Question:
I don't know of any support groups specific to family members of ADHD. I'm looking for some kind of group, email support, board, whatever for children of ADDults... Something like ACOA only for ADDers instead of Alcoholics... I would post here but my father is driving me back into therapy and I just don't feel right about complaining about his ADDness to people who have it. I need somewhere I can find a guideline of how much to write off to his ADDness and how much to write off to him being a jerk

Answer: I am 45 years old, married and the mother of 3. I sustained my severe brain injury as the result of a fall down a flight of concrete stairs over 7 years ago. I was in a coma for a couple of weeks, and in rehab for the next year. When my rehab ended and I was going crazy searching for answers and help, I and my family had the good fortune to connect with the Head Injury Association of Toronto (HIAT). We finally talked with others "who had been there". So, before I got involved with this list, I already knew that I learn more about living with brain injury from other injured persons and their families than from anyone who was paid for the job of working with me. Fortunately, I also learned that there are a number of good, caring professionals out there too, and that the best dialogue happens when we all listen to each other and respect each other's perspectives.

During the past 6 years, I have kept up my relationship with HIAT, but I also have helped develop an affiliated support group in the region north of Toronto which is where I live. I represent that group (The York Region Head Injury Support Group) on the Survivors' Advisory Council of the Ontario Brain Injury Association.

During this time, I have done my best to be able to return to work (as an educational assistant in Primary Special Ed). While I have been unsuccessful at that, I have to admit that my involvement with the brain injury associations and the support group has helped me to believe that I can still be worthwhile and productive on some level. I am very grateful for these opportunities I have had to learn and grow and maybe help someone else at the same time.