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October is National ADHD Awareness Month, and it's a great time to spread awareness about this disorder. First described in 1902 by British pediatrician Sir George Still, ADHD affects approximately 6.4 million children in the United States alone. While it can cause significant difficulty in school and social settings, with proper support and understanding from family, friends, teachers, and medical professionals, individuals with ADHD can lead healthy and successful lives. Let's use this month to learn more about the disorder and help create a more inclusive environment for those living with ADHD!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1902</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Description of ADHD</div><div class='timeline-text'>British pediatrician Sir George Still was the first one to describe what is now recognized as ADHD, terming it “defect of moral control”.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1937</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Use of Stimulants</div><div class='timeline-text'>Doctor Charles Bradley discovers that stimulants have a calming effect on children with hyperactivity, a key symptom of ADHD.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ADHD Official Diagnosis</div><div class='timeline-text'>ADHD officially enters the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), legitimizing it as a diagnosis.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Redefinition of ADHD</div><div class='timeline-text'>ADHD was redefined in DSM-III-R to emphasize both attention problems and hyperactive-impulsive behavior.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Update to the DSM</div><div class='timeline-text'>ADHD definitions and criteria received updates in the DSM-IV-TR where it was detailed into three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National ADHD Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The US Senate officially declared September 7th as National ADHD Awareness Day. It was later moved to the entire month of October.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about ADHD. Read books, articles and watch documentaries to learn more about the disorder and how to support those who are affected.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Help raise awareness</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Wear green on October 9th, which is National ADHD Awareness Day, to show your support for those living with ADHD. Share posts on social media about ADHD and use the hashtag #ADHDAwareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize an event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize an event in your local community to spread awareness of ADHD and its effects. Invite a speaker who has experience with the disorder or host a panel discussion.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Volunteer at an organization that supports individuals with ADHD. This could include volunteer tutoring or mentoring services.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Reach out</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Reach out to someone you know who has ADHD and offer words of encouragement and support. Let them know that you are there for them.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Raises Awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By raising awareness during ADHD Awareness Month, educators, medical professionals and members of the community become more knowledgeable about this disorder so they can better recognize early signs and symptoms. This can lead to earlier diagnosis which, in turn, can enable those affected to receive appropriate treatment sooner.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Acceptance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>It's important for people to understand that ADHD is a real disorder that affects people in different ways. By promoting acceptance and understanding of the disorder during National ADHD Awareness Month, it can help to reduce the stigma associated with it and encourage those affected to seek help without fear of judgement or alienation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Provides Resources</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During National ADHD Awareness Month, organizations and individuals come together offer support and guidance. They provide resources such as information on treatments, tips for managing the disorder, and mental health services so those affected by ADHD can get the help they need.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>ADHD affects both children and adults</h3><p class='facts-content'>While the disorder is often associated with children, it is estimated that about 4.4% of adults in the U.S also live with ADHD, many of whom may not be officially diagnosed.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>ADHD can persist into adulthood</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to common belief, children do not necessarily "outgrow" ADHD. Approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD in childhood will continue to manifest symptoms into adulthood.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are significant gender disparities in ADHD diagnoses</h3><p class='facts-content'>ADHD is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls, but recent studies suggest this may be due to differences in symptoms presentation and societal expectations, not actual prevalence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Genetics play a crucial role in ADHD</h3><p class='facts-content'>Current research indicates that genetics play a significantly larger role in ADHD development than environmental factors, as approximately 75% of ADHD cases have a genetic link.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>There are effective treatments for ADHD</h3><p class='facts-content'>Medication, behavioral therapy, exercise, good nutrition and sleep can all help manage ADHD symptoms and improve the quality of life of individuals with this disorder.</p></div></div>
National ADHD Awareness Month is celebrated on October 1 every year. In 2024, National ADHD Awareness Month will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Oct 1
Sunday
2024
Oct 1
Tuesday
2025
Oct 1
Wednesday
2026
Oct 1
Thursday
2027
Oct 1
Friday
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