Northeast Philadelphia Children and Adults with ADHD

Mission/ObjectivesCHADD's primary objectives are: to provide a support network forrents and caregivers, to provide a forum for continuing education, to be a community resource and disseminate accurate, evidence-based information about AD/HD torents, educators, adults, professionals, and the media, to promote ongoing research, and to be an advocate on behalf of the AD/HD community.The mission of CHADD is stated as CHADD CARES. Specifically, CHADD works to improve the lives of people affected by AD/HD through:Collaborative LeadershipAdvocacyResearchEducation andSupportGoals/PrioritiesCHADD has three current priority objectives: (1) to serve as a clearinghouse for evidence-based information on AD/HD, (2) to serve as a local face-to-face family support group for families and individuals affected by AD/HD, and (3) to serve as an advocate for appropriate public policies and public recognition in response to needs faced by families and individuals with AD/HD.In addition to our informative Web site, CHADD also publishes a variety of printed materials to keep members and professionals current on research advances, medications and treatments affecting individuals with AD/HD. These materials include Attention! magazine, the CHADD Information and Resource Guide to AD/HD, News From CHADD, a free electronically mailed current events newsletter, as well as other publications of specific interest to educators, professionals andrents.History of the OrganizationCHADD was founded in 1987 by a small group ofrents of children with AD/HD and two treating psychologists in Plantation, Florida (near Miami). Theserents came together because they felt frustrated and isolated, and there were few places to turn for support and information about AD/HD.Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) was founded in 1987 in response to the frustration and sense of isolation experienced byrents and their children with AD/HD. At that time, one could turn very few places for support or information. Many people seriously misunderstood AD/HD. Many clinicians and educators knew little about the disability, and individuals with AD/HD were often mistakenly labeled "a behavior problem," "unmotivated," or "not intelligent enough."Individuals and families dealing with AD/HD turn to CHADD, the national organization representing individuals with AD/HD, for education, advocacy and support. AD/HD is medically and legally recognized as a treatable yet potentially serious disorder, affecting up to three to five percent of all children, and approximately two to four percent of adults.Today, children with AD/HD are eligible for special education services or accommodations within the regular classroom when needed, and adults with AD/HD may be eligible for accommodations in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act. CHADD is a success story, inspired by the desire of countlessrents to see their children with AD/HD succeed. From onerent support group in Florida, the organization grew dramatically to become the leading non-profit national organization for children and adults with AD/HD.The organization has a small national staff, which manages the day-to-day responsibilities, while its Board of Directors sets policy and oversees the organization's well being. The organization is composed of dedicated volunteers from around the country who play an integralrt in the association's success by providing support, education and encouragement torents, educators and professionals on a grassroots level through CHADD chapters. Along with its growth in membership and reputation, CHADD has retained thession and commitment of its founders.