American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Between 7 and 12 Million American youth suffer from mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders at any given time. The AACAP (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) is the leading national professional medical association dedicated to treating and improving the quality of life for children, adolescents, and families affected by these disorders.

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the nation’s leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. Chapters offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals, and others.

Federation of Families
A national parent-directed organization focused on the needs of children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders and their families. Also in Spanish.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading patient-directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
NAMI’s support and public education efforts are focused on educating America about mental illness, offering resources to those in need, and insisting that mental illness become a high national priority. Mental illness is a serious medical illness that affects one in four families. No one is to blame. Treatment works, but only half of people living with mental illness receive treatment. NAMI has engaged in a variety of activities to create awareness about mental illness and promote the promise of recovery.

National Institute of Mental Health
The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.

Obsessive Compulsive Foundation
Founded by a group of people with OCD in 1986, the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is an international not-for-profit organization made up of people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related disorders, as well as their families, friends, professionals and others. The foundation wants to educate the public and professionals as well as provide resources for those with OCD.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA, a federal agency, works to improve the quality and availability of substance abuse prevention, alcohol and drug addiction treatment, and mental health services.

Resources for Families of Children with Special Needs

Ability On-Line Support Network
Connects young people with special needs to peers and mentors with and without disabilities. Encourages humor, respect, and understanding.

AutismAsperger.net
Web home of Stephen Shore, author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. Serves to build greater awareness of the autism spectrum and in particular, Aspergers Syndrome. It joins other websites with this same focus and will work together with them toward strengthening our community of people on the autism spectrum.

Parents Helping Parents
A parent directed family resource center that serves families and the professionals who serve them. Information on this site can help other parent to parent programs get started.

Parenting Special Needs
Includes articles, links, chats, and “Parenting From the Heart,” a weekly newsletter that keeps you up to date on parenting children with special needs.

ZERO TO THREE
A national resource on the first three years of life which aims to strengthen and support families, practitioners and communities to promote the healthy development of babies and toddlers.

Bridges4kids
Bridges4kids.org is a non-profit parent organization providing an internet-based system of information and referral for parents and professionals working with children from birth through transition to adult life.

National Association of Social Workers
NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.