π Welcome to October aka ADHD Awareness Month. 𧑠This year we're celebrating ADHD, not as a definition, and not as a diagnosis, but as a difference in cognition. Almost 10 yrs ago I watched this now famous TEDx talk by Stephen Tonti, and it dramatically changed my perception of ADHD as it may have yours.
π On a global stage, we are "Moving Forward with ADHD" in so many ways.
Far be it from the time in which we ignorantly objected to the young boy in elementary who could sit in his seat for 7 hours a day.
π₯π₯π₯ No, now we cherish the opportunity to let these budding individuals lead outdoors and excel in sports. [Michael Phelps, Simone Biles]
π We no longer judge and criticize students in school systems today for their "inability to focus."
π€ Now, we understand we can tap into their ability for hyper-focus if we keep the curriculum interesting and push them to be active participants in their own learning journey. [Peter Shankman]
π We celebrate the trailblazers for thinking outside the box and redefining normal. [Tara Mackey, John F. Kennedy, Leonardo da Vinci, Richard Branson, Emma Watson, Zooey Deshanel, Howie Mandel, Jim Carrey, Trevor Noah, Russell Brand]
π± π₯© Kids are no longer handed concentrated juice, sugary cereal, pancakes with syrup and doughnuts for breakfast. Children are provided with highly nourishing meals with quality nutrition to fuel their minds and lead their learning in schools today. [Dana Kay, Jamie Oliver]
π¨ π₯ We leverage their energy in physical education, creativity in art and music, and proclivity for leadership in group projects. We give them the chance to succeed according to their own unique potential.
π§ We no longer stunt their growth with selfish projections of our own fickle fears with hopeless negativity voiced for their trajectory. [Gabor Mate]
π π No, now we cherish these young minds for all of their worth and work our tails off to ensure they have the same potential as other students - you know, those who "can sit still." [Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D.]
πͺ In the world we live in now, we understand ADHD is beyond definition and diagnosis. Many even go on to proclaim of its atypical advantages to our modern age. [Dr Dale Archer]
π One of my more recent writings on this topic include practical strategies to use Lifestyle Medicine to support people with ADHD.
π‘ Check it out below, and celebrate ADHD Awareness Month by sharing any of the following: 1) this story with your network, 2) your own story of ADHD below, 3) going on a walk-n-talk with someone you know who has ADHD to learn more about their experience. β
Prescribing Exercise for ADHD, Depression, and Anxiety - βExercise performs just as well as the leading medications.β
How to Eat for ADHD β 5 Tips from a Holistic Health Dietitian - βWhat everyone should know, food plays a HUGE role in the ADHD brainβ
My Beef with Kids Mental Health and ADD/ADHD - βThere seems to be an eerily strange and ever-growing presence of childhood troubles. Why?β