~~ HAVE A GREAT ADDITUDE WITH ADDITUDE MAGAZINE ~~

Most people, some of us more than others, live in a world with a million distractions. Short attention spans are in no short supply. That can be a symptom of being a product of a fast-paced environment, or a true disorder that makes attention to detail and short term memory a real challenge for some us.

I have never been professionally diagnosed, but I certainly know from checklists, articles and behavioral patterns that I have ADHD, which is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is closely related to ADD which is Attention Deficit without the hyperactivity. Which means struggling over the last minutes details of a paper, remember where I put my keys, and needing many creative outlets for my energy is a real issue.

My oldest son who is now 15 has been diagnosed with ADD, the form without the hyperactivity. From his school, I was given a sample issue of ADDitude Magazine, which is a wonderful resource for both parent and child, and even adults with ADD/ADHD. Oprah Winfrey has said that every parent of an ADD child needs ADDitude.

By teachers, parents and the medical community, this magazine tops as the best for this disorder. I personally do not consider it a disorder, it is just the way some of our brains are wired. The magazine has an advisory board of leading scientific and medical experts. Many of the articles are written by them, and based on patient interaction and statistics.

The overall magazine focuses on many things, from diagnosing to strategies in being successful in work, life, and family. Articles on choosing and managing medications, natural remedies, alternative therapies, related conditions, such as learning disabilities or depression that may accompany ADD, how sensory processing fits in the picture, help with sleep issues and proper diet to help your child, or yourself.

It has inside advice on time management, money management, organization to make life simpler, relationships, dealing with clutter which is a big issue, not for myself, but for my son who is always losing important homework, and he has big piles in his room that he knows where things are, but I don't. They have inspiring articles from successful people who have ADHD and their tips on living fully.

They have hints on dealing with holiday stress, the pressure of new jobs, new schools, new communities. I found many of my most helpful articles on their website magazine which is located at http://www.additudemag.comwhich has much more information that any single issue has. There are blogs, directories, event finders, forums, and enough articles and person to person stories to keep you from ever having to find another source!

I appreciate that it has parenting advice on helping your child with any social problems, getting them involved in activities after school such as sports and other hobbies. My son tends to have limited interests, and it can be hard to get him to try new things because he is a perfectionist who thinks if he doesn't do something right the first time that he is failing. And when your child becomes a teen and then wants to get into college, the articles are wonderful in helping them cope on their own.

It helps with choosing a school, tips for teachers, and even has a school directory! Information on IEPs, getting services for your child,  and accommodating them in the classroom. It's all here! I think this is a lifesaver for anyone who struggles or loves someone who struggles with ADD/ADHD. I personally prefer the website over the paper magazine, because it is highly interactive and informative. But the magazine in hand is wonderful for educating, and awareness.

This is a great magazine, and you will be excited to start putting pieces back together and moving forward with confidence!