The North American Society for Childhood Onset Schizophrenia is a non-profit, internet-based group formed to provide a Web site devoted solely to childhood onset schizophrenia (COS).  Families, caregivers and medical professionals will be able to locate and contact each other in order to access and share information related to this rare, devastating disease. We strongly encourage families with children stricken by schizophrenia before age 13 to join us. We also welcome families and caregivers of older patients whose onset was during childhood to join. Medical professionals with an interest in COS will find the site a useful resource with links to current literature sources and message forums for interaction with colleagues. There is no fee for membership.

In the short term, members will benefit by being able to locate, contact and share experiences with other COS families. As the Web site develops, it will also function as a resource area for all facets of managing this chronic mental illness (e.g. information regarding psychopharmacology, behavioral therapy, identification of suitable treatment facilities, emerging therapies, and so forth).

It is important to note that NASCOS does not provide medical advice. Medical treatment of COS patients must always be directed by a medical doctor. The information, opinions and recommendations presented within NASCOS's Web site are for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis, nor as advice about treatment of any specific medical condition.  Please carefully read the Disclaimer.