ADHD Awareness Month - Understanding a shared experience
Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder with three key aspects, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects home life and school, and can have a significant impact on a child’s academic success and relationships.
According to data published by the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE), the global prevalence of ADHD in children is estimated to be around 5%. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed, and treated, in boys than girls.
Celebrated every October, ADHD Awareness Month is organised by the ADHD Awareness Coalition in partnership with ADHD Awareness Europe. ADHD Awareness Month aims to educate the public about ADHD by disseminating information informed by evidence-based research. This year’s theme is ‘Understanding a shared experience‘.
This ADHD Awareness Month, we will share with you some information and resources that will help us build a shared experience about young people with ADHD.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neuro-developmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to exert age-appropriate self-control.
It is characterised by persistent patterns of inattentive, impulsive, and sometimes hyperactive behaviour, and is frequently accompanied by emotional regulation challenges.
People with ADHD have little control over these behaviours as they stem from underlying neurological differences. They arise due to an impaired ability to inhibit and regulate attention, behaviour and emotions; to reliably recall information in the moment; to plan and problem solve; to self-reflect and self-monitor; and to self-soothe.
ADHD can cause significant functional disability throughout the lifespan and in all areas of life, and without appropriate intervention can lead to significantly unfavourable outcomes.
However, with evidence-based treatment and support, people with ADHD can embrace their strengths and interests, learn to manage their challenges and live a full and rewarding life.
ADHD affects one in twenty five Australians, that’s around one million people, but is frequently misunderstood and contrary to prevailing myths is under-diagnosed.
These myths are both unhelpful and not evidence-based. There is no evidence that ADHD is caused by poor parenting, watching too much TV, eating sugar, family stress or traumatic experiences. It is also untrue that children with ADHD are simply ‘naughty children’. We would encourage you to get the 'ADHD Facts' and take a closer look within our researched evidence sections of our website.