ADHD

About ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is known as a neurodevelopmental disorder. This means that ADHD develops in a person’s childhood or youth (i.e., before age 12) and involves differences in how the brain is built and how it functions. ADHD can look different depending on the symptoms each person experiences. These include inattention symptoms (e.g., difficulty concentrating or keeping organized) and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (e.g., acting without thinking, fidgeting and restlessness), or some combination of the two. ADHD often causes significant problems at home, school, work, and/or in social relationships.

CPA “Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: ADHD

Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) Info for Kids, Adolescents, and Adults

Centre for ADHD Awareness (CADDAC) General Info

Helpful Organizations

CADDAC is a national charity that aims to improve the lives of Canadians affected by ADHD through awareness, education, and advocacy. Resources include webinars, courses for parents of children with ADHD, conferences, and a nationwide directory of clinicians and service centres with expertise in ADHD.

CADDRA is a non-profit association of health professionals who support people with ADHD and their families. Resources include information and recommended reading for individuals with ADHD across the lifespan, as well as various COVID-19 specific resources.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) is a registered charity that aims to improve the lives of Ontarians of all ages with learning disabilities and/or ADHD. Resources include online workshops and courses, educational material (i.e., readings, videos), as well as scholarships and bursaries for students with learning disabilities or ADHD.

Readings, Tools, Apps

Mastering Your Adult ADHD: A Cognitive Behavioural Treatment Program by Steven Safren, Susan Sprich, Carol Perlman, and Michael Otto.

The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps by Melissa Orlov

The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare

ADD Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life by Judith Kolberg

Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell A. Barkley

ADDitude Magazine

Pomofocus, an online timer built to reflect the “Pomodoro” method (i.e., 25-minute period of on-task activity, interrupted by 5-minute breaks)