|
|
Children and Adults With ADD Urge Congress To Increase Federal Role in Research, Development of Diagnostic Standards, & Improving Educational Outcomes For Children |
SourcePR NEWSWIREForumsLearning and Other DisabilitiesRelated ArticlesQuestions Often Asked About Special Education ServicesA Guide to Children's Literature and Disability Information and news releases furnished by the members of PR Newswire, who are responsible for their fact and content. |
/ADVANCE/ WASHINGTON, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders (CH.A.D.D.), the national organization dedicated to bettering the lives of individuals with attention deficit disorders (ADD) and those who care for them, today called upon Congress to strengthen the Federal government's role in the research into the causes and treatment of ADD. CH.A.D.D. also urged the federal government to issue guidelines to help ensure the proper diagnosis of individuals with ADD. CH.A.D.D. National President Mary McDonald Richard, testifying before the Human Resources and Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform and Oversight, outlined an agenda that will increase public understanding of ADD, assist clinicians to properly diagnose ADD, improve the effectiveness of treatment, and ensure that children with ADD are able to reach their inherent potential. "It is essential for Congress to increase funding for research in order to learn more about ADD," Ms. Richard told the Subcommittee. "We encourage [the] National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to become active in assisting with the development of comprehensive diagnostic and assessment tools. CH.A.D.D. emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive assessment process conducted by professionals who are qualified to diagnose ADD. However, CH.A.D.D. remains concerned about inaccurate diagnoses that may be made on the basis of inadequate evaluation procedures. "The establishment of [NIMH] guidelines would accomplish a great deal towards properly diagnosing cases of ADD." Ms. Richard, herself the parent of two children with ADD, also told the Subcommittee that "much confusion still exists with regard to the obligation of schools to serve children with ADD under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973." "On a daily basis, CH.A.D.D. receives calls from parents who are unable to obtain proper educational services for their children with ADD," Ms. Richard continued. "The Department of Education must ensure that no child with ADD who needs special education and related services goes unrecognized, unserved, and left to fail." CH.A.D.D. has over 35,000 members and over 600 local chapters nationwide. CH.A.D.D. maintains a support network for parents of children with ADD provides a forum for continuing education of parents, professionals, and adults with ADD; acts as an information resource at the community level; advocates appropriate education services for children with ADD; and operates a toll-free phone line for information about ADD, 1-800-233-4050. CONTACT: Jeff Rosenberg for Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorders, 301-972-2367 |
