CHADD-Children & Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), is a national non-profit, tax-exempt (Section 501 (c) (3) ) organization providing education, advocacy and support for 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 and parents.

CHADD does not endorse, recommend, or make representations with respect to the research, services, medication, treatments or products on the Web site.

The information on the CHADD Web site is provided with the understanding that the organization is not engaged in rendering medical or legal advice or recommendations. You should not rely on any information on the Web site to replace consultations with qualified health care or legal professionals to meet your individual needs. References to any treatment or therapy option, or to any program, service or treatment do not constitute an official endorsement by CHADD. Parents and professionals are encouraged to fully investigate treatment options and providers that may be most appropriate for a specific individual.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) was founded in 1987 in response to the frustration and sense of isolation experienced by parents 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 countless parents to see their children with AD/HD succeed. From one parent 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 integral part in the association's success by providing support, education and encouragement to parents, educators and professionals on a grassroots level through CHADD chapters. Along with its growth in membership and reputation, CHADD has retained the passion and commitment of its founders.