Resources – Global Neurodiverse Families.

ADHD is a complex and often misunderstood condition, but ongoing research is continually improving our understanding. We all benefit from accurate and useful information, which is crucial for effective support. Finding reliable and helpful information can be challenging and time-consuming. Scroll down to see resource lists curated by me about ADHD, for parents, 2SLGBTQIA++, perimenopause, ADHD diagnosis, medication and support in Vietnam, and additional service providers and materials.

About ADHD

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Organisation (CHAAD) Factsheet about ADHD
About people with ADHD
ADHD Strengths
Myths about ADHD
The Disruptors, documentary on ADHD (2022)
What It’s Really Like to Live with ADHD – TED Talk by Jessica McCabe (How To ADHD)
Dr. Edward Hallowell on ADHD and Adults (Part 1) (Part 2)
The benefits of ADHD coaching

For Parents

ADHD presentation to UNIS Hanoi parents English 日本語
The 30 essential things parents need to know (5 minute intro) Dr Russell Barkley
All of Dr. Russell Barkley’s YouTube lectures!
Social Thinking and Social Functioning by Michelle Garcia Winner
“My ADHD looks nothing like your ADHD” by Elizabeth Broadbent

Neurodivergent 2SLGBTQIA+ resources

ADDA LGBT/Poly Peer Support Group
GLAAD
Harmonic Divergence, Trans NB Neurodiversity coach
iSEE (Vietnam)
Neuroqueer
Welcome to the Porchlight, Queer NB ADHD coach

Perimenopause resources

ADHD Diagnosis

There is no single test for diagnosing ADHD. Instead, healthcare professionals use several forms of criteria such as CT scans for brain abnormalities, interviews with parents and teachers, child observations, and psychological tests. Using professional diagnostic manuals, which is the foundation for evaluating mental disorders in children, healthcare professionals can issue a formal ADHD diagnosis with clinical research and observation.

Clinical Practice Tools – CHADD
Diagnosis (USA)
Diagnosis (EU)
Diagnosis (AU)
Online Quick Test for Adults
ADDitude article about this test (and how it fits into other things to consider)
(JAMA article about the survey design)
Online Quick Test for Children/Teens to determine if you should seek a diagnosis
Singapore
Thailand

Diagnosis, medication and support in Vietnam

If you need assistance in understanding the process of getting a diagnosis or medication in Vietnam, please contact me. I do not provide diagnoses, but I can offer support and guidance.

Neurodiverse Families in Hanoi: Facebook group to help, support, and advise each other, as well as connect with service providers.

For an overview of ADHD treatment plans, see this ADDitude article.

Some psychiatrists that can diagnose and prescribe medication:

Doctor	Clinic	Languages	Phone
Dr Miguel de Seixas (HCMC-online consults available)	Family Medical Practice	English, Português	(028) 38227848
Dr Mishra Ankita (HCMC-online consults available)	Family Medical Practice	English, हिन्दी, मराठी	(028) 38227848
Dr. Huỳnh Thanh Tân (adolescents (11 years and older) and their families), Dr. Duc Do (strengths in working with children with developmental issues), Dr. Nghia Nguyen, Dr. Giap Nguyen	Vinmec Int'l Hospital Times City	Tiếng Việt, translators available	(024)39743556
Dr. Trần Nguyễn Khánh Minh (HCMC)	Van Hanh Medical Center	English, Tiếng Việt	(028) 38227848/ (028)35354096
Prof Dr. Vo Van Ban (Hanoi)	Hanoi French Hospital	English, Français, Tiếng Việt	(024) 35771100

Medication

In Vietnam, both Concerta and Ritalin are available.

Concerta: Local doctors will not prescribe more than 36 mg, even though higher doses are readily available in many other countries. Unlike most other medications in Vietnam, access is strictly controlled, and a doctor’s visit to get a new prescription is required every month. The prescription usually cannot be filled early and it must be filled within 5 days of issue. Most pharmacies do not stock ADHD medication. Picking up the medicine requires presenting a valid ID and signing a receipt. There are often shortages towards the end of the calendar year, when supplies run low and the government negotiates new contracts with the pharmaceutical companies. The cost of a 30-day supply depends on dosage, and generally between 1.7-2.2 million VND.

Ritalin: is only available in 10 mg pills, and costs between 4-6$ USD per pill.

International travel with ADHD medications
Bringing in your own supply of ADHD stimulant medication into Vietnam is not legal, unless you get the prescription legalized from the Vietnamese embassy in your own country, which can be a time-consuming process.

Some pharmacies in Hanoi

VinMec Hospital Times City, 458 Minh Khai, Vinh Tuy Ward, Hai Bà Trưng District
Bach Mai Hospital, 78 Đường Giải Phóng, Phương Đình, Đống Đa
Bach Mai Pharmacy # 5
Bach Mai 24 hour Emergency Pharmacy. This pharmacy does not sell Concerta outside of 9:00-17:00 weekdays (no holidays) and requires 3 copies of the prescription.

Some pharmacies in HCMC

Pasteur Pharmacy, 156 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
FMP Clinic Pharmacy

Additional support

SENIA Vietnam maintains a list of service providers and a list of questions parents should ask any service provider before hiring them. In-person service providers are not always easy to find in Vietnam, but there are many online reputable providers available, such as:

Global Education Therapy (formerly Worldwide Speech) has been providing online support for 15+ years, and was originally founded to serve children of US Embassy employees around the world. GET offers multiple therapists in speech and occupational therapy, academic tutoring, and the website has free asynchronous webinars.

iLabSchool was established by experienced international school educators, and offers reading, writing, math, and English language interventions.

International Diagnostic Solutions is a preferred provider for the U.S. State Department. Provide speech therapy, occupational therapy, tutoring, psychology, and specializes in matching students with home language based evaluation support.

Linden Global Education offers speech & occupational therapy, psychologists, and educational-psych evaluations.

Next Steps Learning Support is run by Catherine Whimpey, a UK based learning support teacher and educational therapist. Online sessions are available for international families.

Outschool.com is a platform for live, online group or individual educational tutoring as well as social skills, life skills, book clubs, and special interest (edu-tainment) classes.

Virtually ConnectED offers speech therapy, occupational therapy, and academic tutoring.

Recommended Books

I have read all of the books on this list and recommend them. They are also recommended by people or organizations I trust, who have also considered the reputation, credibility and expertise of the author.

Written by an international team for an international audience, The World Federation of ADHD Guide provides the essentials of diagnosing and managing ADHD (in Español, 简化, English, Français)

Recommended Podcasts

These are podcasts that I listen to regularly, and that I have learnt so much from, and continue to learn from with every new episode.

International organizations for ADHD

I have listed these organizations to help you find one in your geographical location. This list is not exhaustive; please share any other international organizations you know about that work with and support ADHDers.