• Parenting stress
• Self-care support through positive psychology interventions
• Development of Adappt: an app to support parents
• The ADDAPT app
• Evaluation Adappt: can it help parents

📢 Today marks the start of ADHD Awareness month under the motto “The many faces of hashtag#ADHD“. Throughout the month, R2D2-MH Project researchers and hashtag#cocreation members will be involved.

💡 To help raise awareness, Kim Tönis, PhD student at the University of Twente and researcher in R2D2MH developed a blog post titled “Supporting parenting mental wellbeing with hashtag#PositivePsychology“.

The article explains how positive psychology can help parents and families of neurodivergent people, by providing exercises and tools to improve their #mentalhealth and wellbeing. Kim also presents the ADAPPT app that uses positive psychology to support parents and families.

🔎 Interested in learning more ? Read the article here.

🔗 The ADHD-Europe team has put tremendous efforts to develop a full program of activities and resources:
– ADHD-Europe website: www.adhdeurope.eu
– ADHD-Europe YouTube channel, to follow panel discussions and webinars

More info 
 👀 www.www.r2d2-mh.eu

In video available on youtube https://youtu.be/b1fIoq654CQ takes around 10 minutes to view which introduces you to the free course available to everyone in English. Signing up is free so that you can access the course material, and login when you needed.  (the website is below to access the course!)

Read more about ‘From Experience to Empowerment’

Share the wisdom of lived experience. Theoretical knowledge is important, but it does not tell the whole story. It needs experiential knowledge alongside it. Together, they create an enormous pool of knowledge about life with ADHD, with all its individual nuances. Now the Finnish ADHD Association wants to offer the opportunity to learn the basics of experiential activities for those who are unable to attend our courses in Finnish. We have created an English-language online course that introduces the principles of experiential activities and provides advice on how to start building your own experience speech. Below is all the information and link to course.

Speaker information:

I am Jenni Barnett-Erlandsson, primarily the mother of two children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Professionally, I am an instructor for children and youth with special needs and a Bachelor of Social Services. Before my current job, I act at the Finnish ADHD Association ADHD-liitto ry for almost ten years as a volunteer expert by experience and peer parent. I see my background as a great strength in my current profession as the coordinator of experiential activities and peer support at the ADHD Association. Please note the instructions on the Finnish website to participate in the course which will guide you through the translations, and what to click. The online course can take up to 1.5 hours (in person it takes 60 hours due to the interactive workshops but only in person in Finland)

Link to Course:

https://verkkokurssit.adhd-liitto.fi/courses/how-to-become-an-expert-by-experience/

Social media:

http://facebook.com/adhdliitto http://instagram.com/adhdliitto

Giving a face to those with ADHD & hearing about Pamela Muscat’s lived experience on #TalkingThursdays

Pamela Muscat is vice president of Adhd Malta. Her daily work is a ‘Learning Support Educator’ in mainstream schools. She is presently an administrator of ADHD Malta (Visit www.adhdmalta.org or contact adhdmalta@gmail.com). Kate Lindley, PhD (Switzerland) has a short conversation with Pamela about her lived experience. More information about Pamela below. ‘

Watch the video here

Kate is a coaching psychologist and narrative therapist. Based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. She works primarily with mothers of children with ADHD and women with ADHD. Her doctorate in social sciences, completed in 2013, looked at how mothers with children considered different negotiate their identities in a culture of mother-blame.’ Pamela Muscat has worked as an educator for over twenty-eight years, supporting several students with individual needs in state schools as an LSE3. She became immersed in the disability sector over 35 years ago, when, as a young woman with a substance misuse problem, she had a child with a severe disability. This was a life-changing event for Pam, one which opened up a new world and life to her. Being a young, single mum in recovery was not an easy feat with a disabled infant but, thanks to support and guidance Pam was able to turn her life around once and for all. She has been involved in the voluntary sector for over 28 years, where she represents the lived experience of families and individuals on boards and various fora. At the age of 47 Pam was diagnosed with ADHD and her journey took yet another turn where she became involved with the ADHD Family Support group which she has led for the last 13 years. As an integral part of what is now known as ADHD Malta, she works to increase awareness of ADHD, support, educate and advocate for individuals and families within the ADHD community and strives to share evidence-based approaches with anyone who is interested in the field. In 2022, Pam was awarded an MSc in Addiction Studies through the University of Malta, where she studied the lived experience of 11 individuals with ADHD and substance use disorder. In December 2023 she was awarded the Midalja ghal Qadi tar-Repubblika (MQR) by president Emeritus George Vella, for her work in the field of Neurodiversity and ADHD Malta. #adhdawarenessmonth

Giving a face to those with ADHD & hearing about Paul Ginsberg’s lived experience on #TalkingThursdays

Watch the video here

Paul Ginsberg is based in Glasgow. He’s lived in multiple countries and is an IT consultant turned ADHD Life Coach. He is passionate about community building and volunteers for the Scottish ADHD Coalition which supports ADHD peer support groups across Scotland. He blogs about neurodivergency, inclusivity, and tech, with bold explainers, thoughtful pieces and some fun in between.

Scottish ADHD Coalition
Email: info@scottishadhdcoalition.org
Website: www.scottishadhdcoalition.org Kate

Lindley, PhD (Switzerland) has a short conversation with Pamela about her lived experience. ‘Kate is a coaching psychologist and narrative therapist. Based in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. She works primarily with mothers of children with ADHD and women with ADHD. Her doctorate in social sciences, completed in 2013, looked at how mothers with children considered different negotiate their identities in a culture of mother-blame.’

The environment affects the development of a child. Encouragement and positive feedback create the basis for the formation of every child´s and young person´s self-esteem.

The discussions will be deep diving into topics
– Many things have changed and have not changed since our last panel on children held last year
– Each country is facing problems and caring for the young person in preschool education can really benefit from support measures by both teachers and parents
– Educators and parents can work together for a child’s educational success
– There is a perception by parents of ADHD that influences their parenting experience
– The situation within a family if parents don’t recognize or acknowledge that their child has ADHD and how could be some outcomes for the child

We are delighted that our counterpart from CHADD represented by Karen Sampson Hoffman, MA, CDMP, is CHADD’s director of marketing, where she leads national campaigns, digital communications, and outreach for ADHD awareness, advocacy, and education. Karen shall be joined by the following the panelists during the children’s panel webinar – Arja Krauchenberg from European Parents Association who is currently their project coordinator. Arja advocates for a holistic and learner-centered approach to education
– Zeena Hicks (EMCC, MSc MAPPCP ), is a member of ADHD Europe. Zeena helps equip parents with powerful tools to strengthen their own wellbeing, support their child’s exceptional abilities and reduce household stresses, making family life fun again!
– Nina Hoven (President, ADHD Europe)

Biographies

uropean Parents Association represented by Arja Krauchenberg. Arja holds an MA in romance languages from Vienna University, specializing in multilingualism, diversity, and interculturalism. She’s also a certified tourist guide. A mother of three, Arja has lived abroad for nearly twenty years and has been actively involved in parents’ associations in various countries. Upon returning to Austria, she joined the regional parents’ association and was later elected to the board of the European Parents’ Association (EPA). She served as EPA president from 2018 to 2019 and is currently project coordinator. In 2020, she also joined the executive committee of OIDEL, an INGO promoting the right to education. A lifelong learner herself, Arja was a member of the Steering Committee of the Lifelong Learning Platform (LLLP) from 2019 to 2024. In May 2021, she became a member of the executive board of EUFIC (European Food and Information Council). Arja advocates for a holistic & learner-centered approach to education. She believes that formal, informal, and non-formal education should empower each learner to reach their full potential and lead a fulfilling life. She also emphasizes the importance of formal settings as motivating environments where teachers & educators can enable learning and guide students towards future career possibilities.

Zeena Hicks, is a positive psychologist, accredited coach and author. Known as “The Positivity Doctor”, Zeena is a leading advocate for the science of human flourishing. Originally from Dublin and living in the UK, Zeena has a master’s in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology and is close to completing a doctorate on the efficacy of self-coaching using positive psychology to support parents of children with ADHD. With two neurodivergent sons, Zeena is passionate about de-pathologising neurodivergence, supporting organisations, educators, and carers to navigate those complexities positively, and enabling all individuals to thrive through mindful communication, emotional regulation, and strengths-based interventions. She holds Senior Practitioner Global Accreditation (EIA) from the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), is the founder of Positive Education UK & Ireland, a lead coach for INSEAD’s global leadership programs, and a member of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), Positive Education Schools Association (PESA) and ADHD Europe. Her book, ‘ 28 Days of Positivity, ‘ offers a wonderful introduction to positive psychology and simple, actionable steps to help you crush negativity and be happier!

Nina Hovén is a passionate advocate for individuals with ADHD and neurodiverse communities across Europe. As a key figure in ADHD Europe, she leads initiatives that promote equal access to diagnosis, treatment, and support. Her work spans communications leadership, organizing ADHD Awareness Month and participating in international collaborations—including as a partner in the Horizon 2020 research program initiatives.

With over 40 years of experience in disability advocacy, Nina brings a deep understanding of human services and policy development. Her career includes:

Serving as Executive Director of a nursing home for elderly people. Over a decade of leadership in child protection, kindergartens, international children’s homes, and rehabilitation units.

Nina is actively involved in legislative advocacy and societal dialogue, working to influence laws and improve conditions for neurodiverse individuals. Her insights into the diverse approaches to neuropsychiatric care across European countries enrich her work and strengthen cross-border collaboration.

She emphasizes the importance of early identification and professional support for ADHD, noting that with proper care, individuals can thrive in education, relationships, and employment.

Karen Sampson Hoffman, MA, CDMP, serves as director of marketing for CHADD, Children and Adults with ADHD, the nation’s leading nonprofit serving the ADHD community. She oversees strategic communications, national awareness campaigns, and digital engagement, ensuring that evidence-based information and resources reach families, educators, and professionals. Karen represents CHADD on the ADHD Awareness Coalition, promoting ADHD Awareness Month. She has extensive experience in writing and editing, with published work in Attention magazine, ADHD Weekly, and CHADD’s Ask the Specialist series. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to empowering individuals with ADHD and those who support them.

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Linkedin

  Two ways to be notified when the streaming is live   Subscribe to our Youtube Chanel http://youtube.com/watch?v=CjvAi6Y5CsM  

Accept the invite on Facebook https://fb.me/e/c2TlfwgYF

 Save the date & tune in on the 22nd October where you have the opportunity to ask questions directly and hear more about the #Neurodiversity approach to #ADHD – Exploring the lived #experience of #Neurodivergence  We hope to see you there !

Hosted by our supportive networking partners, Eunethydis and professionals in the field of ADHDwith thanks to EUNETHYDIS (European Network for ADHD) and Professor Saskia van der Oord.

Date – 22 October 2025
Time – 20h00 CET 
Check your timezone 

20:00 CET – Presentation by Saskia van der Oord is full professor of clinical child psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of KU Leuven in Belgium and a licensed clinical psychologist. Her research work is focused on ADHD in children and adolescents and the development and evaluation of psychosocial interventions. 2

0:30 CET – Live Questions & Answers

EUNETHYDIS is a network that aims to facilitate high quality science of ADHD and its wider societal impact through clinical and basic science researchers collaborating across Europe in the spirit of openness, trust and support. The network is based in Europe but embraces a global perspective. 

Join us live for the webinar Direct from Youtube Youtube (Subscribe to our youtube channel to be notified when the streaming begin)

Add the event to your facebook calendar to not miss the live streaming www.fb.me/e/c2TlfwgYF

Follow us on social media to not miss out!

Twitter

Linkedin

Facebook

#Talkingthursdays

ADHD through our eyes: Youth Perspectives

Our speakers are

1.Xandria Levy is a neurodivergent PhD student, studying the connection between neurodiversity and substance use in university students. Alongside this, she also works as a Specialist Mentor for students with neurodivergent or mental health conditions, and recently co-authored a paper exploring autistic people’s experiences of camouflaging across different social contexts. 

We are thrilled to have CADDAC representatives join our campaigning for ‘Many Faces of ADHD’

2.  Annie Desrochers (Senior Program Manager at Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada, CADDAC

Annie is CADDAC’s bilingual Senior Program Manager.  In this role she works with the team of Facilitators, Coaches and Psychologists to create and offer CADDAC’s Peer-facilitated Support Groups, Coaching programs and Psychoeducational (parenting, adult and youth) programs. As a mother of four young adults, all with some degree of ADHD and co-existing disorders, and having received a late diagnosis herself, she brings deep personal insight to her work.  Annie also has 32 years of experience as a Registered Early Childhood Educator and 6 years as college instructor.

3. Aaron Bailey is a certified ADHD Life Coach with advanced training from the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA), and he holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) Credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). He also has a diploma in Child and Youth Services and Bachelor of Human Services. Aaron has worked for over a decade with youth with various disabilities ranging from ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), learning disabilities (LDs), anxiety disorders, mental health challenges, as well as youth struggling with trauma.
Aaron has a wide range of work experience. From helping youth with ADHD and LDs transition from elementary to secondary school, as well as secondary to post-secondary at Queen’s University at the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC). To working as an educational assistant (EA) in the remote Yukon community of Old Crow, home to the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation. To working as an EA in Whitehorse, focussing on trauma-centered approaches.
Aaron is dedicated to helping youth overcome the stigma, shame, guilt, and embarrassment that is often associated with ADHD. His passion for working with youth comes from his own experience as a person with ADHD, LDs, General Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and depression. He understands what it’s like growing up and not understanding what is going on in your own mind and wants to work with people with ADHD to not just survive with their ADHD, but to thrive!

4. Tiffany Theofilos is a certified Personal and Professional Coach (PPCC) from the JMEC Institute with an Advanced Coach Training specialization in ADHD coaching from ADDCA. She has over a decade of experience working with neurodiverse learners as an educator at various levels, from preschool to adulthood. Tiffany is a multi-passionate entrepreneur who wears many hats as a coach, teacher, mentor, facilitator, consultant, and peer supporter. She considers herself forever a student of life.

Her mission is to help teens and adults with ADHD understand, accept, and work with their brains rather than against them, empowering them to build lasting and meaningful change in their personal, academic, and professional lives. Tiffany partners with driven professionals, creatives, students, and entrepreneurs to uncover their strengths, co-create systems and strategies that work for their unique brains, and overcome challenges to thrive.

Her ultimate goal is to inspire, empower, and transform individuals with ADHD to lead more fulfilling lives, one brain at a time

The panel webinar is facilitated
by Chantel Fouche (Volunteer at ADHD Europe)

Chantel has ADHD and is a mother/carer of an adult son who lives with ADHD (diagnosed at age 7) as well as having a young toddler. Served on the board of Neurodiversity Belgium and at European level with ADHD Europe (2018-2024). Now recently elected on the board of EFNA (European Federation of Neurological Associations) . Her passion lies in – supporting people living with various brain health conditions, disabilities & ADHD. Being the patient’s voice to reduce the stigma and discrimination that exists today. To create & sustain networks to raise more awareness around the globe. Communicating evidence-based information from collaboration on research consortium projects. Attending high-level meetings with European stakeholders to engage in fruitful conversations. Advocating for the work that needs to be done with the aim of a better quality of life for people. Mobilising countries with best practices for better access to diagnosis/treatment of ADHD.

• Empowering women and their families on the ADHD Women Project adhd-women.eu
• Creating global awareness of ADHD for all genders adhdawarenessmonth.org
• Advocating for the rights of people living with ADHD adhdeurope.eu

#Talkingthursdays

ADHD & Men !

More information to follow.

Share our activities and follow us on

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

Linkedin