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The Greater Rochester Attention Deficit Disorder Association , Inc. (GRADDA) is a program under the sponsorship of the  Learning Disabilities Association of the Genesee Valley, Inc .  GRADDA was formed for the purpose of addressing the multiple needs of individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD). Our group aims to assist individuals, families, professionals, and the community at large. GRADDA can help provide the kind of information and support needed to minimize the impact of ADD on the individual, the family, the school, and the work environment.

What Is ADD?

Some of our Organizational Goals include:

Speaking about systemic changes, you can learn what the Monroe County ADHD Task Force recommended in its Best Practice Manual - A Model for Communications which was just published. It was prepared by a team of physicians, educators, and a parent and describes why it is so important to have all three working together for the success of our children in school. This is a comprehensive model and may well be of interest to those of you who wish to influence policy and procedures in your own school districts. Check it out by clicking on: Monroe County ADD Task Force Best Practice Manual.

GRADDA meetings for adults are held at the Rochester Rehabilitation Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave. Door #5 (corner of South Ave) in Rochester, New York, on the third Wednesday of every month year 'round starting at 7:30PM. The adults have elected to focus exclusively on support.

The Parents/Child issues group no longer meets regularly at the Rochester Rehabilitation Center.  You are invited to call our WARM Line (251-2322) or the LDA (263-3323) for the latest information.

The following WORKSHOPS will be offered by LDA Life and Learning Services/GRADDA at 339 East Avenue, Rochester, NY from 6 to 8PM.   They are free, but pre-registration is required due to limited seating.  To register, call (585)263-3323 and ask for LDA's Information and Referral Coordinator.   Note that parking is available in the lot behind Bethel Full Gospel Church.

Monday, October 30th, 2006  - UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING ADD presented by Dan DeMarle, PhD, Educational Specialist, Behavioral Pediatrics, Rochester General Hospital.

What is ADD/ADHD?  More importantly, what can be done to help children and adolescents with these issues?  This presentation is designed to help parents, teachers, and adolescents gain a better understanding of the nature, causes, outcomes, and treatments of these disabilities with a focus on long term management designed not only at high school graduation, but at becoming successful adults.

Wednesday, November 15th, 2006 - HELP YOUR CHILD TAKE CHARGE OF ADD presented by Dr. Leon Schofield, Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice.

Dr. Leon Schofield will present a workshop on how parents can help their child take ownership and responsibility for monitoring and managing their own ADD.  Parents and teachers often take over the management of the child's ADD.  They run the risk of encouraging either resistance and oppositional behavior or passivity and dependence.  Dr. Schofield will discuss ways parents can encourage their child to learn new coping strategies that promote personal growth and self-esteem.

Wednesday, December 13th, 2006 - FREE APPROPRIATE PUBLIC EDUCATION FOR YOUTH WITH ADD/ADHD:  More than just a good IDEA. presented by Amy Silber MS., Educational Consultant, LDA Life and Learning Services.

ADD/ADHD can impact education and development from a very young age.  Children with ADD/ADHD may face many challenges in a traditional school settting and may qualify for educational service and accommodations, even if their needs are minor.  This workshop will review latest changes to the laws and discuss strategies parents can use to work effectively as partners with their school districts to see their ADD or AD/HD student has a successful school experience.

You may search the entire GRADDA site for specific information by entering a key word or two in the space below. You may also use the names of article authors.


We are happy to announce that we no longer require membership dues! GRADDA meetings and all of the following support services and information on our web site are available free of charge.

The GRADDA Board of Directors includes: Colin Garwood, Executive Director, Learning Disabilities Association, Judy and Gary Olson (emeritus), Amy Silber, LDA, Dick Smith, Bill Sydney, Jay Travers, Director of Mental Health, Rochester Rehabilitation Center, Mary Ann and Rene Vanmulem.

Contact us any of these ways:



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