My foray into the field of ADHD started about eight years ago, when I sought to help a loved one with ADHD navigate our mental healthcare maze. To say that I was stunned at the widespread ignorance about ADHD, including among professionals, is an understatement. Frankly, I was outraged. There is quite enough suffering in the world that cannot be prevented. The suffering that comes from unrecognized ADHD is not one of them.
We have a strong knowledge base about ADHD. We have good treatment strategies. All we lack is more people willing to step into the 21st Century.
Deciding to put to use my background as a print journalist, I became a passionate advocate for better awareness and evidence-based treatment standards—by lecturing, writing, and leading discussion groups in Silicon Valley and a 400-member Internet group for the partners of adults with ADHD internationally.
After a few years, the need became clear for a nuts-and-bolts guide to Adult ADHD, especially as it affects relationships. That’s why I wrote Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D? Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder (1201 Alarm Press, San Francisco).
It’s now available for purchase from its very own website, where you’ll also find free chapter downloads, podcasts, and a monthly contest to win a free book. You can learn more about the publisher, 1201 Alarm Press, at the website: http://www.1201AlarmPress.com. You’ll also find the book on Amazon.com after August 31, 2008. (But the free PDF with book purchase is available only at http://www.ADHDRollerCoaster.com)
It’s been a giant labor of love for several years now, and it is my sincerest hope that it will help to elevate thousands of lives. The feedback from readers thus far has been extremely gratifying and heartwarming.
You can learn more about my journalistic credentials, awards, portfolio, etc. at: http://www.GinaPera.com
Thank you for your interest in Adult ADHD, and please try to keep an open mind if you are just beginning to learn about it. One fact is clear: ADHD is real, and it affects real people’s lives — maybe even your own or that of someone you love.
Email Gina Pera
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November 26, 2008 at 10:23 pm
mary
do you have an online support group for partners of people with adhd?
do you know of any support groups in the Bay Area for the same?
I am at my wits end – i am not familiar with blogs, so trying to figure out how it all works in my current state seems like too much
thank you
November 29, 2008 at 12:48 am
Gina Pera
Hi Mary,
As a matter of fact, I posted some information on that very topic last week — in my other blog:
http://adhdrollercoaster.org/the-basics/finding-support-for-adult-adhd/
This ADHD Partner blog shares the results of a survey I conducted to learn more about the effect that ADHD has on relationships.
The ADHD Roller Coaster blog is more generally focused on Adult ADHD issues, including relationships, money, health, and more.
Thanks for asking!
Gina