ADHD Awareness Month

ADHDNeurodiversity
Written By Emily

It’s ADHD Awareness Month - a month aiming to increase understanding of ADHD, dispel misconceptions and educate people about what ADHD really is. Many people still think of ADHD as young boys running around a classroom. They think children can grow out of ADHD. They think that ADHD is always visible. But this isn’t the case.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition with key characteristics of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness. It affects parts of the brain that help us to plan, focus, prioritise and carry out tasks, and to regulate emotions. Traits include:

  • Differences in attention and concentration

  • Differences in executive functioning skills (e.g. organisation, planning/prioritising, time management, task initiation)

  • External hyperactivity (e.g. fidgeting, talkativeness, being ‘on the go’)

  • Internal hyperactivity (e.g. restlessness, racing thoughts)

  • Impulsivity (e.g. interrupting, difficulty waiting turn, blurting out answers, quick decision making)

  • Emotional dysregulation (though this is not in the current diagnostic criteria)

  • Differences in filtering information from extraneous stimuli causing distractibility

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) is used to diagnose ADHD, though it is heavily deficit based. It states that symptoms must be present before the age of 12, occur in 2 or more settings and interfere with functioning. It outlines three subtypes: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined type.

Is ADHD ‘Overdiagnosed’?

ADHD has had a lot of attention in the media as being a ‘trend’ and ‘over-diagnosed’. It is neither.

It is estimated that 5% of the population have ADHD, but 5% are not diagnosed. In-fact, recent analysis of over 9 million GP records in the UK showed that just 0.32% of the population have a diagnosis (ADHD UK, 2025).

ADHD was introduced into the DSM in 1968. Childhood ADHD was recognised by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK in 200, and ADHD in adults in 2008. This means that, since then, many undiagnosed adults are now being assessed.

I was diagnosed when I was 21 and it relinquished me of so much shame for things that I felt were ‘wrong’ about me but were just…different. Understanding my ADHD and starting ADHD medication changed my life.

ADHD Challenges

Living with ADHD can be hard. Struggling to sit still, struggling to focus on things you need to focus on, forgetting things, struggling to stay organised…all of these things can make life really challenging! Research shows a variety of additional challenges for those with ADHD, including:

ADHD Strengths

Just like there are challenges, there are also strengths. Although these will differ between individuals, some generally accepted strengths of ADHD include:

  • Abundance of enthusiasm and energy

  • Natural curiosity

  • Ability to hyperfocus (intense concentration) on things of interest

  • Spontaneity

  • Creativity - innovative ideas, ability to make quick connections between topics

  • Quick decision making

  • Risk takers

Having ADHD can make navigating life really hard, but it doesn’t mean my brain is wrong or ‘less’ than a brain without ADHD. It just means that my brain is different. And with the right support and understanding, ADHDers can thrive too.

How to Support Someone with ADHD

Understanding, patience and compassion go a long way, but here are some other tips to support people with ADHD.

  • Educate yourself about ADHD and the unique experiences of your loved one

  • Consider the environment - visual aids and having a calm, cluttered, quiet space

  • Adjust expectations

  • Be flexible where possible

  • Adapt communication e.g. give reminders, break down information, provide concise information

  • Focus on strengths and victories

Some websites/books that might be helpful:

  • ADHD Adult UK: a registered charity and peer support group for adults with ADHD

Happy ADHD Awareness Month. Hopefully we can challenge some misconceptions this month and make the world a more supportive place for people with ADHD.

Love, Emily x

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Emily https://authenticallyemily.uk
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