ADHDifference - ADHD AWARENESS MONTH 2024

ADHDifference

Julie Legg and Jel Legg chat about ADHD Awareness Month – a worldwide campaign throughout October, and in its 20th year, driving home this year’s theme is ‘Awareness is Key’.
They discuss common misconceptions, acknowledging the differences between ADHD individuals, raising awareness directly and indirectly through conversation.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• 20th anniversary of ADHD Awareness Month.
• Misconceptions and complexities of ADHD.
• Sharing, or not sharing, an ADHD diagnosis with friends, family and work colleagues.
• Labels, advocacy, ableists, and normalising ADHD.

Key takeaways:

• While ADHD may be in the news, or frequently in social media posts, ADHD is a complex disorder and there is more to understand that merely a list of common traits or a 10-second sound bite. Raising awareness is key to understanding and supporting loved ones, and helping them live their best lives.
• Sharing the news of an ADHD diagnosis is a very personal thing. While it can be helpful to gain a better understanding from others, however sadly it can have negative consequences too.
• Individuals with ADHD may share common traits however their personal experiences and how each trait may manifest may be very different. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all ADHD, nor how the disorder may ‘show up’ in their lives.

Links:

• Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024)
• ADHD New Zealand

Do you have a story to share? We'd love to hear from you if you have inspiring ADHD experience/journey you'd like to share. We are looking for strategies that work for you, uplifting stories of overcoming adversity, or celebrating success.
Did you find this podcast helpful? Please subscribe if you'd like to hear more, or share with friends/family if you think there's a topic that may provide some insight. Our mission is to keep the ADHD conversation flowing and support each other.

Thanks for listening. Visit ADHDifference.nz to find video links or to say hello.