October is ADHD Awareness Month

Understanding, Supporting & Empowering People with ADHD

by Fallon Panetta, MS, MHC Intern

Each October, ADHD Awareness Month highlights the importance of education, early
identification, and support for individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is estimated that ADHD affects approximately 9.8% of U.S. children and 4.4% of adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At Healing & Growth Counseling, we believe awareness goes beyond sharing information—it’s about building understanding, reducing stigma, and providing effective, evidence-based care that fosters long-term growth and well-being.​

What is ADHD?

​ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts attention, impulse control, and activity regulation. It involves differences in how the brain manages executive
functions—skills that include planning, organizing, prioritizing, and sustaining effort. These brain-based differences can affect performance in academic, professional, and social environments.

While ADHD is often associated with distractibility or hyperactivity, the condition is more complex. Individuals with ADHD may experience challenges managing time, following multi-step directions, or maintaining consistent focus, particularly during tasks that require sustained mental effort. Despite these challenges, individuals with ADHD often demonstrate creativity, problem-solving skills, and persistence when properly supported.

What are the Symptoms of ADHD?

​ADHD symptoms can vary widely depending on the person, age, and environment.
Common symptoms include:

​● Difficulty sustaining attention or completing tasks
● Forgetfulness and frequent loss of items
● Challenges organizing time and materials
● Restlessness or difficulty remaining seated
● Impulsive behaviors such as interrupting or acting quickly without considering
consequences
● Difficulty regulating frustration or emotions
● Challenges maintaining focus during non-preferred activities

Some individuals experience internal symptoms such as racing thoughts or mental
overactivity, which can lead to emotional fatigue. Recognizing that ADHD affects both attention and self-regulation helps guide more effective intervention.

When ADHD is untreated, individuals may experience chronic stress, lower academic or occupational performance, and increased risk for anxiety or depression. However, with evidence-based treatment and consistent support, most individuals can develop effective strategies to manage symptoms and thrive personally and professionally.

What are the three types of ADHD?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) outlines three
primary presentations of ADHD:​

Inattentive Type

A person with this type of ADHD often experiences difficulty sustaining focus, organizing tasks, or following detailed instructions.

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

A person with this type of ADHD may have high energy levels, talk frequently, or act quickly without pausing to think.

Combined Type

This type of ADHD includes characteristics of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive presentations.

No two individuals with ADHD are the same. Symptoms and functional impact can vary depending on age, setting, stress, and environmental demands. For instance, a student might struggle with attention in class but excel in hands-on or creative tasks.
​
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood, but many individuals are not diagnosed until adulthood. This delay can occur when symptoms are subtle, well-compensated for, or misattributed to other factors such as anxiety, learning differences, or environmental stressors. Increased self-awareness and growing societal understanding have led to more adults recognizing ADHD traits in themselves and seeking assessment.

Can ADHD Develop Later in Life?

ADHD is a lifelong condition that begins in childhood, even if it is not diagnosed until
later. Adults who were not identified early may start to notice difficulties when life
responsibilities increase—such as managing work tasks, college coursework, or
parenting demands. Research shows that ADHD symptoms can persist across the
lifespan, though they may present differently as individuals mature. For example,
hyperactivity in children may appear as inner restlessness or difficulty relaxing in adults.

Many adults who receive a diagnosis later in life describe it as clarifying—providing a framework to understand longstanding experiences with attention, organization, and self-regulation. This understanding often opens the door to effective treatment and self-compassion. Even if not diagnosed until adulthood, therapy and treatment can be effective and life-changing.

What does ADHD Therapy Look Like?

There is no single “cure” for ADHD, but treatment is highly effective when tailored to the individual. Therapy is a central component of a multimodal treatment approach, which may also include behavioral interventions, academic or workplace accommodations, and in some cases, medication prescribed by a medical provider.

At Healing & Growth Counseling, therapy for ADHD is personalized to address each client’s specific goals and challenges. Common approaches include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for ADHD

CBT helps clients identify and modify thought patterns that contribute to procrastination, perfectionism, or frustration. It also builds problem-solving skills and adaptive coping strategies.

Mindfulness-Based Strategies for ADHD

Mindfulness practices improve attention control, reduce impulsivity, and help individuals regulate emotional responses.

Executive Function Coaching for ADHD

Practical strategies are introduced to enhance organization, time management, and planning—such as using visual reminders, structured routines, and task breakdown methods.

Parent and Family Counseling for ADHD

For children and adolescents, therapy often involves parents or caregivers to reinforce consistent routines, communication skills, and positive reinforcement systems at home.

​Therapy provides a supportive environment where clients can better understand their brain’s unique functioning, recognize personal strengths, and build confidence in their ability to manage daily responsibilities.

How can I support a Loved One with ADHD?

Supporting someone with ADHD involves patience, structure, and clear communication. Establishing predictable routines and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can reduce overwhelm. Visual tools—such as planners, timers, or checklists—are especially useful for enhancing focus and organization.

Encouraging open communication is key. Ask what types of reminders or supports are most helpful, and provide feedback in a calm and collaborative way. Emphasize
strengths and progress rather than focusing solely on areas of difficulty. Positive
reinforcement helps increase confidence and motivation.

It’s equally important to maintain flexibility—what works one day may not always work the next. Consistent encouragement, balanced expectations, and understanding that ADHD is a difference in neurodevelopment, not a lack of effort, all promote long-term success.

How Healing & Growth Counseling Can Help

At Healing & Growth Counseling, we understand that ADHD influences many aspects of daily life—from focus and organization to relationships and self-esteem. Our therapists provide individualized care rooted in current research and best practices. We work collaboratively with clients and families to identify strengths, set achievable goals, and build strategies that lead to meaningful progress.

Whether you’re navigating ADHD as a parent seeking support for your child, a college student learning time management skills, or an adult balancing work and family demands, therapy can help you better understand your challenges and use your strengths to overcome them.​

ADHD Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that education and early
intervention matter. By increasing understanding and access to care, we can help
individuals with ADHD lead fulfilling, productive, and balanced lives.

About the Author

Fallon Panetta, MS, MHC Intern, is a full-time school counselor with 19 years of experience supporting children with ADHD and other social-emotional needs. She helps students strengthen focus, organization, and emotional regulation through strategies like mindfulness, movement breaks, visual schedules, and positive self-talk. Fallon enjoys teaching students how to pause before reacting, set small goals, and recognize their strengths. She is currently pursuing her advanced certificate in mental health counseling to continue helping children, teens, and families thrive both in and out of the classroom.  

Interested in learning more about Fallon and her work? Read her bio here.

Interested in reading more about ADHD and neurodivergence? Check out our Neurodivergence service page here.

Interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our clinicians? Call us at (516) 406-8991 or fill out our Contact Form here.