by Dr. Virginia Hurley, Professional ADHD Coach, TimeSavor Coaching.
People with ADHD are people with special needs. They are people with a neuro behavioral disorder that improves or deteriorates based on circumstances. It is linked to many neurological factors that have only become evident in the last two decades with the advent of advances in technology and multidisciplinary, integrated studies. Yet, in the classroom, the workplace, home and social settings, there are still many incredulous and uninformed people who perpetuate the suffering of those with ADHD.
To inform the public, to support those with ADHD, and to provide a more hopeful picture for those in the ADHD community: those are some of the reasons to promote ADHD Awareness
When the ADHD Awareness Campaign first really got off the ground, there were three major ideas the coalition of ADHD communities wanted people to know:
· ADHD is Real
· There is Hope
· Where’s the Help?
The ADHD Awareness Campaign has changed and expanded its impact over the past eight years, although the message that ADHD is real, there is hope, and there are avenues of help, remains the same. The importance of awareness got some traction with the US Congress’ declaration of a single DAY, Sept. 17, 2005.
Five years later, the ADHD Awareness Campaign was sponsored by a coalition of groups serving the ADHD community. The Campaign was not just for one day. Rather, the first ADHD Awareness WEEK was celebrated in the US in 2010. And beginning in October of 2013, the Global ADHD Awareness MONTH Campaign will take place. This year, the ADHD Awareness Month theme is The Many Faces of ADHD.
What else should we know? ADHD can affect anyone of any age (not just children), in any family, of any gender (not just boys), race, ethnicity, occupation or status.
My ADHD coaching clients share their voices to help show you the many faces of ADHD, in honor of the Awareness Month theme:
1. ADHD is Real
- “Neurotypicals” are the majority on this planet, and get to make nearly all the rules. It’s very tough getting ahead in a system that’s optimized for people not like you. Keep that in mind when you come up with your rules and procedures, when you decide who deserves promotion or a raise, when you decide who’s “the best man for the job.” – From J.G., software engineer
- “I wish people would recognize ADHD symptoms for what they are, and see the genius and the hard work that those children put in their day to day activities. Instead people still judge children with ADHD as being wild, unmannered, lazy, stupid, disruptive and more.” – From Y.E., nurse midwife
- “We’re human beings with feelings and intelligence. Having ADHD doesn’t make us incompetent, irresponsible, or lazy. We work extra hard to keep pace to make deadlines that people with intact executive functioning have no problems meeting.” – From G. K., school psychologist
2. There is Hope
- “Having a friend or a coach or a secretary (or two!) Who is non-judgmental but persistent is very helpful.” – From G.K., school psychologist
- “I prefer to invest my efforts into instilling my child with confidence, and shower her with love, and give her all the support and help that she needs to succeed” – From Y.E., nurse midwife
- “My own experience of ADHD is that it’s like juggling. The best thing you can do for someone with ADHD is to let them know that it’s OK to drop the balls, even on purpose. It’s OK to leave some of the balls on the floor. It’s also OK to ask for help before you drop the balls. Even better, it’s OK to say “no thanks” when someone tries to toss another ball at them.” From S.H., “Fortune 500” corporate executive
3. Where’s the Help?
- What helps? Oddly enough, structured assignments but with some flexibility (if assignments have beginning, middle and end components spelled out or expectations clearly provided, that helps). It also helps to have tasks broken down into parts, small goals, not just one big global goal. Allow for creative approaches … If that doesn’t make sense, please ask for clarification.
What else helps?
- Day planners
- Personal Organizers
- Life Coaches!(dead serious) – From P.M, licensed occupational therapist
More Help for ADHD Accommodations
Help also comes through the many faces of ADHD Awareness Month 2013 Coalition Members. These include:
- ADDitude Magazine
- ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
- Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)
- National Resource Center on AD/HD
You can find help through other affiliate groups, and the medical and healthcare partners of the Awareness Campaign. For more detailed information, please visit http://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/.
Many students with ADHD may also qualify for accommodations or special education and related services – through a Section 504 plan or an Individualized Educational Program. Parents who are concerned about their child’s educational performance should contact their school’s district’s Director of Special Education and refer their child to the Section 504 Committee or the Committee on Special Education, for evaluations and consideration of services. If your child simply needs accommodations, a Section 504 plan may be appropriate. But if the ADHD is impacting educational performance, the child may qualify for services under an IEP as a child with an “Other Health Impairment.”
To learn more about Dr. Virginia Hurley, click here. For more information about our legal services, visit www.specialneedsnewyork.com.
