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attended their 1st annual ADHD summit last year, I thought I would put together this PESI ADHD Summit Review Post-Summit Resources: The summit provided handouts for post-event review. Don't worry, subscribe to my blog and get my review on the summit when it comes out after the event!

Late last year, I wrote a review on the Fair Play Game, an innovative tool designed to help couples

It wasn't until this year, when I decided to join her ADHD & US non-ADHD training (reviewing in next

As my spouse and I continue our search for an ADHD coach, we were delighted to discover another ADHD event, The ADHD Toolbox, held in March. With two days' worth of content rich with insights from experts sharing top tips and strategies for ADHD adults, including a live Q&A session with Dr. Ned Hallowell, we decided to attend the event to aid us in our search. Here's our perspective on our experience at the event and why ADHD couples might find it worthwhile. Who is Alma Galvan and Bob Dietrich? Alma and Bob have triumphed over personal challenges with ADHD, inspiring their mission to help others facing similar struggles. Alma navigated the daunting task of finding support for her two sons with ADHD, a journey fraught with difficulties, including a doctor's suggestion to institutionalize one of her sons—an unimaginable burden for any mother. Bob's realization about his father's likely undiagnosed ADHD sparked a journey of understanding. Together, they work collaboratively to serve the ADHD community through a program Alma developed called BrainWorx, and events like the ADHD Toolbox, providing invaluable support and resources for those facing similar challenges. Event Overview The ADHD Toolbox for Adults is an annual virtual gathering organized by Alma and Bob, aiming to share tips from experts in the ADHD field to help adults overcome common ADHD challenges like anxiety, procrastination, and overwhelm, which are very common for adults with ADHD. Our Take of the Event Opting for free access to the live event, the first day consisted of back-to-back sessions with five experts over one Zoom call, with the second day featuring multiple pre-recorded sessions with different ADHD experts. They curated an impressive lineup of experts, including ADDA's president, Duane Gordan, Leslie Josel, Kevin Bailey, and Dr. Ned Hallowell. While the topics focused on the common challenges of ADHD, each expert offered a unique perspective and interpretation. Their explanations of different ADHD challenges further helped me understand the impact ADHD has on my spouse. Here are our Top 3 Favorite Sessions: 1. Kevin Bailey on ADHD burnout I thoroughly enjoyed Kevin's talk about ADHD burnout because his explanation provided me with an 'aha' moment. I had never considered ADHD burnout from that angle before. This newfound understanding allows me to have more compassion for my ADHD spouse when ADHD burnout occurs, as I realize it's not something he desires. However, I can find ways to better support him through ADHD burnout. Check out my blog post on how I support my spouse when ADHD burnout happens. 2. Leslie Josel on executive functions With 20 years of experience supporting and guiding kids with ADHD, Leslie Josel, an ADHD coach specializing in children, radiates positive energy and excitement. What I truly enjoyed about the session was her explanation of executive functions. For example, she explained that for people with ADHD, time management is a form of disorganization. This gave me a new understanding of the challenges ADHD poses for my spouse, allowing me to think about how to better support him in realizing his long-term goals, which are important to both of us. 3. Dr Hallowell Q&A session While listening to experts talk about specific topics is beneficial, it often requires attendees to connect the dots on their own or have follow-up questions. This is why I loved Dr. Hallowell's session—you could ask a well-known expert in the field anything you wanted. Loved ones of ADHD individuals and people with ADHD could get their questions answered, empowering them to quickly understand their next steps. Conclusion The event proved invaluable for us, not only because it helped check out a few more ADHD coaches, but also because being able to listen to other ADHD coaches explain their perspectives helped me, as a non-ADHD spouse, further understand the daily challenges my ADHD spouse faces. This enables me to find the empathy I need for my spouse when my empathy tank runs low while ADHD symptoms challenges both of us at the same time. Do you have kids with ADHD? Bob and Alma have an upcoming ADHD Toolbox virtual event for kids on April 26-28th. Click here  to register for the event.

On my previous post, I answered a reader's question on ADHD Skills course being an alternative to ADHD partner support group. As it happens, I was attending an ADHD skills course to find out what they are all about. Today, I share my experience and thoughts on the ADHD skills course created by LeAnn Levering, LCSW. Who is LeAnn Levering LCSW? LeAnn Levering, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker based in Texas. Diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s, LeAnn has a unique, firsthand perspective on the challenges faced by ADHD adults. This personal experience fueled her passion for helping other adults with ADHD build better lives. As the owner of Levering Mind in Texas, LeAnn offers both therapy and ADHD skills courses, providing an ADHD-affirming approach that empowers individuals to move beyond their struggles and thrive. What is the Course About? LeAnn offers a 12-week virtual class designed for any ADHD adults looking to learn and develop foundational skills that can improve their lives. This course combines psychoeducation and skill-based sessions that teach proven techniques for managing ADHD symptoms. Each session focuses on a different topic, covering a wide range of common challenges faced by ADHD adults, from disorganization and anxiety management to time management and beyond. This comprehensive approach ensures participants gain valuable insights and practical tools to navigate their ADHD more effectively. Why Should Other ADHD Adults Consider Taking This Course? 1. Welcoming and Non-Judgmental Environment One of the most comforting aspects of LeAnn's course is its supportive and non-judgmental environment. The small group setting fosters a sense of community, where participants can share their experiences and challenges openly. Learning alongside others who understand the struggles of ADHD creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages honest discussions and mutual support. This shared experience helps reduce feelings of isolation and builds a strong foundation for personal growth. 2. Practical Tips and Strategies LeAnn's course is well-structured, offering practical tips and strategies to tackle various ADHD challenges. Each session focuses on specific topics, making it easier for participants to grasp and apply the skills being taught. A critical component of the course is LeAnn's explanation of the reasons behind ADHD symptoms and why they can be challenging. By helping participants understand the root causes, she addresses a common issue where many ADHD adults, including my ADHD spouse, often blame themselves for actions that are actually driven by their symptoms. Understanding these underlying reasons helps lift participants' spirits and motivates them to try different strategies and tips. LeAnn also excels at engaging participants by encouraging them to share their own challenges and discuss them within the group. This interactive approach allows participants to benefit not only from LeAnn's expertise but also from the collective wisdom and experiences of their peers. The small group environment fosters collaborative problem-solving and provides add'l of strategies beyond those presented by LeAnn. 3. Built in Support Group Even though this is a skills course, it has added benefits due to professional guidance like LeAnn's. LeAnn helps keep discussions focused and productive, ensuring that conversations stay on track. Her expertise allows her to identify issues that participants might not notice on their own, providing insights that might be missed in a typical gathering of ADHDers. This professional touch enhances the group's ability to pinpoint and address specific challenges effectively. Thus, the course not only offers the communal support of a typical support group but also provides the structured, insightful guidance of a skilled clinician. Conclusion After attending LeAnn's ADHD skills course, I highly recommend ADHD spouse to consider attending an ADHD skills course if they are looking for a more interactive way to better understand ADHD and identify some foundational strategies and tips to help them improve their life. While this is great for any ADHDers regardless of where they are in their journey, if I have the opportunity to turn back time, I highly recommend any newly diagnosed ADHD adults to consider taking a skills course like LeAnn's to help you fast track and thrive. Interested in taking LeAnn's ADHD Skills Course? Schedule a free consultation and meet LeAnn here . Course Details: Cost:  $870 (prices as of September 2024) Total Sessions:  13 (including 1 needs assessment + 12 class meetings) Medium:  Zoom Health Insurance Reimbursement:  Not Applicable Rating:  4 out of 5 stars LeAnn’s Website:   www.leveringmind.com

Read my seminar review here. Like more course and book reviews like this? the first to get first-hand insights, access upcoming ADHD couples training, enriching courses, and reviews

Last week I did a review on the book "ADHD&US" by Anita Robertson. Feel free to check out my review of her book here. reimbursement: Not Applicable Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Anita's website: www.anitarobertson.com Like more Reviews the first to get first-hand insights, access upcoming ADHD couples training, enriching courses, and reviews

Each week, couples review a new lesson on their own, and every two weeks, course participants join a

Like many couples affected by ADHD, my spouse and I face challenges in keeping our home tidy. For my ADHD spouse, my standards always seem too high. To me, maintaining a tidy house reduces stress, and the level of tidiness directly correlates with how calm I remain during crises triggered by ADHD. I've observed that when the house is tidy and we encounter an ADHD curveball or another episode of my spouse's ADHD burnout, I find myself more patient. Conversely, when the situation is reversed, I tend to have a shorter fuse with my ADHD spouse, which can spell trouble for us. In my search for solutions to our "tidy house" problem, I stumbled upon Susan Pinsky's book, "Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD 2nd edition," on Amazon, boasting a 4.4 rating. I decided to check it out, and I'm so glad I did. Since then, she has updated the book in 2023. Let me share why you should consider checking it out yourself. Who is Susan Pinsky? Susan Pinsky is a professional organizer and a parent of a child with ADHD. When she learned of her daughter's ADHD diagnosis in grade school, she began educating herself about ADHD. Soon, she realized that many of her clients also had ADHD. Understanding that many individuals and families face similar challenges, she wrote this book to assist people with ADHD and their family members in tackling organization challenges, specifically within their homes. What do I think of this book? Upon initially reading the 2nd edition, I appreciated the organization of the book. Each chapter focuses on a specific area of the home and offers practical tips and strategies for individuals with ADHD and their family members to try. Pinsky's book provided multiple "aha" moments for me. For instance, in her introduction, she discussed how traditional organizational systems, which work well for many neurotypical individuals, can be unhelpful or even detrimental for people with ADHD: "Over the course of my life and career, I have found that by reexamining societal values surrounding organization and identifying those that are counterproductive we can tailor an organizational system that supports people with ADHD instead of frustrating and hindering them." This helped me realize that I needed to create an organizational system that would work for both of us, rather than simply hoping my ADHD spouse would magically understand and meet my standards one day. Pinsky's book gave me the foundational knowledge to better enable us as an ADHD couple to keep our home organized. I strongly recommend non-ADHD spouses to read this book to help achieve an organized home that both partners can be proud of. 3 Reasons Why I Recommend This Book 1. Explanation of Her ADHD-Friendly Organizing Methodology Up Front In the 3rd edition, Pinsky made some small tweaks that I really appreciate. She shares her ADHD-friendly organizing methodology upfront, along with the reasons behind it. This approach helped me connect the dots more quickly as I read different chapters and allowed me to apply her methodology to our home. For instance, in the section on organizing the medicine cabinet in the bathroom chapter, she explains how to categorize toiletries. We are fortunate to have separate bathrooms that allowed us to organize the way we wanted and needed; we used her bin method to organize our first aid and medication in a different part of the house. This adjustment proved immensely useful for my ADHD spouse to retrieve medication or first aid when needed. 2. Clear Problem and Solution for Each Part of the Home Each chapter of Pinsky's book is dedicated to a specific area in a home, such as the kitchen, dining room, or laundry room, allowing readers to jump straight to the part of the home where they want to start. Pinsky highlights common problems and lists solutions for readers to try. Additionally, she uses yellow sticky graphics to highlight relevant tips, drawing readers' attention and aiding in the execution of solutions. Here is an example of her book on handling cleaning supplies: 3. Lot of Pictures that illustrate the point Pictures convey a thousand words, and I appreciate that Pinsky included many visuals to clearly communicate her points. The images provide readers with a clear understanding of what the end solution looks like, enabling them to self-check whether they are following Pinsky's advice. For example, after reading about the spice rack dilemma, we removed the rotating spice rack from our countertop and reduced the number of spices in our cabinet, per her recommendation. Furthermore, we implemented her suggestion to prioritize visibility by creating dedicated shelves—one for my ADHD spouse's commonly used spices and another for my larger collection. This arrangement reduced frustration for both of us while allowing quick access to what we need. Conclusion Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD by Susan Pinsky is a valuable resource for any ADHD couples seeking to better organize their homes together. I strongly recommend this book to non-ADHD spouses, as Pinsky's insights helped me connect some of the dots regarding ADHD and its impact on my spouse. In fact, some of her wisdom, like this one above, have made it onto my non-ADHD partner's perpetual motivational daily desktop calendars, as it was one of my "aha" moments on my journey to gain deeper understanding ADHD and approach things differently with my ADHD spouse. Have you read this book? Share your thoughts with our community by commenting below. Susan's Website: https://www.organizationallyours.com/

When my husband and I set out on the daunting journey of understanding ADHD, Douglas A. Puryear MD's book, "Your Life Can Be Better," beckoned to us with the promise of insights into a better life. Join us as we revisit this transformative book and share our thoughts on how Dr. Puryear's personal journey with ADHD resonated with us. Who is Douglas A. Puryear? Douglas A. Puryear is a retired psychiatrist who discovered his own ADHD at the age of 64, became a guiding light in our quest for understanding. His journey, marked by personal trials and triumphs, infuses a genuine quality into the advice he imparts. As we delved into his world, exploring his successful private practice and enduring marriage, Dr. Puryear emerged as a living testament to what many ADHD spouses aspire to achieve. Even in retirement, he continues to share his wisdom through his blog, ADDadultstrategies. What do I think of this book? Revisiting the book allowed me to delve deeper into its profound insights. Dr. Puryear's comprehension of the attention challenges faced by ADHD readers is evident throughout the book. He cleverly ensures that the content remains accessible, relatable, and sprinkled with humor. The book's 71 chapters, each ranging from 2 to 5 pages, masterfully engage readers in weighty topics like shame, making the content not just informative but also enjoyable. While my spouse and I agreed that the book felt a bit lengthy, it became clear that Dr. Puryear poured his heart and soul into this work. As more adults over 55 discover ADHD later in life, we believe this book is a valuable resource for understanding ADHD and implementing strategies to enhance their lives. Three Reasons Why I Recommend This Book to Older Adults Who Just got Diagnosed: 1) Easy to Read The brevity of chapters caters to short attention spans often associated with ADHD. Dr. Puryear's writing style, both informative and light-hearted, makes the content approachable and enjoyable. His personal struggles with ADHD are woven into each chapter, creating a relatable narrative. Additionally, he avoids technical jargon, like executive function, neurotypical, DSM-5, etc., making the book more enjoyable and palatable for readers. For examples, in chapter 18, he shared what red flag is to him and how he use it to take action. Red flag can be warning of danger or just a signal to alert us to something. Some of my personal red flags are, " I'll do that later ," and " Oh, it'll be OK ," and " I have plenty of time ." We can learn what our red flags are and recognize them when they pop-up. We can be conscious of little bits of available time; using them decreases the pressure we feel. The "I'll do that later" is a common phrase my husband uses and "that thing" is forgotten as soon as he finishes the sentence. It prompted us to agree to a deadline and set a reminder right at that moment if that phrase pops up in our conversation. 2) A Real Strategy Book What sets this book apart is its focus on practical strategies. From the first chapter, Dr. Puryear offers tips he discovered even before his diagnosis. His ability to connect these strategies to ADHD symptoms, explained with logic and clarity, makes the book immensely valuable. This approach helps readers quickly connect the dots in their own lives, especially those diagnosed later in life. Here are a practical strategy he shared in his book that made a lot of sense to us on keeping and sustaining focus on chapter 21. What turns our focus center on? Personal interest, Novelty, Challenge . Heavy immediate deadline . We can play mind games to trick our focus center into turning on. We have some ability to control our attitudes, and one way is to choose what kind of language we are going to use to ourselves. Should's and 'have to's tend to stall us even though they 'should' encourage us. His strategy here did not just taught my husband, but also myself on how to prepare for errand conversations with my husband when I know the errands are something he does not enjoy. 3) Successful ADHD Couples' Stories While primarily about individual strategies, the inclusion of a chapter about Dr. Puryear's experiences with his wife adds a unique touch. Stories like "how to ensure he leaves the toilet seat down" resonate universally, reminding readers that navigating challenges is a part of every couple's journey, ADHD or not. Conclusion: "Your Life Can Be Better" stands as a beacon of practical wisdom for ADHD spouses who found out about the ADHD diagnosis late in life. Dr. Puryear's sincerity in wanting to help others is palpable throughout the book. The unique approach of focusing on challenges, tying them to ADHD symptoms, and then providing strategies makes the complex topic of ADHD more digestible. This book is not just a guide; it's a success story that inspires readers to overcome their challenges and thrive personally and professionally.

individuals with ADHD, my interest was sparked by Aron's presence at the Crush Your ADHD summit (Check out my review Over a 2-week period, he was able to completely format his report and allow him to submit it for peer review

NOTE: This support group is being transitioned to a new platform outside of ADDA as of July 17th, 2024. If you are interested in joining, do not sign up for the ADDA membership. Click here to learn more about the new platform. Navigating a relationship where one partner has ADHD can present unique challenges. For non-ADHD partners, understanding and supporting their partner while managing their own emotions and needs is crucial. ADDA, one of the largest ADHD non-profit organizations, offers a non-ADHD partner support group to provide emotional and peer support. Currently, this group is led by Mike Fedel, an ADHD coach who understands these challenges firsthand. After attending these sessions for the past few months, I'd like to share my thoughts on this support group. Who is Mike Fedel? Mike Fedel is an ADHD coach with a personal understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He was diagnosed with ADHD himself in 2013, after years of navigating life without knowing about ADHD. Mike brings both professional expertise and personal insight to his role as facilitator of the ADDA non-ADHD support group. What Do I Think of the Support Group? I am impressed by the size and engagement of this support group—it's the largest non-ADHD support group I have seen and attended. Mike's approach to helping non-ADHD partners understand ADHD behaviors is commendable. He remains composed and patiently explains these behaviors to the best of his knowledge, helping participants connect the dots and gain a deeper understanding of their partner's actions. This is really not an easy feat as some of the discussion could potentially be triggers for Mike himself. Three Reasons Why I Recommend This Group: 1. Affordability and Accessibility:   This support group is incredibly accessible and affordable, free if you have a ADDA membership (BTW, the membership only costs $9 a month—equivalent to 2 Grande latte at Starbucks). The group session is held weekly with consistently high attendance (30+ people per session), fostering a strong sense of community among non-ADHD partners who share similar challenges. 2. Insight into ADHD Behaviors:  Mike Fedel's personal experience with ADHD enriches the group sessions. He goes beyond just discussing behaviors; he explores the underlying reasons behind them. This deeper understanding helps non-ADHD partners accept and navigate their partner's behaviors more effectively, paving the way towards finding solutions together. For example, as we were talking about how ADHD spouses often mask themselves in front of others, Mike explained how the mask sometimes comes off with their non-ADHD spouse because they let their guard down and trust their partner. While the unmasking might mean that the non-ADHD spouse sees a not-so-pleasant side of their ADHD spouse, it is also a sign of the ADHD spouse's trust. Upon some internal reflection, I realized how important it is for me not to react negatively when the unmasking happens. Being cognizant of this behavior allowed me to become more supportive of my spouse, which helped him recover from negative thoughts faster. 3. Interactive and Supportive Environment:  The group sessions are not just informative but also interactive. While not everyone is able to speak during the session, everyone can participate in the chat, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where participants can share insights and support one another. Additionally, the multiple options to connect offline through dedicated private Facebook group, ADDA social platform in their website or directly connecting with other members via phone, text or email makes getting access to support much more accessible. Conclusion: ADDA's non-ADHD support group led by Mike Fedel offers a valuable resource for non-ADHD partners navigating relationships with individuals with ADHD. Mike's blend of personal experience and professional expertise creates a supportive environment where members can gain insights, connect with others facing similar challenges, and find effective strategies for enhancing their relationships. Whether you're seeking understanding, community, or practical advice, this support group provides a compassionate space to navigate the complexities of ADHD relationships with confidence. If you have attended one of Mike's support groups, let us know your thoughts by commenting below. NOTE: This support group is being transitioned to a new platform outside of ADDA as of July 17th, 2024. If you are interested in joining, do not sign up for the ADDA membership. Click here  to learn more about the new platform. Support Group Details: Total sessions: 1 session a week, Wed at 9AM PT Medium: Zoom Health Insurance reimbursement: Not Applicable Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Check out Mike Fedel's website: Here