ADHD Awareness Month is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The primary goal of ADHD Awareness Month is to provide information, reduce stigma, and promote understanding about ADHD as a legitimate neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals of all ages.
During ADHD Awareness Month, various organizations, advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, educators, and individuals affected by ADHD come together to educate, advocate, and promote research on ADHD. This time serves as an important opportunity to foster empathy, support, and understanding of ADHD, which can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the condition.
ADHD Awareness Month is observed annually throughout the month of October. It serves as a dedicated period for raising awareness about ADHD and promoting understanding, education, and support. Various events, initiatives, and activities are organized during this month to highlight the challenges faced by those with ADHD and to provide information and resources to the public.
Most awareness months are associated with specific colors. One of the most well-known, for example, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s pink ribbon. ADHD awareness month’s color is orange. So, don your favorite orange attire or accessories, or make yourself an orange ribbon, and spread some “neurospicy” love!
ADHD is one of many mental health conditions that are still highly stigmatized and misunderstood - even by many healthcare professionals. In fact, due to the stigma and lack of understanding, many people don’t realize they have ADHD until they’ve reached adulthood. This is especially true for womxn and people of color, who are thought to be underdiagnosed due to misconceptions about what ADHD ‘looks like’ and who it affects.
Thus, ADHD Awareness Month exists to:
Here’s how we’re celebrating Moving Forward with ADHD here at Shimmer:
Follow us on Instagram for our celebration, then check out some of these other ideas, events, and opportunities!
If you’re feeling passionate about making a difference in your community, try some of these ideas, courtesy of the ADHD Awareness Month Coalition:
Whether you have ADHD, or know someone who does, one of the most effective ways to reduce stigma is to share your experience. If you have a blog, or are on social media, consider writing a post or creating a short video to share a story, tools and strategies, products, or services you’ve found helpful for coping with ADHD. If you’re not sure where to share, or aren’t quite ready to talk about it on socials, you can visit adhdawarenessmonth.org, where they have dedicated spaces for folks to share their art, stories, and even ADHD memes.
Managing adult ADHD can be tough on your own. So if you, or someone you know, has ADHD, this month is the perfect time to find or build community. This list by Friendship Circle includes 30 ADHD-related social media pages, channels, etc., and should give you a head start!
Or, if you’re looking for professional help, why not try ADHD coaching? Sure, there are a ton of articles and resources out there that talk about coping skills for adults with ADHD. If you have the time (and attention) to find them, you may find some that help. Chances are, though, you may struggle to implement them or use them consistently enough to make a difference. If that sounds familiar, you could probably use an ADHD life coach. Adult ADHD coaches at Shimmer not only help you identify coping skills for ADHD - we help you discover how to tailor them to fit into your unique life. Your coach will also help you set goals, and keep you accountable for reaching them. If you’re curious what that could look like, check out these quick coaching case studies.
Looking for a quick and easy way to make a big difference this month? Consider donating to organizations dedicated to supporting people with ADHD. Here are some great ones to start with:
There are a ton of other ways to get involved. Here are just a few of the events and opportunities you can check out to get started!
ADHD in Communities of Color: Scrutinizing Barriers to Health Equity Diagnosis & Treatment | ADDitude, Oct 3rd, 1pm ET
When Lack of Motivation Runs in the Family: Getting Kids with ADHD Organized & Focused for Learning | ADDitude, Oct 10, 1pm ET
RSD Toolkit: Strategies for Managing Your Sensitivities in Real Time | ADDitude, Oct 19, 1pm ET
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Depression in Teens | ADDitude, Oct 24th, 1pm ET
Seven Types of Rest for Busy Brains | Christina Chea (aka @izzieandadhd), Oct 21, 4pm CST
Discover Adult ADHD from a Medical Professional | Adult ADHD Centre, Oct 5th, 7pm EST
ADHD Parent Coach Training Academy | The ADHD Coaches Organization, Oct 2, 6pm EST
Group Coaching for Women: Building Understanding and Thriving with ADHD | The ADHD Coaches Organization, October 16, 7AM ET
Group Coaching for Parenting 11 - 14 year olds with ADHD | The ADHD Coaches Organization, October 17, 7 AM EDT
Living Mindfully With ADHD | Billy Lahr & Genie Love, Every Tues from Oct 3-24, 8pm EST
Improving Outcomes for Children with ADHD by Empowering Parents | Parents Plus, Oct 18, 10 - 11:30am UTC
Fall Provider Learning Series | Parallel Learning, Oct 26, 6:30pm EST
15th Annual ADHD Conference | CADDAC, Oct 28 - 29th, Calgary, Alberta
[Kickstarter] KLIK (a mechanical-keyboard based stim tool that aims to deliver the ultimate tactile experience)
[Podcast Episode] Moving Forward for Women and Girls with ADHD | Dr. Ellen B. Littman
[Book Launch] Extra Focus: The Quick Start Guide to Adult ADHD, by Jesse J. Anderson
[Book Launch] The Mini ADHD Coach, by Alice Gendron
[Book Launch] Living with Inattentive ADHD, by Cynthia Hammer, MSW
Message us at hi@shimmer.care if you’re hosting an event you’d like us to add to the list.
