The PND Association is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping children and families who are
affected by a disease of neurotransmitter metabolism. The Association is committed to the identification and
treatment of all neurotransmitter diseases through education, advocacy and research.
The PND Association works with families, physicians, researchers and other health care professionals by:
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Providing patients and families with information about pediatric neurotransmitter diseases
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Increasing public awareness about pediatric neurotransmitter diseases
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Establish and coordinate a communication network among affected families
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Promote public and private support for pediatric neurotransmitter diseases
"Pediatric Neurotransmitter Disease" is an umbrella term for genetic disorders that affect the synthesis, metabolism
and catabolism of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are used to relay, amplify and
modulate electrical signals between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons. They either excite or inhibit
cellular activity. In other words, neurotransmitters make sure that the signals in the brain get delivered to the right
place, at the right time, and with the right message. When there is a disruption with neurotransmitter activity, the
pace at which cells either inhibit or excite may be too fast, or too slow or not at all resulting in a broad spectrum
of neurological conditions including seizures, movement disorders, developmental delays, compulsive or neurotic
behaviors, temperature instability, and feeding or speaking difficulties.
Currently, the PND Association represents several diseases related to the following neurotransmitters:
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Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SSADH)
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Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase (ALADD or AADC)
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Tyrosine Hydroxylase Deficiency (TH)
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GTP-1 Cyclohydrolase Deficiency
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Sepiapterin Reductase Deficiency (SR)
For more information about the PND Association, please visit us at www.pndassoc.org
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