October is ADHD Awareness Month and this year’s theme is The Many Faces of ADHD which serves as a reminder to us that ADHD does not have a one-size-fits-all profile. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life and it looks different for everyone. It affects professionals, parents, creatives, and leaders. It can be viewed as a unique challenge and a strength. ADHD can present as forgetfulness, chronic disorganization, difficulty focusing, impulsivity, or emotional sensitivity. Some people are talkative and energetic, while others may appear quiet and distracted. Girls and women, for example, are often underdiagnosed because their symptoms can be less obvious or misattributed to anxiety or daydreaming.
ADHD is classified as a disability in the United States under the Americans with Disabilities Act and is often misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed. Approximately 3.1 % of adults across the world are living with ADHD with ADHD – Inattentive being the most commonly reported. Creating awareness provides us with the opportunity to acknowledge that treatment for ADHD is not just about medicine, it also includes support and advocacy for inclusive spaces.
One way for people living with ADHD to find support is to work with an ADHD coach, which can help them learn skills and strategies to become the best version of themselves.
This month please take time to learn more about ADHD, listen to lived experiences, and share accurate information. Whether you have ADHD, love someone who does, or just want to be a better ally, your voice matters.