How many of us are members of the CHADD Organization? Do you think it's worth it?

I am looking at joining CHADD, but the way I see it, the $35 for Student/Hardship is still awefully steep, especially since there is absolutely no network in my area...no satellite, no branch, nothing.

I am looking to start a support group on campus, because they have a University Policy on ADHD Medications, so there must be a good few of us here, and I think may be helpful to be affiliated with an organization...but I definitely do not have the resources to afford membership that won't be worthwhile, and I definitely don't have the resources to start a branch on my own...

So, what is your opinion of the CHADD organization? Is it worth membership if I intend to start a support group in Athens, OH?

In the same token, what about the ADDA? They seem like they are actually much more helpful, in that they actively encourage members to start support groups according to the information on their website....but their price-tag is heftier, at $45...would they actually be helpful in organizing a support group?

Keith,

ADDA just recently added a $25 student membership rate. The option is now there if you sign up online through the www.add.org (http://www.add.org/) website. The mail in form was just updated too.

I am a member of both ADDA and CHADD. Like you I really haven't found any local support from CHADD because there aren't very many chapters with in a close distance to me. The chapters that are in my area are mostly geared towards parents.

I have actually become very involved with ADDA and do a lot of volunteer work with them. To toot my own horn... I recieved the outstanding volunteer of the year award for the year 2004 from ADDA. Personally as a college student, if I only the had the option of choosing ADDA or CHADD, I would Choose ADDA.

ADDA's main focus is helping adults with AD/HD. It has also begun to add a lot more resources for its members like teleclasses. ADDA has also joined forces with http://campusblues.com/ .

For starting a support group here on campus, would you recommend ADDA? Would they be able to assist me in doing so? I feel as if out of 16,000 students I can't possibly be the only one with ADD related issues, and I feel as if I could publicize by putting fliers or informational pamphlets in the Psychological and Counseling Services office, which would more than likely allow me to do so...but I think being backed by a respected organization would help as far as actually establishing a support group...