Parents and guardians in Franklin County and its surrounding areas who have children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will soon have a place to turn to for support.
Starting Jan. 23, the ADHD Support Group will be a resource for those who interact with children diagnosed with ADHD, according to BeLinda Henson, Title I parent involvement coordinator, parent resource center director and co-facilitator of the group.
"Its going to be a support group that will be very structured in nature," Henson said. "We want it to be a group that offers support and hope for parents in difficult situations."
Henson said a similar group existed in the community several years ago but disintegrated because not enough individuals came to meetings. She said a recent resurgence in calls from parents and requests from teachers sparked the revitalization of the group.
At the groups monthly meetings there will be guest speakers including experts in the field, workshops on specific topics regarding caring for a child with ADHD, information such as books and videos, as well as opportunities to network and meet with other parents and family members caring for someone with ADHD.
Henson said anyone who interacts with a child with ADHD would benefit from attending the groups meetings; also, the group reaches out to parents and relatives dealing with younger children to teens diagnosed with the disorder.
"I want it to be a very positive experience for the family," Henson said. "We want to be a source of support, a safety net, so to speak for the family."
Henson said everything discussed at the meetings would remain confidential among those who attend. She said she would even offer individual assistance to those with specific needs or questions about ADHD not addressed by the group.
Henson said many people do not realize the positive aspects of individuals with ADHD possess such as being extremely creative, gifted and entertaining.
"Thats why we want to focus on the positive aspects," she said.
Co-facilitator of the group, Jayme Boswell, who is a preschool teacher at Elkhorn Elementary School and parent of a child with ADHD, said she wants the group to take away the stigma that comes with being a child with ADHD or parent of a child with ADHD.
"Its frustrating as a parent you dont have anyone to bounce ideas off of," she said. "People think youre a bad parent."
Boswell said as a parent she recognizes the need for such a group in the Franklin County community.
"It may start with just a few parents but once the word gets out, who knows?" she said.
Wayne Dominick, Franklin County Public Schools communications coordinator sees the group as a way to end isolation for parents and caregivers of children with ADHD.
"Its not the person who leads the group that makes the group successful, its the group itself," he said.
He said he hopes those attending will realize they are not alone when struggling with issues surrounding ADHD.
"Every child is different and has something to overcome," he said.
The meetings will not serve as a diagnosis or treatment time, but as coping and informational sessions, Henson said.
"Were not here to diagnose, were simply here to help parents cope and find strategies that work," she said. "Mostly it will be a sharing time from parents to parents."
Henson said its possible for the group to reach more than 100 people including those living outside Franklin County.
Boswell said the meetings would be very group-centered and driven by what attendees want.
"BeLinda and I are hoping it will be a group of parents who get together and show ideas," Boswell said. "Im hoping parents will be able to grab onto it and see it as a support."