Appendix A: Resources & Support

National Support Organizations

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
- Website: dbsalliance.org
- Services: Peer support groups, online forums, educational materials
- Teen-specific: DBSA has chapters for young adults and family support groups
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- Website: nami.org
- Services: Family-to-Family education program, helpline (1-800-950-NAMI)
- Resources: Specific programs for families of teens with bipolar disorder
International Bipolar Foundation
- Website: ibpf.org
- Services: Online support groups, educational webinars
- Specialty: Focus on youth bipolar disorder

Autism Society
- Website: autism-society.org
- Services: Local chapters, resource database, advocacy support
CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD)
- Website: chadd.org
- Services: Parent support groups, school advocacy resources
- Resource: “Ask the Expert” webinars on ADHD + comorbidities
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
- Website: autisticadvocacy.org
- Focus: Neurodiversity-affirming resources written by autistic individuals

Reddit: r/BipolarReddit
- More heavily moderated than r/bipolar, better for serious discussions
- Active community of adults with bipolar disorder
Reddit: r/bipolarSOs
- For spouses/partners of people with bipolar disorder
- Good for parents navigating the family impact
Spark for Autism Research Match
- Website: sparkforautism.org
- Includes forums for parents of autistic children with comorbidities

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text: 988
- Available 24/7, confidential
Crisis Text Line
- Text “HELLO” to 741741
- Trained crisis counselors available 24/7
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
- Call: 1-866-488-7386
- Text “START” to 678678
- Available 24/7

NAMI Helpline
- 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Monday-Friday, 10am-10pm ET
- Free referrals and information

“The Bipolar Teen” by David J. Miklowitz & Elizabeth L. George
- Evidence-based strategies for family-focused treatment
“Raising a Moody Child” by Mary A. Fristad & Jill S. Arnold
- Practical guide to mood disorders in children and teens
“NeuroTribes” by Steve Silberman
- History and context of autism, neurodiversity movement

“The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder” by Elizabeth Verdick & Elizabeth Reeve
- Written for teens, covers sensory issues, social skills, self-advocacy
“My Bipolar Roller Coaster Feelings Book” by Bryna Hebert
- For younger teens, helps explain mood cycling

“The Bipolar Now Podcast” - Personal stories and expert interviews
“ADHD Experts Podcast” by ADDitude Magazine - Includes episodes on comorbidities
“Autism in Real Life” by Chloe Rothschild - Autistic adult perspective

Neurodivergent Insights: neurodivergentinsights.com
- Articles on autism + bipolar overlap
bp Magazine: bphope.com
- Magazine for people living with bipolar disorder
ADDitude Magazine: additudemag.com
- Comprehensive ADHD resource, includes comorbidity articles

Dr. Tracey Marks (YouTube): Psychiatrist with excellent videos on bipolar disorder
Dr. Russell Barkley (YouTube): Leading ADHD researcher, videos on ADHD + mood disorders
Autism Speaks (YouTube): “Autism and Co-occurring Conditions” series

Wrightslaw: wrightslaw.com
- Special education law and advocacy
- Sample IEP language for mood disorders + autism
Understood.org: understood.org
- Learning and attention issues, IEP templates

Psychology Today Directory: psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
- Filter by specialty: “Bipolar Disorder,” “Autism,” “Adolescents”
NAMI Provider Directory: nami.org/findsupport

Drugs.com: drugs.com
- Comprehensive drug information, interaction checker
Epocrates: epocrates.com
- Medical app with dosing information (used by doctors)

This book is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you are in crisis, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.