Senate Resolution Declares September 7th AD/HD Awareness Day

ADDA announces success in its effort to spearhead passage of a U.S. Senate resolution designating a “National Attention Deficit Disorder Awareness Day” on September 7, 2004 – a major step toward accomplishing ADDA’s goal of spreading vital information and encouragement. The resolution sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell (Washington) and co-sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin (Illinois), recognizes Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) as a major public health concern and “expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Government has a responsibility to (a) endeavor to raise public awareness about AD/HD; and (b) continue to consider ways to improve access to, and the quality of, mental health services dedicated to the purpose of improving the quality of life for children and adults with AD/HD.”

ADDA, the world’s leading source of information and support for Adult AD/HD, served as the sponsoring organization of the resolution and as a key resource for Senator Cantwell in developing the resolution. “ It is our hope that September 7, 2004 will be the beginning of a nationwide awareness leading to greater understanding and acceptance of AD/HD,” said David, Giwerc, ADDA President. “We believe this is a monumental first step to encouraging all people in the United States to seek the appropriate information, diagnosis, treatment and support, potentially improving the quality of life for the millions of adults with AD/HD.”  

AD/HD is a neurobiological disorder that affects an estimated 3 percent to 7 percent of young school-age children and an estimated 4 percent of adults across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. Characterized by developmentally inappropriate impulsivity, inattention, and in some cases, hyperactivity, until recently AD/HD was thought to occur only in childhood. Scientific studies clearly indicate that AD/HD runs in families and suggest that genetic inheritance is an important risk factor, with between 10 and 35 percent of children with AD/HD having a first-degree relative with past or present AD/HD, and with approximately 50 percent of parents who had AD/HD having a child with the disorder“AD/HD is a real disorder that can have potentially devastating effects for individuals and their families when left undiagnosed and untreated.,” according to ADDA CEO Michele Novotni, Ph.D. “The good news is that with proper treatment, people with AD/HD can go on to lead tremendously successful, fulfilling lives. We thank Senator Cantwell and her colleagues for recognizing the importance of raising awareness about the disorder among the public.”  

Several leading healthcare, education and consumer advocacy organizations have joined ADDA in supporting the Senate resolution. Among them are the National Mental Health Association, American Counseling Association, the American Psychiatric Association, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. Plans are now underway for coordinating AD/HD Awareness Day activities with these and other groups throughout the country.

ADDA provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) lead better lives. We provide hope, empowerment and connections worldwide by bringing together science and the human experience for both adults with AD/HD and professionals who serve them.