The Attention Deficit Disorder Association Conference in Minneapolis, Minnasota July 2008

Here are some summary points from some of my notes from participating in the conference:

Some important reminders that the speakers addressed at the conference included the importance to those with ADD/ADHD challenges (and others who share those challenges) to cover some basics:

Get and stay connected socially with those who love, support and accept you for who you are and who encourage and support you.

Get work where you feel productive and appreciated.

Have constant structured support to stay focused on short term and long term goals.

Use systems and technology to help you get and stay organized.

Bring and keep fun in your life and plan for and schedule fun and social time so you support yourself in having it.

Some new things:

Research shows that having a trained and specialized ADD/ADHD Coach in your life helps you feel happier, stay focused and be more productive.

Daily exercise is key to overall mental and physical health and helps elevate mood, increase focus and is vital for those with ADD/ADHD.

Get an exercise buddy or group who will support you and you them...even nag each other to make time for exercise.

Complex exercise tends to be more stimulating and interesting so those are the best for those with ADD /ADHD to participate. (i.e. raquetball, martial arts, and other sports with many levels of complexity and mastery that offer many ways to constantly learn and improve.)

With the guidance of an expert, you may be able to get accomodations at work. It is best to enroll the services of an expert before beginning this conversation at work.

It is probably best NOT to disclose your ADD at work before enrolling the help of an expert.