Parents who have a child with ADHD often feel isolated. There may be delays in making the diagnosis and they may feel that they are being blamed for having a naughty child as a result of poor parenting. Support groups are invaluable in assisting parents through the challenges of ensuring that the needs of the child with ADHD are fulfilled. ADDISS (Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service) is a national charity that provides a telephone helpline, has a website, offers training, provides resources and organises events for families of children with ADHD. It also extends to ADHD in adulthood. Although there are several parenting programmes available, 1-2-3 Magic is recommended by ADDISS, on the grounds of considerable experience and positive parental feedback. This programme is mainly non-verbal and addresses issues such as climbing, tantrums, fighting, swearing and other difficult behaviours. It is best to provide this programme for children before they reach the age of 12 years because it is less effective in older children if not started in early childhood. The younger the child the more effective the programme. Several local support groups, some of which are affiliated to ADDISS, and other parent training support programmes, for example Triple P (Positive
Parenting Programme), are also available.