I didn't know I had ADHD until 2 years ago. And I wasn't alone. Around that time, the percentage of adult women newly diagnosed with ADHD nearly doubled from 2020 to 2022. This is why awareness efforts & ADHD awareness month is so important — in October and throughout the year.
Here's why ADHD awareness matters to me personally, and why it may be important to people around you:
👉 When people go undiagnosed they suffer
Kids with ADHD receive 20,000 more negative messages by the time they're 12 years old. Imagine not knowing why you seem to just be doing everything wrong. Untreated ADHD breeds anxiety, depression, suicide (ADHD with 5x higher risk), and more.
The impact of late diagnosis goes beyond childhood. Many adults struggle for years, internalizing those negative messages and developing harmful coping mechanisms. They might self-medicate, struggle with relationships, or bounce from job to job, never understanding why they can't seem to "get it together."
👉 ADHD looks different in different populations
Most research has been done on boys, and children. ADHD looks different if you're BIPOC/AANHPI, LGBTQ+, a woman, an adult (all the things I am), and many more communities.
For example, ADHD in girls often manifests as inattentiveness rather than hyperactivity. They might be labeled as daydreamers or chatterboxes instead of receiving proper support. In adults, ADHD can show up as chronic procrastination, difficulty with time management, or emotional dysregulation.
In BIPOC communities, ADHD is often misdiagnosed or overlooked due to cultural differences and systemic biases in healthcare. This leaves many individuals without the support they desperately need.
👉 Women are more under or misdiagnosed
Boys get diagnosed at 3x the rate of girls, because girls' show symptoms differently. This is why the women diagnosis rate has doubled between '20-22
The "ADHD gender gap" isn't just about numbers. It's about years of struggle, self-doubt, and missed opportunities. Women with undiagnosed ADHD often internalize their difficulties, leading to low self-esteem and imposter syndrome. They might be labeled as "scattered," "emotional," or "high-maintenance" when in reality, they're dealing with an undiagnosed neurological condition.
👉 There is so much stigma, especially in the workplace and healthcare
People are scared to disclose in the workplace, because they think they'll be treated differently. Given less opportunities, looked down upon. And often, they're right. Even in healthcare, some providers will gaslight diagnosis seekers, especially women.
This stigma has real consequences. In the workplace, it can mean missed promotions, strained relationships with colleagues, or even job loss. In healthcare, it can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, or a complete dismissal of symptoms.
Breaking down this stigma isn't just about fairness - it's about unlocking human potential. When people with ADHD feel safe to disclose their diagnosis and ask for accommodations, everyone benefits from their unique strengths and perspectives.
👉 There is so much GOOD
When ADHD-ers are understood, supported, empowered, and loved, we can be pretty damn awesome. We can be the most passionate, energetic, empathetic, creative, and innovative people in the room. There's so much to unlock with a more neuro-inclusive world.
ADHD minds often excel at creative problem-solving, thinking outside the box, and hyperfocusing on tasks they're passionate about. Many successful entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators attribute their success in part to their ADHD. With the right support and understanding, people with ADHD can channel their unique neurological wiring into remarkable achievements.
🟠 ADHD Awareness is more than just a calendar event for us
ADHD Awareness Month isn't just about wearing orange ribbons or sharing social media posts (though those help too!). It's a concentrated effort to educate, advocate, and create lasting change.
Throughout October, organizations worldwide host events, share resources, and amplify voices from the ADHD community. It's a time for:
- Education: Workshops, webinars, and informational campaigns to help everyone understand ADHD better.
- Advocacy: Pushing for better policies, improved healthcare access, and workplace accommodations.
- Community building: Connecting people with ADHD and their loved ones, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
- Research spotlight: Highlighting new findings and ongoing studies that deepen our understanding of ADHD.
- Myth-busting: Tackling misconceptions head-on and replacing them with accurate, science-based information.
But here's the thing: ADHD doesn't clock out when November 1st rolls around. The awareness and advocacy efforts sparked in October need to continue year-round. It's about creating a sustained shift in how we understand, support, and empower people with ADHD.
We're making a lot of headway in the past years, and I'm really proud of the ADHD community and all the incredible people & organizations (including our team at Shimmer ADHD coaching) doing the hard work. But there's still so much to do.
So, what can you do?
Start conversations. Share your experiences if you're comfortable. Listen to and amplify ADHD voices. Challenge stereotypes when you encounter them. Support ADHD-focused organizations. And most importantly, keep learning and growing in your understanding of neurodiversity.
We're making a lot of headway in the past years, and I'm really proud of the ADHD community and all the incredible people & organizations (including our team at Shimmer ADHD coaching) doing the hard work. But there's still so much to do.
Share this message (or this post) to spread the word 🧠 Together, we can create a world where ADHD is understood, accepted, and even celebrated for the unique perspectives it brings.
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