ADHD Awareness Month began in 2004 as a single day, and it has since grown into a month of awareness that takes place on an annual basis.
Each year, the month has a different theme, and ADHD Awareness Month 2023 had the theme of “Moving Forward with ADHD”. This year, the theme is “Awareness is Key!” so add ADHD Awareness Month to your company calendars to help boost your inclusion in the workplace.
What is ADHD Awareness Month in the UK about?
ADHD is characterised by difficulties with attention, activity levels and impulsivity. Associated strengths include the ability to hyper-focus and creative thinking patterns.
There are three ‘sub-types’ of ADHD: predominately inattentive (difficulties with attention, concentration and working memory),hyperactive-impulsive (physical or mental ‘busyness’), and combined. ADHD was not formally recognised in the UK until 2008, when the National Institute for Clinical Excellence recognised it as a valid condition for children and adults.
While ADHD Awareness Day was established in 2004, it wasn’t formally recognised in the UK until 2008. This is the year in which the National Institute for Clinical Excellence recognised it as a valid difference that can present itself in adults and children alike.
Ultimately, the month is a time to reflect on what ADHD is and how it affects people and celebrate neurodiversity in general.
When Does National ADHD Awareness Month Take Place?
October is ADHD Awareness Month.
In October, ADHD Awareness Month gives everyone a platform to come together and discuss ADHD, their experiences, and their challenges. It’s the ideal time to understand the shared experiences that the ADHD community faces. All in all, it presents the opportunity to meet new people and learn new things.
How to celebrate in the Workplace
There are many ways to celebrate ADHD Awareness Month at work, including the following:
- Learning from neurodivergent people.
- Exploring ADHD resources to provide the best possible support.
- Considering a strengths-based approach for staff development – what do they enjoy doing? What are they good at? How can you incorporate this into their role? An approach like this is sure to benefit all staff, not just those with ADHD.
- Dispelling myths about ADHD.
- Showing support by wearing the ADHD Awareness Month ribbon.
Strategies for Supporting Employees With ADHD
Understanding, flexibility, and a proactive approach are key to supporting employees with ADHD in the workplace. It’s essential to create an environment that recognises and accommodates the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals, as this works to help employees thrive. You can discover some of the most effective strategies for supporting employees with ADHD below:
Foster open communication – Managers and employees need to be able to have open conversations about ADHD. This means creating a safe space in which employees can voice their challenges and needs, allowing managers to make the necessary adjustments.
Offer flexible work arrangements – Remote work, adjustable hours, and the ability to take breaks as needed are just some of the flexible work arrangements that can be beneficial to those with ADHD. This flexibility helps them manage their energy levels and focus during peak productivity times, which reduces stress and burnout.
Implement structured work environments – Clear expectations, deadlines, and routines help those with ADHD remain organised and focused. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting specific goals makes it easier to track progress and remain on task.
Provide tools for organisation and time management – Task management apps, digital calendars, and physical planners are just some of the tools that can be used to assist with organisation and time management. These tools help with prioritising tasks, setting reminders, and managing time.
Encourage a strengths-based approach – Everyone has their strengths, so use these to your advantage. Whether someone is especially creative, good at problem-solving, or is able to hyperfocus on tasks they find engaging, you can assign them tasks that leverage these abilities.
Minimise distractions in the workspace – Noise-cancelling headphones, quiet areas, and distraction-free home office tips are just some of the ways you might help reduce environmental distractions that can disrupt focus.
Offer regular feedback and positive reinforcement – Regular, constructive feedback helps employees understand how they’re performing and where they can improve. Similarly, positive reinforcement can boost morale and motivate employees.
Encourage professional development and ADHD awareness – All employees should be given the opportunity to learn more about neurodiversity via workshops, training sessions, and seminars.
Neurodiversity Awareness Training
Organise ADHD Inclusion Training
Here at neurobox, we help workplaces become more inclusive for neurodivergent and disabled individuals via our training sessions. What better time to consider training than during ADHD Awareness Month? Learn more with us today.
About the author
Jen leads on developing and executing our overall marketing and brand strategy.
Since joining in September 2022, Jen has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s identity and ensuring that every initiative resonates deeply with its audience. In month 2 she took us on a full rebrand, including a new name from Dyslexia Box to neurobox.
With a wealth of experience in marketing, Jen has honed her skills across both in-house teams and corporate communications agencies. Her career journey has equipped her with a deep understanding of leveraging multiple channels and engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders.
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