Top ADHD Resources for Adults

adhd resources
istockphoto

Although it's most often treated in childhood, adult ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is increasingly being diagnosed among adults. Fortunately, resources for adults with ADHD are plentiful. Here, you'll find a compilation of national support organizations, YouTube channels, websites, social media profiles, therapist directories, and more that focus on neurodiversity-affirming support, and community.

At a Glance

ADHD in adults is different than in children, with signs and symptoms you might not have considered. For example, adults with ADHD often experience difficulty bringing intentions to fruition (executive dysfunction), challenges with managing time effectively, forgetfulness, and more.

Online Adult-ADHD Therapists

If you're looking for a neurodiversity-affirming therapist, these directories are great places to start.

Adult-ADHD Websites, Blogs, and Social Media

Analysis, advice, coping strategies, real-life accounts, and other useful adult ADHD resources are plentiful on the Internet. Here are just a few:

Adult-ADHD Educators and Therapists

Along with the better-known general online therapy sites, the internet offers ADHD educators, coaches, and therapists who share experiences, expertise, and tips.

  • The ADHD Lady: Offers assessment, coaching, classes, and webinars to help people better understand ADHD.
  • Sheila Henson: Offers individual, group, and caregiver coaching services and online classes and webinars on organization, executive function, and emotional regulation.
  • Neuroqueer: A site for LGBTQ adults with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder offering support from coaches and peers.
  • Luna Community Care: A cooperative supporting disabled neurodivergent individuals and offering peer support, peer groups, workplace training, and special interest clubs.
  • Trauma Geek: Info on neuroscience and trauma from researcher, storyteller, and neurodiversity advocate Janae Elisabeth
  • Understood: Articles and personalized resources for adults with ADHD

Online Adult-ADHD Communities and Forums

Connecting with others who share your diagnosis can help you feel better about your condition and can be a source of ideas, experiences, tools, and conversation. Here are a few to try.

Your healthcare provider is your most reliable source of information and support

Don't rely solely on information shared in online communities and other non-professional settings. Consult a licensed healthcare professional for the most current, reliable medical advice and treatment.

National Support Organizations

National ADHD organizations offer resources, support groups, and programs to help people with ADHD and their families. Many have local chapters for in-person gatherings and support.

CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD)

CHADD (chadd.org) is the largest national support organization for ADHD. It provides education, advocacy, and support for children and adults living with ADHD and their families, teachers, and healthcare professionals. CHADD offers programs and services locally and nationally. CHADD's annual conference features presentations about ADHD and the latest research findings.

CHADD's resource directory lists ADHD professionals such as physicians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, coaches, and education specialists.

ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association)

ADDA provides information and training resources for adults with ADHD. The organization also spearheads awareness and advocacy efforts (for example, calling for ADHD treatment in correctional facilities). Virtual support groups connect you with other adults living with ADHD. In a resource directory of professionals who specialize in ADHD, you'll find coaches, bookkeepers, professional organizers, doctors, and psychiatrists.

ADHD Awareness Month

October is ADHD Awareness Month, created to bolster knowledge about this frequently misunderstood disorder with support from many organizations and government agencies. Themes—for example, “Moving Forward with ADHD” (2023)—vary each year. The month also celebrates the positive aspects of ADHD.

Books

Some adults with ADHD struggle to read books cover to cover. Here are a few that you can dip into from time to time; many are available in audio format.

  • "Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You" by Jenara Nerenberg: Explains why ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity are so often overlooked in girls and women. Includes tips to help people design ADHD-friendly environments and support neurodivergent individuals.
  • "Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies for Increasing Focus, Attention, and Motivation With or Without Medication" by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD: A comprehensive overview of research-backed natural treatment options.
  • "The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos, Find Focus, and Get More Done" by Terry Matlen, MSW: Addresses the problems women have with ADHD, including how hormones affect ADHD symptoms and how ADHD changes with life stages.
  • "ADD and Your Money: A Guide to Personal Finance for Adults With Attention-Deficit Disorder" by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD, and Karl Klein, JD: Practical ideas, solutions, and advice on personal finances
  • "Fast Minds: How to Thrive if You Have ADHD (or Think You Might)" by Craig Surman, MD, Tim Bilkey, MD, and Karen Weintraub: Can help you and your loved ones understand ADHD symptoms and develop strategies to stop feeling chronically overwhelmed.
  • "The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps" by Melissa Orlov: Offers six steps to rebuild a relationship that's been affected negatively by adult ADHD
  • "The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD" by Lidia Zylowska, MD: Explains how to use mindfulness as a tool to help improve focus and attention

Body-Doubling Tools

Focusmate, a virtual co-working site, remotely pairs you with a coworker so you can keep each other focused. Known as body-doubling, this strategy involves completing tasks with another person.

Job Accommodation Resources

If ADHD traits are causing you problems at your workplace, you might be eligible for special accommodations. In the United States, two laws provide workplace protection for employees with disabilities: the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

For help understanding how workplace protection laws apply to you and your employer, visit the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for free information and services.

Accommodations for Adult Students With ADHD

In the United States, schools that receive federal funding must provide equal education opportunities to students with disabilities under Section 504. and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Magazines About Adult ADHD

  • ADDitude: Strategies and Support for ADHD and LD: Focuses on living with ADHD and features articles on medications, alternative therapies, coping strategies, symptoms, research, and more. Available in print and digital versions.
  • Attention Magazine: Covers current research, therapies, and other topics important to adults with ADHD. Published six times a year by CHADD in both print and digital versions.

ADHD Documentary

Written by comedians Rick Green and Patrick McKenna, the documentary "ADD and Loving It" follows McKenna as he is diagnosed with ADHD and navigates his condition in daily life. In a humorous but informative way, it discredits many myths about ADHD and earned both a New York Festival Silver World Medal for Best Medical Documentary and the CAMH Foundation Celebrity Transforming Lives Award for 2009.

ADHD Podcasts

Listen to these four compelling ADHD podcasts to learn about the latest ADHD research (even while performing another task, like housework):

3 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Adler, L. A., Faraone, S. V., Spencer, T. J., Berglund, P., Alperin, S., & Kessler, R. C. (2017). The structure of adult ADHDInternational Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research26(1), e1555. doi:10.1002/mpr.1555

  2. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008.

  3. U.S. Department of Education. Protecting students with disabilities.

By Jacqueline Sinfield
Jacqueline Sinfield is an ADHD coach, and the author of "Untapped Brilliance, How to Reach Your Full Potential As An Adult With ADHD."