The Swedish National Association Attention
The Swedish National Association Attention is a non-governmental, non-profit organization for children, adolescents and adults with neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, Aspergers and Tourette syndrome.
The purpose of Attention is to advance the rights of people with neuropsychiatric disorders and their families, and advocate on every level throughout our society and to help our members to improve their quality of life and reach their full potential.
The main aims of Attention
- Providing knowledge and information through seminars etc. regarding the difficulties that people with neuropsychiatric disorders are faced with in today’s society. Attention believes that it is only through knowledge that a person can be proactive.
- To conduct educational activities aimed at educational, health and social care practitioners.
- Encouraging parents and professionals to work together for the benefit of the person concerned.
- Increasing the awareness of politicians and authorities regarding questions concerning people living with neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Collecting and distributing the latest medical and psychological research to Attention´s members, professionals and society.
- Creating local networks and support groups with the objective of supporting the disabled and their relatives.
- Participate on a national and international level to further the dissemination of knowledge about neuropsychiatric disorders.
Recent and Ongoing Activities
- Contributing with several articles in national and local newspapers.
- Planning and implementing seminars and courses for professionals.
- Producing educational and awareness materials.
- Organizing new support groups and local societies around Sweden.
- Liaising with various groups with similar aims in the Scandinavian counties.
- Develop policies to improve the situation in schools for children with ADHD and lobby to have these policies implemented.
- Activities to promote evidence-based treatment.
Members
Attention has more than 10 000 members, divided into almost 50 local societies all over Sweden. Attention´s members include individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, their relatives as well as professionals such as doctors and therapists.
Reaching out
The most important way of keeping our members informed is through our magazine “Attention” that is published 5 times per year, our website www.attention-riks.se and through our local societies. The secretariat is also able to give assistance by telephone, email or post to its members.
National Conference
Attention organizes a two day national conference, the so called NPF-forum, mostly on a yearly basis. Each conference focuses on a different theme.
Financing
The work of Attention is mainly financed by funds from the Swedish government, projects and by membership fees.
Secretariat
Attention’s headquarters are located in Stockholm and employees at the moment 8 people. The president of Attention is Ann-Kristin Sandberg. Volunteers are also involved, when needed.
Cooperation
Attention is a member of:
- The Swedish Disability Federation, 43 Swedish disability organizations in co-operation
- SHIA, the Swedish Organizations of Disabled Persons International Aid Association
- NSPH, National co-operation for Mental Health
- ADHD-Europe
