Written by the MPA DEI Team

October is ADHD Awareness Month, which is dedicated to education, support and acceptance of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
It is a time to challenge any misconceptions or stereotypes and highlight the importance of early detection in children and adults.
It is important during this month that we improve awareness, promote inclusion and advocate for the necessary resources and adjustments in order for our friends and colleagues with ADHD to thrive. The colour for ADHD Awareness Month is orange.

What is ADHD?
ADHD is a part of the neurodivergent umbrella, which can also include dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism and dyscalculia. It is typically characterised by difficulties with attention, impulse control and hyperactivity. Whilst these may be traits of typical behaviour, a person with ADHD may experience these on a magnified level. This can make it difficult to function in environments like school, work or social settings. ADHD can go undiagnosed in adults because most of the time they have developed coping mechanisms to manage it.

A common misconception about ADHD is that the person is unfocused and unable to concentrate, it is often overlooked that individuals with ADHD can apply an immersive focus to an area that interests them or for which they have a passion.

This ‘hyperfocus’ and ‘being passionate’ has allowed many individuals, despite the challenges of ADHD, to become incredibly successful and famous within their fields through developing their unique strengths.

There are numerous actors, musicians, sports stars and TV presenters who are very vocal about their ADHD.

In discussion with ADDitude Loyle Carner talks about growing up with ADHD and dyslexia. How he didn’t know anyone older with ADHD and then he realised that his ADHD was his superpower. Will.i.am has always spoken about his ADHD and how he views it as “a gift, not a flaw”. Not only musicians but sportspeople like F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, gymnast Simone Biles and (retired) boxer Nicola Adams have also openly discussed how their ADHD makes them the people they are today.

The ADHD iceberg
The ADHD iceberg is a great visual image of how ADHD can be perceived and the additional symptoms that a person with ADHD may experience.

ADHD Awareness Month provides an opportunity to break the stigma surrounding the condition and challenge outdated ideas. Historically, ADHD has been misunderstood as simply a “childhood issue” or misinterpreted as behavioural problems. Raising awareness helps dispel myths and provides accurate information, allowing for greater empathy and more effective support.

Throughout October, the UK will see various events, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at increasing ADHD awareness. These activities are led by advocacy groups, mental health charities and educators.

As ADHD Awareness Month 2024 unfolds across the UK, it’s an opportunity for us all to embrace the importance of neurodiversity and ensure that individuals with ADHD are given the support they need to thrive.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, employer, or individual with ADHD, this October is a time to reflect, learn, and advocate.

Events
ADHD Awareness for Adults Group Tickets, Mon 7 Oct 2024 at 19:00 | Eventbrite
ADHD Awareness Month Conference Tickets, Tue, Oct 8, 2024 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite
Self-diagnosing ADHD: social media, statistics, and everything in between Tickets, Mon, Oct 28, 2024 at 6:30 PM | Eventbrite
The Science of ADHD & The B ody Tickets, Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

Resources
ADHD Aware – Support for Adult ADD, ADHD – ADHD Aware
ADHD UK – Homepage – ADHD UK

If you would like to join our AccessAbility Employee Network, please contact:

Helen Choudhury
Head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
[email protected]

Mandy Feighery
D & I Officer
[email protected]