Understanding ADHD Diagnosis in Adults and Children
What ADHD Is (and What It’s Not)
ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity Disorder) is not a learning disability, a personality flaw, or a family curse. It is a neurological condition rooted in the brain’s frontal lobe, which affects executive functioning, the ability to organize, plan, regulate and maintain focus. ADHD is genetic, its traits can be passed from one generation to the next, much like eye color or height. Two thirds of individuals with ADHD have at least one co-occurring condition (anxiety, ocd, depression, sleep issues, etc)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 9 children in the U.S. between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD. The CDC calls ADHD “an expanding public health concern.” With an estimated 15.5 million adults and 7 million children aged 3-17 having a current ADHD diagnosis, totaling approximately 22 million people. Although these numbers are large, children and adults in communities of color are under diagnosed with many written off as delinquents, defiant, drug addicted or unable to learn because they are undiagnosed and often under diagnosed and their ADHD is untreated and unmanaged. Often stigma prevents parents from seeking diagnosis and even when they do, racial bias and lack of ADHD providers can make it difficult to get proper diagnosis and treatment. Couple this with misinformation and it becomes a recipe for a lifetime of suffering.
It is our hope that we can reduce stigma, educate about the science backed facts, provide practical strategies for improving executive functioning, open doors for diagnosis and treatment and help individuals embrace their diagnosis as simply being different not broken.
Co-Occurring Conditions: The Hidden Layers
ADHD rarely stands alone. It is often accompanied by “co-occurring conditions”, other conditions that occur alongside it, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, mood disorders, or autism. These additional challenges can sometimes mask ADHD, causing the co-occurring condition to be diagnosed first. Understanding the interconnectedness of these issues can help families better address the full scope of their experiences.
Why This Matters for Diverse Communities
In many communities, particularly those that have historically faced barriers to healthcare, recognizing and addressing ADHD can feel overwhelming or even stigmatizing. But knowing that ADHD is a genetic condition can be empowering. It reframes the conversation from blame or shame to understanding and support. Families can begin to see ADHD not as a personal failing, but as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and thrive with the right tools and resources.
Encouraging Action
If ADHD is suspected in your family, take the next step. Knowledge is power, and a diagnosis can unlock access to strategies, therapies, and resources that benefit individuals and their families. With education and support, families affected by ADHD can embrace their strengths, navigate challenges, and build a thriving legacy of resilience.
Managing ADHD
The Society for ADHD collaborates with ADHD specialists to offer affordable or scholarship based screenings and assessments, ensuring early and accurate diagnosis. Our advocacy efforts focus on expanding insurance coverage for ADHD diagnosis and treatment, and making care more accessible to all. Additionally, we connect individuals with a variety of treatment options, including therapy, nutrition, supplementation, medication, and coaching, to support their holistic well-being.
Donate and Join our online community for information and resources to help you manage your ADHD and any co-morbid conditions as well as other neurodiverse conditions.
