Over the years that I have been writing about ADHD, adults have written to me about problems they are having in their relationship. Sometimes, their spouse feels the partner with ADHD doesn't care about their needs, accusing them of not listening, of tuning them out or not wanting to share in their interests. Sometimes, the partner with ADHD feels they are not understood. Their good intentions go unnoticed or unappreciated and their "faults" are focused on.
But, according to many experts we consulted with, relationships when one or both partners have ADHD don't have to end in failure. There are many strategies you can put into place to help improve your relationship.
Before listing the many people who contributed to this project, I want to say "Thank you" to all of those who took their time to answer my question and offer their ideas for helping adults with ADHD.
I recently asked how ADHD impacts relationships and what they would offer as suggestions to help to many different professionals working with adults with ADHD and adults with ADHD who are managing relationships and were willing to share what they have found over the years. In many cases, the professionals are also adults with ADHD so they can speak professionally as well as personally about this subject.
You can read what our experts had to say:
ADHD in Relationships: The Experts Speak Out: Part 1
In this part, we hear from:
Terry Matlen, ACSW is a psychotherapist and consultant specializing in ADHD and the author of "Survival Tips for Women with ADHD." She runs the sites www.ADDconsults.com and www.MomsWithADD.com She can be reached at terry@addconsults.com
Digna Dreibelbis is a 45 year old wife, mother of 3, dog rescuer and caretaker to her 84 year old mother. She was diagnosed with ADHD late in life, less than 2 years ago and has carried the depression/anxiety diagnosis since her early 20's. Since her ADHD diagnosis she finally feels she is getting in touch with her real self and slowly learning what she would like to do when she grow up. Blog Link: http://autumnbluesreviews.blogspot.com/2011/02/complete-idiots-guide-to-adult-adhd.html
ADHD in Relationships: The Experts Speak Out: Part 2
In Part 2 of our series, the following experts share their opinions and suggestions:
David Giwerc, Founder and President of the ADD Coach Academy, ADDCA, www.ADDCA.com, is also a Master Certified Coach, MCC, with the International Coach Federation, ICF. ADDCA is the world largest and leading comprehensive ADHD Coach training program in the world and the only ACTP,Accredited Coach Training Program granted by the ICF.
Steve Peer, Current President of CHADD and President of Emotional Mastery, Inc.
ADHD in Relationships: The Experts Speak Out: Part 3
Part 3 of this exciting series offers suggestions and insights from:
Dr. Lara Honos-Webb is the author of The Gift of ADHD and The Gift of Adult ADD. For more tips and tools about ADHD visit http://www.visionarysoul.com/. Sign up for Dr. Lara Honos-Webb's free newsletter at http://www.visionarysoul.com/newsletter.html.
