CHADD of Nassau County

Ours is an organization formed to better the lives of individuals with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and those who care for them. Through family support and advocacy, public and professional education and encouragement of scientific research, we work to ensure that those with AD/HD reach their inherent potential.

We are proud to be one of the longest standing affiliates in New York. Our local Nassau County chapter was founded in 1989 in order to support and educate the families in our community who were experiencing frustration and a sense of isolation when dealing with issues concerning AD/HD. At that time there were few places one could go for support or information. Many clinicians and educators knew little about AD/HD and our children were often incorrectly labeled as "behavior problems," "unmotivated," or "not intelligent enough."

Much has changed in these last 20 years, as CHADD has grown and advocated on your behalf. We are a grass-roots volunteer organization charged with effecting change in our community through collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education and support. Today, AD/HD is recognized as a legitimate neurobiological syndrome. Children with AD/HD are eligible for special education services or classroom modifications when needed and adults with AD/HD may be eligible for accommodations in the workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Internet has opened up unparalleled opportunities to accumulate information on AD/HD and related conditions. However, nothing compares to the face-to-face, member-to-member experience that our support groups can offer.

Our Executive and Clinical Boards are composed of a small group of dedicated volunteers from around Nassau County who play an integral part in the chapter's success by providing support, education and encouragement to parents, educators and professionals. We all have busy lives affected in some way by AD/HD, however, we have managed to maintain the passion and commitment of our founders. When we joined CHADD we became part of something bigger than ourselves.

CHADD of Nassau County holds a meeting once a month to help our community better understand and cope with the wide scope of problems dealing with AD/HD.

The first hour is dedicated to support. Attendees meet with one of our professionals. The parenting groups are divided based on age of the child. This gives parents a chance to learn and share with other parents having similar problems. The professionals provide advice and coping skills.  There is also an adult support group where adults share common problems and get ideas how to maintain a productive life while coping with this disorder.

The second half of the meeting is dedicated to education. Professionals facilitate seminars on various topics discussing what AD/HD is, how to recognize it, and methods to help live productively, and cope with family and social relationships.  There are two separate educational forums: one dealing with parenting and the other targeting adult AD/HD.

All CHADD of Nassau County meetings are held at:

The East Meadow Jewish Center
1400 Prospect Ave.
East Meadow, NY 11554