October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to learn about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), challenge common misconceptions, and support people with ADHD.

Whether you have ADHD, know someone who does, or simply want to help, there are many ways to make a difference. You can share trusted information, offer practical help, or support someone raising money for care.

Learn more about ADHD, explore ways to get involved, and discover organizations you can support during ADHD Awareness Month and beyond.

Find a fundraiser to support

What is ADHD Awareness Month?

ADHD Awareness Month takes place every October. It’s an opportunity to learn more about ADHD, better understand people’s experiences, and help others find support.

Organizations like Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) share educational resources throughout the month.

The ADHD Awareness Month coalition also brings organizations together to provide reliable information about ADHD and its treatments. You can explore these resources and share them with your family, friends, school, or workplace.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition that affects how the brain develops and works. It can make it harder to pay attention, manage activity levels, or control impulses. Symptoms begin in childhood and can continue into adulthood, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

ADHD affects millions of people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 7 million children ages 3 to 17 in the US had a current ADHD diagnosis, based on parent-reported data from the 2024 National Survey of Children’s Health.

ADHD looks different for everyone. Learning about someone’s experiences and listening to their needs can help you understand how best to support them.

5 ways to take part in ADHD Awareness Month

You don’t need to have ADHD to make a difference. Here are five ways to show your support in October and throughout the year.

1. Learn about ADHD and share what you learn

Understanding ADHD is one way to challenge misconceptions and help others feel supported.

Start with trusted resources like the CDC’s ADHD information or the ADHD Awareness Month coalition’s educational resources.

You can share what you learn with friends, family, or coworkers. Even a simple conversation can help someone better understand ADHD.

2. Listen and offer practical help

One of the most helpful things you can do is ask someone what kind of support they’d like.

They might appreciate help scheduling an appointment, breaking a large task into smaller steps, or finding a local support group.

Everyone’s needs are different. Listen without making assumptions, respect their privacy, and let them decide what feels helpful.

3. Support people with ADHD at school and work

Small changes at school or work can help people with ADHD manage daily tasks and feel more supported.

For families, Understood’s educational resources can help start conversations with teachers about a child’s learning needs.

At work, written instructions, fewer distractions, or help prioritizing tasks may be useful. The Job Accommodation Network offers information about workplace accommodations for employees and employers.

4. Connect with ADHD support organizations

Many organizations offer educational resources, support, and opportunities to connect with others.

The National Resource Center on ADHD, a program of CHADD, provides evidence-based information for people with ADHD, families, and professionals.

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) offers resources and community support focused on adults with ADHD.

Explore these organizations or share their resources with someone who might find them helpful.

5. Donate, share, or start a fundraiser

The cost of an ADHD evaluation, prescribed medication, therapy, or other care can be difficult for some people to manage. Fundraising offers a way for friends, family, and communities to help.

You can find a fundraiser on GoFundMe, explore medical fundraisers, or share a fundraiser with people who may want to help.

• All

If you’re raising money for someone else, ask for their permission before sharing personal information about their diagnosis or care.

Start a fundraiser

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms can affect attention, activity levels, and impulse control. According to the CDC, ADHD has three main presentations:

• Predominantly inattentive: Someone may have difficulty staying focused, following instructions, organizing tasks, or remembering details.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: Someone may frequently fidget, have trouble sitting still, interrupt others, or act without thinking.
• Combined: Someone experiences symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Symptoms can change over time and may look different in children and adults.

ADHD symptoms in children

Children with ADHD may lose things often, become easily distracted, fidget, or have difficulty waiting their turn.

Many children experience these behaviors from time to time. With ADHD, symptoms are ongoing and can affect daily life at home, at school, or with friends.

ADHD symptoms in adults

Adults with ADHD may find it difficult to stay organized, finish long tasks, manage impulses, or maintain focus. Hyperactivity may also feel like inner restlessness rather than constant physical movement.

Some people don’t receive an ADHD diagnosis until adulthood, even though their symptoms began in childhood.

If these challenges affect your daily life, a healthcare provider can help you better understand what may be causing them.

You can learn more through the CDC’s guide to ADHD in adults.

What causes ADHD?

Researchers are still learning about the causes of ADHD.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, genes play an important role. Researchers are also studying how environmental and developmental factors may contribute.

There isn’t one known cause of ADHD, and the factors involved can vary from person to person.

How is ADHD diagnosed and treated?

There is no single test that can diagnose ADHD. Instead, a qualified healthcare provider looks at a person’s symptoms, medical history, and how those symptoms affect everyday life.

The evaluation may also include checking for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as sleep problems, anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities.

As part of the assessment, a healthcare provider considers whether symptoms:

• Began during childhood.
• Have lasted at least six months.
• Occur in more than one setting, such as home, school, or work.

These are only some parts of a complete evaluation. A healthcare provider can determine whether an ADHD diagnosis is appropriate.

ADHD treatment and support options

Treatment depends on a person’s age, needs, and circumstances. Options may include:

• For children: Behavior therapy and medication are common treatment options. For children younger than 6, the CDC recommends parent training in behavior management before trying medication.
• For adults: Medication, therapy, or a combination of treatments may help manage symptoms.
• For everyday life: School or workplace accommodations and organizational strategies can provide additional support.

Some people with ADHD also experience conditions such as anxiety or depression. A healthcare provider can help identify these needs and recommend care.

Organizations supporting people with ADHD and learning differences

Looking for another way to help? These organizations provide education, resources, and services for people with ADHD, learning differences, and other disabilities.

Explore their work to find a cause that matters to you.

• LAUNCH: LAUNCH helps children, teens, and adults with different abilities reach their full potential. Through personalized services, the organization supports people in making their own choices, speaking up for themselves, and taking an active role in their communities.
• Understood for All: Understood for All helps people who learn and think differently thrive at school, at work, and in everyday life. The organization provides resources, raises awareness, and supports people with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning and thinking differences.
• The Learning Gardens: The Learning Gardens helps people with ADHD and other learning differences build focus, confidence, and learning skills. Through personalized educational support and cognitive therapy, the organization helps learners strengthen their academic skills and work toward their goals.

ADHD Awareness Month is a reminder that understanding and support matter all year long. By learning, listening, and helping one another, we can make our communities more welcoming for people with ADHD.

Make a difference during ADHD Awareness Month

ADHD Awareness Month is a reminder that support can take many forms. Learning about ADHD, listening to someone’s experiences, and sharing helpful resources can all make a difference.

And when someone needs help covering the cost of care, coming together to support a fundraiser is another way to show you care.

However you choose to get involved, your support can extend well beyond October.

Sources and further reading

Organization	What you’ll find
CDC and NIMH	Information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and research.
ADHD Awareness Month coalition, CHADD, and ADDA	Awareness resources, ADHD education, and community support.
Understood and Job Accommodation Network	Information about learning support and workplace accommodations.

This article is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with a qualified healthcare provider about ADHD symptoms or care.