Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 7.2% of children and 3.4% of adults. There are three different types of ADHD: primarily inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined type. Inattentive type is characterized by symptoms such as a difficulty sustaining attention, memory issues, a failure to follow through on instructions or assignments, disorganization, and difficulty keeping track of items.
Individuals diagnosed with hyperactive/impulsive type may experience a difficulty sitting still, fidgeting, excessive talking, blurting, restlessness, and impatience.
Combined type requires the presence of symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive categories.
Regardless of how it manifests in the person’s life, ADHD can prove difficult to live with. The goal of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is to have a positive impact on the lives of those affected by ADHD. According to the CHADD website, in order to accomplish their mission of “improv[ing] the lives of people affected by ADHD”, the behavior of staff, volunteers, and leadership is influenced by the following factors:
Respectful, open communication
Quality of our work product and productivity in our work effort, to assure sustained customer satisfaction
Flexibility and teamwork
A demonstrated commitment to diversity in all its forms
Dedicated to fulfilling CHADD’s mission with passion and enthusiasm”
CHADD is a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, education, and support for those with ADHD. The CHADD website provides support through blogs, a resource directory of services offered by state, discussion areas, as well as general information on ADHD according to the individual’s need, whether parent or caregiver, adult with ADHD, or professional.
According to their site, “CHADD has three current priority objectives: (1) to serve as a clearinghouse for evidence-based information on ADHD, (2) to serve as a local face-to-face family support group for families and individuals affected by ADHD, and (3) to serve as an advocate for appropriate public policies and public recognition in response to needs faced by families and individuals with ADHD. “
CHADD offers membership and currently has over 12,000 members.
The National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC) is a creation of CHADD and offers the latest evidence-based information on ADHD. The NRC offers services such as a science-based website on ADHD, an ADHD Helpline, a webcast series, an e-newsletter, an ACT program which addresses underserved communities affected by ADHD, digital media, and ADHD Awareness Month (which is in October), in addition to other services and resources.
CHADD is an authority figure in the world of ADHD, and their hard work has given a voice to those that do not have one, and provided the resources to continuously spread the word regarding ADHD by demonstrating how it affects those living with it, and what you can do to help. CHADD’s work and mission is both research-based and practical, and relates to the science of ADHD as well as the people living with the condition. The very nature of ADHD continues to unfold with more awareness, education, and research, and CHADD is at the heart of that.