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What do You Know About ADHD?

ADHD Awareness Week takes place this year from October 14 - 20. This week is all about increasing awareness about ADHD, and how it impacts people who have it. In honor of ADHD Awareness Week, let's review some facts which can help you to deepen your understanding of the condition.
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ADHD Awareness Week takes place this year from October 14 - 20. This week is all about increasing awareness about ADHD, and how it impacts people who have it.

While the science behind ADHD (often called ADD) is very well established, many people still question the existence of the condition. Also, people take issue with the treatments for ADHD, which include stimulant medication.

In honor of ADHD Awareness Week, let's review some facts about ADHD which can help you to deepen your understanding of the condition:

  • Conservative estimates put the rate of ADHD at 5-7 per cent of school aged kids, and 4 per cent of adults.
  • Although people think about ADHD as a childhood disorder, it continues into adult life in 60-70 per cent of people who have it as children.
  • There are people with ADHD in all countries and cultures in the world and from all walks of life.
  • ADHD is genetically passed on in families; in fact, research shows that it is almost as genetic as height.
  • Research clearly shows that ADHD is a neurobiological disorder, meaning that there are brain differences in people who have ADHD.
  • Major medical associations and government health agencies throughout the world recognize the
  • overwhelming scientific evidence identifying the significant impact of this disorder.

  • Treatment for ADHD has been very well researched. An individualized program which combines medication and non-medication approaches has been shown to work best.
  • Children with ADHD are frequently labelled "problem children" rather than "children with a medical
  • problem".

  • Adults with ADHD are frequently falsely accused of not caring or trying hard enough.
  • This lack of understanding causes many children and adults with ADHD and their families to be
  • misunderstood, stigmatized and traumatized.

(these facts were either quoted or adapted from the ADHD Fact Sheet from CADDAC (Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada).

The stigma and challenges that people with ADHD and their families go through are often an extra burden on them, and make their lives harder.

Take the time during ADHD awareness week to learn more about ADHD, and to share resources with other people who need to learn more about it.

You can start with these resources:

For more by Dr. Kenny Handelman, visit his website.

For more on ADHD, click here.

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