ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY - ad - vo - ca - cy - n. - the act of pleading or arguing in favor of something such as a cause, idea or policy; active support

The KID Foundation's mission includes advocacy on behalf of children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Through the years, KID Foundation advocacy efforts have resulted in increasing awareness about SPD, improving treatment strategies for SPD and providing support for parents who have children with SPD.

KID FOUNDATION NEEDS YOUR VOICE - THE POWER OF ONE

The KID Foundation is working to obtain inclusion of Sensory Processing Disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). The DSM classifies all childhood and adult mental health and developmental disorders. Currently, SPD is not covered by the DSM categories and its absence limits awareness of the disorder and contributes to the misdiagnosis and inappropriate therapeutic treatment of children.

The inclusion of SPD in the DSM will improve correct diagnoses and will open doors for further research about the underlying cause of and treatments for SPD. The addition of SPD in the DSM will make possible reimbursement for treatment.

The KID Foundation has been asked to submit a position paper to the DSM-V Task Force by January 2007. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. Decision makers respond to advocates like you.

Our advocacy efforts to get SPD included in the DSM rely on the strength and action of our network - people who care about children with SPD and want to make a difference.

Individual Support - Please sign an individual petition to support continued research to determine if SPD should be included in the DSM-V. You may either submit an online petition or sign a printed petition (PDF).

Group Support - print and collect signatures on a petition to support continued research to determine if SPD should be included in the DSM-V.

Professional Endorsement - We need the support of the medical community to help us with our mission. Please either submit the endorsement online or print and sign a petition (PDF) to endorse support of continued research to determine if SPD should be included in the DSM-V. (Families: Please print and bring this to your treating physicians, obtain their signatures and mail to the KID Foundation.)

Sign up today to BECOME AN ADVOCATE. In just a few moments, you can make a huge difference. We'll make it easy for you to email, fax or phone the decision makers. All we ask is for you to respond to the action alerts that you feel comfortable with. And we'll keep you informed on the progress you're making as one of the very important voices for children with SPD.