Listening to and understanding girls with ADD/ADHD

There are many resources out there.  I have only listed a handful here to give you a starting point. 

Web

What is ADD?

This page is on the Attention Deficit Disorder Association web page.  It is written for kids.  Nice, simple and straightforward!  More pages with information directed at children can be reached from ADDA Kids main page.

School and Me with ADD!

"Get tips for how to do well in school and at home."

Friends and Me with ADD!

"Want to get along better with your friends? Read how!."

ADDA Teen Page

This area is devoted to teen interests, questions, and contributions.  Articles include "Is your teacher "ADD-friendly" or "ADD-toxic"?" and "Teenagers Guide to ADHD".

ADDvance.  A Resource for Women and Girls with Attention Deficit Disorders

"The ADDvance website, first created in 1996, is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Created by Patricia Quinn, M.D. and Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., leaders in the field of AD/HD. The ADDvance website provides information and support to women and girls."

ADHD:  Not Just a Boy's Disorder
An article by Judy Shepps Battle.  Reinforcing information that includes a personal note from the author discussing her own undiagnosed ADHD and the impact it had on her life.

ADD in Females: From Childhood to Adulthood
An article from CHADD, written by Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D, that looks at the childhood and adolescent recollections of two adult women with ADHD.  Very enlightening.

Is Your Daughter a Daydreamer, Tomboy or "Chatty Kathy"? 

An article by Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D.  The rest of the title reads, "She May Have Undiagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder.

Why Girls with Attention Deficit Disorder Go Undiagnosed

An interesting article that demonstrates how easy ADHD is too miss in girls and what the consequences are for missing it.

From Frogs to Princes: Helping Scouts with ADHD Improve Social Skills

Written for Boy Scouts but a good resource. 

Strategies for Dealing with ADD in the Classroom

While the focus is the classroom, many suggestions would work in a Troop environment.

Building Self-Esteem

These tips are for all children but, can be especially important when working with girls with ADHD.  Wonderful suggestions/reminders!

Inattentive-ADD.org
A site that focuses on ADHD without Hyperactivity.  Some of the more interesting things on the site are the Personal Stories and an article that explores a differing viewpoint: "Is it that we are inattentive to the world, or could it be that the world is inattentive to us?"

Living With ADD

An interesting site that seeks to increase understanding of living with ADD.

Hello Friend  - Hello Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation
Not an ADD/ADHD site but much of the content is so applicable!
"Students with learning differences are often important sources of information for parents, teachers, and professionals who care and are willing to help. Explore the thoughts and experiences of students, and find a wealth of understanding on these topics:"

Books

Understanding Girls with ADHD by Kathleen Nadeau

This book is a must read!  "A groundbreaking book for parents, health care professionals, and educators, this guide increases awareness of girls with AD/HD, targeting each developmental and educational stage--from toddler years through adolescence--describing typical behaviors, age-appropriate treatment interventions, and offering age-related checklists for each stage."

The Adventures of Phoebe Flowers  by Barbara A. Roberts

"The Adventures of Phoebe Flower is a charming, highly readable series designed to help elementary school aged girls with AD/HD.  This very positive, but also realistic depiction of a girl with ADD is the ideal way to help your daughter understand her challenges while also helping her to build self-esteem."  Titles:

Phoebe Flower's Adventures: That's What Kids are For

The Adventures of Phoebe Flower: Phoebe's Lost Treasure

Phoebe's Best Best Friend

Phoebe's Tree House Secret

Focus on Ability: Serving Girls with Special Needs

"The up-to-date leader's guide for main-streaming girls with disabilities into Girl Scout activities.  GSUSA." 
I include this book but, for reasons other than its section on ADD/ADHD.  While the book had useful information and suggestions for working with girls with a range of disabilities, I really felt it fell short when it came to ADD/ADHD.  I suspect it was written before there was the amount of girl specific information we are starting to see today. 

 

Organizations

ADDvance.  A Resource for Women and Girls with Attention Deficit Disorders

"The ADDvance website, first created in 1996, is dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Created by Patricia Quinn, M.D. and Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., leaders in the field of AD/HD. The ADDvance website provides information and support to women and girls."

CHADD - Children and Adults With Attention Deficit Disorder

"The mission of CHADD is stated as "CHADD CARES." Specifically, CHADD works to improve the lives of people affected by AD/HD through: Collaborative Leadership, Advocacy, Research, Education and Support."

ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association

ADDA focuses especially on the needs of AD/HD adults and young adults with AD/HD.

 

Other Resources

ADDitude Magazine

This is the online presence of "ADDitude magazine - The Happy, Healthy Lifestyle Magazine for People with ADD".

What is ADD/ADHD?

12 Things Girl Scouts With ADD/ADHD Would Like Their Leaders to Know

What I Wish My Leader Knew - Site Submissions

Myths about ADD/ADHD - offsite

Tips for working with ADD/ADHD girls

Add your suggestions for helping Girl Scouts with ADHD achieve success!

Troop Tips  /  Try-Its  /  Badges  /  IPAs  /  Patches  -  See what others have shared!

What about other "disorders" like Autism Spectrum/Asperger's, Learning, etc.?

All opinions and suggestions on this page are those of the author (gleaned from a multitude of resources and personal experiences) and not endorsed by Girl Scouts of the USA. 'Girl Scouts' and 'Girl Scouts of the USA' are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Girl Scouts of the USA.