Support Groups for ADHD Kids & Parents
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Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
- ADHD Support Group in Lamorinda/WC
- Family support for ADHD
- Support group in Berkeley for parents of ADHD kids?
ADHD Support Group in Lamorinda/WC
April 2013
I am looking for a Parent's ADHD Support Group in Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga or Walnut Creek. If you know of one please let me know. Anon
The Northern California chapter of CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD, I think) is a good place to start. Check them out at www.norcalchadd.org. The web site lists support groups, professional providers and other info. Good Luck! Adult with ADD
Family support for ADHD
Feb 2007
Looking for a family therapist skilled with ADHD families, and short-term therapy (no time for weekly visits over many months) Heres the problems: Both of my children have ADHD, one on medication, one not. I have read extensively on managing our behavioral concerns and understanding what we should expect from our kids. My husband has not read anything, but supports medication and can tell a difference. Our problem is that when one child in particular makes goofy faces, wiggles around, looks away and other unconscious acts when being scolded etc. my husband gets very angry, lots of yelling etc about disrespect. He thinks he is not getting through, so he thinks that if he makes himself very scary it will make an impression once and for all, so he really goes to the max(no physical punishment), despite the fact that this only happens after the medicine wears off. He is a big man and very intense and energetic and I can hardly get him to really listen to what I say (not soulful listening, just that he automatically thinks everything will be negative or a criticism, when often I am making an offer to help out with a to-do or trying to show concern). The kids have garden variety ADHD issues- not defiant or combative, just handfuls in general. I, of course, am forced into the role of the softie, and blamed for the fact that his nuclear outbursts have not proven effective. The fact that the kids are not perfect despite my desperate reading is proof to him that the books on managing behavior useless pablum.
So anyway, he looks really scary, even to me, it doesn't work with the kids so it happens every week, and I think hubby has ADHD too (he agrees and other family members have it). Daddy is a high-achiever, so we don't need an adult ADHD specialist to help Daddy focus, etc, but with someone that can help a successful person (in part successful because of the ADHD-linked traits of energy, multitasking, and creativity) work on his response to our kids, and my response to his response. He got hit alot for disrespect as a child, and has had anger issues all his life, and still doesn't see the connection. I think therapy is the only way- I've read all the books. Mom in the middle
I have found counseling to be very helpful in dealing with my ADHD child, but there are other resources too. First I would recommend you join CHADD, a national non-profit that provides education, advocacy, and support for people with ADHD and their families. You can join a local support group and/or an on-line community. Kindred spirit
Support group in Berkeley for parents of ADHD kids?
Sept. 2004
Is there a support group for parents of children with AD/HD in the Berkeley area? I need help with parenting skills for my 7 year old AD/HD son. This is new to me and I am a bit overwhelmed. I don't see this on the website. Thanks. Mom in need
Rona Renner with Kaiser in Richmond runs an ADHD parenting workshop. It is a 4 part series on Saturday mornings. I believe the next series starts on Oct. 9th. Her # is (510)307-2539 for more info. You do not need to be a member of Kaiser to attend-- it is free to the public. I have not actually attended yet, but I plan to go to this next one. My son is 8 and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 7. We have had a lot of ups and downs and I've learned a lot in the process. If you'd like, I would be happy to talk with you more about our family's journey with an ADHD child (behavioral pediatricians, medication as an option, schools, etc.).
[Editor] more reviews of Rona Renner: http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/therapy/renner.html
Check out East Bay learning disabilities assn: http://www.eastbaylda.org/home_page.html and www.chadd.org (children and adults w/ adhd) The local chapter of Chadd has support groups that meet in various places. Also check out www.schwablearning.org - the parent chat acts as a virtual support group. Well moderated, very helpful Anon
The closest one I have found is in Pleasanton, run by JoAnn Matone, once a month. She can be contacted at jmatone [at] attbi.com. Another Parent Dealing with the Same Thing
June 2003
I would be interested in knowing about parenting classes that offer support and techniques for dealing with children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. If anyone has attended such, could you please share your experience, both plus and minus? Many thanks!
Parent of recently diagnosed child
Recommendations received:
- Rona Renner's parenting workshops (2)
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD) offers local groups and lots of information. They can be reached at 510.291.2950. The Ability Resource Center in Berkeley is another place to try. They offer groups for parents and children, and also see families individually. I heard the director, Glenn Gelfenbein, MA speak at a conference and was very impressed with his knowledge and understanding of what such a diagnosis means for the child and parents. They can be reached at 510.595.5548. Andrea
Friendship club with Kaiser has been pretty good!
UC-Berkeley psychology department had a parent group that we participated in last year after our 4th grader was diagnosed. Research is that combined behavioral and medical has the best results. My husband was highly resistant to medication, but it has made a big difference. We only use it on school days.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Rebecca Freeling from wits end parenting. We have an extremely spirited child about the same age, also in Berkeley schools, and we weren’t sure what to do or where to turn. We found Rebecca on we have an extremely spirited child about the same age, also in Berkeley schools, and we weren’t sure what to do or where to turn. We found Rebecca on BPN and were impressed with the favorable reviews. She acts more like a family coach and her approach is unique for each family. As parents , We learned more effective techniques for how to handle difficult situations and our daughter showed dramatic improvements over the course of several months. The whole family will go for appointments to Rebecca and we just told her kids that she is teaching us to treat each other better, which they love!