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ADDitude Guide: Summer Survival Kit for Children with ADHD

A looming summer vacation can make the parents of ADHD children very nervous - the unbridled energy, the change in routine, the lack of structure... Use this guide to help your child get the most out of his summer vacation, including new friends and stronger self confidence.

SUMMER SUCCESS
Parenting tips to help make summer vacation a happy one for your ADHD child and the whole family.

PLUS: ADDitude's 2009 Summer Camp Directory
The nation's best programs for kids with ADHD or learning disabilities.

Summer Survival Guide

Choosing a Camp

How to Plan the Perfect Summer
Strategies for finding the right summer camp for your child with attention deficit disorder (ADHD).

ADDitude's Complete Guide to ADHD Summer Camps
Characteristics of the best ADHD camps, and how to match your child to the perfect program.

ADHD Camp Checklist
12 questions every parent should ask a potential summer camp before registering their ADHD child.

Making Friends

Summer School for Social Smarts
Tips on using summer social gatherings to help your ADHD child practice social relationship skills.

17 Ways Parents Can Help ADHD Children Make Friends
Learn how to guide your child through sticky social situations and make lasting friendships.

You Gotta Have Friends!
Why ADHD kids sometimes struggle to make friends, and how you can help.

Staying Safe

Keeping Kids Safe
Expert tips to help parents avoid some common risks to their ADHD children.

Make Summer Safer
A how-to guide to summer safety.

'Mom, I Hurt Myself'
Kids with ADHD have more accidents — unless parents step in.

Staying Healthy

Your ADHD Diet: The Truth About Sugar, Protein, and Feingold
Do sugar and the artificial sweeteners targeted by the Feingold diet worsen ADHD symptoms? Are protein-rich or elimination diets for food sensitivities the answer?

Balanced Meals, Better Behavior: Treating ADHD with Diet
Changing your child's diet can be an effective alternative ADHD treatment -- choosing the right foods can improve symptoms.

Staying Sharp

Build Academic Skills Over Summer Vacation
Engage your ADHD child in summer learning to keep his academic skills sharp and help him succeed in school.

Keeping My ADHD Brain Active in Summer
A summer job sounds like a drag, but it's also an absolute necessity.

Having Fun!

Fun & Games: Help ADHD Children Learn From Play
Expert recommended games, toys, and types of play to help ADHD children practice and develop critical attention, focus, and social skills.

Go for the Gold with Summer Sports
Expert advice on choosing the summer sport that’s right for your ADHD child.

Succeed at Work with ADHD
10 ways to get organized at work, focus on the job, and maximize your effectiveness at the office

Managing Meds

Can Your Child Safely Take a Break from Meds?
Important considerations when pondering a "drug holiday" for your child.

5 Keys to Safely Getting Off Meds
How to safely discontinue ADHD medication.

ADHD Summer Toolkit

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Read Parenting Blogs
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FREE PRINTABLES
Choosing a Special-Needs Camp
Criteria for choosing a camp that will suit your child with ADHD or learning differences.

Sample Schedule for ADHD Children
Customize this hour-by-hour routine for your ADHD child - and make your summer less stressful.

ADHD Parenting Blogs

Kay Marner

School's Out
Pool Days
Summer School Lessons from Parents to Child

More ADHD Summer Resources

DISCUSSION FORUMS
ADHD Teen Daughter and Summer Boredom
"She just has no motivation to figure out what to do and get outside and do it..."

Summer Camp?
"Any recommendations for ADHD camps in California?"

Summer Treatment Program
"We are considering a program developed by Dr. Pelham at the University of New York..."

More ADD Forums

EXPERT ANSWERS
Swimming Activities for ADHD Kids
"Is there research recommending swimming as a good sport for ADHD children?" (Read the answer...)

Are Drug Holidays Safe?
"My son feels sick and gets headaches whenever he takes a 'drug holiday' from his stimulant." (Read the answer...)