October is ADHD Awareness Month. For those who have children diagnosed with ADHD or who have a diagnosis themselves understand how important it is to bring awareness, to this often, misunderstood diagnosis.
Adhdawarenessmonth.org has a new slogan, “Reframing ADHD: Discovering New Perspectives.”
There are so many misconceptions about ADHD:
- They can’t concentrate
- Only boys have ADHD
- Children grow out of it
- hose with ADHD just need to be disciplined more
And while those with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating, it is not the only characteristic of ADHD. Diagnosis in boys may be more prevalent, but this does not mean that girls do not have ADHD. Perpetuating the stigma surrounding ADHD can be harmful and painful to those dealing with ADHD in their everyday lives.
It is important that we seek reliable information, professional advice if there are questions surrounding ADHD.
We have to reframe the way we think and feel about ADHD and consider the perspectives of others who deal with it regularly. It is important that you arm yourself with all the information about ADHD to bring awareness and combat myths.
With approximately 6 million children between the ages of 2 to 17 diagnosed with ADHD in the United States, it is among the most common neuro-developmental disorder of childhood.
The ADHD brain and mind is unique in a different way, but it is also creative, loving, tenacious and sometimes sensitive. So let’s be aware of not just the differences, but the strengths as well that make these children and adults so special.
For more information please visit adhdawarenessmonth.org, the CDC’s website or chadd.org.