ADHD awareness initiatives focus on early diagnosis and family support

October marks International ADHD Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early observation and diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with learning, social interaction, and self-esteem.

In Cambados, Spain, the association TDAH Salnés is hosting its tenth annual conference, ‘Camiñando no tempo’, on October 24. The event aims to bring together families, educators, and healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge and provide practical strategies for daily life. Experts, including psychologist and neuroscientist María Fungueiriño, will address mental health in children and adolescents.

Advocates emphasize that ADHD symptoms are often misidentified as poor parenting, laziness, or indiscipline. There is a specific call to recognize that symptoms can manifest differently in girls, who may present more inattentively than hyperactively, often leading to delayed diagnoses. The movement also stresses the importance of ‘caring for the caregiver’ to support families managing the condition.