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Free help for parents of Children with ADHD and behavioral health disorders

Douglas Dispatch - 6/3/2017

For a family with a child who is experiencing symptoms or has a diagnosed mental or behavioral health disorder, it may seem like they are in crisis mode 24/7. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has developed the parenting class - Basics which help address the challenges faced by these families. The class is designed to fit the needs of family and caregivers of children and adolescents by teaching effective skills for coping and advocacy.

NAMI Southeastern Arizona (NAMISEAZ) is offering this free six-week class beginning Saturday, June 10, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Douglas Public Library located at 560 E. 10th Street in Douglas. The class is held in a non-threatening environment and all personal information discussed is kept confidential.

Instructors are parents who have taken the course and have been trained to teach the class. Basics, has been offered in Benson and Willcox with great results. Participating parents have been quoted as saying, "This class helped me to feel more in control in my ability to discuss my child's needs with teachers and health care professionals. As a family we are more supportive of each other and better able to cope and manage."

The class provides free materials which educate the parents and caregivers with current information about ADHD, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Childhood Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse Disorders. Important information is provided about treatment, understanding of medications, and learning how the brain works and what areas are affected. Workshops and open discussion within the course teaches coping skills for the child and the family, problem solving, listening and communication skills, and strategies for handling challenging behaviors, and stigma.

The class which is presented by NAMISEAZ is also sponsored by The Arizona Community Foundation and Cenpatico Integrated Care.

Call NAMISEAZ at 520-459-3228 or email namiseazinfo@gmail.com to pre-register. Pre-registration deadline is Wednesday, June 7. Each class will have a light meal or pot luck. If possible free childcare may be provided.