the Web site ADHD News.com in order to help other parents in their struggle to help their children.

"I believe the site has helped others because the information I share is from parents who are in similar situations, dealing with similar issues," says Valentine. "I believe it gives comfort to parents to know they are not alone."

There are a lot of sites that offer recommended reading material for parents who have children that have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.

Resources Available in Print

• The ADD/ADHD Checklist by Sandra Rief – Written by a nationally-known educator with more than 20 years experience teaching, this book outlines strategies and techniques for helping children with ADD.
• Survival Strategies for Parenting Your ADD Child: Dealing with Obsessions, Compulsions, Depression, Explosive Behavior and Rage by George T. Lynn – A handbook that deals with the essential stress management issues that are necessary for parents of ADD children. It details 40 unique techniques for managing stress for both the parent and the child. Mr. Lynn writes from his experience as a parent and as a professional.
• Power Parenting for Children with ADD/ADHD: A Practical Parent's Guide for Managing Difficult Behaviors by Grad L. Flick and Harvey C. Parker – This comprehensive resource provides practical tips and techniques for parents of ADD children.
• Putting on the Brakes: A Young People's Guide to Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Patricia O. Quinn and Judith M. Stern – This very successful book attempts to address the questions that children have when they learn they have ADD/ADHD. This newly-revised edition is a wonderful, informative book for parents and children alike.

Whether you choose the Internet as a resource guide, the bookstore or your local library, the important thing for all parents to remember in their struggles with their ADD child is that they are not alone. Get connected with other parents and stay current on new medications and support systems available. Help is just a mouse-click away.

Want to see more?

• Attention Deficit Disorder: How It Affects the Family
• Attention Deficit Disorder: The School System, Know Your Rights
• Understanding Attention Deficit Disorder
• Talk about it!