October is adhd awareness month

Since 2004, October has been slated for ADHD Awareness Month. Efforts to recognize ADHDers was initiated by collaborative effort between CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), ACO (ADHD Coaches Organization), and ADDitude Magazine. ​

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common childhood neurodevelopmental condition which impacts the way the brain grows and develops over the lifespan. Individuals who receive a diagnosis of ADHD in childhood may have exhibited certain characteristics, such as:

• Forgetting or losing items
  
• Reacting to situations without considering the consequences
  
• Fidgeting 
  
• Daydreaming or attending to information differently than neurotypical peers
  

ADHD can be diagnosed later in life (into adulthood), but presents itself differently. For example, childhood hyperactivity could present as restlessness and a need to stay preoccupied with tasks as an adult. Personal relationships, home and work life may be impacted. If this is the case, the individual likely was an ADHDer as a child, but either was unable to receive a formal diagnosis or implemented masking (performing in a socially acceptable way to fit in) to get by in daily life. 

There are three types of ADHD that can present in children and adults. Given that the signs of ADHD can change as a person ages, the outward presentation of ADHD can also change.

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Individuals may have differences in how they initiate, maintain, and complete tasks. Internal or external distractions can make it challenging for someone to attend to and remember information. 
   
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Physical movement and input is needed frequently. Individuals may interject in conversations or when directions are being given. 
   
3. Combined Presentation: Characteristics of Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive diagnoses are equally present.
   

Despite having increased awareness of ADHD, including diagnostic and therapeutic supports, stigmatization of the condition still exists in most social realms. ADHD has and can be misdiagnosed or misinterpreted given its multifaceted presentation. There are many people who do not believe that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference in functioning, but rather is the result of lazy, sloppy, or impulsive personality types. Some social circles may have opinions about individuals with ADHD taking prescribed medications to support their symptoms. Standard academic environments don’t often cater to neurological differences in brain functioning, which can make showcasing knowledge in secondary and post-secondary settings challenging. 

These and other examples of stigmatization can often lead to internalization of negative thoughts and feelings for ADHDers, or even denial. Overcoming stigmatization may involve self-advocacy on behalf of ADHDers (e.g., disclosing a diagnosis, emphasizing its validity and impact on functioning); acknowledgement of the unique strengths that come with ADHD (e.g., creativity and driven focus on projects or assignments); but also increased ownership on non-ADHDers to do their research and separate stereotypes from reality. 

Thus, ADHD Awareness Month! This time of year serves the purpose of educating others about ADHD to dispel inaccurate information with facts and to elevate the voices of those who are living with ADHD.  

So, how do you start the process of better understanding ADHD? 

• Don’t assume that if you know an ADHDer, that you know how ADHD presents in other people. Remember, there are three types of ADHD, and it can present differently across individuals and the lifespan. 
  
• ASK. If you know an ADHDer who is comfortable disclosing how ADHD impacts them (strengths and challenges) talk to them and get their perspective. What you see externally may not always match what is happening internally. 
  
• Do your research. Read articles, blogs, or visit local/state/national organization websites that focus on ADHD education. Many options are listed below in our references. How to ADHD has a nice YouTube short that sums up how to be an ally to neurodiverse individuals. 
  

Share the news about ADHD awareness month! Listen to or read about the experience of ADHDers. Spread this information so that others can understand what ADHD is, and understand its variability from person to person. 

References: 

• ACO International
  
• ADDitude Magazine
  
• ADDitude Magazine: Coping with the Stigma of ADHD
  
• ADHD Awareness Month Coalition
  
• ADHD Masking
  
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association
  
• Centers for Disease Control: ADHD
  
• CHADD
  
• How to Be a Neurodiverse Ally
  
• National ADHD Awareness Month