CHADD is a non-profit organization that serves children and adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. With 16,000 members and over 200 chapters across the United States, CHADD is the largest organization that serves the children and adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder population.
Founded in 1987, CHADD was created to help parents who felt a sense of isolation about their children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Before CHADD, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder was greatly misunderstood, and children with ADHD were considered unintelligent or to have behavior problems. With organizations like CHADD, parents of children with ADHD know they are not alone, and since attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a lifelong condition, adults with ADHD can also receive support.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects 3 to 5 percent of children and 2 to 4 percent of adults. The mission of CHADD is to provide a support network for parents and caregivers, provide resources and evidence-based information to parents, educators, and other professionals, and to promote on-going research.
CHADD operates the NRC, or the National Resource Center on AD/HD, which helps provide the evidence-based information that is a part of their mission. CHADD also publishes Attention magazine six times a year to provide information for families and individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. CHADD is also partnered with numerous federal agencies, medical groups, and other organizations.
CHADD recognizes that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a serious condition that has drastic consequences if left untreated; with proper treatment, individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder can lead fulfilling and successful lives.
Visit CHADD online for more information about partner organizations and how to get involved with a CHADD chapter in your area.