Attention Deficit Disorders Association-Southern Region

I have been involved with Attention Deficit Disorders Association-Southern Region for over 2 decades. They have been very helpful to me over the past 2 decades. I have seen ADDA-SR grow & develop, by adding additional ways in which to serve the community in which I live. They now offer resources for conditions that fall under the Autism Spectrum.

Thank you to ADDA-SR for the amazing educational presentations! This is a great resource for diverse information.

ADDA-SR has been invaluable at sharing information about all aspects of ADHD. I have learned so much from the experts in the field that ADDA-SR brings in to present.

ADDA-SR has provided education and support for our community for years. They are a great resource for families and providers.

I am a child psychologist and mother of 3 children with ADHD brains. I have been a past co-facilitator for an ADDA parent support group, as well as a frequent presenter of webinars for our local support group. I have also attended the annual ADDA-SR conference several times and other workshops that have been offered. I have learned so much through ADDA-SR and developed a network of resources and support for myself and my clients. This organization has been a lifesaver for many of my clients and families I have worked with. I regularly present webinars for 100 attendees who express their gratitude for the information and support they have received. The support groups have been an amazing resource for the community and I am so grateful to ADDA-SR!

The non-profit, Attention Deficit Disorders Association-Southern Region has been such a wealth of helpful information for me and my family over the past 15 years. As a mother, wife, and service provider I have found the webinars, the in-person workshops, and the passionate leader, Pam Esser to have the answers to many of the questions I have had about Attention Deficit Disorders over the years.

I joined ADDA-SR nearly twenty years ago My young son had severe adhd. There was very little known about adhd at that time. No information about treatments, medication, education, or parenting techniques. In addition, people still believed that it was caused by poor parenting. ADDA-SR helped me find doctors and professionals who were knowledgeable in treating adhd, schools that specialized in education children with the disorder and parenting techniques. And they provided the support I needed so that I did not feel alone or ashamed. They played an absolutely essential role in my son becoming a successful adult. He now had an MBA and works in Japan for a marketing firm and is married with a family. A true success story and credit every part of it to ADDA-SR for their expert guidance and support. I think they must have helped thousands of children, adults, and families to find the treatment and support they needed to navigate this complicated diagnosis. I am forever grateful

ADDA-SR is a wonderful organization that provides much needed support to individuals with ADHD and their families in the greater Houston community. ADDA-SR runs support groups, keeps current on the latest research on ADHD, provides sound referrals, and organizes interesting and informative educational presentations for families as well as professionals. Their support for the ADHD and mental health community in Houston is priceless and a wonderful asset to our community. Thank you, Pam Esser and ADDA-SR, for all you do!

I have volunteered for ADDA-SR for over twenty years. My husband and several of my children and grandchildren have ADHD and this organization has been extremely helpful in providing support, encouragement, resources and great information about ADHD . I host a support group in my community because of this wonderful organization! Pam Easter is a servant leader and her devotion to this organization is an inspiration! I LOVE THIS ORGANIZATION so much because of their mission to help everyone that is impacted by ADHD .

Our whole family has ADD. My son is the worst with the comorbid, High Functioning g Autism. We have all attended the ADDA-SR seminars periodically for over 5 Years. My Wife and I received a great deal of understanding about ourselves and ourselves from these seminars, my son not so much. Except he says I am treating him better. I also inquired volunteering for the organization but being a professional engineer could not fit my skills with them. They did help us find councilors for my son which helped but even with advanced degrees he has been unable to fully fit into society. But at 40 years old he is still working on that.
All that said I highly encourage any person with or knowing others with ADD to become involved with the ADDA-SR programs or even just provide finical support. All are welcomed warmly and compassionately as I have seen from our experiences with them.
Stephen . A. Davies

Pam and ADDA Association are always ready to support our families! They continually have programs to educate and empower families and self-advocates!

ADDA-SR kindly invited me to present on Neurodiversity and Divorce, my subject matter expertise. Pam Esser did a great job creating high quality materials to promote the event, and the registrants were engaged in, enjoyed, and benefitted from the presentation. I look forward to future collaborations with ADDA-SR.

Amazing support and great resources, especially the webcasts, speakers and open exchanges of information in an incredibly supportive and respectful community at low or no cost. Sessions are helpful and relevant at whatever stage of the ADHD journey you may be in. I cannot rate highly enough.

They always answer the phone when a family is in need, whether to get the right medication or therapy, the right school or even with depression or suicidal ideation.

The classes they present regularly are top-notch from every type of need-parents, educators, therapists wtc

ADDA has long been a source of information, education and support for individuals and families impacted by ADHD. This organization also provides regular, high quality professional development opportunities for educators and professionals. The best thing about ADDA -- they consider the needs of their members and the community. They and are not afraid to take on new topics to meet needs.

ADDA-SR has continually provided 4 free monthly support groups for approximately 20 years. ADDA-SR has held annual conferences for parents and children, adults with ADHD, professional clinical providers, and educators. ADDA-SR is a conduit between community needs and ADHD resources in many venues; conferences, local presentations, support group presentations, nurse's conferences, mental health programs, and more. ADDA-SR has consistently provided the Greater Houston Area professionals who are highly respected for contributing to changing the landscape of how individuals with ADHD are supported and respected by their community, such as Chris Dendy, Dr. Charles Barkley, Dr. Ari Tuckman, and the like. ADDA-SR changes the lives of those with ADHD.

ADDA-SR provides wonderful resources for individuals with ADHD and the professionals who work with them on a wide range of topics. This information brings empowerment and understanding of what ADHD is and how it affects individuals who are diagnosed with the disorder.

We love working with ADDA! A great resource for families.

They continue to be a wonderful resource for families navigating ADHD. I love the local events throughout the year. I look forward to the big annual conference coming back in a big way.

ADDA-SR works hard to provide great programming, resources, and support groups for parents of children with ADHD. During the recent years of "zooming," their reach has gone beyond our traditional geographic area, which has allowed for more speakers to bring their expertise.
(Note: Doesn't just benefit Parents of kids with ADHD; also a great group for Adults with ADHD)

ADDA-SR has significant programming for neurodiverse individuals. They provide monthly seminars/workshops, support groups for parents and neurodiverse individuals, and have a wealth of knowledge on resources and programming. I am proud to partner with and support this organization.

This group is continuing to support families, schools, and therapists who are involved with those who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. They provide education, support groups, informational articles, knowledgeable referrals, and often an understanding, sympathetic ear. I have been involved with this group since its inception and never fail to be amazed at the wonderful resource it is to the commuinity.

ADDA-SR gives great seminars and webinars; they also run a great network of support groups for families coping with ADHD. Highly recommend.

As a professional who works with families with special needs, I admire the ADDA-SR organization for its support of families who struggle with ADD/ADHD. This organization offers so much education and advocacy!

I absolutely love Pam and Fred Esser. They have worked for many years, long before anyone recognized ADHD as a real thing! They helped me to learn about my kids' diagnoses, how to find educational help, and their conference taught me about advocacy. I met Chris Dendy and Pete Wright at their conference, and meeting both really inspired me to advocate for my own kids.

ADDA-SR supports so many people in our community. Their efforts to educate parents, professionals, and individuals impacted to ADHD are significant. Houston is better because of their attention to supporting others.

I work for a non-profit organization that provides information and referral to families of children with disabilities. I have referred families to the ADDA organization for information on ADD and ADHD when their children have been diagnosed. I also find the annual conference very useful and informative for the families I work with.
This is a great organization!!

ADDA-SR has been a wonderful resource for our family for several years now. It has provided small group meetings where attendees can share and learn from one another as well as presentations that are applicable to all affected by ADHD. The seminars and workshops are so informative and the speakers are all top notch professionals who are passionate about their field of expertise. Every time I attend either a group meeting or presentation/seminar, I leave armed with useful knowledge, tips, or strategies, and with renewed determination to navigate through our ADHD journey.
What has been apparent to me is that ADDA has heart! This organization truly cares about those they serve and want to provide as much help as possible.

Pam and the ADDA SR volunteers make a huge difference for families and children with ADHD. Please help them continue their work.

Our family began participating in ADDA In 1987, shortly after our 6-year old son was diagnosed with ADHD.My husband and I knew we had a lot to learn about his condition, and were grateful to join a group that would offer information, mutual understanding and support. In addition. the professional guidance and continuing education that ADDA provided proved invaluable in facing the challenges of parenting and advocating for our child. Just as important have been the relationships and close friendships that have evolved through participation in ADDA over the years.
For the last 34 years,ADDA has played a critical role ,not only in our family’s life, but in the lives of hundreds of families throughout Texas and beyond.This organization and it’s mission is certainly deserving of a Great Nonprofit Designation.

I was fortunate to find ADDA-SR over 10 years ago when my oldest child was first diagnosed with ADHD. The resources provided through Saturday morning seminars, the annual conference, and the monthly support groups have been invaluable in helping our family navigate the challenges of having a child with ADHD.

Great Organization. Puts on very good events with great professionals, also very relatable.

I am one of the founding board members of ADDA in the year 1988
at the Baylor College of Medicine- Hyperactivity Clinic. At this time
I asked the professionals "Where are other parents like me?" They agreed to
connect the dots to get a group together and ADDA was born. It has been
a saving grace for many families who feel they need support just to get through
each day and the maze of the education system of trying to get the help their child
needs. The growth of this organization has been unbelievable and continues to offer
support to individuals involved with varied diagnosis in the Mental Health/ Autism field
with ADD as a primary symptom.

Does great work with and for the ADHD community
. Frequently refer clients to ADHD Association Southern Region. They assist children, their parents , adolescents and adults. Thank you!!

ADDA-SR helps so many people with Attention deficit disorder, with their programs and services. Thanks for all you do ADDA-SR.

ADDA-SR serves a vital role in our community as a resource and education network for all those effected by ADHD and other related conditions. They can provide individualized attention to members and guests in a wide variety of support programs for all ages. As a member of the Professional Advisory Council, it is an honor to be able to serve the needs of the community through their wonderful work.

-Eddie Rodriguez, Founder and Director
The Center for Assisted Learning
www.centerforassistedlearning.com

Thank you, ADDA-SR for being such a wonderful asset to our community! This wonderful organization provides support groups for parents of kids with ADHD as well as adults living with ADHD, they feature fascinating speakers, keep current on the latest reasearch and provide an important referral service to the community. Pam, the president of ADDA-SR truly cares about the Houston community and puts her heart in her work every day!

I joined ADDA SR in 1987 as I learned that my oldest son had ADHD and LD. I needed as much information as well as a support system to better parent my son and for myself as well. I went all over Houston to any meetings I could find as there was very little information in the mainstream at that time. The wonderful people I met were so supportive and helpful helping me to became more confident in parenting and learning ways to compensate for my own ADHD. When the 3rd son was clearly ADHD at least I was far more prepared to parent him as a result of the group. I do not remember what year but I with help from the the Executive Director, Pam Esser, I established a support group in my part of town that lasted for quite a number of years. Times changed over the years and support meetings were not as popular but the need for information and support remains. I became a board member and continue to be one today.

ADDA-SR brings professional people in the fields of education, psychology and medicine to meetings with parents. The professionals tell their experience and advice on various aspects of helping people manage and live with ADD and ADHD. Chapters of ADDA-SR are spread around the Houston area and have monthly meetings. Very low cost or free. Parents discuss the topics with the professionals and other parents. Comments include, "Thanks", "I never would have thought of that", "These ideas give me strength and faith".
The website of ADDA-SR has much free information.

ADDA-SR is a non-profit organization filled with people who care, that have years of experience and love reaching out and helping individuals and families with ADD/ADHD through their programs and services.

My story started with ADDA approx. 20 yrs.ago when my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD. When I went to my first meeting I was welcomed & received information but the best thing was the sharing from others. I continued attend many meetings & conferences. There were many professionals & different topics offered. I also was able to volunteer as ADDA depended on them. My life & the life of my children has been forever changed because of ADDA. There are really not enough words to express my gratidude to ADDA & Pam Esser who started ADDA many years ago. A very grateful Mom, Liz

I have volunteered for this organization for years. I am a behavior specialist for a school district and this organization has helped many of the teachers I work with and countless numbers of families that have ADHD. This organization hosts excellent conferences and presentations throughout the year that are affordable and educational. The support groups they sponsor provide valuable information for local parents.
This organization is well run and very family friendly.
It is an honor to write a great review for them !

Pam and ADDA has served our community for over 20 years. You can count on her to know the answer to your question or point you in the right direction. The speakers are always amazing and the group is small, so you can always get your questions answered, and it is very laid back, and not intimating. The group is warm, accepting and friendly. I am grateful that ADDA is always there when I need information.

ADDA-SR: What can I say…Well, I can say a whole lot. If you, your child, your spouse or your significant other has ADD or ADHD, this is the organization to get involved and moving with. A wealth of knowledge is presented every month in support groups as well as workshops from many of the best diagnosticians, nutritionists, therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, authors, etc. along with some of the very best that come from out of state. If you or your loved one’s have ADD or ADHD, and you live in the greater Houston area, it would be a shame for you or whomever’ s success, not to attend these meetings. There is so much to take away from each of these meetings and events and it is delivered by professionals that strive to help out people that need moderate to severe help. Get involved!!!!

I started this group when my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD in 4th grade. She is now a freshman in highschool. I love the information provided and strategies to help me as a parent be a better parent to her. I am also an elementary school teacher and have recommended this group to countless other parents wanting education and support for their children. I am so blessed ADDA is in my area. Thank you for all you do to support parents and children with ADHD. It has not only made me a better parent but teacher too.

ADDA-SR is a great organization that truly supports parents in effective and meaningful ways with information, trainings, and resources. I trust what they sponsor because they partner with the best speakers so that busy parents don't have to beat the bushes themselves.

As a psychologist practicing in the Houston area for more than 20 years, I have had numerous opportunities to work with Pam Esser and ADDA-SR. She works tirelessly for the individuals and families dealing with ADHD and frequent comorbid conditions and situations that occur. There annual conference is a greet benefit to our community. I am very grateful to know Pam and to support her and her organization in any way possible.
Trent Everett, PhD

My experience with ADDA-SR goes back to its inception in 1987. The conferences and workshops that the organization provide gave me the information I needed as a parent since there was very little information about ADD during that time. As I learned about the disorder, I became very involved with ADDA-SR and was able to assist other parents with school issues.
This is a wonderful organization and needs to continue to serve the communities it does.

I love Attention Deficit Disorders Association-Southern Region because they are so helpful with all the support groups they offer and the conferences, along with the educational information that they have. If they don't have the information they will find it for you. They are very supportive and with donations and contributions, they would not be able to help the families that they do. I am a single mother who reached out to them for help and I am so grateful I did, I have learned a lot from attending their conferences. When you don't know where to turn for help ADDA is always there to lend a helping hand. I am hoping that they are extremely successful in keeping donors and contributions coming in to keep them going.

Not too long after I was diagnosed with ADHD, I started attending their Adult Support Group. I found it to be very helpful along with my therapy. I found my Psychiatrist, who prescribed my ADD medication, through the Support Group. ADDA-SR has helped bring ADHD & related conditions out of the closet. I wish I had known about ADDA-SR when I was in my late 20’s.

This is a valuable group both for local support and further education about Attention
Deficit Disorders.

ADD-SR has been a great resource for me both as a teacher (now retired) in a local school for students with learning differences for 24 years and as a grandparent of someone with ADHD. I have attended many of their meetings over the years and always left feeling I not only learned about the subject matter but, more importantly, got to interact with parents, professionals, and sincerely interested people who wanted to learn more about how ADD affects individuals, families, and school personnel on a daily basis. Going back to a time when ADD was questioned as a “real” medical and educational condition to the present day when the advances in brain imaging have unlocked so many doors for those with ADD and for those who love them and teach them, a steady, consistent group of supporters have continued to believe in and be grateful for the contributions that have lead to a better understanding of ADD/ADHD in the NW area of Houston. Please consider supporting this dedicated non profit in any way you can.

I started as a client many years ago and ADDA-SR was there to help me with my daughter. For several years I attended support group meetings and events and started helping out where I felt I could. Now I am a board member with my daughter an adult. ADDA-SR is a great organization always there to help families.

This nonprofit has provided help and insight into my son's ADD from preschool to adult years. Their conference and monthly meetings help provide needed information and resources to help parents and children as well as adults to be able to function in their community. It provides the assistance to find individualized help and assistance needed. Attention Deficit Disorders Association- Southern Region is truly a wonderful resource and is very helpful in dealing with ADD.

I learned about and reached out to ADDA-SR via email and attended a support group thankfully near my area in Houston. I appreciate the responsiveness and personable nature of the coordinator, Pam.

Although initially the meetings were not as applicable to me since it was about medication, I was able to learn about ADD/ADHD from professionals and hear testimonies from others at meetings and conference. The support group was helpful in a lecture based way but I found more helpful once I had specific questions and wanted to get ideas about situation or ideas of mine.

I have been on the Professional Advisory Committee for ADDA since it's inception almost 30 years ago. The association has been driven by parents and families where ADHD is an issue and has evolved with active participation of these families and the professionals who work with them, as well as school professionals (teachers, counselors, administrators) who want the best outcomes for the children and adolescents. The annual conference, the workshops, the support meetings, and the ongoing information and referral service are exceptional and include speakers of local and national reputation. I highly recommend the work that has been accomplished by the staff, the Board, and the Professional Advisory Committee.

Went to Regional Meeting in 2/2018. This was my first time attending this meeting. It was very well run, organized, and pertinent to the current hot topics of ADHD. well worth my time as an ADHD medical physician.

I have known Pam Esser for several years and I always find her to be a font of knowledge and she is generous in sharing her wisdom. Some of our students who are in our post secondary program at the V.A.S.T. Academy at HCC- and their parents- have benefited directly or indirectly from her interesting and useful classes and workshops.

ADDA-SR deserves recognition.

Karen Sprague, Houston Community College
V.A.S.T. ACADEMY Transition Specialist

ADDA-SR is AMAZING! They have been ever so present in our community for at LEAST 22 years that I know of. Pam is always "there"..... at her meetings and other seminars around the community. She is ALWAYS and so kind, gracious, helpful and a ROCK! She always has EXCELLENT programs ...and even for an "older" parents like me I am still learning and growing from her expertise of finding new and innovative speakers and her fortitude and tenacity to be sure there is always a place to come "home" to...... to get help and support during different phases of life! I am a big fan of ADDA-SR!!!!!! 

My first experience with ADDA-SR was around 1993 when my son was in elementary school and struggling with behavior at home and in school. The support group I first attended pointed me in the right direction to find the resources necessary to get the help we needed. I started volunteering with the group and eventually became part of the staff for about 9 years. I am continually amazed at how many years they have continued assisting the community with resources and education about Attention Deficit Disorders. They provide an extremely valuable service to all who reach out and there is always someone willing to listen.

As an ADHD clinician, I have found the resources invaluable for my ADHD children and adolescents.
Pam Esser is always patient and caring in our community. She strives to have speakers and an annual conference that is invaluable to clinicians and clients alike. I never miss the annual conference as it is filled with life changing information to advocate for our ADHD population.
ADD-SR makes a noticeable difference in our community.
Thank you!

ADHD poses a lot of challenges in life, learning and relationships in general. The information that we have gained from this ADDA- Southern Region organization has been beneficial and impactful. This organization has truly given us the resources and tools that we needed to share in our local community support group.
Their hard work has been second to none. What a tremendous asset to the greater Houston area!

I have attended seminars and workshops, the annual ADDA-SR conference, and co-facilitate a local parent support group meeting. This organization has been an invaluable resource to me (both as a psychologist and a mother) as well as to our community. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about ADHD and learning differences.

We have worked with Pam Esser and the ADDA-SR for many years. We can attest to the pivotal role ADDA-SR plays in supporting special populations in the greater-Houston community. As an organization, they listen to the community to create timely presentations on relevant topics. Additionally, ADDA-SR provides a sense of community in our area as schools, professionals, clinicians and others work with families to support individuals with differences, at varying ages. But most importantly they bring resources and highly qualified professionals for training to our community for little to no cost. We are truly thankful for all the ADDA-SR provides!

Pam Esser Executive Director for ADDA-SR has done a phenomenal job of sharing excellent resources, ongoing workshops, and events for educating and bringing awareness/acceptance to our community on Attention Deficit Disorders.

I refer many families to ADDA-SR and you should too!

The monthly meetings are always very informative and educational. I've attended a few workshops and those are always very educational as well. The group is very organized and very helpful in finding resources to meet my needs and the needs of others. Thank you.

Have volunteered with ADDA-SR for many years. Always have top-notch conferences, speakers, workshops and offer enormous support for the parents and children they serve. Dedicated staff and volunteers make up this organization.

I have had the opportunity to interact with the organization frequently. They offer continuing education for professionals that allows those with an interest in the field to continue to expand their horizons and serve the client population better than they would otherwise be able to do without the organization's support.

When my son was diagnosed with ADHD 16 years ago, I was directed to ADDA-Southern Region support groups by my son's Pediatric Neurologist to give my husband and me emotional support and for us to learn more about what we could do to help him learn in spite of also being diagnosed with Apraxia of Speech and a Sensory Integration Disorder. He received several years of therapy, but because he received his therapy early in his life and because of the excellent information his father and I learned about helping him to learn in a more hands-on way.

ADDA-SR is an organization dedicated to serving the general public for the purpose of education regarding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its related challenges. This organization disseminates current information about ADHD as well as having monthly support meetings for parents of ADHD children, and arranging for specific workshops and conventions. Additionally, the Staff respond to general questions and assist in finding referral sources and resources for those in need of assistance. They work hard and tirelessly in this endeavor and deserve a a huge THANK YOU! This is an invaluable organization and can only continue to exist through the consistant participation of the public. We should make every effort to support this very worthwhile organization in any way possible.

I learned about the ADD conference coordinated by the ADDA-SR group. I registered and attended - and am very glad I chose to spend my time this way. The event was well run, with great speakers. I'm glad I told 5 friends about the event also. Only 3 were able to attend, but we all appreciated the Saturday learning opportunity. THANKS for the great event. I've also emailed the volunteers with a couple of specific questions seeking pointers. Every time, the volunteers did get back to me in a timely manner with very relevant suggestions that got me moving in a productive direction to find appropriate information. Again, thanks to these volunteers. They've certainly helped me to understand that I'm not alone in my battle against ADD for my family.

ADDA-SR is an invaluable resource for the Texzs community. It provides excellent education about ADHD thru conferences for patients, their parents, professionals and the commnity at large. Inaddition the personal 1:1 education has been invaluable for my patients.Another key service is advocacy for students to get the appropiate services needed from schools. The staff are incredibly dedicated individuals who give their all to help those with ADHD and their families. I wish that they had more funds to be able to create more outreach into rural Texas. They are always under financial pressure and have not been able to create stable funding. I miss their mailed Newsletter. The quality is still high but emailing a newsletter misses many of the people who need it the most. They need to devise a better system of using their Professional Advisory Board to be more productive and involved. This body should be involved in fund raising. It feels that only a few of the Professional Advisory Board truly put their energies into the Organization yet the Board never changes to get rid of the dead wood. The continual financial crises are very distracting and limit this organization

I have been involved with this organization for over fifteen years and wholly support its goals and objectives. This organization has been beneficial to clients and professionals by providing information and knowledge about ADHD and providing referral sources for clients. It has also provided a wealth of knowledge for professionals. As a professional, I highly endorse this organization and its very capable staff.

When I first started the group over 15 years ago, I was a parent in search of help and had no idea what to expect but ADDA-SR was always been there to support me when I had questions or concerns. The organization presented me a way to offer support to parents in the community as well as information to educators, health care providers and family members at no cost. My support group provides needed contact between parents who feel alone and need someone to talk to who understands as well as information from professionals in the community. Over the years, I have had contact with hundreds of thousands of people searching for help via phone, e-mail or in person. Thanks to the organization, I had the chance to help each one of them and will continue to help them in any way I can.

I have 2 sons with issues ranging from ADHD, Dyslexia, Aspergers tendancies, PDD-NOS, etc. This organization has helped me with getting education services in the public school system (IEP, 504, etc.), learning what thier rights are, getting medical doctor recommendations, and general coping skills for a parent raising boys with learning and life issues. It has been a real help to our family.

When my son was 9 years old, he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. I knew very little about it and needed more knowledge and also support in dealing with it. ADDA-SR was there for me! Through monthly support meetings and annual conferences, I have learned a great deal which has, in turn, helped me to help my son. Everyone was always so helpful and friendly. I learned about effective treatment strategies. Today, my son is 16 years old and is doing fantastic! I higly recommend this organization to anyone seeking similar help. It's been wonderful!

When I first learned about ADDA I had the opportunity to attend one of their regional conferences. Having a son with ADHD, I was constantly on the lookout for advice and helps. I learned SO MUCH at the ADDA weekend conference! There were a variety of speakers covering topics from organization to diet to medication to procrastination and many others! It was well-organized and each topic was covered by someone well-qualified to speak on the subject. It was validating to be in a room full of people who were dealing with the same things I was. I took a number of things home with me; one of which was a thankfulness that this organization exists.

I first learned of ADDA when our daughter was 7 or 8 years old (she is now 16). Being a good parent is a challenge even without ADD/ADHD in the picture, but we were finding that the condition was responsible for numerous differences between kids with and kids without ADD. These differences complicated school and many other facets of life. Yet, we knew we had a wonderful and special child; we didn't want that fact to get lost in the shuffle. ADDA has provided some outstanding educational programs that have been extremely helpful in better knowing and handling our situation. Monthly meetings were free and even provided child care, which sometimes made the difference in my ability to attend. And they were entertaining, too - good speakers who not only knew their stuff, but they had their own experiences as well. I have also been to a couple of special programs for a fee and came away with a LOT of helpful information. My daughter even accompanied me to one of them, and we both enjoyed and learned from it. In fact, she ended up working with the speaker privately as a tutor and educational consultant, which taught her a lot. My husband has also attended some of the meetings and feels he benefited from them. The information and education we received from ADDA has enabled us to understand our daughter so much better than we would have otherwise, which, in turn, has improved our parenting and made us a happy family. Kids like her walk such a tightrope - so full of potential, yet so many challenges, and the right kind of parenting can make all the difference. We are blessed to have an organization like ADDA!

Their annual conferences are always informative and interesting. It is a great time to visit with parents and professionals in the field.

As a parent with a child with ADHD, you are constantly on the look out for resources and information. Less than a week before the annual seminar, I found ADDA-SR. I was able to receive a parent scholarship to attend. Just being with other parents--hearing speakers who have walked in my shoes was a tremendous boost. I received a wealth of information--and shared it with my son's teachers and other families, too. I continually go back to my notes and the books I purchased at the conference as helpful, practical resources as I guide and support my son.