=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
20 December 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
including directions, look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule
and also http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

(This month we are experimenting with organizing these by county.)

=== Alameda =========================
12/28/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
-------------------------------------
1/12/2005, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173

=== Contra Costa =========================
1/5/2005, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting -- Topic TBA
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
-------------------------------------
1/19/2005, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
-------------------------------------
1/25/2005, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
-------------------------------------
1/29/2005, Sat. 9 am - 4:15 pm
Helping Children and Teens with ADHD Succeed at Home and School - A
Day Long Workshop with Steven P. Hinshaw, Ph.D. -- Dr. Hinshaw is
chairman of the U.C. Berkeley psychology department and has authored
over 100 publications on children with ADHD. He has been Principal
Investigator for multiple National Institute of Mental Health
research studies.
Monte Vista High School, Danville - Contact: East Bay Learning
Disabilities Association: Visit www.eastbaylda.org for full
information.

=== Marin =========================
12/21/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
-------------------------------------
1/4/2005, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group, the first Tuesday of
each month. Talk with others who really understand. And share and
develop life skills. In addition, if you want to work on skills for
sorting and purging papers, bring your paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464

=== Sacramento =========================
1/4/2005, Tues. 6:45 p.m.; 7-9 pm
Neuropsychological Functioning of Children with AD/HD  -- - Dr.
Blythe Corbett of the U.C. Davis Mind Institute Presenting.
Sutter Center for Psychiatry, Sacramento - Contact: Greater
Sacramento CHADD: 916-552-1557

=== Santa Clara =========================
1/6/2005, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
SPECT Brain Imaging and Other New Technologies of Assessing and
Diagnosing ADD/ADHD -- Speaker, William Klindt, M.D.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
-------------------------------------
1/9/2005, Sun. 1 - 5 pm
Open House Celebrating KPI's Tenth Anniversary and opening of new
office in Palo Alto.  -- Call for directions and to RSVP by Jan. 5,
2005
TBA, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute: 650-329-9443
or visit www.kpinst.org
============================

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
6 December 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
including directions, look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule
and also http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

Stanislaus - 12/7/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Alameda - 12/8/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
San Francisco - 12/13/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group - Potluck holiday gathering in private home.  --
Call 362-7227 and leave your email address and phone number on
Rachel's voicemail, hopefully at least 24 hours in advance. She will
email the location and directions.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 12/14/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Online - 12/15/2004, Wed. 6 - 8 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Andrew Adesman, M.D. will chat on AD/HD and
Co-existing Conditions
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
San Francisco - 12/15/2004, Wed. 6:00 - 7:45 pm
"Developing Minds" Video: Getting Thoughts on Paper -- Sponsored by
the SF Unified School District, Schwab Learning, the CAC, SF PTA and
SF School Volunteers.
San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco - Contact: Marilyn Dong,
Librarian: Resource Collection for Learning Differences 415/557-4540
============================
Marin - 12/16/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Holiday Party - Spend an evening reflecting and planning how to have
a holiday season that delivers on time, under budget and with
memorable, positive results.  Also, enjoy our holiday party with good
things to eat. Bring something to share, if you wish.  -- SPEAKER:
Linda Lawton coaches adults and adolescents with AD/HD in her
educational therapy practice.  She has offices in Albany and Walnut
Creek, and will make site visits to office, home or school.
510-524-0350.
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Marin - 12/21/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Alameda - 12/28/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group -- (Check back for possible schedule changes
closer to Chrstmas.)
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Marin - 1/4/2005, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group, the first Tuesday of
each month. Talk with others who really understand. And share and
develop life skills. In addition, if you want to work on skills for
sorting and purging papers, bring your paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 1/5/2005, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting -- Topic TBA
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 1/6/2005, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
SPECT Brain Imaging and Other New Technologies of Assessing and
Diagnosing ADD/ADHD -- Speaker, William Klindt, M.D.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Santa Clara - 1/9/2005, Sun. 1 - 5 pm
Open House Celebrating KPI's Tenth Anniversary and opening of new
office in Palo Alto.  -- Call for directions and to RSVP by Jan. 5,
2005
TBA, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute: 650-329-9443
or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Contra Costa - 1/29/2005, Sat. 9 am - 4:15 pm
Helping Children and Teens with ADHD Succeed at Home and School - A
Day Long Workshop with Steven P. Hinshaw, Ph.D. -- Dr. Hinshaw is
chairman of the U.C. Berkeley psychology department and has authored
over 100 publications on children with ADHD. He has been Principal
Investigator for multiple National Institute of Mental Health
research studies.
Monte Vista High School, Danville - Contact: East Bay Learning
Disabilities Association: Visit www.eastbaylda.org for full
information.
============================

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
22 November 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: "The Apology" (Poem)
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
including directions, look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule
and also http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Alameda - 11/23/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Marin - 11/29/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call for directions in Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Home, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048 or 415-924-6656
============================
Contra Costa - 11/30/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Contra Costa - 12/1/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting -- Topic TBA
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 12/2/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Stanislaus - 12/7/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Alameda - 12/8/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
San Francisco - 12/13/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group - Potluck holiday gathering in private home.  --
Call 362-7227 and leave your email address and phone number on
Rachel's voicemail, hopefully at least 24 hours in advance. She will
email the location and directions.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 12/14/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Online - 12/15/2004, Wed. 6 - 8 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Andrew Adesman, M.D. will chat on AD/HD and
Co-existing Conditions
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
San Francisco - 12/15/2004, Wed. 6:00 - 7:45 pm
"Developing Minds" Video: Getting Thoughts on Paper -- Sponsored by
the SF Unified School District, Schwab Learning, the CAC, SF PTA and
SF School Volunteers.
San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco - Contact: Marilyn Dong,
Librarian: Resource Collection for Learning Differences - 415/557-4540
============================
Marin - 12/16/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Holiday Party --
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Marin - 12/21/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

Some have wondered why there is a separate support group for the
partners of people with AD/HD. The following poem's author explains
it this way: "The group helped me in feeling there is a safe place to
talk about the long-standing marital frustrations from my husband's
untreated AD/HD, to see that many more people are in this position,
and to have others share their success stories so that I knew change
was possible."

= The Apology =

My husbands apologizes after seven years of marriage

"I'm sorry
for how hard
this has been
for you"
he said,
after seven years,
after only
three weeks
on the meds.
The time slips
through my mind,
these years of
crushed hopes,
bearing the burden,
holding up,
weary every day,
always moving forward,
trying to find
my joy
in our situation.
Not understanding,
never understanding
the sloth,
hoarding,
lack of responsibility,
never completing,
not owning up,
incessant forgetfulness,
never on time,
lack of empathy,
absentmindedness
that has led
to so much
including the beginning
of the end
on the day
when he lost
our baby
(later found)
two months and
twenty days ago.
I reach deep
into my heart
and memories
to find instances
when he excelled:
two crystal clear
events, two years
nineteen days ago
and three years
seven months
twenty days ago
he was focused,
completely engaged,
counting each and
every contraction,
touching my left
index finger and
absolutely dependable.
I tell him,
"You were the
best labor coach."
His response
is perfect.
What we once
shared so well,
a core of
our relationship,
bubbles out.
He laughs.
And I feel
a small spark
inside my being
that is,
for a change,
not anger.

I still love him.

Lisa Bennett
11/18/04

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
8 November 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: No Feature This Week
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
including directions, look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule
and also http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Santa Clara - 11/9/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 11/10/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
San Francisco - 11/15/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Marin - 11/16/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 11/17/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 11/17/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Silicon Valley Adult and Parent Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Online - 11/18/2004, Thu. 6 - 8 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Chris Dendy will chat on "Adolescents and
Executive Function"
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
Marin - 11/18/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Ask the doctor. Dr. Sheldon Whitten-Vile.  -- Note location change
for this event. Send e-mail to: DoctorW-V@...
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Alameda - 11/23/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Marin - 11/29/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call for directions in Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Home, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048 or 415-924-6656
============================
Contra Costa - 11/30/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Contra Costa - 12/1/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting -- Topic TBA
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 12/2/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
Stanislaus - 12/7/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Alameda - 12/8/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
San Francisco - 12/13/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 12/14/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Online - 12/15/2004, Wed. 6 - 8 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Andrew Adesman, M.D. will chat on AD/HD and
Co-existing Conditions
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
25 October 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements:
       CHADD Suports Yes on Prop 63
       Santa Cruz chapter opening
*Feature Article: Tedium Management - Strategies
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
including directions, look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule
and also http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Marin - 10/25/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call for directions in Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Home, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048 or 415-924-6656
============================
Alameda - 10/26/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 10/26/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Out of Area - 10/28/2004, thru 10/30/2004
The 16 th Annual CHADD International Conference on
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity  Disorder -- Striking the Right Note
Through  Science, Education and Support.
Renaissance Nashville Hotel and Convention Center, Nashville, TN -
Contact: See Website: www.chadd.org
============================
Sacramento - 11/2/2004, Tues. 6:45 p.m.; 7-9 pm
ADHD and Preparing for College: Transition Help for the High School
Student -- Presented by Laurie Dupar, MN
Sutter Center for Psychiatry, Sacramento - Contact: Greater
Sacramento CHADD: 916-552-1557
============================
San Francisco - 11/3/2004, Wed. 6:00 - 7:45 pm
"Developing Minds" Video: Master the Challenge of Reading --
Sponsored by the SF Unified School District, Schwab Learning, the
CAC, SF PTA and SF School Volunteers.
San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco - Contact: Marilyn Dong,
Librarian: Resource Collection for Learning
Differences<br>415/557-4540
============================
Santa Clara - 11/3/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Sarah Cheyette, MD  -- A neurologist practicing in San Mateo, Dr.
Cheyette will talk about the treatment of pediatric and adult AD/HD.
She is also the author of "Mommy, My Head Hurts: A Doctor's Guide to
Your Child's Headache."
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 11/4/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "Everything You Wanted to Ask About
ADD: Q & A"  -- Matthew Stubblefield, M.D. neuropsychiatrist in
private practice in Palo Alto (formerly at the Amen Fairfield clinic.)
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Santa Clara - 11/9/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 11/10/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
San Francisco - 11/15/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Marin - 11/16/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 11/17/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Silicon Valley Adult and Parent Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Online - 11/18/2004, Thu. 6 - 8 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Chris Dendy will chat on "Adolescents and
Executive Function"
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
Napa - 11/18/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent/Guardian Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths, and strategies to manage challenges. (It's good to call
first to confirm the date/time and to inquire about the meeting's
topic).
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-452-8970, or ksnapa@...
============================
Marin - 11/18/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Ask the doctor. Dr. Sheldon Whitten-Vile.  -- Note location change
for this event. Send e-mailto: DoctorW-V@...
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Alameda - 11/23/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Marin - 11/29/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call for directions in Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Home, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048 or 415-924-6656
============================
Contra Costa - 11/30/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Santa Clara - 12/2/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Stanislaus - 12/7/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Alameda - 12/8/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
San Francisco - 12/13/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 12/14/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Online - 12/15/2004, Wed. 6 - 8 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Andrew Adesman, M.D. will chat on AD/HD and
Co-existing Conditions
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
San Francisco - 12/15/2004, Wed. 6:00 - 7:45 pm
"Developing Minds" Video: Getting Thoughts on Paper -- Sponsored by
the SF Unified School District, Schwab Learning, the CAC, SF PTA and
SF School Volunteers.
San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco - Contact: Marilyn Dong,
Librarian: Resource Collection for Learning
Differences<br>415/557-4540
============================
Solano - 12/15/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Parent/Guardian Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths, and strategies to manage challenges. (It's good to call
first to confirm the date/time and to inquire about the meeting's
topic).
Matrix - Vallejo, Vallejo - Contact: Karen Shepard: 707-452-8970, or
ksnapa@...
============================
Marin - 12/16/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Holiday Party --
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Marin - 12/21/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

CHADD supports Vote Yes on Prop 63 - Mental Health Initiative

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
However, CHADD of Northern California does fully support and endorse
Proposition 63.

This election there is an amazing chance to increase funding for
mental health services in California. Proposition 63 will add a
surtax on the wealthiest Californians-1 percent of personal income
above $1 million. This is the same group who got a 3% or more tax cut
from the current  administration.

Bottom line, if you have no health insurance and have even a
low-middle income, you probably will not be able to get mental health
care. Counties are responsible for providing care for this group but
are so underfunded they treat only about 10% of the need.

Have you ever wondered why someone with a physical problem can
usually get medical care but someone with attentional problems,
depression, anxiety and other daily struggles often cannot? Have you
ever wondered why our prisons and jails end up being our largest
mental health institutions.

Proposition 63 would raise about $750 million a year for
mental-health care. The money would allow counties to expand services
and to try innovative approaches for the mentally ill. The
proposition would establish an accountability commission to oversee
spending and outcomes.

Okay, this is not the ideal way to fund mental health services but it
is the best chance we've got. Learn more at www.Yeson63.org. Read the
San Francisco Chronicle editorial of  Sept. 27th.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/10/17

Please get registered to vote and vote Yes on Prop 63.
Please tell five other people, who can tell five others to vote Yes on 63.


Beverlee Kell
CHADD of Marin, coordinator
NAMI of Marin, Board member
Marin Mental Health Board, vice chair

***************************

Santa Cruz Chapter Open. See their independent schedule at
http://www.chaddonline.org/chapters/chadd605.html

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

The following article has been published with kind permission from
Lew Mills, PhD LMFT, a Bay Area psychotherapist working with
Attention Deficit in Adults.

Tedium Management - Part II: Strategies

This is the second half of an article on managing tedium. These are
some categories of strategies, not an exhaustive list. Once you
understand the categories, you may be able to invent some strategies
that work for you based on them.

Lighten Up

The first tip is to notice that succumbing to tedium is more often
than not also accompanied by anxiety and self-reproach. Furthermore,
setbacks can be discouraging. So your first strategy ought to be to
lighten up on yourself. It's going to be hard, but you don't need
another taskmaster giving you grief over it. Move forward when the
time allows for it. Let go when the time is just wrong.

Chunk it Up

This is the favorite strategy of those who do not have as much of a
tedium management problem. Just break a big task up into smaller
tasks. Yeah, and whistle while you work. Sometimes it works. And
sometimes you just stare at the task longer, trying to figure out
where to make the divisions. However, if you can find a way to take
bits at a time, setting the rest aside so that it does not overwhelm
you, this will be a winning strategy. If you can provide yourself
some structure, you might set a particular time each day that you
will do a part of the task.

A very effective variant of this strategy is to commit to doing just
a few minutes of the task. By removing the dread of taking on the
whole thing you can get a lot done in a few minutes. Then rest and
come back for another chunk later. Intersperse tasks that you enjoy
and that re-energize you.

The reason that this strategy works so well and why it is so hard to
do is that it really amounts to applying your executive functions. If
it were easy for you, you would already be doing it. Nonetheless,
consider if there aren't some ways that you could apply the chunking
strategy.

Nibble

But let's say that you hit the wall with trying to chunk the task.
Can you just work at any part and make progress?

If you can be fairly confident that whatever you do on this task is
going to advance you, then just start anywhere. Acknowledge that you
don't need to measure your progress, proceed systematically, or
anything of the kind. After you nibble for awhile, you know that the
task will get smaller.

As you transform your tedium (executive function overwhelm) into mere
boredom, you can detach from it. Play good music or something that
you enjoy and just keep nibbling away. Don't try right away to back
up and get the big picture. Establish your momentum.

Once you have nibbled at it awhile, you will realize that the hardest
part was starting. After you can feel that you are making progress,
the pieces of the big picture may come into focus with less effort.
Now you can see the bigger picture without the overwhelming ambiguity
that you experienced at the beginning.

The danger with this strategy is that you may in fact totally lose
sight of the big picture. Beware misdirected hyperfocus. After four
hours of color-coding the file folders you will use to organize your
project, it's time to stop nibbling and look again at the big picture.

Find the Melody Line

Some tasks seem to come automatically. The basic patterns are so well
known that once you start, each phrase of the melody leads naturally
to the next. This concept of a "kinetic melody" has been applied to
motor tasks, but it is also true in many other efforts.

Once I start writing, the paragraphs seem each to be sponsored by the
one just before it. I can generally trust that another idea that
roughly follows from the previous one will be waiting for me when I
get to the place where I need it. It feels like a familiar melody,
where you always seem to remember the next note just as it is coming
up.

Finding the melody is the hard part. It can sometimes pop up if you
just start. Once you find it, keep going until it runs out. Then you
can go back and do the evaluating and repairing of what you've done
so far. But if you wait for the whole symphony to come into your
head, you'll be stuck.

Borrow an Executive Function

Most people find that it is easier to do another person's tedious
task than their own. When you are personally worried about
consequences, your executive function gets strangled in anxiety. Use
someone else's executive function, someone who is not going to be
emotionally involved. They don't have to make your decisions, but
they can help a lot by asking you the right questions.

Sometimes your "executive function buddy" can just be a "pair of
eyes." If they watch you, it helps you watch yourself. I really mean
it. Have someone sit in the room and just watch you. (They can bring
a book or something, so long as they don't distract you or stop
watching.) If you get past the silliness of it, this works some great
magic.

Eat Chocolate

Hey, don't ask me why. These are just the things that work for me.
But have you noticed that when you amuse yourself, distract yourself,
or even just show kindness to yourself, you don't notice the tedium
so much? Music can help. Finding something funny about your bosses
wardrobe choices may do it. The idea is to distract yourself from the
feeling of tedium. Just try to get out of "suffering mode."

Change the Frame

The meaning of a task can make it tedious. Play that it is something
else. Right now I am attacking my tedious brain-splashing task by
pretending that I am actually just testing the ideas I am writing
down here for you. Most of the ideas are working, and the task is
yielding a bit. Go ahead and attack your tedious job with the
intention of carefully documenting how none of my tips worked. Go nowŠ

Another example in this category is a trick for finishing tasks.
Because starting tasks is often easier than the cleanup at the end,
change the frame. See if there is a way to make "finishing up" into a
new project, which you are just now jumping in to start.

Run the other way

You've got nothing to prove. Just make your life work for you. If you
can avoid getting into tedious tasks in the first place, by all means
do so. Now that you understand tedium a little better, you are going
to get better at recognizing it, and avoiding it.

Buy makeup and clothing that matches the egg on your face

A lot of the things you worry about may not amount to so big a
problem in the long run. Even when they do, what is past is past.
Apologize where you have to, let go, and move on.

Ok, these tedium management strategies are not as clean and neat as
the time management seminars where they convince you that you can
find 30 hours in each day. Tedium management is messy stuff. There
are no easy answers or systems. Just a handful of tricks that may
help you out.

Did I tell you that the egg makes your eyes look very pretty in this light?

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
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      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
11 October 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcement: CHADD Supports Proposition 63
*Feature Article: Tedium Management
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
including directions, look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule
and also http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Santa Clara - 10/12/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 10/13/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting -- Possible speaker to be announced.
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Alameda - 10/16/2004, Sat. 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m
"The Reluctant Writer: What's Going On?" Featuring Regina G.
Richards, M.A.  -- The First in Northern California - International
Dyslexia Association's Series: Writing Research, Writing Practice.
Tickets $40-$55.
UC-Berkeley Extension International Center, Berkeley - Contact:
International Dyslexia Association: 650-328-7667 or visit
www.dyslexia-ncbida.org
============================
San Francisco - 10/18/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Online - 10/19/2004, Tues. 6 - 8 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. will chat on Resiliency
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
Contra Costa - 10/19/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 10/19/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 10/20/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 10/21/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent/Guardian Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths, and strategies to manage challenges. (It's good to call
first to confirm the date/time and to inquire about the meeting's
topic).
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-452-8970, or ksnapa@...
============================
Marin - 10/25/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call for directions in Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Home, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048 or 415-924-6656
============================
Alameda - 10/26/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 10/26/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Out of Area - 10/28/2004, thru 10/30/2004
The 16 th Annual CHADD International Conference on
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity  Disorder -- Striking the Right Note
Through  Science, Education and Support.
Renaissance Nashville Hotel and Convention Center, Nashville, TN -
Contact: See Website: www.chadd.org/
============================
Sacramento - 11/2/2004, Tues. 6:45 p.m.; 7-9 pm
ADHD and Preparing for College: Transition Help for the High School
Student -- Presented by Laurie Dupar, MN
Sutter Center for Psychiatry, Sacramento - Contact: Greater
Sacramento CHADD: 916-552-1557
============================
San Francisco - 11/3/2004, Wed. 6:00 - 7:45 pm
"Developing Minds" Video: Master the Challenge of Reading --
Sponsored by the SF Unified School District, Schwab Learning, the
CAC, SF PTA and SF School Volunteers.
San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco - Contact: Marilyn Dong,
Librarian: Resource Collection for Learning Differences 415/557-4540
============================
Santa Clara - 11/3/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Stephen Heuer, BS -- Will talk about Nutripathy and AD/HD
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 11/4/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "Everything You Wanted to Ask About
ADD: Q & A"  -- Matthew Stubblefield, M.D. neuropsychiatrist in
private practice in Palo Alto (formerly at the Amen Fairfield clinic.)
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit http://www.kpinst.org/
============================
Santa Clara - 11/9/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 11/10/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

Reach for the Stars! Join the Marin County Mental Health Glitterati
at the Campaign for Mental Health Reception and Benefit to support
Yes on Prop 63

Enjoy appetizers, wine, and live jazz in the garden!
On Tuesday October 12th, 2004 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
At the Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross CA 94957

Featured Guests Include
State Assembly Member Darrell Steinberg, Author of Proposition 63

http://www.YesOn63.org

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

The following article has been published with kind permission from
Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT, a Bay Area psychotherapist working with
Attention Deficit in Adults.

Tedium Management

My brain is about to explode, scattering the few contents that might
remain within it across the computer screen in front of me.

Actually, it just got a lot better. I am putting down the task that
was making me apoplectic in order to write. And writing is something
that I can feel comfortable with. This is particularly so if I allow
myself to express my angst with a gruesome yet amusing metaphor. I
feel much better now. Thank you for askingŠ

The task which was aggravating my brain, and which I am now
procrastinating doing, is an extraordinarily tedious task. I'll spare
you the details because I know that you have tasks just like this
yourself. And you don't want me to even remind you of them. But I do
want to tell you that your ideas about your problems with those tasks
are probably incorrect.

You think that you have a time-management problem. Or maybe you
imagine that you are procrastinating. But I want to suggest a better
term for the reasons why these things don't get done. Tedium. People
with ADHD have a lower tolerance for tedium than other folks. There
is a specific reason why we don't manage tedium well, which is
central to the experience of ADHD.

Tedium management is a fundamental skill in the toolbox of skills we
call "executive functioning." Executive functioning just means your
ability to plan, strategize, prioritize, remember your plans, and
consequently get things done. In simple terms, it's what we don't do
well. ADHD is really a deficit in executive functioning.

Tedious tasks are not just boring. The word boring derives from the
behavior of a person who plods on without any consideration of the
other person who is becoming bored. People with ADHD can be boring to
others. But boredom is only a problem for the person with ADHD in so
far as they get distracted.

Tedium is different than not being interested enough to resist
distraction. I reserve the term "tedium" for precisely those tasks
that overwhelm our executive functioning. Tedium is when the
difference has been lost between the important parts of the task and
the trivial ones. No matter what your good intentions, the executive
functions cannot sort out the task.

As a metaphor, imagine a well lit image, with good contrast between
the lighter and darker parts of the image. As you dim the light on
the image, the contrast is more difficult to see. In low light you
can hardly tell where the lighter or darker parts of the image are.
Conversely, if the contrast in the actual image were particularly
poor, it would take even more light to make out the image.

Your task is analogous to this image. The relative importance of the
things you need to pay attention to is like the contrast in the
image. Executive functions are your light. In good light with good
contrast in the image, all goes well. In a non-tedious task, you can
easily distinguish dark from light areas, important from trivial. As
the contrast in the image is poorer, as in a tedious task, you would
be likely to try to hold the image under a brighter light to make it
out. If your executive functioning is weak, you can't access that
light at all. You have to rely on the image having excellent contrast
(being non-tedious) or become frustrated trying to decipher it.

You can see that effectively making out the image relates to the
intrinsic "contrast" in the image itself as well as the executive
functioning (light) you can bring to it. Of course tasks that would
be simply boring to the ordinary person are more likely to be tedious
to the person with ADHD, since they can't just shed more light on it
to bring out the important features, If they could, it would still be
boring, but not tedious.

The word tedious comes from the Latin root for wearisome. It relates
to those things that simply wear you out. Tedium is that experience
of drowning in the detail and complexity of a task, where you can't
hold all the pieces in front of you at the same time in order to sort
out where to start, to see what's most important or to anticipate the
consequences of different options. Often the reaction to tedium is a
great deal of anxiety followed by exhaustion and maybe resignation.
You have overwhelmed your executive functioning. You're in the dark.

I contrasted "tedious" with merely "boring." I want to add that
tedious is also not the same as "difficult." Writing actually calls
on more intellectual functions than my now procrastinated tedious
task. But writing flows much more easily for me. Often the only part
that is truly agonizing in writing is the getting started. In fact,
getting started is often the reason that tedious tasks are so
tedious. At the start is when you have to engage your executive
functions to grasp the entire plan of the task. It calls on all of
your organizing abilities.

One of the most popular strategies, usually arrived at by accident,
is to wait for the adrenaline of a deadline to fill your brain with
the neurochemicals you need to sort out the important from the
trivial. It is similar to the way that stimulant medications help.
They actually increase the "light" at the neuronal level that makes
you able to distinguish what is important.

Hopefully this gives you some perspective on what is going on when
you find a task tedious. You can be more aware of how you got stuck.

I will be following up this article with another on specific
strategies. Some will be familiar, some will be new. But now you will
understand how they work and maybe use the same principles to create
your own strategies.

In the mean time, I have to go and attack my tedious task againŠ

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
27 September 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature: CHADD of Northern California Supports Proposition 63,
     California's Mental Health Services Act
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
including directions, look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule
and also http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Online - 9/28/2004, Tues. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Sandra Reif, MA,  will chat on "Back to School" Issues
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
Alameda - 9/28/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 9/28/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 10/4/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call for directions in Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Home, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048 or 415-924-6656
============================
Sacramento - 10/5/2004, Tues. 6:45 p.m.; 7-9 pm
The New ADHD and Bipolar Disorder  -- Presented by John Capel PhD.
Sutter Center for Psychiatry, Sacramento - Contact: Greater
Sacramento CHADD: 916-552-1557
============================
Stanislaus - 10/5/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
San Francisco - 10/6/2004, Wed. 7:00 pm
Jonathan Mooney speaks! -- Parents Education Network (PEN) and
Convent of the Sacred Heart High School presenting. Donation
requested at the door, ($25 suggested).
Syufy Theater, San Francisco - Contact: Parent Education Network
(PEN): PENBayArea@...
============================
Santa Clara - 10/6/2004, Wed. 7:15 pm - 9:30 pm
Mark Schiller, M.D.  -- Will discuss guiding medications with
electroencephalography
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
San Francisco - 10/6/2004, Wed. 8:30 am - 4:30pm
"Hoarding and Cluttering: Solutions 2004" presented by the Mental
Health Association of San Francisco.  -- Confirmed Presenters
include: Sanjaya Saxena, MD and Ann Levine, Esq. Registration online;
No one turned away for lack of funds.
Marines Memorial Club - 609 Sutter, San Francisco - Contact: Mental
Health Association of San Francisco: 415-241-2926 or visit
www.mha-sf.org.
============================
Marin - 10/7/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Goals: Inside Out - Linda Lawton, E.T., educational therapist, coach,
Learningstrategies@...
A workshop for adults and teens. Learn some simple strategies to help you
take daily actions. Build a system that helps you appreciate your
accomplishments. (Note location change for this event.)
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 10/7/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Santa Clara - 10/12/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 10/13/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting -- Possible speaker to be announced.
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Alameda - 10/16/2004, Sat. 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m
"The Reluctant Writer: What's Going On?" Featuring Regina G.
Richards, M.A.  -- The First in Northern California - International
Dyslexia Association's Series: Writing Research, Writing Practice.
Tickets $40-$55.
UC-Berkeley Extension International Center, Berkeley - Contact:
International Dyslexia Association: 650-328-7667 or visit
www.dyslexia-ncbida.org
============================
San Francisco - 10/18/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Online - 10/19/2004, Tues. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. will chat on Resiliency
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
Contra Costa - 10/19/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 10/19/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 10/20/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 10/21/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent/Guardian Support Group -- Focusing on education,ADHD
strengths,and strategies to manage challenges.(it's good to call
first to confirm the date/time and to inquire about the meeting's
topic).
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-452-8970, or ksnapa@...
============================
Marin - 10/25/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call for directions in Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Home, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048 or 415-924-6656
============================
Alameda - 10/26/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 10/26/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Out of Area - 10/28/2004, thru 10/30/2004
The 16 th Annual CHADD International Conference on
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity  Disorder -- Striking the Right Note
Through  Science, Education and Support.
Renaissance Nashville Hotel and Convention Center, Nashville, TN -
Contact: See Website: www.chadd.org
============================

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

CHADD of Northern California Supports Proposition 63, California's
Mental Health Services Act

The following is from http://www.yeson63.org/ For more analysis of
the proposition, see: http://www.lao.ca.gov/ballot/2004/63_11_2004.htm

Here are a dozen "Frequently Asked Questions" to help you understand
why this proposition is so important to us.

1. What would the Mental Health Services Act initiative do?

The Mental Health Services Act will expand mental health care
programs for children and adults. The measure provides services to
persons currently disabled by mental illness, persons showing signs
of mental illness in need of prevention services, and to families and
caregivers of those affected.

2. What kinds of services are offered?

The Mental Health Services Act will provide much more than mental
health counseling and care. The measure uses the "integrated
services" model to provide a range of services, an approach proven
through programs created under AB 34, enacted by the Legislature in
1999. Services include outreach, medical care, short and long-term
housing, prescription drugs, vocational training, and self-help and
social rehabilitation.

3. How much money would the initiative raise for mental health care
in California?

The initiative will directly raise approximately $700 million dollars
per year for mental health services in California. Because of the
initiative, California would also qualify for additional federal
funds, raising the annual total to more than $1 billion.

4. Does the initiative only help the poor and uninsured?

   The Mental Health Services Act offers services to persons and
families without insurance, or for whom insurance coverage of mental
health care has been exhausted. Family payment obligations would be
on a sliding fee schedule based on ability to pay.

5. How will the initiative help children facing mental illness?

The Mental Health Services Act creates children's services targeted
to those not covered by existing programs, particularly those with
untreated mental disorders placing them at risk of severe mental
illness, removal from home, suicide or violent behavior.

Additionally, the Mental Health Services Act assures that parents
will not be required to relinquish custody of a child in order to
make the child eligible for medically necessary mental health care
services.

6. Where will the money come from to pay for these new programs?

The Mental Health Services Act pays for expanded programs through a
surcharge on income above $1 million per year. The new 1% surcharge
applies to each dollar earned over $1 million. The surcharge would
raise approximately $600 million per year. The program phases in over
a three-year period. Some costs for facilities and education and
training of new personnel are included in the initiative's funding.

7. Who will ensure that the money is spent properly?

The measure creates a new Citizens Oversight and Accountability
Commission to annually review each county's expenditure plan and
ensure that all expenditures are in accord with the voters' wishes.
In addition, the initiative only authorizes services in accordance
with the Children's and Adults' Systems of Care. These systems
require each county's expenditures for each person to be approved by
the State Department of Mental Health. All expenditures are audited
by state and local agencies and all service providers are subject to
local oversight and state licensing.

8. Are there any benefits from this program for average California taxpayers?

The Mental Health Services Act generates hundreds of millions of
dollars in savings. Experience with AB 34 programs shows that, by
treating mental illness earlier and more effectively, savings are
generated in reduced hospital costs, jail costs, and medical and
welfare costs.

9. How will the money from Prop 63 be distributed?

Counties will receive funds to deliver services under Proposition 63
to the extent that they demonstrate that they have significant unmet
needs and establish that they have the resources and capability to
deliver services that meet the standards under the nationally
recognized integrated services model for adults and seniors and the
children's system of care. Similar requirements will be established
by the Oversight and Accountability Commission which must approve
expenditures for prevention and early intervention programs and/or
for innovative programs.

   Under the law, many counties contract with private, mostly nonprofit
mental health agencies to deliver services. Counties and these
agencies will be required to establish positive outcomes to clients
as a result of the services delivered as a condition of receiving
funds in future years.

10. How will Prop 63 funding be distributed to counties?

See http://www.yeson63.org/site/PageServer?pagename=faq_counties

11. Should I believe the opposition's statement that Prop. 63 is a
"flawed attempt" to improve and expand mental health services?
See http://www.yeson63.org/site/PageServer?pagename=faq

Our present system is one of "silos" of services. Different programs
that provide services all have different eligibility criteria, which
has resulted in a system of services that is fractured, that is very
difficult to navigate, and that leaves clients without services in
many situations.

   Prop 63 requires counties to restructure services based on the
integrated services approach of the AB 34 (Steinberg) programs. It
will provide funding only for that program (and a similar program for
children) which has specific standards and measures that demonstrate
how it has reduced hospitalizations by 66% and incarcerations by 81%.
Both that program and the children's system of care have been
recognized as national models by a recent Presidential Commission.
What is flawed is the opposition's argument, which ignores these
improvements in mental healthcare and tries to scare people into
believing the funding will go to outdated approaches, which leading
mental health policymakers have already rejected.

12. Will Prop. 63 fund a static system of delivery of mental health
services, or will the services funded by Prop. 63 be able to change
and improve as new best practices are established and new research
breakthroughs achieved?

Prop. 63 was developed and composed to establish a system that will
be able to change and grow because mental health is a changing field,
with new "best practices" being established on an ongoing basis, and
research breakthroughs occurring every day. Under Prop. 63, counties
will conduct a public review and hearing process to develop an
updated three year plan every year. Programs will be funded under one
of the categories under Prop. 63 to the extent that they establish
that they are able to provide services that are effective and
successful and lead to positive outcomes for the clients. Prop. 63
will fund innovative programs, prevention and early intervention
programs, services for adults and for children, capital facilities,
and human resources development. Outcomes for each program will be
evaluated, and only those programs that work the best will continue
to be funded with Prop. 63 money and counties will be required to
change their approach to respond to new evidence of best practices
and better outcomes.

More information at: http://www.yeson63.org/

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:
--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
13 September 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcement/Article: Hoarding and Cluttering 2004
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
including directions, look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule
and also http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Santa Clara - 9/14/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 9/15/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD -Open Discussion.
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 9/15/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Bonnie Emerson, Asst. Principal, Modesto -- Will discuss parents' strategies.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 9/16/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent/Guardian Support Group -- Focusing on education,ADHD
strengths,and strategies to manage challenges.(it's good to call
first to confirm the date/time and to inquire about the meeting's
topic).
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-452-8970, or ksnapa@...
============================
San Mateo - 9/18/2004, Sat. 8 am to 5 pm
"Healing Anxiety, Depression and ADD" -  with Dr. Daniel Amen as
keynote speaker.  -- Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute's Ninth Annual
Symposium
Tyco Electronics Corporation, Menlo Park - Contact: Kitty Petty
ADD/LD Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
San Francisco - 9/20/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 9/21/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 9/21/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Marin - 9/27/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call for directions in Mill Valley.
Mill Valley Home, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048 or 415-924-6656
============================
Online - 9/28/2004, Tues. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Sandra Reif, MA,  will chat on "Back to School" Issues
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
Alameda - 9/28/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 9/28/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Sacramento - 10/5/2004, Tues. 6:45 p.m.; 7-9 pm
The New ADHD and Bipolar Disorder  -- Presented by John Capel PhD.
Sutter Center for Psychiatry, Sacramento - Contact: Greater
Sacramento CHADD: 916-552-1557
============================
Stanislaus - 10/5/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
San Francisco - 10/6/2004, Wed. 7 or 7:30 TBA
Jonathan Mooney speaks! (Hold the Date) -- Parents Education Network
(PEN) and Convent of the Sacred Heart High School presenting.
Donation requested at the door.
Syufy Theater, San Francisco - Contact: Parent Education Network
(PEN): PENBayArea@...
============================
Santa Clara - 10/6/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Mark Schiller, M.D.  -- Will discuss guiding medications with
electroencephalography
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
San Francisco - 10/6/2004, Wed. 8:30 am - 4:30pm
The Mental Health Association of San Francisco Presents: Hoarding and
Cluttering: Solutions 2004.  -- Confirmed Presenters include: Sanjaya
Saxena, MD and Ann Levine, Esq. Registration online in a few weeks;
No one turned away for lack of funds.
Marines Memorial Club - 609 Sutter, San Francisco - Contact: Mental
Health Association of San Francisco: 415-241-2926 or visit
www.mha-sf.org
============================
Santa Clara - 10/7/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
Santa Clara - 10/12/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 10/13/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting -- Possible speaker to be announced.
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Alameda - 10/16/2004, Sat. 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m
"The Reluctant Writer: What's Going On?" Featuring Regina G.
Richards, M.A.  -- The First in Northern California - International
Dyslexia Association's Series: Writing Research, Writing Practice.
Tickets $40-$55.
UC-Berkeley Extension International Center, Berkeley - Contact:
International Dyslexia Association: 650-328-7667 or visit
www.dyslexia-ncbida.org
============================
San Francisco - 10/18/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Online - 10/19/2004, Tues. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. will chat on Resiliency
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================

**************************
>>  ANNOUNCEMENT/ARTICLE <<
**************************

Editor's Note: This Conference comes highly recommended. For an
archived article on Hoarding and Cluttering, see:

http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter/articles/hoardclutter.htm


Hoarding and Cluttering 2004
By Rob Wheeler, Mental Health Association of San Francisco

Compulsive hoarding, defined as the acquisition of and failure to
discard a large number of possessions that appear to be useless or of
limited value in an attempt to decrease stress and anxiety, is a
relatively intractable symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
(OCD).  Not everyone with OCD exhibits hoarding behaviors, but for
those who do, it can be an extremely difficult problem to overcome.
Those who hoard compulsively often respond poorly to standard
pharmaceutical and psychotherapeutic treatments for OCD and it can
become disabling.

An estimated 7-8 million people in the United States suffer from OCD
and as many as one-third of them exhibit compulsive hoarding
behaviors.  While hoarding is generally considered to be symptomatic
of OCD, recent research by Dr. Sanjaya Saxena, Director of the UCLA
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Research Program, suggests that this
assumption may not be accurate.  His research, focusing on
neuroimaging of the brains of compulsive hoarders, shows anatomical
differences from those of people with other forms of OCD and from
those of healthy control subjects without OCD.  These biological
differences may indicate that compulsive hoarding is distinct from
other forms of OCD. Dr. Saxena has found that the areas of the brain
that control the executive functions (e.g., memory and decision
making) are mildly atrophied in those who hoard compulsively.
Interestingly, deficits in executive functions are implicated in ADHD
as well.  Dr. Saxena reports using stimulant medication in addition
to antidepressants to treat compulsive hoarding.

Furthermore, compulsive hoarding is often a feature of several other
psychiatric disorders in addition to OCD, such as attention deficit
disorder, anorexia, and depression and can be caused or aggravated by
increasing age or physical disabilities.  Indeed, hoarding may be
best treated as a distinct problem in itself.

On Wednesday, October 6, 2004, the Mental Health Association of San
Francisco (MHA-SF), a non-profit citizens' organization dedicated to
improving the mental health of residents in the diverse communities
of San Francisco through advocacy, education, research and service,
will present their annual conference on compulsive hoarding.
"Hoarding and Cluttering: Solutions 2004" is a daylong conference
that will address innovations in the research and treatment of
compulsive hoarding.  In the keynote address, Dr. Saxena will discuss
"Understanding and Treating Hoarding and Cluttering."

In addition to Dr. Saxena, Ann Levine, Esq., Co-Director of the
Mental Health Advocacy Project of the Law Foundation of Silicon
Valley will address "Legal Rights and Responsibilities."  Finally,
Terry Prince, CPO-CD, Executive Director of the National Study Group
on Chronic Disorganization, will moderate a panel presentation
entitled "Seeking Solutions: Working Toward Recovery." Included in
this panel will be Dr. Roland Rotz, a psychotherapist who is using an
innovative comprehensive treatment in collaboration with a
professional organizer, Heidi Schulz, CPO-CD, who will also be
present on the panel.  In this treatment, psychotherapy is augmented
by in-home coaching by a professional organizer.  Dr. Rotz reports
significant reductions in hoarding behaviors using this method with
clients.

In all its programs, MHA-SF works with people and families challenged
by mental illness and with the agencies that serve them to promote
prevention, access to services, leadership, and independence.  MHA-SF
has organized the Hoarding and Cluttering conference annually for
several years as a way for consumers to find resources and solutions,
and for service providers to keep up with the most recent innovations
in the field.

For more information about "Hoarding and Cluttering: Solutions 2004,"
visit the MHA-SF website at www.mha-sf.org.  Registration for the
conference in currently underway. You may register with a credit card
online or print the registration form and register by sending a check
through the mail.  The cost for the conference is $50.  Register
before September 22 for a $10 "early bird" discount.   As with all
MHA-SF programs, no one will be turned away for lack of funds,
therefore, those who cannot afford the registration fee may choose an
amount between $0 and $40 that is affordable.

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
30 August 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements:
     National ADHD Awareness Day, Sept 7, 2004
*Feature Article: The Moral View of Disability
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
including directions, look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule
and also http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Marin - 8/30/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 9/1/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting -- Goal Setting Challenges
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 9/1/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Sacramento - 9/7/2004, Tues. 6:45 p.m.; 7-9 pm
Back to School -- School study strategies for kids with ADHD
presented by Rich Lougy, MFT, Author of "ADHD a Survival Guide for
Parents and Teachers"
Sutter Center for Psychiatry, Sacramento - Contact: Greater
Sacramento CHADD: 916-552-1557
============================
Stanislaus - 9/7/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Alameda - 9/8/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Marin - 9/9/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Lea Del Pomo, employment development counselor  -- Learn about
special vocational services offered at Marin Employment Connection
for folks with disabilities including ADHD. Learn how Lea can help
you navigate those services.
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 9/14/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 9/15/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD -Open Discussion.
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 9/15/2004, Wed. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Bonnie Emerson, Asst. Principal, Modesto -- Will discuss parents' strategies.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 9/16/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent/Guardian Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths,and strategies to manage challenges.(it's good to call
first to confirm the date/time and to inquire about the meeting's
topic).
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-452-8970, or ksnapa@...
============================
San Mateo - 9/18/2004, Sat. 8 am to 5 pm
"Healing Anxiety, Depression and ADD" -  with Dr. Daniel Amen as
keynote speaker.  -- Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute's Ninth Annual
Symposium
Tyco Electronics Corporation, Menlo Park - Contact: Kitty Petty
ADD/LD Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit http://www.kpinst.org
============================
San Francisco - 9/20/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 9/21/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 9/21/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Marin - 9/27/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Online - 9/28/2004, Tues. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Sandra Reif, MA,  will chat on "Back to School" Issues
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
Contra Costa - 9/28/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Sacramento - 10/5/2004, Tues. 6:45 p.m.; 7-9 pm
The New ADHD and Bipolar Disorder  -- Presented by John Capel PhD.
Sutter Center for Psychiatry, Sacramento - Contact: Greater
Sacramento CHADD: 916-552-1557
============================
Stanislaus - 10/5/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
San Francisco - 10/6/2004, Wed. 7 or 7:30 TBA
Jonathan Mooney speaks! (Hold the Date) -- Parents Education Network
(PEN) and Convent of the Sacred Heart High School presenting.
Donation requested at the door.
Syufy Theater, San Francisco - Contact: Parent Education Network
(PEN): PENBayArea@...
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

September 7 is the first annual "National ADHD Awareness Day"!

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

The following article has been published with kind permission from
the Self-Advocacy Resource Network -
http://www.selfadvocacy.org/SARN/sarn_2004August4.htm#article01

Villains and Charity Cases: The Moral View of Disability

Have you ever been called special? Or perhaps you've heard the line
"don't be so retarded." These comments reflect a widespread attitude
toward disability-the moral view of disability. People with this
viewpoint talk about disability like it's either some sugar-coated
sweetness or it's bad. These attitudes are a problem for
self-advocates because they make it hard to be treated as a regular
person.

1. What Are the Three Views of Disability?

Societies have long sought to explain disability. Historically, the
two most prevalent viewpoints-that disability is either a moral
condition (either special or frightening) or a medical condition (a
malady to be cured by experts)-have had a profound and mostly
negative impact on the lives of people with disabilities. Only
recently has a third view of disability emerged: that people with
disabilities are regular people, a minority group with the same civil
rights as others.

2. What Is the Moral View of Disability?

The moral view of disability is the false idea that people with
disabilities are morally different from others. We are pre-judged as
being either especially good or especially bad because we have
disabilities. Under this moral view, self-advocates are not allowed
to be regular people. Instead, we are labeled-as special angels,
innocent and worthy of charity, or as frightening, evil and worthy of
ridicule. Both moral stereotypes (good and bad) have led to problems
for people with disabilities.

a. The History of "Disability Is Bad"

The idea that disability is sinful has been around for thousands of
years. Like many today, ancient people thought "perfect" bodies were
a sign of goodness or godliness. Logically, then, "imperfect" people
were thought to be evil-it was God's punishment for sin. Consider
this passage from the Bible: "As he walked along, he saw a man blind
from birth. His disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or
his parents, that he was born blind?'" (John 9:1-2). In the 1500s,
Protestant reformer Martin Luther said that "[children with severe
disabilities are]... a mass of flesh with no soul.... The Devil sits
in such changelings where their souls should have been."

More recently, it has been movies, books and language that tell us
"disability is bad." Notice how often villains and monsters are made
to look like people with disabilities: Goliath, Frankenstein, Dr.
Strangelove, Mr. Hyde, the Mountain Troll from Harry Potter, Captain
Hook. Even our language makes disability into something bad. Words
that describe a disability (idiot, moron, fool, retard, blind and
lame) usually end up meaning "bad."

Because they were so often considered evil and dangerous, people with
disabilities have faced mistreatment. Segregation has been the rule
throughout history-in homes, leper colonies, asylums, "hospitals" and
large institutions. Public ridicule has been considered acceptable
behavior toward people with disabilities since ancient times, from
professional "fools" to freak shows. Sadly, the fear of "evil" has
led to even worse problems-violence toward people with disabilities.
From ancient Greece to modern America, violence toward people with
disabilities has included physical abuse, neglect, abandonment,
forced sterilization and even killing.

b. The History of "Disability Is Special"

Not everyone in the ancient world thought disability was evil. There
were a few who challenged this faulty belief. One of these people was
Jesus (4 BC - 29 AD). He rejected the notion that disability is
caused by sin. Instead, he advocated compassion and service to the
powerless and outcast. The early Christian Church accepted Jesus'
call, providing services for people with disabilities. Rather than
sinful, people with disabilities now came to be stereotyped in the
opposite way as "holy innocents," special souls worthy of charity.
And the charity worked two ways: It helped the people with
disabilities have better lives and helped the helpers get to heaven
(special helpers).

This idea that "disability is special" is, of course, everywhere
today. Many religious groups continue to provide "special" services
to self-advocates. On a broader level, the term "special" is now
practically synonymous with "disability."

c. The Harm of the "Special" Label

Let's look now at how the "disability is special" viewpoint affects
people with disabilities today. Certainly, this attitude motivates
many individuals and groups to provide services. Over the years,
countless charity programs have emerged to address problems of abuse,
neglect, abandonment, unemployment and poverty.

Unfortunately, the "special" stereotype undermines self-advocacy.
First, self-advocates are denied the right of personhood. We are not
seen as regular people, but as special. Second, this attitude
promotes segregation because special people are treated separately.
Consider such often well-meaning structures as special education
classes, "special" weeks at summer camps, Special Olympics, sheltered
workshops and even group homes. All these programs segregate
self-advocates (because of specialness). Finally, this attitude
places control in the hands of others. As recipients of charity,
people with disabilities have seldom been empowered to decide things
for themselves. Too often, service providers have remained in control.

3. How Can Self-Advocates Respond to the Moral View of Disability?

Although these moral viewpoints are everywhere, we can break free of
their negative power. First, we need to learn to notice them in our
lives. Then we can practice openly discussing these stereotypes,
challenging our friends and allies to join us in exposing these
harmful myths. As we work together, we can make a difference.

Respond to this Memo!

To share your thoughts and comments about the content of this Memo,
please send an e-mail to act@.... To have your
response(s) shared on the ACT Web site, please state your permission
in your e-mail. Please also mention whether or not you would like
your name included with your posted response(s).

Source: Advocating Change Together, Inc.

Advocating Change Together (ACT) is a self-advocacy disability rights
organization, started in 1979, whose goal is the advancement of
self-advocacy as a civil right for persons with developmental and
other disabilities. ACT has developed tools and materials that help
individuals and groups promote self-advocacy in their lives and work.

Call for catalog:
1-800-641-0059
Mail: ACT Self-Advocacy Resource Network, Advocating Change Together
1821 University Avenue, Suite 306 S.
St. Paul, MN 55104

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
16 August 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements:  National ADHD Awareness Day, 9/7/04
*Feature Article: (Next Issue)
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and check the links at
the top.

Contra Costa - 8/18/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
San Francisco - 8/23/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group (With Toni) -- Share skills and strategies for
success at home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a
good idea to call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 8/24/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Online - 8/25/2004, Wed. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Ann Abramowitz, Ph.D. will chat about
Psychosocial and Behavorial Interventions
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
Telephone - 8/25/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm PST
Support Group -- Group size is limited to 8 people. There is no
charge for the group itself. However, you will pay your normal
telephone charges for a call to Santa Cruz, CA. You MUST REGISTER IN
ADVANCE to receive the telephone number and access code. Send an
email with the subject line "Telephone Group" to chadd@....
If you sign up and you find out you can't participate, PLEASE let us
know as soon as possible.
Telephone, Santa Cruz - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline: 650-949-5472
============================
San Mateo - 8/29/2004, Sun. Noon - 5 pm
L.E.A.D. GROUP -- For 6th - 10th grade kids with ADD, ADHD, &/or
learning disabilities .  Kids work together to understand their
situation, figure out how to use their strengths to bridge
weaknesses, and learn social & negotiating skills so that students
can eventually advocate themselves.  Parent attendance is suggested
for the opening meeting.  Opening workshop lead by educational
strategists Claudia Lowe and Cathy Manus.
Universalist Unitarian Church, San Mateo - Contact: Laurie
Livingston: 650 375-8124, 650 307-2557 or LHL2S@...
============================
Marin - 8/30/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 9/1/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting --
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Sacramento - 9/7/2004, Tues. 6:45 p.m.; 7-9 pm
Back to School -- School study strategies for kids with ADHD
presented by Rich Lougy, MFT, Author of "ADHD a Survival Guide for
Parents and Teachers"
Sutter Center for Psychiatry, Sacramento - Contact: Greater
Sacramento CHADD: 916-552-1557
============================
Stanislaus - 9/7/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Alameda - 9/8/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:45 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Marin - 9/9/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Lea Del Pomo, employment development counselor  -- Learn about
special vocational services offered at Marin Employment Connection
for folks with disabilities including ADHD. Learn how Lea can help
you navigate those services.
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 9/14/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 9/15/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
710 South Broadway, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Napa - 9/16/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent/Guardian Support Group -- Focusing on education,ADHD
strengths,and strategies to manage challenges.(it's good to call
first to confirm the date/time and to inquire about the meeting's
topic).
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-452-8970, or ksnapa@...
============================
San Mateo - 9/18/2004, Sat. 8 am to 5 pm
"Healing Anxiety, Depression and ADD" -  with Dr. Daniel Amen as
keynote speaker.  -- Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute's Ninth Annual
Symposium
Tyco Electronics Corporation, Menlo Park - Contact: Kitty Petty
ADD/LD Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

National ADHD Awareness Day, 9/7/04 Watch the web for more
information as plans develop.

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
2 August 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: Next Issue: Time Management
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and also
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Stanislaus - 8/3/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Contra Costa - 8/4/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting: "Boundaries" --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 8/10/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Telephone - 8/11/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm PST
Support Group -- Group size is limited to 8 people. There is no
charge for the group itself. However, you will pay your normal
telephone charges for a call to Santa Cruz, CA. You MUST REGISTER IN
ADVANCE to receive the telephone number and access code. Send an
email with the subject line "Telephone Group" to chadd@....
If you sign up and you find out you can't participate, PLEASE let us
know as soon as possible.
Telephone, Santa Cruz - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline: 650-949-5472
============================
Contra Costa - 8/18/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
San Francisco - 8/23/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group (With Toni) -- Share skills and strategies for
success at home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a
good idea to call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 8/24/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Online - 8/25/2004, Wed. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Ann Abramowitz, Ph.D. will chat about
Psychosocial and Behavorial Interventions
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org - Support - Chat
============================
Telephone - 8/25/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm PST
Support Group -- Group size is limited to 8 people. There is no
charge for the group itself. However, you will pay your normal
telephone charges for a call to Santa Cruz, CA. You MUST REGISTER IN
ADVANCE to receive the telephone number and access code. Send an
email with the subject line "Telephone Group" to chadd@....
If you sign up and you find out you can't participate, PLEASE let us
know as soon as possible.
Telephone, Santa Cruz - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline: 650-949-5472
============================
San Mateo - 8/29/2004, Sun. Noon - 5 pm
L.E.A.D. GROUP -- For 6th - 10th grade kids with ADD, ADHD, &/or
learning disabilities .  Kids work together to understand their
situation, figure out how to use their strengths to bridge
weaknesses, and learn social & negotiating skills so that students
can eventually advocate themselves.  Parent attendance is suggested
for the opening meeting.  Opening workshop lead by educational
strategists Claudia Lowe and Cathy Manus.
Universalist Unitarian Church, San Mateo - Contact: Laurie
Livingston: 650 375-8124, 650 307-2557 or LHL2S@...
============================
Marin - 8/30/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 9/1/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting: Living Up to Your Potential" --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Stanislaus - 9/7/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Marin - 9/9/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Lea Del Pomo, employment development counselor  -- Learn about
special vocational services offered at Marin Employment Connection
for folks with disabilities including ADHD. Learn how Lea can help
you navigate those services.
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

The feature  article is still subject to the vicissitudes of the
summer months, and is going to pass for this week. But look for an
article on Time Management in the next issue, providing there is time
to prepare it <grin>.

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
19 July 2003

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcement: S.F. Giants ADHD/LD Awareness Night at SBC Ballpark
*Next Feature Article 8/2
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and check the links at
the top.

Marin - 7/20/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Online - 7/21/2004, Wed. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Mini Med School - Brain and AD/HD. Open to the Public.
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org ->
Support -> Chat
============================
Marin - 7/26/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
San Francisco - 7/26/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 7/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Telephone - 7/28/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm PST
Support Group -- Group size is limited to 8 people. There is no
charge for the group itself. However, you will pay your normal
telephone charges for a call to Santa Cruz, CA. You MUST REGISTER IN
ADVANCE to receive the telephone number and access code. Send an
email with the subject line "Telephone Group" to chadd@....
If you sign up and you find out you can't participate, PLEASE let us
know as soon as possible.
Telephone, Santa Cruz - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline: 650-949-5472
============================
Contra Costa - 8/4/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting: "Boundaries" --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Telephone - 8/11/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm PST
Support Group -- Group size is limited to 8 people. There is no
charge for the group itself. However, you will pay your normal
telephone charges for a call to Santa Cruz, CA. You MUST REGISTER IN
ADVANCE to receive the telephone number and access code. Send an
email with the subject line "Telephone Group" to chadd@....
If you sign up and you find out you can't participate, PLEASE let us
know as soon as possible.
Telephone, Santa Cruz - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline: 650-949-5472
============================
Contra Costa - 8/18/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
San Francisco - 8/23/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group (With Toni) -- Share skills and strategies for
success at home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a
good idea to call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 8/24/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Online - 8/25/2004, Wed. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Ann Abramowitz, Ph.D. will chat about
Psychosocial and Behavorial Interventions
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Chat Web Page: www.chadd.org ->
Support -> Chat
============================
Telephone - 8/25/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm PST
Support Group -- Group size is limited to 8 people. There is no
charge for the group itself. However, you will pay your normal
telephone charges for a call to Santa Cruz, CA. You MUST REGISTER IN
ADVANCE to receive the telephone number and access code. Send an
email with the subject line "Telephone Group" to chadd@....
If you sign up and you find out you can't participate, PLEASE let us
know as soon as possible.
Telephone, Santa Cruz - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline: 650-949-5472
============================
San Mateo - 8/29/2004, Sun. Noon - 5 pm
L.E.A.D. GROUP -- For 6th - 10th grade kids with ADD, ADHD, &/or
learning disabilities .  Kids work together to understand their
situation, figure out how to use their strengths to bridge
weaknesses, and learn social & negotiating skills so that students
can eventually advocate themselves.  Parent attendance is suggested
for the opening meeting.  Opening workshop lead by educational
strategists Claudia Lowe and Cathy Manus.
Universalist Unitarian Church, San Mateo - Contact: Laurie
Livingston: 650 375-8124, 650 307-2557 or LHL2S@...
============================
Marin - 8/30/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 9/1/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting: Living Up to Your Potential" --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Marin - 9/9/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Lea Del Pomo, employment development counselor  -- Learn about
special vocational services offered at Marin Employment Connection
for folks with disabilities including ADHD. Learn how Lea can help
you navigate those services.
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 9/15/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Napa - 9/16/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent/Guardian Support Group -- Focusing on education,ADHD
strengths,and strategies to manage challenges.(it's good to call
first to confirm the date/time and to inquire about the meeting's
topic).
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-452-8970, or ksnapa@...
============================
San Mateo - 9/18/2004, Sat. 8 am to 5 pm
"Healing Anxiety, Depression and ADD" -  with Dr. Daniel Amen as
keynote speaker.  -- Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute's Ninth Annual
Symposium
Tyco Electronics Corporation, Menlo Park - Contact: Kitty Petty
ADD/LD Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Marin - 9/21/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Marin - 9/27/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

S.F. Giants ADHD/LD Awareness Night at SBC Ballpark!

September 2, 2004; 7:15 pm

Tickets are $16, available by calling CHADD

TOLL FREE 888-759-9758

See: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/Awareness/

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
5 July 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements: Summer Telephone Support Group
*Feature Article: How to Remember When You Forget To
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and also
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Stanislaus - 7/6/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Marin - 7/8/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
Ask the Doctor: Michael Freeman, MD, psychiatrist.  -- Ask your
questions about current treatments. Discuss the virtues of
ADHD and Bipolar Disorders. Dr Freeman specializes in helping people
with ADHD and mood and
anxiety disorders.
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Marin - 7/13/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 7/13/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Telephone - 7/14/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm PST
Support Group -- Group size is limited to 8 people. There is no
charge for the group itself. However, you will pay your normal
telephone charges for a call to Santa Cruz, CA. You MUST REGISTER IN
ADVANCE to receive the telephone number and access code. Send an
email with the subject line "Telephone Group" to chadd@....
If you sign up and you find out you can't participate, PLEASE let us
know as soon as possible.
Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline: 650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 7/15/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or mailto:ksnapa@...
============================
Online - 7/21/2004, Wed. 9-11 am PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat - Chandan J. Vaidya, Ph.D.  -- Mini Med School
- Brain and AD/HD. Open to the Public.
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Marin - 7/26/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
San Francisco - 7/26/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 7/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Telephone - 7/28/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm PST
Support Group -- Group size is limited to 8 people. There is no
charge for the group itself. However, you will pay your normal
telephone charges for a call to Santa Cruz, CA. You MUST REGISTER IN
ADVANCE to receive the telephone number and access code. Send an
email with the subject line "Telephone Group" to chadd@....
If you sign up and you find out you can't participate, PLEASE let us
know as soon as possible.
Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline: 650-949-5472 -, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm PST
============================
Here are a couple more for later in the summer...
============================
San Mateo - 8/29/2004, Sun. Noon - 5 pm
L.E.A.D. GROUP -- For 6th - 10th grade kids with ADD, ADHD, &/or
learning disabilities .  Kids work together to understand their
situation, figure out how to use their strengths to bridge
weaknesses, and learn social & negotiating skills so that students
can eventually advocate themselves.  Parent attendance is suggested
for the opening meeting.
Universalist Unitarian Church, San Mateo - Contact: Laurie
Livingston: 650 375-8124, 650 307-2557 or LHL2S@...
============================
San Mateo - 9/18/2004, Sat. 8 am to 5 pm
"Healing Anxiety, Depression and ADD" -  with Dr. Daniel Amen as
keynote speaker.  -- Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute's Ninth Annual
Symposium
Tyco Electronics Corporation, Menlo Park - Contact: Kitty Petty
ADD/LD Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

Summer Telephone Support Group!

CHADD of Silicon Valley will not meet during July and August.
However, we are trying a new format: A support group via telephone.
Group size is limited to 8 people.

The calls will be held on:

Wednesday, July 14, 7-8:30 P.M.
Wednesday, July 28, 7-8:30 P.M.
Wednesday, August 11, 7-8:30 P.M.
Wednesday, August 25, 7-8:30 P.M.

There are some important things to note:

* Cost: There is no charge for the group itself. However, you will
pay your normal telephone charges for a call to Santa Cruz, CA.

* Anyone can participate.

* You MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE to receive the telephone number and
access code. Send an email with the subject line "Telephone Group" to
chadd@....

* Since the group size is limited please do not sign up unless you
are reasonably certain that you can participate. If you sign up and
you find out you can't participate, PLEASE let us know as soon as
possible so that we can make the space available to someone else.

Mike Hinckley will facilitate the calls. He has been facilitating
support groups for CHADD of Silicon Valley for about three years, He
also has over seven years experience facilitating support groups for
sleep apnea patients.


***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

How to Remember When You Forget To

(The following article has been published with kind permission from
Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT, a Bay Area psychotherapist working with
Attention Deficit in Adults.)

The most common strategy used by adults with ADHD to improve their
effectiveness is to "try harder." Though very good advice-and it is
certainly offered often enough by well meaning bystanders-in the end
it is hardly ever helpful. The very thing which you would need to in
order to try harder is that same "effort" that eluded you in the
first place.

A similar dilemma arises in an effort to try harder to remember. You
can't really be aware of the need to remember something until in fact
you have already remembered it. We have problems with remembering
precisely when we have forgotten our resolve to try harder to
remember.

Though we like to imagine that we can remember to remember, we
usually fail to do so. What we need, and what this article is aiming
toward exploring, are ways to remember important things, even when we
are bound to forget that we want to remember them. We need to move
beyond the unreliable strategy of "trying harder." We need a strategy
which does not burden our already taxed memory for important
intentions. We need something external, something outside ourselves
to make our good intentions happen.

I've always thought that a Jiminy Cricket character, sitting on our
shoulder with wise reminders, would be ideal. In reality, it would be
very useful to have another person remind us of our intentions and
hold us accountable for their execution. This is indeed the premise
of ADHD coaching.

But if a coach is with us only a limited amount of the time, how do
we get those helpful reminders during the ongoing bustle of life.
Consider that the ideal moment for a little "Jiminy Cricket talk" is
just as Honest John is beckoning us to go and join the circus. And
the message has to be clear enough that it overwhelms the temptations
that would distract us from hearing it. Ideally, this message would
come from a place that requires no thought, no consideration of the
options, no hesitation. It should be an unambiguous, unarguable
habit. It should not burden the already overwhelmed "executive
functions" of the mind that make judgment calls and decisions.

To explain how this might work, I want to make an analogy with a
manufacturing process. At any point in a process, a person might make
a mistake. In designing a manufacturing process you would try to
minimize the likelihood of these kinds of errors. One approach is to
carefully train each person involved. Alternatively, each person
could be more closely supervised. But a novel approach is to make the
process itself more error proof. What if you could build into the
process ways that would make it immediately obvious when a mistake
was about to be made? Better yet, what if something in the process
explained itself in terms of what should be done? What if instead of
a complex set of behaviors to remember, you had only a few simple
habits to remember which would automatically connect you to the
appropriate behavior?

As an example, imagine the case where widgets keep getting in the
gadget drawer and vice versa. You could train people to more
accurately distinguish the two, admonish them to be more careful, and
frequently monitor that they were doing it properly.

But an alternative would be to make the gadgets and widgets
themselves "tell you" where they belong. Perhaps you could color
them: make widgets blue and gadgets red. Then color the widgets
drawer blue and the gadgets drawer red. Now the task can be done
flawlessly without much thought. Just put things in the drawer of the
same color. Not only is the process less prone to error, it takes
much less effort to learn or remember.

I don't have a comprehensive list of clever remedies based on this
principle. I just want to share this idea, and then let you come up
with the plan that works for you. Once you build your own systems,
they can help direct you toward the effectiveness you want.

A calendar or "to do" list is a strategy like this that you are
already familiar with. As you choose your activities for the day, you
rely on the habit of consulting the calendar/list. That is so much
easier than remembering tasks in your head that you already do it (or
know that you should!).

Another strategy is to build habits around specific locations, like
having a specific place for your keys, probably by the front door.
Then as you walk out the door, you are automatically reminded of the
keys. Having a very specific and exclusive place for bills that need
to be paid is another good strategy. Don't abuse it by putting other
important things there in the hopes you will remember them too. You
will dilute the significance of your "bills" location. Just keep it
simple and clean.

Another category of strategies involves anchoring habits to already
existing patterns. If you already brush your teeth every morning, use
that habit to get another important task done too. Put your
medications or vitamins near the sink where you brush and alter the
tooth-brushing habit to include taking pills. This is much easier
than trying to create a new habit. Soon you won't be able to brush
your teeth without automatically reaching for the pill case.

Rick LaVoie relates how he does a three pocket check every time he
exits a building. He checks for his PDA, his cell phone and his
wallet. If he has remembered to always keep them in the same pockets,
this saves a lot of grief later.

Not everything is going to be amenable to these sorts of strategies.
But if enough in your life can be consigned to rote in this way, it
will leave more of your brain available for the things you really do
need to think about. And you may remember to remember those.

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
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CHANGE ADDRESS
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        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
21 June 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements:  Election Results
*Feature Article:
       None this week.
       Next Issue: "How to Remember When You Don't Remember To"
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and also
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/otherevent.htm.

============================
Alameda - 6/22/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 6/22/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 6/28/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 6/29/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Liz: 925-886-8735
============================
Stanislaus - 7/6/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Napa - 7/15/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
Online - 7/21/2004, Wed. 9-11 am PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat - Chandan J. Vaidya, Ph.D.  -- Mini Med School
- Brain and AD/HD. Open to the Public.
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 7/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Napa - 8/19/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
Alameda - 8/24/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Online - 8/25/2004, Wed. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Ann Abramowitz, Ph.D. will chat about
Psychosocial and Behavorial Interventions
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
San Mateo - 9/18/2004, Sat. 8 am to 5 pm
"Healing Anxiety, Depression and ADD" -  with Dr. Daniel Amen as
keynote speaker.  -- Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute's Ninth Annual
Symposium
Tyco Electronics Corporation, Menlo Park - Contact: Kitty Petty
ADD/LD Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Online - 9/28/2004, Tues. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Sandra Reif, M.A. - Back to School
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Online - 10/19/2004, Tues. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. will chat on Resiliency
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Online - 11/18/2004, Thu. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Chris Dendy on Adolescents and Executive Function
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Online - 12/15/2004, Wed. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Andrew Adesman, M.D. will chat on AD/HD and
Co-existing Conditions
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

Election Result Announcement

Elections are a part of our effort to keep everyone involved in CHADD
and to harvest the wisdom of our many members as to how best manage
the chapter. Though not everyone gets involved, we appreciate those
that do have the time and energy to participate.

The only position that was in question was that of coordinator. Lew
Mills will be continuing in that role for the fiscal year from July 1
to June 30, 2005. For complete results, see the updated
"organizational chart" on the website at
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/ExecBoard/OrgChart.htm

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/ExecBoard/Election04-05/
14 June 2004

SPECIAL EDITION: Strategic Planning Meeting and Elections
(no calendar, no feature article)

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Strategic Planning Meeting & Elections
*Planning Agenda
*Candidates' Statements
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

*************************
>>     STRATEGIC       <<
>>     PLANNING        <<
>>      MEETING        <<
>>         &           <<
>>     ELECTIONS       <<
*************************

Special Plea: If you are going to attend and can volunteer to help
count ballots and monitor the election, please let us know, just by
responding to this e-mail. Thank You!

ANNUAL ELECTIONS

In accordance with CHADD policy relating to CHADD Chapter elections,
the CHADD Chapter of Northern California will hold its annual
election for the Chapter Board of Directors and Officers by written
ballot on Saturday, June 19, 2004, from Noon to 3 pm, at the Epworth
United Methodist Church, Berkeley, CA.

Directions are at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule/directions/EMC.htm

We will also have a segment for strategic planning for the coming
year. (The agenda is posted below.)

The election will be open to all current CHADD members, and only
Chapter members in good standing may hold a Chapter Board or Officer
position. Interested Chapter members may announce their intention to
seek election to any Chapter leadership position at the elections and
will be considered in the voting process.

A list of members in good standing will be used at the meeting to
identify who may vote.

The election will be conducted by a chapter election team who is not
standing for election and who has been appointed by the Chapter's
Board to assist with the election process. Each candidate will have a
maximum of three minutes to address the meeting and answer questions.
A simple majority of votes cast shall determine the outcome.

The ballot is available online at:

http://www.chaddnorcal.org/ExecBoard/Forms/Ballot04-05

You can:

1. Bring your ballot with you to vote in person at the election

2. Complete your ballot now and have a proxy vote it for you in
person at the election. Proxy votes must be cast by a CHADD member
who is present at the election. You must sign the proxy form

3. You may fax your ballot and signed proxy to the Chapter at
888-759-9758 to be counted by the election team.

4. You may receive a ballot and vote it yourself at the election.

Each CHADD membership is entitled to one vote. If, for example, both
a husband and wife attend the election and they have a CHADD "Family"
membership, they may cast only one vote.

The Chapter Nominating Committee (The Executive Board) has developed
a slate of candidates for Officer and Board positions. At this time,
the Nominating Committee recommends the slate of candidates in the
first column.

Write-in votes are allowed for any position. Vote in Just ONE Column,
or your vote cannot be counted.

Any necessary clarifications will be posted at:

http://www.chaddnorcal.org/ExecBoard/Election04-05

Questions will be answered at 888-759-9758

Thank you for your continued support of CHADD of Northern California!

*************************
>>    PLANNING AGENDA   <<
*************************

* Elections for Executive Board Positions

So far, Geoffrey Mangers is declared for Chapter Coordinator, now
occupied by Lew Mills. Gina Pera would like to replace retiring Mike
Hinckley in Silicon Valley, though Mike will continue to run the
group.

* Lunch: Downstairs (food not allowed upstairs)

* Strategic Planning for Fiscal Year July '04 - June '05

        New Branches, including Greater Sacramento
        Professional Resource List
        Financial Reports
        Board business:
            Nashville Conference
            Parent to Parent Family Training
        Telephone Support group
        Outreach to Doctors
        SF Giants event on 9/2/04
        How to Follow up on Lapsed Members

***************************
>>CANDIDATES' STATEMENTS <<
***************************

=======================================

Geoffrey Mangers: Candidate for Chapter Coordinator

I announced my candidacy for Coordinator publicly at our CHADD Palo
Alto meeting April 7. And hope to encourage other members to contest
me in the upcoming election. I've been involved in the stuttering
self-help movement since 1971. And involved in the ADD self-help
movement for over 3 years now. Regularly attending both Kitty Petty's
meetings as well as the CHADD ones here locally. I ran for the same
office last year in CHADD.  Those who know me, know I have a taste
for playful humor, teasing and satire. It's great if I can do it
without my stuttering stomping on that 'punchline'. And I'll
apologize/explain if it goes awry.

I'm 55 and have been poor most all of my life (as was my father). I
expect a farm-worker has made more in their life than I have. I've
struggled with lifelong self-esteem issues. My loyalties are to all
of those who have struggled with the difficulties I have. I'm looking
forward to meeting many new and fascinating people in this community.

=======================================

Lew Mills, PhD: Candidate for Chapter Coordinator

As coordinator of CHADD of San Francisco in 1998, and then for
Northern California since 1999, Lew's vision has always been to make
CHADD available to as many people as possible, with as little
volunteer struggle and expenditure of membership money as possible.

Leading the consolidation of chapters into our new "super-chapter"
was the beginning of finding ways to cooperate amongst the many
people who want to contribute to CHADD's mission.

Lew successfully:
	 * created and launched the CHADD of Northern California
website, including our consolidated schedule
	 * created and edits, as well as frequently contributes to,
this electronic "Center of Attention" newsletter
	 * initiated the use of listservs and "voice over IP"
telephone technology for chapter communications
	 * grew CHADD of Northern California to nearly 20 active support groups
	 * has spoken at the National Conference's Leadership Training
on chapter management
	 * was voted "National Volunteer of the Year" in October, 2002
	 * spoke about the significance of ADHD to the Joint
Informational Hearing of the California Senate Committees on Health
and Human Services, Business and Professions and the Senate Select
Committee on Developmental Disabilities in February of 2002.
	 * helped form the joint collaborative which connects CHADD
with the local organizations of the LDA, IDA, local Parent Training
and Information Centers and Schwab Learning
	 * is frequently quoted in the national press as a tireless
advocate, in his profession and publicly, for a better understanding
of ADHD.

Professionally, Lew is a Marriage and Family Therapist working in San
Francisco, specializing in Adults with ADHD. He has a Ph.D. in
Organizational Psychology from Alliant University where he completed
his doctorate in 1997 with research focused on understanding groups
and strategies for changing the cultures of organizations.

He received his BA from Williams College in 1978 and his MA in
Clinical Psychology from Antioch University - San Francisco in 1984.
He lives in the Bernal Heights area of San Francisco, and has two
school-aged children with ADHD. He was himself diagnosed as an adult
and has since had a particular passion for serving other adults with
ADHD.

=======================================

Gina Pera: Candidate for County Coordinator, Silicon Valley

I've worked in publishing and marketing communications for more years
than I care to count. So, perhaps the most useful skill I can offer
CHADD Silicon Valley is the ability to create publicity and awareness
for adult ADHD issues locally and to promote the resources this
chapter offers.

Depending on chapter consensus and goals, this might mean, for example:
	 * Issuing regular press releases regarding our support-group
meetings to the media, web-based community bulletin boards, and local
mental-health professionals and clinics.
	 * Contacting corporate HR departments to lobby for ADHD
awareness in its Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
	 * Approaching the media regarding stories on adult ADHD,
providing story angles as well as sources to interview, such as local
experts and adults with ADHD.

Beyond that, I would hope to learn from chapter members what needs to
be done and work with folks to do it.

=======================================

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
7 June 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements:
     Election Update - 6/19/04, Berkeley
     Giants Awareness Event, 9/2/2004
*Feature Article: No Feature This Week
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and check the link at
the top.

============================
Santa Clara - 6/8/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 6/9/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes. Call first to confirm.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Alameda - 6/9/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Marin - 6/10/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
AD/HD and Temperament - Mary Jane DeWolf-Smith, RN, MA, MFT -- What
are the nine temperament traits? How can temperament of adults and
children be accurately assessed? What typical screenings for AD/HD
(Conners, Stonybrook) tell us. Learn about the benefits of using
temperament language in the home and at school.
APPLE Family Works is a non-profit agency for persons of all ages
wishing to improve their well-being. 415-492-0720 [a
href=http://www.familyworks.org]www.familyworks.org[/a]
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Marin - 6/15/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 6/16/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 6/16/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 6/17/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
Online - 6/18/2004, Fri. 9-11 am PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat - Lauren Braswell, Ph.D.  -- AD/HD and Parental
Perceptions, Beliefs and Expectations. Open to the Public.
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 6/22/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 6/22/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 6/28/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 6/29/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Stanislaus - 7/6/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Support Group -- (No children please)
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Napa - 7/15/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

== Elections and Strategic Planning Meeting ==

Each June we have elections and a strategic planning meeting. This
year it will be on June 19, 2004 in Berkeley, at the Epworth United
Methodist Church (1953 Hopkins in Berkeley) from Noon to 3 pm.

Agenda, ballots and directions will be available on the web, at
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/ExecBoard/Election04-05.htm

The official agenda and ballot will not be available until the 14th.
But general information is ready there now.

Send a candidate statement of under 500 words by June 12, to be sent
out in the Center of Attention Newsletter special edition on 6/14/04
and to go up on the web.

Election questions can be sent just by replying to this newsletter.

== Giants Awareness Event, 9/2/2004 ==

CHADD will be participating in a Giants Awareness Evening with the
Parent Education Network and other LD and ADHD organizations. The
giants will play the Colorado Rockies and CHADD will be featured in
the Community Booth and on the scoreboard.

Tickets are $16 and can be reserved through CHADD by calling
888-759-9758 or e-mailing tickets@....

Please let us know if you would like tickets as soon as possible.
Tickets in our section will be limited.

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
24 May 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements:  Annual Elections and Planning Meeting
                   Rachel Meets Jack
*Feature Article: About Forgiveness
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and check the links at
the top.

============================
Marin - 5/24/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
San Francisco - 5/24/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group (With Toni. June group is canceled.) -- Share
skills and strategies for success at home, in the workplace, in
relationships, etc.  (It's a good idea to call to confirm dates,  get
ideas on parking,  etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 5/25/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 5/25/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Online - 5/25/2004, Tues. 9-11 am PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat - Arthur Robin, Ph.D. -- Dr. Robin will discuss
questions about "AD/HD in Adults and its Effects Upon Relationships."
Open to the Public.
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Stanislaus - 6/1/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Adult Support Group --
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Contra Costa - 6/2/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 6/2/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
TBA --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 6/3/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
Santa Clara - 6/8/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 6/9/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes. Call first to confirm.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Alameda - 6/9/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Marin - 6/10/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
AD/HD and Temperament - Mary Jane DeWolf-Smith, RN, MA, MFT -- What
are the nine temperament traits? How can temperament of adults and
children be accurately assessed? What typical screenings for AD/HD
(Conners, Stonybrook) tell us. Learn about the benefits of using
temperament language in the home and at school.
APPLE Family Works is a non-profit agency for persons of all ages
wishing to improve their well-being. 415-492-0720 www.familyworks.org
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Marin - 6/15/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 6/16/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 6/16/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 6/17/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
Online - 6/18/2004, Fri. 9-11 am PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat - Lauren Braswell, Ph.D.  -- AD/HD and Parental
Perceptions, Beliefs and Expectations. Open to the Public.
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 6/22/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 6/22/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

Annual Elections and Planning Meeting
Rachel Meets Jack

** Elections

The Annual Elections and Planning Meeting are scheduled for Saturday,
June 19, at noon. We should conclude all our business by 3. The
location will be in the East Bay, but we have not yet finalized the
location. For updates, and to vote by mail, see:

     http://www.chaddnorcal.org/ExecBoard/Election04-05/

** Rachel Meets Jack

Those of you who have been attending Rachel's Adult Success Group in
San Francisco have been expecting this for some time: Rachel met her
son Jack on Thursday, May 13th at 4 a.m. He was a "healthy" 8 lbs 10
oz and measured 21 inches. Rachel reports: "As you can imagine, I've
been kinda busy the last week and a half. I'm having a wonderful time
getting to know my son!"

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

A Note About Forgiveness

Having ADHD may explain some of the things that we do and wish we
hadn't done, or that we don't do but wish that we had. But we are
still responsible for what we say, what we do, and what we don't do.

Sometimes this is hard, especially since many of us have to live with
the fact that we will probably make more mistakes and commit more
social blunders than most other people, no matter how much we learn,
no matter how hard we try, no matter how many medications we take.

What matters is that we do our best to learn from our mistakes and do
our best to make appropriate amends. But once we have done that,
it's time to put the mistake behind us and to forgive ourselves.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that since we often depend
on forgiveness from others, it is wise to be forgiving of them as
well.

If you want to learn more about forgiveness -- why it is important,
what it is and isn't, and how you can learn to forgive, I recommend
"Forgive For Good" by Dr. Fred Luskin, Harper San Francisco, ISBN
0-06-251721-X.

--Michael C. Hinckley, Ph.D.
coach@...

This article has been published with the kind permission of Michael
Hinckley, Ph.D., a personal coach who specializes in working with
people with ADHD who want to thrive because of, not just despite
their ADHD. Mike can be contacted at coach@...

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
10 May 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: Television and Non-Chemical Addictions
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and check the links at
the top.

============================
Santa Clara - 5/11/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Sacramento - 5/12/2004, Wed. 4 pm
Keith McBurnett, PhD - Fun with Phenotypes: The Ever-Changing
Definitions of ADHD.  --
UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento - Contact: UC Davis MIND
Institute: Toll-Free Phone: (888) 883-0961
Local Phone: (916) 703-0280
============================
Sacramento - 5/12/2004, Wed. 6:30 pm
Linda Pfifner, PhD (HALP Clinic, UCSF) - Improving Life Skills for
ADHD-Inattentive Type, through Psychosocial Interventions.  --
UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento - Contact: UC Davis MIND
Institute: Toll-Free Phone: (888) 883-0961
Local Phone: (916) 703-0280
============================
Contra Costa - 5/12/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Alameda - 5/12/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Marin - 5/13/2004, Thu. 7-9 pm
SPEAKER: Linda Lawton, ADD coach, Educational therapist: Goals: Inside - Out
   New day, New location for now !! -- People with ADHD sometimes have
difficulty maintaining perspective on their goals. Learn some simple
strategies to help you take daily actions. Build a system that helps
you appreciate your accomplishments. A workshop for teens and adults.
Family Works Counseling Agency, San Rafael - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
**** - 5/13/2004, --- through 5/16/04
ADDA 2004 National Conference - Demystifying AD/HD -- Presentations
include: Tom Brown, Ph.D.; Ned Hallowell, M.D.; Michele Novotni,
Ph.D.; Tom Phelan, Ph.D.; Wendy Richardson, MA, LMFT; Sari Solden.
MS, LMFT; Thom Hartmann; Linda Anderson, MCC; David Giwerc, MCC and
many more.
Sheraton Westport - Lakeside Chalet, St. Louis, MO - Contact: See
Website: www.add.org/Conf2004/
============================
Contra Costa - 5/18/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 5/18/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group -- A free, drop-in peer-support group. Connect
with those who
understand. Learn life skills. (Beverlee Kell, covering for SueZee this month.)
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Yolo - 5/19/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm
Dr. Cathy Neuhauser, a licensed clinical psychologist, will review
the medication
options for ADHD.  Dr. Neuhauser will also provide her thoughts on
how to assess medication responses, including what medication can and
cannot do, and how to build "missing" skills.  -- CHADD welcomes all
with interest or concerns regarding attention deficit disorder. An
extensive library of books, articles, tapes and videos will be
available for browsing and check-out at 7:00PM with a refundable
deposit.
Davis Branch, Yolo County Library, Davis - Contact: Yolo County
CHADD: 530-750-3929 or online at
www.chaddonline.org/chapters/chadd295.html
============================
Contra Costa - 5/19/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 5/19/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 5/20/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
Marin - 5/24/2004, Mon.  12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
San Francisco - 5/24/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group (With Toni. June group is canceled.) -- Share
skills and strategies for success at home, in the workplace, in
relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to call to confirm dates, get
ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 5/25/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 5/25/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Stanislaus - 6/1/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Modesto Adult Support Group --
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Contra Costa - 6/2/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 6/2/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
TBA --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 6/3/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

The following article has been published with kind permission from
Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT, a Bay Area psychotherapist working with
Attention Deficit in Adults.

Television and Non-Chemical Addictions

by Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT

Soon after dinner, usually, the addict starts his pattern of using.
From that moment until bedtime, he is mostly out of communication
with his wife and family. He might even stay up later to use. When he
stops, he feels worse than before he started, even though he says he
uses it to help him relax. What is his drug of choice?

It's not even a chemical. He is an addicted television viewer. Here's
how a report by Robert Kubey and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in the
February, 2002 edition of Scientific American explains it:

"Psychologists and psychiatrists formally define substance dependence
as a disorder characterized by criteria that include spending a great
deal of time using the substance; using it more often than one
intends; thinking about reducing use or making repeated unsuccessful
efforts to reduce use; giving up important social, family or
occupational activities to use it; and reporting withdrawal symptoms
when one stops using it."

Now I have to admit that there probably are people who really can
watch just one show. Maybe for some people it is a harmless
diversion. But for many pwADHD (people with ADHD), the first show is
simply the gateway into a string of hours in front of the television.
They may protest that it is a harmless diversion, even as it sucks
endless hours out of their lives.

As a conservative estimate, Americans watch over three hours a day. I
suspect that the pwADHD are watching even more. Why? It is probably
not a conscious and purposeful choice. Like many unproductive ADHD
habits, television is an unplanned time-destroyer. It sneaks up.
Sometimes people realize that, in fact, it is having a negative
influence, but they cannot manage to cut back their TV time.

The content of TV is a separate question. Many viewers watch shows
which they admit they do not like. Then there is the question of
commercialism and anti-intellectualism that TV might encourage. And
need we mention the routine violence and soulless sexuality? But
aside from that, the mere fact of television being television is
potentially addicting and time-destructive. Television operates in
much the same way that chemicals do. It alters the brain. At first,
like a drug, it really is relaxing. But with more watching it becomes
a hook which hurts to stop using. After hours of watching television,
many people feel quite a bit worse than when they started. I have to
underline that I do not believe that television causes ADHD. But ADHD
makes people more prone to television addiction in the same way that
it makes people more vulnerable to other addictions.

What are the remedies if you do decide that television is having a
negative impact? The usual approaches are problematic for the pwADHD
(person with ADHD). Typical advice includes exercising willpower and
self-discipline. This is a good idea, but I will forgive you if that
advice seems to have limited usefulness. Television seems to create a
state of mind that particularly resists mindful choice-making. It
exacerbates the inability to direct oneself, augmenting ADHD symptoms.

The strategies that make the most sense are similar to those that
work with chemical addictions. First, it is important to admit that
it has gotten out of control. Without that acknowledgment, you'll be
pulled into endless struggles with futile demonstrations of
willpower, (or actually lack thereof). The shame and exasperation of
repeatedly failing at "having willpower" are counterproductive.

Becoming conscious of the problem and its ramifications is critical.
Many people have not really noticed the negative effects that
television is having on them. The fact that television "use" is so
ubiquitous makes it harder to notice and acknowledge the downside.
Exercises like the national "TV-Turnoff Week" can be a good rallying
point against the predominant cultural view of television as "normal"
behavior. It is helpful to see that others acknowledge how television
can be negative.

Wise veterans of recovery programs will tell you that you can't have
the first drink. Once you are drinking, your ability to control your
subsequent behavior is compromised. Furthermore, you have compromised
some of the self-respect and self-confidence that could help you
stop. It is often necessary to insist on total abstinence, at least
temporarily. It is folly to keep paying the cable bill for just a few
favorite programs. You really need to learn to build your life around
something else. For many people, it will take a determined period of
"sobriety" to get a toehold against television's appeal.

Another lesson from the world of chemical addictions is to use your
friends. The support of others is invaluable in getting a grip on
your uncontrolled behaviors. You will not likely find 12 step groups
about television addiction. But try to surround yourself with people
who support your efforts to stay away from the television.

I suppose it would be fair to say that I am picking on television,
when there are equally noxious non-chemical addictions that deserve
the same treatment. That's true. There are people discussing
gambling, sexual behavior, and even shopping in equivalent terms.
Internet addiction has gotten even more press than television
addiction. And the little games they put in cell phones can be a huge
waste of time. Particularly for the pwADHD, there are countless ways
we can get sucked into allowing a behavior to hijack our brains and
steal our time and attention.

My hope is to raise awareness of this possible area of trouble. It is
not my intention to come off as a fringe moralist who is merely
overreacting to our culture's favorite recreational activity. If you
can find nothing wrong with the amount and kind of television that
you watch, maybe there is nothing wrong with it. But if you do see a
glimmer of trouble in your tube-time, I hope this gives you the
courage to address it more openly, and maybe make the changes that
you would like to make.
**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
26 April 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: (No Feature This Week)
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and check the links at
the top.

Marin - 4/26/2004, Mon.  12:30 am - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Alameda - 4/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 4/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting: Advocacy for Your Child -- Topic followed by
Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
San Mateo - 4/29/2004,  through 5/1/2004
Annual Conference - Learning Disabilities Association of CA -- Three
Full Days addressing the latest brain research, educational
methods,parenting strategies, advocacy approaches, mental health
interventions and diagnostic and medical procedures. Featuring Drs.
Sally and Bennett Shaywitz and Chris Zeigler Dendy.
San Mateo Marriott Hotel, San Mateo - Contact:
http://quicksitebuilder.cnet.com/ldaca/id19.html; LDA of CA:
916-745-7882
============================
Stanislaus - 5/4/2004, Tues. 7 - 8pm
Adult Support Group --
Doctors Medical Center, Modesto - Contact: Bonnie: 209-523-4939
============================
Contra Costa - 5/5/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 5/5/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Sarah Cheyette, MD - The Neurology of ADHD --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 5/6/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "ADD/ADHD and Sex," Jeffrey Kisling,
M.A., LMFT -- As an expression of love and mutuality, sex deeply
enriches one's quality of life. Mismanaged, it can result in serious
problems. These include losing a marriage, getting fired, sexually
transmitted disease and legal problems. An important night about an
important topic that people need to talk about, but often don't.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
Santa Clara - 5/11/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 5/12/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Alameda - 5/12/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Contra Costa - 5/18/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 5/18/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Yolo - 5/19/2004, Wed. 7 - 8:30 pm
County Meeting - Tentatively we will have Dr. Cathy Neuhauser
speaking on children's medications for ADD/ADHD -- CHADD welcomes all
with interest or concerns regarding attention deficit disorder. An
extensive library of books, articles, tapes and videos will be
available for browsing and check-out at 7:00PM with a refundable
deposit.
Davis Branch, Yolo County Library, Davis - Contact: Yolo County
CHADD: 530-750-3929 or online at
www.chaddonline.org/chapters/chadd295.html
============================
Contra Costa - 5/19/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 5/19/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 5/20/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or mailto:ksnapa@...
============================


**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
12 April 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements:
        Spring CHADD Elections
        New Women's Group in SF
        Class Action Lawsuit over Algebra
*Feature Article: Weavers and Stackers: On Being a Slo Lerner
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and check the links at
the top.

============================
Santa Clara - 4/13/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 4/14/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Napa - 4/15/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
San Francisco - 4/19/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 415-362-7227
============================
Online - 4/20/2004, Tues. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Patricia Quinn, M.D. will chat about Women and Girls
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 4/20/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 4/20/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills. In addition, if
you want to work on skills for sorting and purging papers, bring your
paper piles.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 4/21/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 4/21/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Marin - 4/26/2004, Mon.  12:30 am - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Alameda - 4/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 4/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting: Advocacy for Your Child -- Topic followed by
Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
San Mateo - 4/29/2004,  through 5/1/2004
Annual Conference -- Sponsored by Learning Disabilities Association of CA.
San Mateo Marriott Hotel, San Mateo - Contact: LDA of CA: 916-745-7882
============================
Contra Costa - 5/5/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 5/5/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Sarah Cheyette, MD - The Neurology of ADHD --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 5/6/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "ADD/ADHD and Sex," Jeffrey Kisling,
M.A., LMFT -- As an expression of love and mutuality, sex deeply
enriches one's quality of life. Mismanaged, it can result in serious
problems. These include losing a marriage, getting fired, sexually
transmitted disease and legal problems. An important night about an
important topic that people need to talk about, but often don't.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit http://www.kpinst.org
============================
Santa Clara - 5/11/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 5/12/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Alameda - 5/12/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

Announcements

>>Spring CHADD Elections Coming Up

If you are interested in a position on the CHADD of Northern
California Executive Board, or would like to help in the process of
the elections, please drop us a line.

>>The 4th Women's Reading/Support Group begins in May

A new CHADD women's reading and support group will meet on alternate
Monday evenings beginning in May.

Members of the group travel to San Francisco from throughout the Bay
Area to exchange ADD war stories and share their wisdom with one
another. Personal and professional backgrounds are equally
varied--from intelligent and creative women who have not been able to
realize their potential, to women
who are successful in their profession but whose daily lives are
nonetheless impaired by their ADD.

Using Sari Solden's first book, Women with Attention Deficit
Disorder,  and excerpts from other reading material as a basis for
discussion and
self-exploration, our objective is to find the clarity and
self-acceptance to work with our ADD symptoms and move forward with
our personal goals. The
format itself is structured to provide a model for each group to
continue as a peer support group once the 8 weeks are completed.
Please contact Kali Grosberg if you wish to be put on the waiting
list for the May group.

You can also email Kali for information about other support that may
be available to women.

Kali.g@...

As with all of our meetings, members are free; nonmembers, we ask for
a donation. This group is by registration only.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

>>  NEWS FLASH!!!  Class Action Lawsuit being Developed over Algebra
>>requirement:  Need your help to contact & identify potential
>>plaintiffs


Hello Parents and Advocates,

I will be working with the California Teachers Assoc. (CTA) to
develop a class action lawsuit against the State over the Algebra
requirements that alone, could have prevented an estimated range of
8,000-24,000 seniors (at least 1/3 in special ed) from getting a real
diploma this June.

Out of an estimated 490 school districts with seniors only 185 (40%)
have applied for a waiver to exempt kids this year from this
requirement.  For example in my home county of Marin, 2 districts
(Novato Unified & San Rafael) out of 4 districts with high school
students have applied for an algebra waiver (as of Wed. Apr 7).  Some
districts can honestly state that necessary supports are in place and
all seniors are on track to graduate--but this is clearly the
exception.  Regardless, far too many children statewide are being
harmed by lofty, unfounded 'high stakes' i.e., the high school exit
exam, now algebra requirement.

We want to interview negatively impacted seniors and their parents or
guardians.  From the OpEd and quoted below is an urgent appeal for
your help ASAP to locate impacted seniors.  If you know of any
seniors and/or their parents or guardians willing to talk to me or
CTA attorney Bev Tucker, please give them one or both contact info.
If they prefer you can give Bev Tucker or me their info and one of us
will contact them...

"Many advocates and educators are not willing to standby while these
'at risk' seniors are irreparably harmed due to lofty, inappropriate
'high stakes' and inaction of districts that, for whatever reason,
refuse to submit an algebra waiver. Valiant efforts last month to
find legislators willing to draft urgent legislation failed.  So we
are ratcheting-up.  In preparation for filing class action litigation
any student or any parent of a student still at risk of not
graduating this June or who would have been at risk if their district
had not filed for a waiver is encouraged to contact Chief Legal
Counsel, Beverly Tucker, JD, with the legal department of the
California Teachers Association as soon as possible. Her phone number
is (650) 552-5413, Fax number (650) 552-5019, Email:
<BTucker@...>.

Please tell Ms. Tucker what circumstances made it difficult for you
to pass algebra and how the algebra requirement to graduate impacted
you and your family during high school."

Thanks again for your help on this vital litigation strategy to keep
unjustified 'high stakes' from foreclosing on future postsecondary
education and living wage earning employment prospects for thousands
of deserving California graduate hopefuls.

Jo Behm

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

Weavers and Stackers: On Being a Slo Lerner

I am a slow learner. I may be bright, but I have had to admit that
absorbing new information sometimes takes me a long time. On the
other hand, there are certain advantages to the way that I learn
things. Being slow at learning new things can mean that you are
learning in a different way.

Here is a metaphor for two styles of learning. Although clearly not a
scientific theory, I hope that it illustrates the difference between
two learning styles, stacking and weaving,  to help you optimize your
own strategy.

The Stacker is the more common way of learning. A Stacker acquires
new information and stores it like a child with building blocks. If
you are a stacker, you might start by grouping similar blocks
together. After having accumulated a few, you might add some on the
next row, stacking them on top of what you have. Knowledge is
organized in a roughly categorical way, constantly building into
something more elaborate.

You could build a rather large and complex edifice in this way. It
will be pretty stable, it is easy and fast to build, and it is
relatively easy to find blocks when you need them. The downside is
that if you are missing a few pieces, or if a piece is inserted
incorrectly or removed, the structure becomes vulnerable. And
curiously, if you need to move the structure, it is most likely to
completely fall apart.

For a Weaver, the way in which information is put together is
entirely different. Each new piece of information is a thread, not a
block. You could stack up your threads, but you wouldn't come up with
much. The threads would be prone to blow away in the slightest
breeze. In order to keep and use your threads, you need to weave them
together into something more substantial and weighty. This will make
the information structure you create more stable, but of course it
takes more time. This is a slow learning strategy.

This strategy also requires more treads to start with, before you can
begin to build anything. A Weaver may need to pick up the very same
thread many times before finding a place to weave it in. There is
inevitably a moment where you have a big mess of threads that are
totally useless and confusing.

So what could possibly be the advantage of this strange strategy? The
main benefit is that, when it is successful, the woven information
connects everything together. Each thread shows you the relationships
between the different pieces of information. It may be difficult to
build the huge edifices of blocks that the Stacker can create. But a
strong textile of threads can eventually even be used to hold even
some of the blocks that a Stacker might collect. This cloth is very
strong and flexible.

Here is the amazing benefit of the Weaver strategy: You can pick up
the whole cloth and move it. Unlike the block edifice, it is
independent of gravity and the foundation upon which it was built.
Remarkably, you can even turn it inside out and look at the other
side. Am I stretching the metaphor? (That would be a good thing to
do, according to Weaver strategy! You can't stretch a stack.) What I
mean by saying that you can turn the cloth inside out and move it is
that the Weaver emphasizes the relationships between bits of
information. Weaving abstracts out the way things connect. These
abstract patterns and relationships are enormously adaptable and can
be reused in many other places.

For example, understanding these patterns and connections can often
translate across fields. A model that you learn about ecosystems may
well translate into a model for understanding historical watershed
events. A mathematical principle may be relevant to the structure of
a foreign language. The weavings you have created are metaphors and
patterns that run through everything that you know. In the most
fortunate circumstances, they allow for a totally new understanding
of how things in your world connect.

Why isn't everyone a Weaver? Well, remember, it is slow. Stacking is
the primary mode that we teach children to learn throughout
elementary school. Stacked learning is much easier to assess in the
ever-more-popular standardized tests. A successful weaver rarely gets
more acknowledgment for their efforts than oblique praise for
"original thinking." It rarely translates much into better grades or
evaluations. Often young students learn to weave only because they
fail at stacking.

Ultimately, it is good to be able to do both stacking and weaving. A
Weaver that cannot stack, never accumulates enough threads to even
begin to put them together. A Stacker with no weaving perspective is
not able to move from the first row of blocks to the more complex
stacked and related structures. In a pure stacking strategy the
result is a sea of blocks one layer thick covering the entire floor.
We would recognize this as the strategy of a child with an autism
spectrum syndrome, one who collects facts prodigiously, but cannot do
very much thinking with them.

A weaving strategy does not correlate perfectly with ADHD. But it
occurs often enough that it behooves us to understand it and learn to
use it wisely. It clearly has its downsides, and the brain is best
off if it can master both strategies. However, if you are primarily a
Weaver, know that there is something there that not everyone else can
do. Apply your talents to areas where the Weaver strategy will pay
off. Use the metaphors and patterns that you learn to make something
new. Unlike in childhood, there are often payoffs to being an adult
Weaver. Your boss has probably collected the Stacker's block that
tells her, "Encourage 'out of the box' thinking." Well, you know how
to do that! Dump the threads out of the box and start weaving.

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
29 March 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements: Spring CHADD Elections Coming Up
*Feature Article: Evolution, Neuro-cognitive Diversity and ADHD
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and check the links at
the top.

============================
Contra Costa - 3/30/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
San Francisco - 4/1/2004, Thu. 6 - 8 pm
Developing Minds Video Series, featuring Dr. Mel Levine - Thinking with Numbers
San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco - Contact: Marilyn Dong,
Librarian: Resource Collection for Learning Differences 415/557-4540
============================
Santa Clara - 4/1/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
Marin - 4/5/2004, Mon.  12:30 am - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 4/7/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Alameda - 4/7/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Santa Clara - 4/7/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Lew Mills, PhD, MFT - Anger and ADHD -- Lew Mills, PhD, Marriage &
Family Therapist.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Marin - 4/13/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
AD/HD and Temperament - Mary Jane DeWolf-Smith, RN, MA, MFT -- What
are the nine temperament traits? How can temperament of adults and
children be accurately assessed? What typical screenings for AD/HD
(Conners, Stonybrook) tell us. Learn about the benefits of using
temperament language in the home and at school.
APPLE Family Works is a non-profit agency for persons of all ages
wishing to improve their well-being. 415-492-0720 -
www.familyworks.org
TBA, Corte Madera - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 4/13/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 4/14/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Napa - 4/15/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
San Francisco - 4/19/2004, Mon.  7 - 9 pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 415-362-7227
============================
Online - 4/20/2004, Tues. 4 - 6 pm PST
"Ask The Expert" Chat -- Patricia Quinn, M.D. will chat about Women and Girls
Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 4/20/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting: Brain Styles and Organizing - Lew Mills, PhD
-- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 4/20/2004, Tues. 7-9 pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 4/21/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 4/21/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Marin - 4/26/2004, Mon.  12:30 am - 2:30 pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa, Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Alameda - 4/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-3997
============================
Contra Costa - 4/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting: Advocacy for Your Child -- Topic followed by
Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
San Mateo - 4/29/2004,  through 5/1/2004
Annual Conference -- Sponsored by Learning Disabilities Association of CA.
San Mateo Marriott Hotel, San Mateo - Contact: LDA of CA: 916-745-7882
============================


*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

Spring CHADD Elections Coming Up

If you are interested in a position on the CHADD of Northern
California Executive Board, or would like to help in the process of
the elections, please drop us a line. You can e-mail us just by
responding to this newsletter.

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

Then What Are Toenails For?: Evolution, Neuro-cognitive Diversity and ADHD

by Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT

(The following article has been published with kind permission from
Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT, a Bay Area psychotherapist working with
Attention Deficit in Adults.)

As I sit and begin to write, my laptop balances precariously on my
knees. If it should slip, it might smash onto my toes. However, my
ancestors have evolved a smart little defense for my benefit. My
tough toenails protect my toes (though not enough). Is that what my
toenails are for?

Since long before Darwin, we have been inclined to presume that if
something serves a purpose, it was more than likely designed in order
to serve that purpose, (through evolution in this case). Furthermore,
we are of course inclined to interpret purpose in terms of our own
frame of reference. That's why the huge size of an avocado pit seems
like such a waste. All that space could have been devoted to more
fruit, if the avocado were better evolved.

But you are already ahead of me. It must be that the avocado tree
needs such a large pit in order to insure the success of the next
generation. Do you know that? Lots of trees get by with much smaller
seeds. How do you know that you are not just inferring evolutionary
purpose from the result?

You wouldn't be the first person to do so. Evolutionary biologists
spend whole careers doing just that. There is a presumed sanctity to
anything that seems to have evolved: it must be the right answer to
some evolutionary challenge. Thus starts the debate about whether the
genes for ADHD may have begun with, or still serve, some
evolutionarily sanctified purpose.

Thom Hartmann and Russell Barkley have been the main protagonists in
the debate over whether there is some evolutionary purpose for the
ADHD trait. Hartmann suggests that it was an appropriate adaptation
for our, pre-agrarian "hunter-gatherer" ancestors. Barkley suggests
not, since it clearly causes impairment to modern humans. They are
both wrong.

Taking on Hartmann first: his real agenda is to sanctify ADHD traits
as purposeful, as part of the evolutionary plan, not just a mistake.
However, this is irrelevant even if he were right. Every trait that
evolves does so for a specific reason. But that does not confer any
intrinsic value to the trait. What if the main evolutionary effect of
the ADHD trait is to make young men and women less thoughtful about
the consequences of pregnancy? This might increase their evolutionary
success, much to the peril of the success of their lives. Their
"evolutionary" success does not mean that they have achieved
something we will condone as part of the "big plan" or as having
human value.

So ADHD, even if reflecting an evolutionary process, may be a
liability, particularly in the context of modern culture. However,
this perspective, championed by Barkley, has its own flaws. The worst
error is its circular logic: ADHD is defined as causing impairment,
(in two or more settings no less). Any counter-example of the
impairment model of ADHD automatically disqualifies itself, since it
is not "real" ADHD without impairment.

But that aside, most traits have their good and bad sides. Just
because studies on the impairments of ADHD find such impairments,
does not mean that impairments are all that ADHD brings. The gene
that causes the crippling disease sickle-cell anemia also protects
people from malaria, an infection that kills over a million people
every year. Would Barkley say that this was a good trait or a bad
one? What is the "purpose" of that gene? Is it to strangle blood
circulation, or to protect from malaria?

ADHD does not have a "purpose" anymore than the sickle-cell trait
does. Both may have evolutionary advantages, or they may be trials
for some future evolutionary turn. But it does not matter. ADHD
persists genetically because it has not yet conferred significantly
worse reproductive success than some alternative. This is neither an
endorsement nor a condemnation by evolution's "purposefulness."

Now as an aside, I want to agree that Hartmann's model is useful for
showing people with ADHD that they are not defined by their
impairments. There is little chance of successfully treating the
problems that ADHD does cause if a clinician is not able to support
the many strengths that this same person has. Treating a trait that
causes impairment leads to a very different outcome than imagining
there is such a thing as "an impaired person."

Conversely, telling a person with ADHD that they are merely a
misunderstood hunter is uplifting, but not helpful. In the end,
people want help with the things that are not yet working for them.
Call these things whatever you like, but they have to be addressed.

I now want to show you a place where thinking in evolutionary terms
can be very enlightening indeed. From the above it is clear that I
don't believe evolution knows what it wants or how to get it. It has
no foresight whatsoever, and makes no value judgment about what new
genetic twists may or may not be a good idea. It doesn't even have a
purpose. Evolution merely generates what in hindsight, so far, turn
out to be relatively good ideas.

How then does evolution work its magic? What it lacks in foresight,
it makes up for in creativity and perseverance. (Perhaps evolution
has ADHD?) Actually, evolution might be defined as nothing more than
creativity and perseverance. Our genes create some new twist, in a
blind impulsive way, and then go see if it works out. And then they
do it again and again and again for millions of years. If you try
enough different things, you are bound to look like a genius
eventually.

And there is the part that is evolution's true lesson. You have to
try enough different things. If the human genome had been all
"farmers", I am sure we would have been at a greater risk for
extinction at some point in our long history. Or if the genome had
been all "hunters" we would be confronted with more impairment now.
What evolution needs, wants and must have is diversity. It needs
enough different choices.

Since I am only likely to be here for a hundred years at best, I do
not suspect that I will see the broad sweep of evolution at the
genetic level. However, our culture can also be seen as evolving.
Cultural evolution requires the same sort of creativity and
perseverance.

Perseverance is likely so long as humans live together in groups. But
I would suggest that creativity is in serious jeopardy right now. The
ADHD has some promise to maintain that constant flow of new ways to
look at things. This does not mean that it is a better way,
necessarily. It just means that having choices is always better than
not having them. Then when something doesn't work, you have an
alternative.

Neuro-cognitive diversity-having people with different styles of
thinking-is likely helpful in maintaining a diverse set of viewpoints
in our culture. We can't say now which perspectives are going to pay
off, but the more different ones we have, the more likely that we
will have success.

Who knows? Perhaps in a few million years we will learn to use
toenails to help pick up a dropped contact lens. Maybe ADHD will
become a sought after trait for solving some problem that we cannot
even anticipate now. Or maybe not. I'll just be glad that we have
choices.

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:
--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
15 March 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: No feature this week. Back on March 29
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

This calendar only has events for the next 3 or 4 weeks listed. It
also does not list some other CHADD groups which may be closer to you
and it does not list some non-CHADD events. For a thorough calendar,
look at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/schedule and check the links at
the top.

============================
Marin - 3/16/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 3/17/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 3/17/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Yolo - 3/18/2004, Thu. 7 - 8:30 pm
County Meeting - TBA -- CHADD welcomes all with interest or concerns
regarding attention deficit disorder. An extensive library of books,
articles, tapes and videos will be available for browsing and
check-out at 7:00PM with a refundable deposit.
Davis Branch, Yolo County Library, Davis - Contact: Yolo County
CHADD: 530-750-3929 or online at
http://www.chaddonline.org/chapters/chadd295.html
============================
Napa - 3/18/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Parent Support Group -- Focusing on education, ADHD strengths, and
strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
San Francisco - 3/22/2004, Mon.  7:00 - 9pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 415-362-7227
============================
Alameda - 3/23/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Adult Support Group --
Lynnwood United Methodist Church, Pleasanton - Contact: Pattie: 925-548-4247
============================
Contra Costa - 3/23/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Contra Costa - 3/30/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting:  -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Santa Clara - 4/1/2004, Thu. 7:15 - 9:30 pm
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Contra Costa - 4/7/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Alameda - 4/7/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Santa Clara - 4/7/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
TBA --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
1 March 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: (Skipping this Week)
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

============================
Santa Clara - 3/3/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Matt Stubblefield, MD --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 3/4/2004, Thu. 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "Gaining Control Over Distraction From
The Inside Out; A Sensory-Perceptual Approach" -- Donna Hughs, M.S.
will explain exercises she has developed which can counteract
distractible or overfocused perception through the building of more
centered, flexible, and coherent ways of using vision and hearing.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
Marin - 3/9/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Coping with Adult ADD - Barbara Berman, PhD -- Learn new ways of
dealing with ADD stressors. Barbara has a private practice in Corte
Madera. 415-499-7655.
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 3/9/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 3/10/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Contra Costa - 3/10/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Marin - 3/16/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 3/17/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 3/18/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Adult, parent and spouse support group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths, and strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or mailto:ksnapa@...
============================
Yolo - 3/18/2004, Thu. 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
County Meeting - TBA -- CHADD welcomes all with interest or concerns
regarding attention deficit disorder. An extensive library of books,
articles, tapes and videos will be available for browsing and
check-out at 7:00PM with a refundable deposit.
Davis Branch, Yolo County Library, Davis - Contact: Yolo County
CHADD: 530-750-3929 or online at
www.chaddonline.org/chapters/chadd295.html
============================
San Francisco - 3/22/2004, Mon.  7:00 - 9pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 415-362-7227
============================
Contra Costa - 3/23/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting: Assessment and Treatment -- Topic followed by
Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Contra Costa - 3/30/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting: What To Do Now -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

(Skipping this week)

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:


--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
16 February 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: Think Different Differently
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

============================
Contra Costa - 2/17/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting: Fears and Prejudice -- Topic followed by
Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 2/17/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 2/18/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 2/19/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Adult, parent and spouse support group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths, and strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or mailto:ksnapa@...
============================
Yolo - 2/19/2004, Thu. 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
County Meeting - TBA -- CHADD welcomes all with interest or concerns
regarding attention deficit disorder. An extensive library of books,
articles, tapes and videos will be available for browsing and
check-out at 7:00PM with a refundable deposit.
Davis Branch, Yolo County Library, Davis - Contact: Yolo County
CHADD: 530-750-3929 or online at
www.chaddonline.org/chapters/chadd295.html
============================
San Francisco - 2/23/2004, Mon.  7:00 - 9pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 415-362-7227
============================
Contra Costa - 2/24/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting: Concerns about ADHD? -- Topic followed by
Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Santa Clara - 3/3/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Matt Stubblefield, MD --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 3/4/2004, Thu. 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "Gaining Control Over Distraction From
The Inside Out; A Sensory-Perceptual Approach" -- Donna Hughs, M.S.
will explain exercises she has developed which can counteract
distractible or overfocused perception through the building of more
centered, flexible, and coherent ways of using vision and hearing.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
Marin - 3/9/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Coping with Adult ADD - Barbara Berman, PhD -- Learn new ways of
dealing with ADD stressors. Barbara has a private practice in Corte
Madera. 415-499-7655.
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 3/9/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 3/10/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Contra Costa - 3/10/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

The following article has been published with kind permission from
Lew Mills, PhD, LMFT, a Bay Area psychotherapist working with
Attention Deficit in Adults.

Think Different Differently

What is the most universal appeal in commercial advertising?

OK, yes, sex. Sure, I'd like to believe that the model in the beer ad
is really flirting specifically with me. But really, our culture's
most beckoning appeal is to be "different." The Apple Computer
campaign, advocating that you "think different", exploits it directly.

In the now famous 1984 ad, Apple positioned itself as the colorfully
creative athlete against a sea of grey lethargy, the warrior of the
people who prevails against the machine. Sarah Stein's site has a
great analysis of the ad and its cultural context, from which I have
borrowed quite a bit. You can go see the ad and commentary at:
http://www.uiowa.edu/~commstud/adclass/1984_mac_ad.html/

You can also see the ad on the Apple website, but in a perverse
Orwellian desecration, Apple has now revised the historic ad by
painting in an iPod on the colorful woman runner.

In the original, with the contrast of color against the grey, the
Apple ad reflects the imagery of the Wizard of Oz. You remember that
all the pretensions of Oz are a smoke screen designed to hide from
you the fact that you have had a brain, a heart and courage all
along. Once the pretense of the Wizard is broken, Dorothy finds her
way to who she really has been all along. Even wicked witch-like
bullies are powerless to coerce her now. She has succeeded in being
different and finding her true place in the world.

Of course, in the commercials exploiting this theme, the levels of
irony are confounding. The appeal to individuality is
quintessentially universal. There is hardly a more common desire than
to be uncommon. Wrapped in an advertising campaign, the notion that
you can be different is broadcast to millions of people at the same
time. Did you think they made that $1.6M ad just for you? And a
corollary to the notion that you are different is that you have
choices. But did you notice that it was all part of a plan to coerce
your purchasing decisions?

This issue of being different subsumes the issues about the
attractive model in the beer ad. Do you know why she is flirting with
just me, and not the millions of other viewers of the ad? Because I
am different, special. If I recognize that she is simultaneously
flirting with millions of other people, her appeal to me dissipates
instantly. But no, I am easily convinced of what I want to hear: I am
special.

So what's so special about being special?

Recently, I was surprised to see how this plays out in the realm of
ADHD. A journalist was doing a story on the advertising of ADHD
treatments to parents. In one ad, the key idea was that treatment
could bring the child's and the parent's lives back to "normal." That
made perfect sense to me.

A normalizing treatment suggests that it remediates a difficult
condition, such as ADHD. But perhaps only someone who is different
can appreciate the value of being normal. Normal is appealing in the
way that being "regular" is appealing when you watch a laxative
commercial. Ask someone who is irregular how that works for them.

The journalist was incredulous that "normal" is a good thing to be.
To this journalist, whose profession is paid for by those commercial
messages about being different and special, the idea of promoting
"normal" seemed very stifling. Why would someone want to be normal?
Shouldn't the parent be thrilled that their child might be special?

But the word "special" has some funny twists to it. Few kids in
Special Education will tell you that there is anything special about
it. Most yearn to return to the "normal" classroom. "Special" might
as well be a euphemism for stigmatized.

So how is it that we have these two opposing views on the merits of
being different and special?

Another Apple ad drives the point home. The voice over says, "Here's
to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the
round pegs in the square holes, the ones who see things differently.
They are not fond of rules and they have no respect for the status
quo." As images of Einstein, Ghandi and John Lennon pass by, the ad
goes on to equate their craziness with genius and human progress. It
is truly moving. Incidentally, it sounds like something of a symptom
list for ADHD.

A frivolous parody of the ad brings home the real message. By using
the same voice over and displaying images of infamous sociopaths, it
pulls back the curtain on our real attitudes about deviance. Do you
know how many people with ADHD, untreated, live in our jails?

Special is good if you prevail. But if you fail, it is just "weird"
and wrong. If you don't manage to pull out some act of genius, push
the human race forward and change the world, (as the ad says), you
get a different response.

So what is a Dorothy to do? I think she is a much stronger character
than, say, Ariel, the Little Mermaid. Ariel rebelled out of a vain
desire for unattainable human trinkets, an improved standard of
living and a handsome sailor. Hans Christian Andersen originally
wrote a much more grim end for her. As a just punishment for her
vanity, she was reduced to sea foam. Disney rescued her from that
fate, to go on and sell millions of Ariel trinkets to children
infatuated with the same idealized mythology of being a little rebel.

Dorothy took a very different route about being different. Though she
was clearly an unusually high-spirited Kansas farm-girl, she did not
strive simply to be different. She set out to find herself. When she
found out who she really was, the other answers came much more
easily. And what she cherished most was to be back home.

So what is Dorothy's message? Though our culture romanticizes being
different, "different" is not really the point. Although the folks in
the ads are certainly very unique sorts of people, that is surely not
what they set out to be. What sets them apart is the courage they had
to be the people that they already were.

We do them and ourselves a disservice in romanticizing the
"different" in them. Should we happen to fall for the push to rebel
for the sake of rebellion ourselves, we would have gotten their
lesson exactly wrong.

If you are different, there are a lot of role models of how you can
come to terms with it, accept it, and make the best of it. It may
even put you in that unique league of world-changers. If you are not
so different, there is much to celebrate. Idealizing those who
struggle with being different is not particularly attractive, and it
is likely to distract you from what you are truly able to contribute.
You too can join that elite group who change the world, though your
approach may be on a different path.

If you think your life can be enriched by the people who are
"different", try choosing some that are not yet recognized. Einstein
was just a typical genius. Find a different genius in someone who
doesn't know it yet. Without building it into an idealized fantasy,
help that person see who they really are. That would be different.

Nobody should waste their energies on tragic dreams of marrying
princes, studying to become a genius or otherwise romanticizing
"different." Remember Dorothy, there is no place like home. Everyone
is waiting for you back there.

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
2 February 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: The Gift
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

============================
Santa Clara - 2/4/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Mark Steinberg, PhD - Neurofeedback and ADHD --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 2/5/2004, Thu. 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
San Francisco - 2/7/2004, Sat. 9 am - 3 pm
BREAKING THE CODE  - Demystifying the Evaluation Process for Students
with Learning Difficulties --  UC Berkeley and Parents Education
Network (PEN) present this daylong workshop, for parents, educators,
pediatricians and other professionals, focusing on understanding a
diagnostic evaluation. You will also develop key questions to ask
service providers, and gain knowledge about strategies for promoting
your child's school and life success. Fee: $20.00 Pre-registered,
lunch $10 with prereg. CEU Credit.
St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco - Contact: Parent Education
Network (PEN): Contact UCB at (510) 642-4111 or register online
www.unex.berkeley.edu/cat/203893.html
============================
Marin - 2/10/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Procrastination - Deborah Lancaster, ADDult -- Come learn practical,
useful solutions and techniques to overcome our natural tendencies to
procrastinate and disorganize. Deborah was invited to host the first
ADD support group on America online.
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 2/10/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 2/11/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Contra Costa - 2/11/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Contra Costa - 2/17/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting: Fears and Prejudice -- Topic followed by
Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 2/17/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 2/18/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 2/19/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Adult, parent and spouse support group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths, and strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
San Francisco - 2/23/2004, Mon.  7:00 - 9pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 415-362-7227
============================
Contra Costa - 2/24/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting: Concerns about ADHD? -- Topic followed by
Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

The Gift...
By Tim Battaglia

The Boy is eight years old when he is told "You have a gift."

The Gift is an enigma...there were no instructions, no label of
contents, no parameters.

As time went on the gift slowly revealed itself. At times it gave the
boy insight and joy at the things it revealed. At other times it
seemed to interfere with his desire to know what it is to be human.
It was in fact a challenge...a narrow but very powerful conduit
through which he would view his world.

He was surrounded by others. They did not understand his Gift.
Sometimes they knew he had it, but had no idea of what abilities it
gave him. Some feared it. When he would meet the others, many times
they would see him as friendly and interesting, yet different. To
some of the others he was tedious and even a little strange.

He would ask himself over and over...How am I different? The others
could not help, they had no way to see or measure the Gift. They only
saw fleeting glimpses of it's power.

The boy grew to be a man as most boys do, but for this now young man
things were still quite puzzling. He was ever the outsider. Sometimes
wishing to fit in, and sometimes knowing that he did not want to give
up the Gift in exchange for the company of the others.

He role-played many lives and lifestyles... trying them on one by
one. None of them seemed to fit although some gave him great
satisfaction because he had the chance put the Gift to good use.

Each of these roles and paths that he tried taught him more of what
the Gift was, how it worked, and what it's power was.

After many years he found himself in a major challenge. He knew once
again that he had come to a turning point. He had done this many
times but this one was different. With the knowledge and experience
gained from working with the Gift and closely watching the others, he
finally found an answer...

The Gift is his life...


**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:
--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
19 January 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements:  New Groups!
*Feature Article: That Pig Can Fly If He Really Wants ToŠ
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************
============================
Contra Costa - 1/20/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting: ADHD Overview -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 1/20/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 1/21/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 1/21/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Online - 1/22/2004, Thu. 11:00 am - 12:30 PM PST
Join CHADD and the Washington Post for an Online Chat with San
Francisco Giants Relief Pitcher Scott Eyre: Living and Succeeding
with AD/HD - The Importance of Resilience -- Don't miss this rare
opportunity to participate in an online chat with San Francisco
Giants relief pitcher Scott Eyre, an adult with AD/HD, and David
Goodman, M.D. of Johns Hopkins University. Eyre and Dr. Goodman will
answer your questions about living and succeeding with AD/HD on the
mound and at home.
CHADD Online Chat, Internet - Contact: : To submit questions,
comments or suggestions before the chat, please visit:
www.teachersays.com/
============================
Marin - 1/26/2004, Mon.  12:30am-2:30pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa Ave., Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
San Francisco - 1/26/2004, Mon.  7:00 - 9pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc. (It's a good idea to
call to confirm dates, get ideas on parking. etc.)
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 415-362-7227
============================
Contra Costa - 1/27/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Parent Meeting: What is ADHD? -- Topic followed by Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Santa Clara - 2/4/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Mark Steinberg, PhD - Neurofeedback and ADHD --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 2/5/2004, Thu. 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - Discussion, Sharing Successful
Strategies with other ADDults.  --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
San Francisco - 2/7/2004, Sat. 9 am - 3 pm
BREAKING THE CODE  - Demystifying the Evaluation Process for Students
with Learning Difficulties --  UC Berkeley and Parents Education
Network (PEN) present this daylong workshop, for parents, educators,
pediatricians and other professionals, focusing on understanding a
diagnostic evaluation. You will also develop key questions to ask
service providers, and gain knowledge about strategies for promoting
your child's school and life success. Fee: $20.00 Pre-registered,
lunch $10 with prereg. CEU Credit.
St. Ignatius High School, San Francisco - Contact: Parent Education
Network (PEN): Contact UCB at (510) 642-4111 or register online
www.unex.berkeley.edu/cat/203893.html
============================
Marin - 2/10/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Procrastination - Deborah Lancaster, ADDult -- Come learn practical,
useful solutions and techniques to overcome our natural tendencies to
procrastinate and disorganize. Deborah was invited to host the first
ADD support group on America online.
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 2/10/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- Support and community-resource
information for the partners of folks with ADHD. PLEASE NOTE: This is
NOT a support group for people with AD/HD, nor for couples, nor for
parents. It is EXCLUSIVELY for PARTNERS of people with ADHD, and
others will have to be turned away.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 2/11/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Contra Costa - 2/11/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Contra Costa - 2/17/2004, Tues. 7 - 9 pm
Danville Adult Meeting: Fears and Prejudice -- Topic followed by
Group Discussion
Los Cerros Middle School Library, Danville - Contact: Dana: 925-886-8735
============================
Marin - 2/17/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 2/18/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Napa - 2/19/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Adult, parent and spouse support group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths, and strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

Note the New Groups we have since this Fall:

Napa Adults and Parents
Antioch Parents
Danville Adults
Danville Parents
Palo Alto Partners, for those in relationships with people with ADHD
New Location for San Francisco Adults

Coming Very Soon:

Pleasanton Adults
Modesto Parents and Adults

And look for Giants relief pitcher Scott Eyre online, 1/22/04

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

That Pig Can Fly If He Really Wants ToŠ

(The following article has been published with kind permission from
Lew Mills, MFT, PhD, a Bay Area psychotherapist working with
Attention Deficit in Adults.)

It's probably common sense that you can't teach pigs to fly by giving
them pig-treats every time they jump up. Though it is true that you
can inspire a lot of truly amazing behavior simply by rewarding it
when it happens, it is also obvious that you can't train a behavior
for which the basic ability is not there. Motivational strategies,
like rewards and punishments, presume that the pig can fly, if he
wants to.

Despite the obvious folly of pig piloting, we make this same mistake
with our children. We often misjudge what a child is capable of, and
then attempt to train the behavior by fine-tuning our reward
strategy. Because children are limited in their ability to redirect
us from this mistake, we end up in miserable unproductive battles to
make a child "understand the rules."

This is the central message of Ross Greene's book, "The Explosive
Child." Though not explicitly limited to the diagnosis of ADHD, he
describes children who are easily frustrated and unable to be
flexible. Their tantrums and outbursts seem to call for discipline.
Yet discipline rarely has any positive impact on the problem.

Like our pedestrian pigs, these children are unable to "learn a
lesson" from our punishments. In fact, the cycle of outbursts and
punishments tends to increase frustration and lead to more of the
behaviors we want to control. Despite the failure of our approach, we
persist that we can't just let them "get away with it."

Animal husbandry has figured out that pigs don't fly, and they never
will. But there is something about the explosive child that fools us
into thinking that tomorrow will be different. Finally they are going
to get it.

What's more, we need to believe this, given the performance demands
placed on our children. Even ordinary children are expected to
perform aerial acrobatics. We cannot concede the battle on
controlling explosive behavior. We seem to have no choice.

What makes it so hard to see our error? In the case of our fantastic
flying pig, we can see that those hundreds of pounds of pork will
need a mighty force to get airborne. But when we look at our child,
they look so much like other children, and even like adults, that we
cannot fathom that they just might not be able to do what we are
asking them. Furthermore, the hallmark of ADHD-inconsistency-means
that they often do seem to be able to do the things we are asking.

Furthermore, the very deficit we cannot see is there inability to put
their learning into practice. Despite knowing that having a tantrum
will lead to amounts of trouble that are sorely not worth it, they
are unable to act as if they understand the consequences. We doubt
that the child is motivated enough to control themselves, rather than
notice that they are unable to achieve what they are already so
motivated to do.

So rather than work on helping them implement how to behave the way
they and we want them to, we try to highlight the consequences more.
Believing that it is a deficit in knowing what to do, we increase the
"motivation" for something they cannot do.

What does Ross Greene suggest? Contrary to our intuition, we have to
resist trying to further motivate good behavior. Instead we need to
give the child tools to behave better. With some behavior, we will
not be able to get them to do it now, and we have to let it go. For
other behavior, the consequences of non-compliance are so dire that
we have to be willing to sustain the tantrum and control the child.

In the middle, are behaviors that may be controllable, if we help the
child control themselves. Here we will focus on just a few teachable
moments for the child. If the pressure from the huge struggles we
knew before has been reduced, we can expect some success with this.

The other lesson we teach is subtler and probably more important in
the long run. We teach that we are able to have some compassion. We
show that we are willing to take the effort to really understand the
child, instead of fighting to have our way. And we show that we
ourselves are not so blinded as to be inflexible ourselves. When we
stop being pig-headed, we can indeed find the child who is eager to
grow.

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
5 January 2004

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: (To resume January 19)
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

Contra Costa - 1/7/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting: Goal Setting Challenges, Part II --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 1/7/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Mark Schiller, MD - Guiding Medications with EEG --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 1/8/2004, Thu. 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "Attention Deficit Disorder and
Bipolar Disorders" -- Matthew Stubblefield, M.D., an adult and child
neuropsychiatrist, specializing in ADHD. ADD/ADHD and BAD (Bipolar
Affective Disorder) both represent chronic brain chemistry
imbalances. Not only are they often difficult to diagnose by
themselves, but they frequently occur together. After some comparing
and contrasting, Dr. Stubblefield will explain how the psychiatrist
should approach treatment when these two conditions coexist in the
same person.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Marin - 1/13/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Getting Around to Goals - Linda Lawton -- A workshop for adults,
parents and teens. The new year is here. Dedicate some time to
thinking about your priorities and planning action to reach your
goals. Learn why setting goals is more important than you may have
realized. Linda is an ADHD coach and an educational therapy intern at
UC Extension's New Learning clinic. 510-524-0350.
learningstrategies@...
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 1/13/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- A new CHADD group in Palo Alto to
provide support and community-resource information for partners of
folks with ADHD.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 1/14/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Contra Costa - 1/14/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - "Modifying Behavior for the ADHD
Child" -- For parents and caregivers of children with AD/HD offering
the opportunity to share stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Napa - 1/15/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Adult, parent and spouse support group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths, and strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
Yolo - 1/15/2004, Thu. 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
County Meeting - TBA -- CHADD welcomes all with interest or concerns
regarding attention deficit disorder. An extensive library of books,
articles, tapes and videos will be available for browsing and
check-out at 7:00PM with a refundable deposit.
Davis Branch, Yolo County Library, Davis - Contact: Yolo County
CHADD: 530-750-3929 or online at
www.chaddonline.org/chapters/chadd295.html
============================
Marin - 1/20/2004, Tues. 7-9pm
Adult Support Group, with SueZee Poinsett, Professional coach and
organizer.  -- Free, drop-in peer-support group. Talk with others who
really understand. And share and develop life skills.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Contra Costa - 1/21/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 1/21/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Marin - 1/26/2004, Mon.  12:30am-2:30pm
Parent Resource & Support Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa Ave., Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
San Francisco - 1/26/2004, Mon.  7:00 - 9pm
Adult Success Group -- Share skills and strategies for success at
home, in the workplace, in relationships, etc.
First Unitarian Universalist Church, San Francisco - Contact: Rachel
Rosenfeld: 415-362-7227
============================

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
22 December 2003

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Feature Article: (The Feature is on vacation)
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

Marin - 12/29/2003, Mon.  12:30am-2:30pm
Parent Resource Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa Ave., Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 1/7/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting: Goal Setting Challenges, Part II --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 1/7/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Mark Schiller, MD - Guiding Medications with EEG --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 1/8/2004, Thu. 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "Attention Deficit Disorder and
Bipolar Disorders" -- Matthew Stubblefield, M.D., an adult and child
neuropsychiatrist, specializing in ADHD. ADD/ADHD and BAD (Bipolar
Affective Disorder) both represent chronic brain chemistry
imbalances. Not only are they often difficult to diagnose by
themselves, but they frequently occur together. After some comparing
and contrasting, Dr. Stubblefield will explain how the psychiatrist
should approach treatment when these two conditions coexist in the
same person.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================
Santa Clara - 1/13/2004, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- A new CHADD group in Palo Alto to
provide support and community-resource information for partners of
folks with ADHD.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Alameda - 1/14/2004, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Contra Costa - 1/14/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - "Modifying Behavior for the ADHD
Child" -- For parents and caregivers of children with AD/HD offering
the opportunity to share stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Napa - 1/15/2004, Thu. 7 - 9 pm
Adult, parent and spouse support group -- Focusing on education, ADHD
strengths, and strategies to manage the challenges of ADHD.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Napa - Contact: Karen Shepard:
707-257-8113, or ksnapa@...
============================
Yolo - 1/15/2004, Thu. 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
County Meeting - TBA -- CHADD welcomes all with interest or concerns
regarding attention deficit disorder. An extensive library of books,
articles, tapes and videos will be available for browsing and
check-out at 7:00PM with a refundable deposit.
Davis Branch, Yolo County Library, Davis - Contact: Yolo County
CHADD: 530-750-3929 or online at
www.chaddonline.org/chapters/chadd295.html
============================
Contra Costa - 1/21/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 1/21/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Silicon Valley Adult, Parent and Spouse Support Groups -- Separate
peer-facilitated groups let you share struggles and strategies with
each other. Includes video.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
8 December 2003

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements: New Women's Reading/Support Group begins January
*Feature Article: Minimizing The Baggage - Supporting the Parents
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

============================
Marin - 12/9/2003, Tues. 7-9pm
Impulsivity Around Money - Connie DePropis, ADD coach 510-465-6505
And Our Holiday Party !!  -- Learn how to stop spending impulsively
and avoid holiday debt.  Connie is an ADD coach with special interest
in helping ADDers change habits including spending habits and ways to
live well while getting out of debt. And it is our annual holiday
party!! Come and enjoy holiday treats and great company!!! Bring
something to share, if you wish.
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 12/9/2003, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- A new CHADD group in Palo Alto to
provide support and community-resource information for partners of
folks with ADHD.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Sacramento - 12/9/2003, Tues. 8:30 AM -   2:30 PM
The Ingredients of Learning and Academic Output with Dr. Mel Levine
-- Dr. Levine is a nationally known education expert, pediatrician
and author of the best selling books, "One Mind at a Time" and "The
Myth of Laziness." He will discuss: Non-labeling approach to
differences in learning, Key areas of brain development, Interaction
of brain functions to produce optimal learning, Ways teacher and
parents can observe child's developmental functioning, Insights to
approaches enabling all children to find their ways of succeeding.
DoubleTree Hotel, Sacramento - Contact: bdriscol@...:
760-736-6335 or visit www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/peak-3/levine.pdf
============================
Alameda - 12/10/2003, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Contra Costa - 12/10/2003, Wed. 7-9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Marin - 12/16/2003, Tues. 7-9pm
Adult Support Group. Come celebrate the Holidays and connect with
others who really understand.  -- Facilitator: Beverlee Kell
415-789-9464
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Online - 12/17/2003, Wed. 4-6:00 PM PST
Fostering Resilience in Children -- Guest Expert: Robert Brooks, Ph.D.
CHADD Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================
Contra Costa - 12/17/2003, Wed. 7-9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Marin - 12/29/2003, Mon.  12:30am-2:30pm
Parent Resource Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa Ave., Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 1/7/2004, Wed. 7-9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting: Goal Setting Challenges, Part II --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Santa Clara - 1/7/2004, Wed. Reg: 7pm, Meet 7:30pm
Mark Schiller, MD - Guiding Medications with EEG --
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Silicon Valley Warmline:
650-949-5472
============================
Santa Clara - 1/8/2004, Thu. 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "Attention Deficit Disorder and
Bipolar Disorders" -- Matthew Stubblefield, M.D., an adult and child
neuropsychiatrist, specializing in ADHD. ADD/ADHD and BAD (Bipolar
Affective Disorder) both represent chronic brain chemistry
imbalances. Not only are they often difficult to diagnose by
themselves, but they frequently occur together. After some comparing
and contrasting, Dr. Stubblefield will explain how the psychiatrist
should approach treatment when these two conditions coexist in the
same person.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org/
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

New Women's Reading/Support Group begins in January

A new CHADD women's reading and support group will begin on Monday,
January 5, 2004 and meet every other Monday evening through April 5th.

Using Sari Solden's first book, Women with Attention Deficit
Disorder,  and excerpts from other reading material as a basis for
discussion and self-exploration, our objective is to find the clarity
and self-acceptance to work with our ADD symptoms and move forward
with our personal goals. The format itself is structured to provide a
model for each group to continue as a peer support group once the 8
weeks are completed.

Please contact Kali Grosberg if you wish to be put on the waiting
list for the January group.

You can also email Kali for information about other support that may
be available to women.

Kali.g@...

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

Minimizing The Baggage - Supporting the Parents

by Dana Hemmingsen, CHADD Branch Coordinator and ADD Coach

This is not about how the DSM currently defines AD/HD, or the expert
opinions on why this definition should be updated.  This is not an
article about the latest scientific information supporting AD/HD as a
neurobiological disorder. Nor is it about whether AD/HD is an
attention deficit brain problem or the result of latent development
of our self-control processes. This article is about young people
with AD/HD and how they must cope with the challenges daily, no
matter what the label.  But more importantly, how parents can and
should be empowered to play a much bigger role.

Don't get me wrong. Tremendous strides have been made in the medical
and psychiatric community to better diagnose AD/HD and intervene with
appropriate pharmaceutical and psychological treatment. And we
continue to make major advances in our understanding of AD/HD and
other learning disabilities through more comprehensive studies of the
brain. The resulting increased awareness of AD/HD has helped
enormously. More and more people are being convinced that AD/HD is a
real and tangible biological problem.

But the reality today is that there is no cure, and there is sparse
support at the local community level to help our young people cope
with AD/HD. As a result, these young people continue to struggle with
personal, social and family relationships, education and their
overall outlook on life. This leads to poor self-esteem and below
average school performance, creating a real obstacle in terms of
fulfilling their aspirations and talents. This can also lead to a
much bigger waste due to problems at work, substance abuse and
incarceration. Or to put it another way, they accumulate "negative
baggage" that drags them down.

Not to step on toes, because there are certainly some dedicated
advocates, private practices and groups out there that are indeed
making a difference. But these efforts and the available resources
are very limited, no matter how good our intentions are. There is so
much more work that needs to be done at the local level to reach out
to our often talented AD/HD youth to help them stay on track, thrive
and contribute to society. The CHADD Inservice Work focusing on
teacher education is a good program. But let's face it; the demands
on our educational system (especially in California) and teachers are
overwhelming. No matter how supportive and sensitive a teacher may
be, it is extremely difficult to devote much time to a few students
with AD/HD in a class of 30.

OK, enough with all the negative feedback. So where does this lead us
- to the PARENTS. Parents can be the best counselor, coach and
advocate for their AD/HD child. They know their child better than
anyone, as well as their personal AD/HD traits that may interfere
with day-to-day activities. And they are available 24/7. They just
need more knowledge and information about how to assist their AD/HD
child. Not that parental support should be the sole form of
treatment, but educated parents should be a key player in the
multimodal treatment approach. Likewise our efforts to reach out to
the parents of children with AD/HD support must be increased.

A new CHADD Parent-To-Parent Family Training program appears to be
right on target and will be rolled out through the CHADD network
soon.  This workshop approach will provide parents with more
comprehensive information and methods to assist their AD/HD child,
and it will be offered in a more accelerated presentation format. The
series of seven rotating classes will be offered throughout the year.
We should hear more about the Parent-To-Parent program in the near
future, and it is an awesome step in the right direction.  If we can
do a better job of helping parents "minimize the negative baggage"
that their AD/HD kids may accumulate, we will have accomplished quite
a bit.

For more information about the Parent-To-Parent Training program,
please contact Dana Hemmingsen, 925-362-4113, email:
danahem@....

**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
>>     SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION    <<
************************************
UNSUBSCRIBE
      To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      Center_of_Attention-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

      This will not affect your CHADD membership.

SUBSCRIBE
      If this was forwarded to youŠ
      You can subscribe by sending an e-mail to:
      Center_of_Attention-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

      Feel free to forward this newsletter to others
      and they can subscribe the same way.

CHANGE ADDRESS
      To change your e-mail address, simply:
        1. Unsubscribe from the old address
        2. Subscribe from the new one

*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:

--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758

=== Center of Attention ===
Newsletter of CHADD of Northern California
Also at: http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
24 November 2003

**********************
>>  IN THIS ISSUE    <<
**********************

*Calendar of Events
*Announcements: New Women's Reading/Support Group begins January
*Feature Article: Senate Receives IDEA Bill and Report
*Please Tell Us
*Subscription Information
*CHADD Information

******************************
>>     CALENDAR OF EVENTS    <<
******************************

Marin - 11/24/2003, Mon.  12:30am-2:30pm
Parent Resource Group -- Call First...
30 Catalpa Ave., Mill Valley - Contact: Victoria Vogel & Holly
Seerley: 415-383-6048
============================
Contra Costa - 12/3/2003, Wed. 7-9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult Topical Meeting: Goal Setting Challenges, Part I --
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
San Francisco - 12/4/2003, Thu. 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Developing Minds--Behavioral Complications -- This video explores
behavioral problems that may stem from a child's poor performance in
school.  Practical strategies that teachers and parents can use to
help children manage inappropriate behaviors such as acting out,
anger and aggression, as well as social skills difficulties that can
interfere with academic and social success are presented. - No
reservations needed.  Free.
San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco - Contact: SFPL  Resource
Collection for LDs: 415-557-4540
============================
Santa Clara - 12/4/2003, Thu. 7:15 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Kitty Petty ADD/LD Institute - "Change Your Life by Changing Your
Mind"  -- Gwenn Henkel, CMH, MH, Ph.D.(c), will tell her own
compelling story of how hypnosis gave her life back to her, what
hypnosis is and isn't, and will show how it can help make positive
and permanent changes in people's lives.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Kitty Petty ADD/LD
Institute: 650-329-9443 or visit www.kpinst.org
============================
Marin - 12/9/2003, Tues. 7-9pm
Impulsivity Around Money - Connie DePropis, ADD coach 510-465-6505
And Our Holiday Party !!  -- Learn how to stop spending impulsively
and avoid holiday debt.  Connie is an ADD coach with special interest
in helping ADDers change habits including spending habits and ways to
live well while getting out of debt. And it is our annual holiday
party!! Come and enjoy holiday treats and great company!!! Bring
something to share, if you wish.
Town Center Corte Madera Community Room, Corte Madera - Contact:
Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Santa Clara - 12/9/2003, Tues. 7:15 - 9 pm
Support Group for Partners! -- A new CHADD group in Palo Alto to
provide support and community-resource information for partners of
folks with ADHD.
Friends Meeting House, Palo Alto - Contact: Gina Pera: 888-759-9758
============================
Sacramento - 12/9/2003, Tues. 8:30 AM -   2:30 PM
The Ingredients of Learning and Academic Output with Dr. Mel Levine
-- Dr. Levine is a nationally known education expert, pediatrician
and author of the best selling books, "One Mind at a Time" and "The
Myth of Laziness." He will discuss: Non-labeling approach to
differences in learning, Key areas of brain development, Interaction
of brain functions to produce optimal learning, Ways teacher and
parents can observe child's developmental functioning, Insights to
approaches enabling all children to find their ways of succeeding.
DoubleTree Hotel, Sacramento - Contact: bdriscol@...,
760-736-6335, or visit www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/peak-3/levine.pdf
============================
Alameda - 12/10/2003, Wed. 7 - 9 pm
Tri-Valley Parent Support Meeting --
Thomas J. Hart Middle School, Pleasanton - Contact: JoAnn Matone: 925-484-2173
============================
Contra Costa - 12/10/2003, Wed. 7-9 pm
Walnut Creek Adult General Support Meeting -- Ongoing, confidential
support groups for Adults with ADHD
Kaiser Mental Health, Walnut Creek - Contact: Donna Love: 925-687-4324
============================
Contra Costa - 12/10/2003, Wed. 7-9 pm
Antioch Parent's Support Group - Topic TBA -- For parents and
caregivers of children with AD/HD offering the opportunity to share
stresses, strategies and successes.
Sutter Delta Medical Center, Antioch - Contact: Colleen Ruddock: 925-757-2372
============================
Marin - 12/16/2003, Tues. 7-9pm
Got Clutter?  A drop-in peer-support group for organizing.  -- SueZee
Poinsett; Professional coach and organizer, Member of Na. Assoc.
Professional Organizers. 415-492-8822.
Marin Community Mental Health, Greenbrae - Contact: Beverlee: 415-789-9464
============================
Online - 12/17/2003, Wed. 4-6:00 PM PST
Fostering Resilience in Children -- Guest Expert: Robert Brooks, Ph.D.
CHADD Online Chat, Internet - Contact: Message Line: 888-759-9758
============================

*************************
>>     ANNOUNCEMENTS    <<
*************************

New Women's Reading/Support Group begins in January

A new CHADD women's reading and support group will begin on Monday,
January 5, 2004 and meet every other Monday evening through April 5th.

Members of the group travel to San Francisco from throughout the Bay
Area to exchange ADD war stories and share their wisdom with one
another. Personal and professional backgrounds are equally
varied--from intelligent and creative women who have not been able to
realize their potential, to women who are successful in their
profession but whose daily lives are nonetheless impaired by their
ADD.

Using Sari Solden's first book, Women with Attention Deficit
Disorder,  and excerpts from other reading material as a basis for
discussion and self-exploration, our objective is to find the clarity
and self-acceptance to work with our ADD symptoms and move forward
with our personal goals. The format itself is structured to provide a
model for each group to continue as a peer support group once the 8
weeks are completed.

Please contact Kali Grosberg if you wish to be put on the waiting
list for the January group. Women who inquire after mid-November will
be contacted in early December about possible openings.

You can also email Kali for information about other support that may
be available to women.

Kali.g@...

***************************
>>     FEATURE ARTICLE    <<
***************************

from "News from CHADD" Volume 3, Number 59, November 7, 2003

SENATE FINALLY RECEIVES IDEA BILL AND REPORT
Each Senator Must Hear from Citizens: Action is Needed NOW!

On November 3, 2003, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
(HELP) Committee sent its report (S.Rpt. 108-185) and the amended text
of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
reauthorization bill (S. 1248) to the full Senate. The Senate will not
be able to recess today as originally planned, and will be in session
for at least two more weeks.

It is therefore critical that all CHADD members and supporters contact
their Senators, as well as Senate leaders Bill Frist (R-TN) and Tom
Daschle (D-SD) and HELP Committee leaders Sens. Judd Gregg (R-NH) and
Ted Kennedy (D-MA). Urge them to bring the Senate's bipartisan version
of the IDEA reauthorization bill to the Senate floor this month for
debate and a vote.

The entire bill and report can be viewed online by searching for the
bill (S. 1248) at http://thomas.loc.gov or going to the Senate HELP
Committee's homepage, http://health.senate.gov.

If you view the bill, please note that the first 370 pages contain the
original version; pages 371-778 contain the final revised wording.

Below is a letter from the co-chairs of the Consortium for Citizens with
Disabilities' (CCD) Education Task Force, including CHADD director of
public policy Stephen Spector, J.D., which was sent last Friday, asking
for action on IDEA. Use it to create your own message and then call,
write, fax, or e-mail the Senators to urge them to bring this bipartisan
bill to a vote at once. You can use CHADD's Legislative Action Center to
contact the Senators. Please let CHADD know if you receive replies to
your requests.

---------------------
(Current Date), 2003

Dear Senator Frist and Senator Daschle:

We write to urge you to bring S. 1248, a bill to reauthorize the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, to the Senate floor for
consideration and final passage before Congress adjourns this year. The
Education Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is
comprised of over 40 national organizations representing parents and
families of children with disabilities, special education and related
services personnel, disability organizations and service providing
organizations.

While we understand that the Senate floor schedule is crowded, we urge
you to make room for this important bipartisan bill that provides for a
free appropriate public education for over 6 million students with
disabilities. The Senate HELP Committee has worked diligently for months
with input from all stakeholders to craft this bipartisan compromise
legislation that was endorsed by the Committee unanimously in a 21-0
vote on June 25th. Please ensure that this bipartisan effort continues
by finding floor time for the bill as soon as possible.

Thank you for your leadership on behalf of America's children with
disabilities.

Sincerely,

(Your Name Here)

CC:  Senator Gregg, Chairman, HELP Committee
	 Senator Kennedy, Ranking Member, HELP Committee


**************************
>>     PLEASE TELL US    <<
**************************

We thank members for their responses to the Newsletter. Any comments,
suggestions, or criticisms will be greatly appreciated. Please
continue to help us make this newsletter and CHADD of Northern
California more beneficial to you all.

We also invite readers to share their experiences with us and other
members. Please feel free to write to us about anything that you
would like to see published.

You can e-mail your comments to us at Lew@.... Simply
replying to this e-mail will also send your message to the editor.

Lew Mills, Editor

************************************
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*****************************
>>     CHADD INFORMATION    <<
*****************************
Visit our webpage at http://www.chaddnorcal.org  if you wish toŠ
     * See the up-to-date schedule
     * Read this newsletter and the archives
     * Join CHADD of Northern California or renew your membership

About the Newsletter:

The Center of Attention is CHADD of Northern California's bi-weekly
newsletter. The newsletter is designed to keep you up to date with
CHADD of Northern California's activities and updates in the field.

* CHADD Works to Improve the Lives of People with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder through Education, Advocacy,
and Support *

Contact:
--

Lew Mills, PhD, MFT
Editor, "Center of Attention"
CHADD of Northern California, Chapter # 504
mailto:Lew@...
http://www.chaddnorcal.org/newsletter
Fax or Voice Message: 510-291-2950
Toll Free 888-759-9758