07/10/2025
๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต: ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด, ๐จ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒโ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐
Every October, the global community comes together to observe ADHD Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This campaign highlights both the challenges and strengths of individuals with ADHD through education, advocacy, and acceptance.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain regulates attention, activity level, and impulse control. It impacts both children and adults, yet remains widely misunderstood. Common symptoms include difficulty focusing, staying still, and controlling impulses. Through awareness, more people can access proper diagnosis and timely support, leading to improved well-being and quality of life.
๐ช๐ต๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐
ADHD Awareness Month promotes early diagnosis and treatment, which are crucial for managing symptoms. In the Philippines, ADHD remains misunderstood and underdiagnosed due to stigma, lack of awareness, and limited healthcare access. As a result, many Filipinos do not receive the support they need. Awareness campaigns help dispel misconceptions, provide accurate information, and build compassionate communities that embrace neurodiversity. They also encourage inclusive environments where individuals with ADHD can thrive, drive research, and expand access to resources that empower people on their individual journeys.
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐๐๐
ADHD often runs in families and is highly heritable. Differences in brain structure and function may affect a personโs ability to focus and self-regulate. Environmental factors such as early-life stress or exposure to toxins may worsen symptoms, though they are not direct causes. Prenatal and early-life factors, including alcohol, smoking, drug use during pregnancy, low birth weight, and birth complications, may increase risk. Delayed brain maturation in areas responsible for motivation, attention, and behavior regulation may also contribute.
๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ต ๐๐๐๐
While ADHD presents challenges in concentration, impulsivity, and emotional regulation, it also brings strengths such as creativity, determination, and innovative thinking. With proper support that includes therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments, individuals with ADHD can succeed. Schools, workplaces, and communities all play vital roles in fostering understanding, acceptance, and opportunities for people with ADHD to flourish.
๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ป๐๐ผ๐น๐๐ฒ๐ฑ
Throughout ADHD Awareness Month, various activities are held worldwide to promote education and support. People can join webinars and workshops to learn more about ADHD, participate in support groups to connect and share experiences, and engage in social media campaigns using hashtags such as . Others may also take part in fundraising and advocacy initiatives that help improve care and accommodations. These efforts create inclusive, understanding, and supportive environments for everyone.
ADHD Awareness Month calls on all of us to learn, embrace, and support neurodiversity. Together, we can break stigma, raise awareness, and celebrate every individualโs strengths. Let this month inspire you to act, learn, and advocate for acceptance, because together, we can make a lasting difference.
Words by Mary Jane Cairel
Layout by Deniel Mejia
