For ADHD Awareness Month, we are committed to supporting primary care providers, mental health professionals, parents/caregivers and those who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Together, we can increase awareness! Below is a list of REACH-recommended resources on ADHD, including the future of ADHD, common comorbidities, treatment & management of ADHD, and strategies for both clinicians and parents/caregivers. To learn more about REACH training programs, additional free mental health resources and to read our recent blog posts, click on one of the tabs above.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behavioral health disorders, affecting approximately 9% of all children and adolescents.[1] ADHD challenges a child’s ability to focus, follow directions, stay organized, manage time. ADHD can also affect academics, relationship, mental health and substance issues later in life. Early intervention and prevention are key.

What are the common signs & symptoms?

When it comes to ADHD signs and symptoms, every case is different. Some symptoms are more prevalent in boys. And, often the signs present differently for girls. Children may be inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive. Common symptoms include the inability to sit still, difficulty concentrating or following directions, excessive talking and/or interrupting, impulsive behavior, fidgeting, having a short attention span, difficulty staying organized, completing tasks, managing time.

The Future of ADHD, What’s New:

• ADDitude webinar: The Future of ADHD, presented by REACH Founder, Dr. Peter Jensen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKz0JW0Iyy0
• New treatments for ADHD, Dr. Laurence Greenhill: https://thereachinstitute.org/new-treatments-for-adhd/

ADHD & Common Comorbidities:

• REACH Webinar: Is it ADHD? Dr. Rachel Petersen-Nguyen, Dr. Lisa Hunter Romanelli https://thereachinstitute.org/training/free-mental-health-webinars/
• Is it ADHD or something else: https://thereachinstitute.org/is-it-adhd-or-something-else/

Strategies for PCPs:

• Getting Smarter about child mental health: https://thereachinstitute.org/getting-smarter-about-child-mental-health/
• Video Q&A: How PCPs can help families manage ADHD (MedPage Today w/ Dr. Deborah Buccino): https://www.medpagetoday.com/video-coverage/adhd-video-insights/104057
• Cross-titrating psychiatric medications: https://thereachinstitute.org/cross-titrating-psychiatric-medications/

Strategies for Parents:

• Should your child take an ADHD medication holiday:
  https://thereachinstitute.org/adhd-medication-holidays/
• School Accommodations: IEPs & 504s:
  https://thereachinstitute.org/iep-and-504-school-accommodations/
• Helping Patients Manage the Transition to College:
  https://thereachinstitute.org/helping-patients-manage-the-transition-to-college/

ADHD Rating Scales:

• Vanderbilt Parent Rating 
• Vanderbilt Parent Follow Up 
• Vanderbilt Teacher Rating 
• Vanderbilt Teacher Follow Up 
• Vanderbilt Scoring 
• Adult ADHD Self-Report Rating Scale