ADD Resources eNews: September 2004

Are You Ready to Laugh at Yourself?

Several years ago, I heard a well-known ADHD author chastise a woman in the audience for making fun of her ADHD characteristics. The speaker, a psychologist, thought no one should ever joke about ADHD. I can't remember her reasoning, but I can remember the damper I felt and the rebellion, too. While I realize that some people may find ADHD humor in poor taste, I find it healing.

You might get a laugh from the hundreds of submissions to the You know you have ADD when... list at FDISK.com or a similar, smaller list at Greater Rochester Attention Deficit Disorder Association (GRADDA). One person wrote on FDISK.com that her brother and sister have ADHD and she doesn't think it is something to joke about. Those responding said the list helped them to realize others had their same struggles and issues. Some said they laughed so hard while reading the list, they had to shut the windows so neighbors wouldn't hear them. Another wrote that she was crying and laughing as she read—and that she couldn't stop reading.

I agree with these words from GRADDA's The Lighter Side of ADD:

There is no question that the influence of ADHD on individuals (and those around them) can range from very mild to severe. Those of us who truly know and understand what ADHD is all about realize it gives us special qualities, special creativity, special outlooks within given situations.

Within the entire spectrum of ADHD is a special place for laughter, especially amongst ourselves. Humor is healthy. Humor can re-energize us. Humor can give us the strength to pick ourselves up and go on.

I hope you come to see and enjoy the humor of ADHD. To me, it means you have gotten your life, and your ADHD, in a healthy perspective.

Till next month,

Cynthia Hammer, M.S.W., Director

Organizing Tips

A few more tips from the Professional Organizers in Canada:

• Use a family calendar with large squares and write in detailed information (phone numbers, times, contact names.) Assign each family member a color and write all of their activities in that color. (editor's suggestion: set aside a particular time each week, perhaps Sunday evening, to review everyone's calendar entries for the upcoming week.)
• Open the mail over a recycling bin or wastebasket and get rid of most of it right away.

Good Articles and Websites

Without Boundaries—Challenges and Hopes for Living with ADHD: An International Survey provides detailed statistics on ADHD in other countries of the world and an understanding of the broad impact ADHD has on lives.

Research shows that, on average, it takes two years to get an ADHD diagosis.

Survey of adults reveals life–long consequences of ADHD.

Messies Anonymous. Get tips as well as online and local support for finding order and harmony in your life.

Misunderstood Minds is a website for parents, teachers, and students looking for the scientific explanations behind learning differences and strategies to aid success in school.

Make a Donation to ADD Resources Through United Way

If you work for a company that participates in the United Way campaign, you can direct your donation to Attention Deficit Disorder Resources. To help identify us, know that we are located in Tacoma, WA.

Do You Know a Good ADHD Service Provider or Product?

Help us let others know who is good. Pass on the Directory Overview to ADHD service providers you know. Encourage them to become participants in the National ADHD Directory—a resource for all folks in the United State looking for help with their ADHD difficultites. The National ADHD Directory officially opened to consumers on April 1, 2004. We already have over 650 providers listed. With your help, the directory will continue to grow.

Try out your own Directory search by starting with our Search Tips.

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