ADHD and Executive Functioning Resources

Below are free programs, websites, videos, and books designed to help you, your child, and their teachers understand ADHD and build strong executive functioning skills.

Free Programs & Support

Confident Parents: Thriving Kids – Behaviour [For Parents of Kids Ages 3–12]: A free, phone-based coaching program offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association (BC). It provides parents with practical, everyday behaviour management strategies to support their children.
Rolling with ADHD [For Parents & Caregivers]: A free, 8-week online learning program developed by BC Children’s Hospital. It features short, interactive videos and practical parenting strategies you can start using right away.

Websites & Organizations

Center for ADHD Awareness (CADDAC): A great Canadian organization offering resources, webinars, and advocacy tools for individuals and families living with ADHD.
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD): The leading national resource in North America, offering evidence-based information, support communities, and practical tips for managing ADHD.
Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA): A trusted Canadian alliance of healthcare professionals providing high-quality, research-backed information on ADHD assessment and treatment.
Child Mind Institute: A highly accessible website featuring parent-friendly articles on ADHD symptoms, school supports, and behavioural strategies.
BC Children's Hospital ADHD Clinic: The official clinic page offering local resources, family support links, and clinical information for families in British Columbia.

Articles & Guides for Families

1. Talking to Kids About ADHD

Explaining ADHD to Kids: A parent-friendly guide on how to start the conversation.
How to Talk to Your Kid About ADHD: Practical tips for talking about their diagnosis in a positive, empowering way.
Favourite Things About ADHD: A strengths-based look at the positive traits associated with ADHD.
ADHD Comics: Fun, visual comics that help kids and teens see they are not alone.
Visuals & Videos for Explaining Neurodivergency to Kids: A curated collection of visual tools to help kids understand testing results and learning differences.

2. Understanding the Science & Myths

What are the Myths and Facts Behind ADHD? An article debunking common misconceptions about ADHD.
ADHD in Girls and Women: A deep dive into 42 years of research exploring how ADHD presents differently in females.

Videos & Podcasts

1. For Kids & Teens

How to Explain ADHD: An easy-to-understand video explaining how the ADHD brain works.
Jack and Jill Have ADHD: A relatable animated video showing how ADHD can look different from person to person.
The ADHD Brain as a Film Director: A creative visual metaphor explaining attention and focus.
The Teen Brain: An entertaining video explaining how the teenage brain develops.
Teen ADHD: Videos specifically geared toward helping teens navigate school and life.

2. For Parents & Adults

Dr. Russell Barkley’s Expert Videos: Short, powerful lectures from one of the world's leading experts on ADHD.
ADHD in Women: Understanding how ADHD impacts women and girls.
Self-Care with ADHD: Practical tips for managing daily stress when you have ADHD.

Recommended Books

1. For Executive Functioning (All Kids):

Smart But Scattered (by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare): A must-read guide to helping kids build daily skills like following instructions, staying organized, doing homework, and keeping calm under pressure.

2. The Go-To Parent Guide:

Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents (by Dr. Russell Barkley): The definitive guide on ADHD, written by the leading expert in the field.

3. For Kids (Ages 7–12):

Thriving with ADHD Workbook for Kids (by Kelli Miller): 60 fun, interactive activities to help children learn to self-regulate, focus, and succeed.

4. For Girls & Women:

Understanding Girls with ADHD (by Dr. Kathleen Nadeau et al.): A compassionate, highly readable book exploring the unique challenges girls with ADHD face across their lifespan.

5. For High Schoolers & College Students:

Outsmart Your Brain (by Daniel T. Willingham): A revolutionary guide that uses brain science to teach students how to study efficiently, beat exam stress, and master learning.

Resources for Teacher & Educators

Rolling with ADHD (Educator Version): A free online learning program by BC Children's Hospital designed to help teachers support students with ADHD in the classroom.
The ADHD Motivation Bridge (Video): A helpful YouTube video explaining how to help students with ADHD bridge the gap between "knowing" and "doing."
Graphic Organizers (by LD@School): Practical, visual tools teachers can use to help students with executive functioning challenges organize their thoughts and writing.