Written by: THE BALANCE
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Boss, MD
Last updated: January 19, 2026
Fact checked
Quick Summary
  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodivergent disorder that impacts both children and adults globally.
  • is a chronic disorder that is frequently stereotyped as being characterized by hyperactivity, loss of focus, and "disruptive behavior," especially in the context of the classroom.
  • However, those who have ADHD can also think creatively, have intense concentration on subjects that interest them, and innovate in their profession.
Reading time: 9 min

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodivergent disorder that impacts both children and adults globally. ADHD is a chronic disorder that is frequently stereotyped as being characterized by hyperactivity, loss of focus, and “disruptive behavior,” especially in the context of the classroom. However, those who have ADHD can also think creatively, have intense concentration on subjects that interest them, and innovate in their profession.

October is ADHD Awareness Month! A time to consider what ADHD is, how it impacts people, and to generally celebrate neurodiversity. Every October, ADHD Awareness Month is observed, and there are events and activities taking place all over the country and, now, the world, both offline and online. These activities and events attract the attention of numerous regional, national, and local media outlets, resulting in interviews, articles, and feature stories.

Due to a lack of proper understanding, ADHD as a disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed as another condition or given an excessive amount of attention. It is a complex condition that, if left untreated, can take over a person’s life. ADHD persists as a prevalent disorder among people. The purpose of National ADHD Awareness Month is to raise awareness of the illness and to provide advice on what to do if you feel you have problems with focus, hyperactivity, or impulse control.

In 2004, a number of organizations, including CHADD, the ADDitude, and the ACO journal, joined together to create National ADHD Awareness Month. From there, the U.S. Senate established ADHD Awareness Day as a federal holiday, and it has now been extended from a single day to an entire month, providing individuals with a variety of ways to learn about ADHD and locate resources for managing it. Before this holiday, it was unknown that ADHD even existed, and many people who presented these symptoms were unsure of their origins or how to manage them.

Based on the main website for National ADHD Awareness Month, untreated and improperly treated ADHD can result in a number of issues, including difficulties with academic performance, relationship management, work productivity, and legal issues.  (source: NIMH, n.d.)

The coalition members’ National ADHD Awareness Month attempts to educate the public about the need of paying attention to ADHD by providing resources including educational websites, tales about ADHD to read, downloads, films, and recordings. Treatment is optional and advised since more than 17 million individuals in the US experience these symptoms.

ADHD disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. According to data, 3 to 4 percent of adults in the UK have ADHD, with the majority going untreated. ADHD awareness month in the UK has been observed since its inception with great zeal and zest and the results have been amazing. To improve your knowledge and understanding, here are some symptoms to recognize ADHD. Adults with ADHD may experience the following symptoms.

  • Being unable to focus for extended periods of time.
  • Loss of short-term memory and forgetfulness.
  • Irrational and furious outbursts.
  • Depression may result from low self-esteem.

Science teaches us that the best method to combat any stigma is to get familiar with someone who has a disease that is stigmatized. If you’ve never dealt with ADHD, it’s simple to assert that it’s not real or that poor parenting is to blame for it.

However, if members of the family can develop the confidence to tell others, “I have ADHD,” or “One of my family members has ADHD,” it usually puts people on the spot and invites candid discussion. We won’t fully vanquish the misunderstanding and stigma unless we stop hiding. (source: APA, 2023)

If you think you or a friend may have ADHD, direct them to the National ADHD Awareness Month website for tools that could possibly aid in diagnosing and treating a condition that frequently alters people’s lives.  Share this event on social media with the hashtag #adhdawarenessmonth to raise awareness of ADHD and the treatments available.

ADHD that is undiagnosed and untreated can have a disastrous effect on your life and the lives of those you care about. Every year, we observe ADHD Awareness Month in October as a time to recognize the advancements made in the fields of advocacy and education for people with ADHD, acknowledge the work still to be done, and spread knowledge about the value of early detection and treatment. Without knowledge of ADHD, many kids and adults still struggle.

The public is made more aware of and inspired to participate in the following during ADHD month:

Get Tested (source: NHS, 2023)

You might not be aware that you have ADHD. You might have a kind of ADHD if you tend to procrastinate, struggle to concentrate, or lack motivation in general. A test with 18 questions is available from the World Health Organization that can aid in diagnosis.

Share your story

To help the public understand the human side of the condition, the American Deficit Disorder Association asks persons who have been diagnosed with ADHD to share their experiences. Sharing personal experiences is the most effective method to lessen stigma.

Provide assistance (source: NICE, 2018)

Attention deficit disorder support groups are sponsored by ADHD associations across the nation for both children and adults. Find out if there is a local organization in your region and find out what you can do to assist efforts to provide individuals in need with the most recent treatments.

According to prevalence surveys and information from the 2010 census, there are over 10 million individuals with ADHD living in the United States. One of the most prevalent pediatric disorders is ADHD. But besides this, there is a ton of inaccurate information regarding the condition in the media and on the web. Additionally, there are individuals with ADHD who have not received a diagnosis and nonetheless struggle with problems that are linked to the symptoms in their daily lives.

It has an impact on a variety of people

ADHD affects people of all ages. It affects people of various ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. More than 4 percent of adults and almost 10% of children will show signs of ADHD, according to statistics. (source: WHO, 2019)

It is genetic

There is no one to blame for ADHD. It is a neurological condition that is frequently inherited. Children that are diagnosed sometimes have a role played by their family history. Environmental toxins and prenatal danger are both considerations.

ADHD aggravates other problems

They consist of decreased productivity at school or work, marital issues, obesity, and legal issues. It’s probably among the most expensive health conditions in the country. (source: NIDA, 2022)

Organizations like Children and Adults with ADD (CHADD) hold educational seminars, events, and awareness drive to raise awareness of ADHD and how it impacts people during ADHD Awareness Month.

With the use of flyers, instructional campaigns, education programs, and events centered on ADHD, several medical organizations, such as hospitals and mental health systems, also promote awareness.

The website for ADHD Awareness Month offers tools to anyone who believes they may have the condition, shares personal accounts of living with ADHD, and provides a wealth of other information. The website also dispels common misconceptions, including those that claim doctors overdiagnose ADHD in kids and overprescribe medicine to them as well as that the disorder is a choice or a behavioral issue.

The campaign for 2021 Awareness Month featured the hashtag #ADHDperspectives2021 to collect stories from people who have lived with ADHD. The 2023 ADHD Awareness Month can also have a unique tagline and hashtag. (source: FindTreatment.gov, n.d.)

More generally, initiatives for public health and scientific education aim to debunk misconceptions about ADHD and promote its identification and treatment.

For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly releases treatment guidelines that place an emphasis on the value of behavioral and pharmaceutical therapies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, which highlight that behavioral techniques should be the initial line of treatment for kids aged 4-6, is also highlighted by the CDC.

The following are just a few ideas for how to observe ADHD Awareness Month at work:

  • Organizing or participating in training and webinars for ADHD
  • Studying the neurodiversity of others
  • Investigate ADHD resources to offer the greatest available assistance.
  • Think about expanding your staff using a strengths-based approach. What do they enjoy doing? What do they excel in? How could you include that into their job? All of your staff, not just those who have ADHD, will gain from this.
  • Disprove some misconceptions regarding ADHD
  • Wear the ribbon for ADHD Awareness Month to show your support.

FAQs

When is ADHD Awareness Month
Every year in October, we mark ADHD Awareness Month.
The theme for ADHD Awareness Month in 2022 is ADHD: Understanding a Shared Experience. The theme for ADHD awareness month 2023 is yet to be decided.
It’s a great chance to recognize the issues that the ADHD community has in common because the month encourages people to get together and discuss ADHD, their perspectives, and their obstacles. It’s an opportunity to socialize and gain knowledge.
How Did the Month of ADHD Awareness Begin?
It all began on ADHD Awareness Day. In 2006, the US Senate approved a resolution designating September 7 as National Attention Deficit Disorder Day. By 2004, it has expanded into a whole month. The campaign’s objective is to increase public awareness of ADHD by disseminating accurate information. The facts are supported by study and empirical data.
What Should You Know About ADHD Awareness Month
Here are some quick facts about ADHD Awareness Month to keep in mind:
Many famous people are speaking out about and supporting ADHD, including Simone Biles, Zooey Deschanel, Howie Mandel, Adam Levine, and Emma Watson.
Here, you can share with people your expertise and life stories.
You have the option to contribute artwork that depicts your experience with ADHD.
Orange is designated as the ADHD Awareness Month color.
Why Is There An Awareness Month For ADHD?
Many people don’t realize they have ADHD until they are much older, and it is a form of neurodiversity that has an impact on every facet of life. Because of misunderstandings about what ADHD “looks like” and who it affects, it is believed that women and ethnic minorities are underdiagnosed.
The month is a time to appreciate the variety brought about by neurodiversity while also promoting fresh viewpoints and improved support systems.

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