About Us
Our Mission
“Children with Inattentive ADHD are diagnosed by age 8 and adults with Inattentive ADHD are readily and correctly diagnosed when they seek help.”
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Although 30% of children with ADHD have the Predominantly Inattentive* presentation, they are not usually diagnosed during childhood.
This needs to change.
Adults with Inattentive ADHD often are told when seeking help, “You are depressed.” or “You have an anxiety disorder.” They rarely are correctly diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD.
This needs to change.
This website provides information to educate you, your family, teachers, pediatricians, family doctors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists about Inattentive ADHD.
Increasing awareness of inattentive ADHGD starts here and now! Change cannot wait.
*Although the clinical name is ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive and it use to be called ADD, this website uses the term Inattentive ADHD.
Cynthia Hammer, MSW, Founder
Why She Started the Inattentive ADHD Coalition
In 1992 when she was 49 years old, Cynthia Hammer was diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD which was called ADD at the time. She thought she was the only adult in the United States who had this disorder, but quickly learned she was not alone. Still, there were many doctors who didn’t know that ADHD outlasted childhood. She founded and ran for 15 years ADD Resources, a non-profit organization that focused on helping adults recognize their ADHD and learn how to improve their lives.
Cynthia started the Inattentive ADHD Coalition after she learned that 30% of those with ADHD have the Inattentive type and they are significantly less frequently diagnosed and treated. Cynthia became committed to changing this dynamic so that children with Inattentive ADHD are diagnosed during childhood and adults, questioning if they have Inattentive ADHD, are correctly diagnosed.
On May 1, 2024 Cynthia stepped down as the volunteer Executive Director and became a board member. The Inattentive ADHD Coalition enters a new phase with a hired Executive Director
Board Members
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Edward van der Schans
BOARD MEMBER
Edward is an Interest Rate and Foreign Exchange Trader, at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Having been diagnosed in his mid-30s, Edward is keen to share his experiences, challenges, and successes in dealing with ADHD at home, school, and in a professional environment. As part of that journey, Edward joined the Board in May 2024.
Outside of the office, Edward cherishes time with his wife & 2 young sons, splitting his residence between Manhattan and northeastern Pennsylvania.
Edward and his family are involved in various fundraising activities & neighborhood events, related to their sons' schools, and their local communities.
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Jaee Bodas, PhD
BOARD MEMBER
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist currently practicing in Richmond, Virginia. For 15 years, I have provided care to children, adults, and families in various behavioral health settings, including residential, inpatient, partial hospitalization, outpatient, and pediatric medical care. My clinical specialty is working with children and adults with anxiety, ADHD, and related disorders. Working with children with ADHD has made me increasingly aware of the “invisible” nature of this diagnosis and how communication about this diagnosis is a unique challenge for the inattentive type of ADHD. In my work with the youth and adults with ADHD, I emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and self-compassion, which are necessary to cope with the many challenges of an ADHD diagnosis. I also like to underscore the importance of having scientific knowledge and encourage my clients to educate themselves about ADHD by providing them with resources in different formats. I strongly advocate for those directly and indirectly impacted by ADHD. I joined the board because I want to build awareness and help dispel myths and misconceptions that become barriers to treating ADHD.
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James Douglas
Board Member
Greetings! I’m James, a Maryland native residing in Florida, former Division I athlete turned mental health professional, and ADHD coach. With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health, I’ve dedicated 15 years to supporting youth, teens, adults, and families. As the CEO and Coach at Mindful ADHD, Author, and current Therapist, I empower clients worldwide through ADHD challenges. Diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, my journey inspired a mission for transformation. Now serving as a proud Board Member at the Inattentive ADHD Coalition, I bring a comprehensive perspective to the neurodivergent journey. I’m passionate about empowering youth, adults, and families to navigate ADHD complexities.
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Ryan Slipakoff
BOARD MEMBER
Ryan Slipakoff is a senior executive uniquely positioned at the intersection of healthcare’s business, science, and future innovation.
A seasoned executive leader and futurist, Ryan’s expertise spans executive leadership, data, technology, and AI, making him an invaluable asset to the Inattentive ADHD Coalition.
Ryan’s advocacy for ADHD goes beyond theory; having adapted to ADHD himself and now parenting two children diagnosed with the condition, his investment adds a profound layer to his qualifications.
His contributions to the most extensive NIMH study on ADHD and direct clinical experience working with patients and families underscore his deep understanding of the complexities involved. Ryan advises healthcare companies on leveraging data, technology, customer experience, and innovation to maximize product value and health outcomes and experiences.
He offers a strategic and holistic perspective that aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Inattentive ADHD Coalition.
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