Early Beginnings: Canadian ADHD Research Alliance (1996)
CADDRA’s roots trace back to 1996, when ADHD experts, Dr. Russell Schachar and Dr. Susan Pisterman, led a Ministry of Health-sponsored forum in Ottawa titled the Canadian ADHD Research Alliance. The goal was to advance national collaboration and research initiatives focused on ADHD.
Despite three productive days of planning and discussion, the group was unable to sustain its momentum beyond the initial meeting. Yet, the vision of a national, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to improving ADHD care in Canada endured in the minds of several committed participants.
Reviving the Vision (1996–2002)
Three attendees at the original event, Drs. Rosemary Tannock, Lily Hechtman, and Umesh Jain, continued to meet under the CADDRA name at subsequent Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry meetings.
Their shared goal was to rekindle the purpose of the 1996 gathering and build a strong, cohesive national network for clinicians and researchers focused on ADHD.
In the fall of 2002, encouraged by colleagues, Dr. Umesh Jain spearheaded the creation of a new national initiative. This effort laid the groundwork for the formal establishment of CADDRA in 2003, now redefined as the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance.
Foundational Principles and Structure
The founding Board outlined several core principles for the new organization:
- Expert Leadership: The initial board comprised of child and adolescent psychiatrists and pediatricians recognized across Canada for their ADHD expertise.
- Focused Governance: A small, unified board was chosen to ensure collaboration and consensus, particularly in areas with limited evidence-based data.
- Sustainability: A strategic business plan and defined revenue streams were established to secure financial stability.
- Strong Brand Identity: A recognizable logo and professional materials were created to build national awareness and credibility.
- Bilingual Commitment: From the outset, all CADDRA communications and materials were available in both English and French, reflecting Canada’s linguistic diversity.
Incorporation and the Early Growth (2003–2006)
CADDRA was nationally incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in 2006, marking a significant milestone in its evolution.
Its founding board included Dr. Umesh Jain (Chair and first President), Dr. Lily Hechtman, Dr. Declan Quinn, Dr. Diane Sachs, Dr. Sarah Shea, Dr. Derryck Smith, Dr. Atilla Turgay, Dr. Annick Vincent and Dr. Margaret Weiss.
Their primary mission was clear — to develop and share Canadian, evidence-based ADHD resources to support front-line clinicians and improve patient care.
The Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines
A key milestone in CADDRA’s history was the publication of the Canadian ADHD Practice Guidelines, a comprehensive, evidence-based resource that continues to shape ADHD diagnosis and treatment across the country and is recognized internationally.
- 1st Edition (2006): Editor – Dr. Umesh Jain
- 2nd Edition (2008): Editor – Dr. Atilla Turgay
- 3rd Edition: Editors – Drs. Margaret Weiss and Annick Vincent
- 4th Edition (2018): Editors – Drs. Doron Almagor, Don Duncan, and Martin Gignac
- Revised 4.1 Edition (2020): Editors – Drs. Doron Almagor, Don Duncan, and Martin Gignac
These guidelines have become a cornerstone of ADHD clinical practice across Canada, providing standardized, evidence-based recommendations that support consistency and quality of care nationwide.
Leadership and Growth (2006–Present)
CADDRA’s growth was greatly supported by Heidi Bernhardt, who served as Executive Director from 2006 to 2013. Under her leadership, the annual CADDRA ADHD Conference expanded significantly in both scope and reputation. In 2013, Niamh McGarry assumed the role of Executive Director, leading a dedicated team that includes Carol Simpson, Administrator; Dr. Stacey D. Espinet, Education Manager; and Lindsay Nix, Knowledge Translation and Evaluation Coordinator.
Today, CADDRA’s Board of Directors includes professionals representing child and adult psychiatry, family medicine, pediatrics, research, nursing, and psychology from across Canada. Our membership continues to grow, encompassing Canadian and international multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.