Developmental Adult Neuro-Diversity Association

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http://www.danda.org.uk/

DANDA – the Developmental Adult Neuro-Diversity Association has been

set up for people with Dyspraxia, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD and other

related conditions such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. It is run by

adults with one or more of these conditions, thus following the

Madrid declaration of 2002, which stated that organisations should be

run by its users.

DANDA is a national registered charity with its administrative and

fund-raising centre in London. Founded in 2003, it is financed mainly

by membership subscriptions and private donations.

DANDA has grown out of the Dyspraxia Foundation Adult Support Group

as it became clear that most people that joined did not have

dyspraxia condition alone but had other linked Neuro-Diverse

conditions. Most in fact had ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome or dyslexia as

well. It seemed this was the norm rather than the exception.

Dyspraxia will remain one of the main priorities as we are the only

group catering for the needs of all adults with this condition.

However, more and more people wanted to know more about the other

conditions they had, especially those with Asperger's and ADHD. Many

dyspraxics in fact joined groups for adults with Asperger's Syndrome

but none are run by Asperger's adults themselves and there are no

ADHD groups for adults here, just for children.

We have groups for people with the conditions and we will give

contacts for DANDA in your area when you become a member. We have a

newsletter, which will come out at least twice a year, and we intend

to produce leaflets on Neuro-diversity, as well as a book on the

subject on the same lines as Living with Dyspraxia. A website will

also be set up. Our first conference is planned for next May for

those with the conditions. We hope also to run conferences for

medical professionals soon in conjunction with the Dyscovery Centre.

We will encourage research and also increase awareness of these

conditions in the workplace and amongst advocacy agencies and those

dealing with the Disabled

The Objectives of DANDA are as follows:

1) To help adults with Developmental dyspraxia, ADHD, Asperger's

Syndrome and related conditions reach their full potential by

providing and improving emotional and practical support, particularly

for those conditions for which there has been less provision – such

as dyspraxia

2) To raise awareness and understanding of these conditions in

adulthood, particularly their assessment, their effects, their

treatment and the inter-relationship between the different conditions

3) To establish networks of groups to help adults with these

conditions get involved in activities for interaction, mutual

support, and education, provided that the activities shall be

charitable.

DANDA has been set up to address the problems with Dyspraxia and

related Neuro-Diverse conditions such as Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Asperger's Syndrome, Tourette's

Syndrome, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.

Some of the activities of DANDA are:

Raising awareness of Dyspraxia and related conditions amongst the

general public and other organisations that are active in similar

fields, including health and educational professionals.

Forming and servicing self-help groups throughout the UK.

Simplifying and increasing diagnosis, particularly in the NHS.

Offering support, advice and counselling to adults with Neuro-Diverse

conditions, particularly in education and employment.

Acting as a resource and information centre for health and education

professionals and adults generally.

Producing a newsletter " DANDA network " twice a year, and information

leaflets.

Organising conferences and talks about Dyspraxia and related

conditions for adults, carers and professionals.

Ensuring we are represented in the wider disability movement.

Please join us in our work. For details of how to become a member

Click Here

http://www.danda.org.uk/