ADHD Awareness Week: A Message from ADDA’s President, Evelyn Polk Green

Every year in the excitement of ADHD Awareness Week preparations, I enjoy reminiscing about its humble — and humorous — beginnings.  We’ve come a long way in raising awareness and understanding of ADHD, succeeding in spite of doubt and many obstacles.

A small group of determined ADDA members (including three of ADDA’s president’s, past and present — David Giwerc, Michelle Novotni and myself) chasing a dream evolved into the ADHD Awareness Week Coalition.  Four major organizations (ADDA, ADDitude Magazine, ACO and CHADD) supported by many others, work tirelessly to coordinate all aspects of ADHD Awareness Week.

Defying Doubt

For several years I was part of a VERY small group of ADDA members determined to establish ADHD Awareness Day (Day, not Week!)  Not a single organization wanted anything to do with us, insisting the days, weeks and months dedicated to Mental Health Awareness were sufficient; we didn’t need special ADHD Awareness!  Everyone was clear that without the support of major “players” in the advocacy world, our efforts would fail; ADDA was too small and insignificant to ever be able to create an ADHD Awareness Day.

Committed (and stubborn), we never let the naysayers stop us.  Through the vision of Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) and the sheer will of a few dedicated ADDA members, ADHD Awareness Day has become a week-long opportunity to promote ADHD awareness and understanding to policy makers, educators, the media and the general public.

Knowledge is Power

Recently, reminiscing made me realize that my personal journey paralleled the evolution of ADHD Awareness Week.  ADDA’s intention was not just to raise awareness of ADHD, but also to encourage individuals challenged by ADHD to empower themselves through education and advocacy.  In the early days of my diagnosis, it took time and support to begin to acknowledge and work on my issues as an adult with ADHD, having focused so strongly on my children’s issues with the disorder for many years. I realized that I’ve grown and succeeded right along with ADDA.

ADDA has always focused on strengths; we believe awareness and education is the best path for people with ADHD to live fulfilling, successful and productive lives.  That’s why passing the Senate Resolution was so important to us, and why I feel tremendous pride for both myself and ADDA when I think of the how our original modest efforts have grown. We now have a whole week that is internationally recognized and set aside to raise awareness and understanding about ADHD!  Simultaneously, I feel proud of my own growth as an ADHD adult; I’ve empowered myself through education and advocacy.

That’s why ADDA created ADHD Awareness Day— to education, advocate, support, and empower. This is ADDA’s greatest hope for each and every person living with ADHD.  Get the facts — empower yourself with education, then learn to advocate and use your knowledge and skill to create a happy, successful and fulfilled life.