Navigating life with ADHD can be a struggle. For some people, ADHD can be debilitating, affecting family relationships, job stability, and personal relationships. If you are a Black person with ADHD, these issues can be compounded by stigma, undertreatment, and mistrust of the medical community based on past negative experiences. But you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you are newly diagnosed or you were diagnosed at a young age with symptoms continuing into adulthood—or you are parenting a child with ADHD—finding an ADHD community can be a life raft for individuals and families alike.

Shirelle Pearson, treasurer of CHADD’s board of directors, knows the importance of that community.

“When my family needed it most, CHADD was there as a lifeline,” she says.

Finding your place among friends

“I am a firm believer in the community, and there is plenty of community for people with ADHD in the world now fortunately,” writes René Brooks on her Black Girl, Lost Keys blog. “There are wonderful groups by CHADD and ADDA for you to join both online and in person. There also are so many different groups all over the internet—anywhere a group can form there are ADHD people assembling to talk to each other so don’t be afraid to look.”

As Brooks points out, the ADHD community is large and diverse. There are many opportunities to find people with whom you can connect. Getting to know people with similar experiences and becoming involved in local CHADD chapters can be a way to exchange tips for coping with symptoms, as well as parenting strategies. CHADD chapters often host speakers who share their expertise, offering educational opportunities to members and guests.

No CHADD chapter nearby? We offer free online communities open to all: a support group for parents and caregivers, another for adults, and third for women. The HealthUnlocked platform is free, easy to join, and works much like other popular social media websites and apps. People can share their experiences, find and talk with online friends, and ask for suggestions from both peers and members of CHADD’s health information team.

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) offers a variety of virtual peer support groups for its members from different communities and identities, including the African American/Black Diaspora + ADHD Peer Support Group. This group for Black adults who have ADHD meets for ninety minutes on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, 5 PM MT, and 4 PM PT. Group members strive for “a safe, nonjudgmental environment to learn about ADHD, share your experiences, and discover your ADHD strengths.”

CHADD and ADDA, along with the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), jointly host two annual events: the International Online Conference on ADHD and the in-person International Conference on ADHD. These conferences offer numerous networking opportunities, along with sessions on pressing ADHD-related issues, and educational opportunities for healthcare providers and coaches. Peer groups based around various identities and backgrounds offer attendees the opportunity to connect with others who understand the cultural challenges they face as people with ADHD.

ADHD coach and psychotherapist IngerShaye Colzie has moderated the Black Women with ADHD peer group during the in-person conference. The group provides a place for Black women to discuss the unique journeys they have had with ADHD that might not be included in broader conversations. She also hosted a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) peer support group on Zoom during the online conference in 2025.

Colzie created a Facebook group, Black Women with ADHD Executives & Entrepreneurs, which is for Black women who want to continue intersectional conversations on how ADHD affects their professional lives.

She also spearheaded the formation of the ADHD Black Professionals Alliance. This membership-based group was created “for Black professionals, who work with Black people who have ADHD,” whose mission is “to provide education, impactful strategies and resources for our members as they work to improve the lives of Black people with ADHD.” The alliance offers a private forum for its members and is building a directory of listings of Black ADHD professionals.

Men searching for ADHD-related peer support can look to the Men’s ADHD Support Group. Psychologist Mark Katz, PhD, shared about the group in CHADD’s Attention magazine, writing, “Run entirely by men who have ADHD, the group views ADHD as more than a condition to be managed with medication or treated by a therapist or an ADHD coach… learning to accept who they are, learning that they are not broken, and learning how to thrive authentically.”

The Men’s ADHD Support Group is open to men of all backgrounds. In 2024, the organization created a video, ADHD, Authenticity, and the Black Experience, highlighting the experiences of Black men dealing with ADHD.

This is not a comprehensive list of available Black support groups that meet in person or online, but we hope it can give you an idea of what is available and where you can start. You can begin to think about the sort of support group and community you would like to be a part of. You may also feel empowered to start your own group! Do you know of groups not listed here? Let us know!

Black History Month Resources from CHADD:

• Black History Month 2026
• CHADD Membership Options
• Addressing Barriers and Disparities: Black Americans and ADHD
• How to Improve the Educational Experience of Black Students with ADHD
• Video: Getting Lost in Life’s Transitions
• Video: Treating ADHD in the African American Community
• Podcast: Combating ADHD in the African American Community

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Suzanne Sophos, CMPSS

This transition reflects CHADD’s ongoing leadership succession plan and marks a meaningful moment of continuity for the organization.

During her term as president, Didier has been a steady and passionate champion of CHADD’s mission, helping the organization strengthen its programs, deepen connections with chapters and volunteers, and raise CHADD’s visibility as a trusted voice on ADHD. The board and the entire CHADD community are deeply grateful for her leadership, her generosity of spirit, and her unwavering commitment to individuals and families affected by ADHD.

“Serving as CHADD’s president has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” says Didier. “I am profoundly grateful for everyone who has walked alongside me. I especially want to acknowledge the late Chris Dendy, whose leadership, mentorship, and courage inspired me to take on this role. Her influence lives in every step of our work.”

“Jeremy’s leadership has made a significant and lasting impact on CHADD,” says Laurie Kulikosky, CAE, CHADD’s chief executive officer. “She has been instrumental in strengthening CHADD’s partnerships with APSARD, ADDA, and ACO, and in elevating our advocacy work on behalf of individuals and families affected by ADHD. Jeremy brings heart, clarity, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does. Our entire organization is stronger because of her service.”

A certified peer support specialist and coach specializing in ADHD and autism, Suzanne Sophos also has decades of business and strategy experience, including advising Fortune 100 companies. After her son was identified as neurodivergent, she received her own diagnoses of ADHD and autism. She then shifted her focus from the corporate sector to work in the ADHD and neurodiversity space. Sophos brings meaningful lived experience along with expertise in organizational leadership, marketing and business strategy, peer support program development, and community building to her role as board president.

Sophos has held a broad range of leadership roles during her many years as a CHADD member and as an award-winning chapter leader. On the national level, she has co-chaired the chapter advisory board, and served on the development, finance, governance, and conference planning committees. She currently serves on CHADD’s expert spokesperson team and the editorial advisory board for Attention magazine. For the last two years, she has served as CHADD’s president-elect, ensuring this smooth leadership transition. These many roles have given her a deep understanding of CHADD’s programs, governance, chapter network, and community—uniquely preparing her for the role of president.

Suzanne Sophos, CMPSS, Jeremy Didier, LSCSW, LMAC, and Laurie Kulikosky, CAE

“Working alongside Suzanne these past two years has been a privilege,” says Didier. “Her strategic insight, compassion, and dedication to CHADD’s mission make her extraordinarily well-suited for this role. I am confident she will be an outstanding president and that CHADD will continue to thrive under her leadership.”

“Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Suzanne as she partnered with Jeremy and the board,” says Kulikosky. “I’ve seen firsthand her strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and genuine heart for community and service. I’m excited to continue working with her as president and confident in her ability to help guide CHADD through its next chapter of growth and impact.”

CHADD remains deeply committed to working alongside its partners, volunteers, and members to ensure individuals and families affected by ADHD receive the resources, support, and advocacy they deserve.

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Warmest wishes for a joyful 2026.

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a bright new year. Thank you for being part of the CHADD community and for helping us support children, adults, and families living with ADHD.

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Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a bright new year. Thank you for being part of the CHADD community and for helping us support children, adults, and families living with ADHD.

The post 2025 Holiday Greetings from CHADD appeared first on CHADD.

Suzanne Sophos, CMPSS, CHADD’s president-elect puts it this way, “Families need accurate information and better systems—not headlines that take data from the most vulnerable children and apply it to everyone.”

The Wall Street Journal’s recent article suggests “millions of kids” enter a dangerous medication cascade after starting ADHD treatment. But the analysis appears to rely on a narrow, high-risk Medicaid subgroup without providing the methodological detail needed to understand who these children are or why multiple medications were prescribed. Children served by Medicaid face significantly higher rates of trauma, poverty, child welfare involvement, and complex psychiatric conditions—factors that drive polypharmacy regardless of ADHD status.

Claims data cannot explain severity, co-occurring diagnoses, crises, failed treatments, or caregiver preferences. Yet the article invites readers to assume ADHD medication causes additional mental health challenges. The reality is, most of the children in this dataset have multiple serious conditions before starting ADHD treatment.

“This is a system problem, not an ADHD medication problem,” CHADD President Jeremy Didier, LSCSW, LMAC, emphasizes. “When you see polypharmacy, you’re seeing the downstream effects of fragmented care, limited behavioral health access, and enormous pressure on clinicians in high-need environments—not a stimulant pill knocking over some imaginary first domino.”

ADHD is one of the most thoroughly researched conditions in mental health. When prescribed and monitored appropriately, medication reduces the risks of suicide, accidental injury, substance misuse, and criminal justice involvement. Untreated ADHD carries significant and sometimes life-altering consequences. Like all medications, stimulants have risks, but decades of peer-reviewed research support their use within evidence-based guidelines, including those of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The real issues highlighted by The Wall Street Journal article are the ones CHADD has long worked to address: too few child psychiatrists, limited access to behavioral therapies, inconsistent monitoring, and underfunded systems serving families with the highest needs. Reframing these structural failures as “ADHD pills causing cascades” obscures the true cause and can discourage families from seeking effective treatment.

Such coverage has real consequences. Parents may delay care, internalize stigma, or find themselves facing new policy barriers created in response to incomplete or misinterpreted data.

“ADHD medications should neither be demonized nor handed out casually,” Didier adds. “They should be used thoughtfully, monitored closely, and always in the context of a child’s full clinical picture.”

Families deserve clarity—not fear. CHADD remains committed to providing evidence-based information, advocating for safer and more accessible systems, and ensuring every child receives the comprehensive, individualized care they deserve.

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Thomas E. Brown, PhD

With a profound sense of loss, CHADD celebrates the life of Thomas E. Brown, PhD. A dedicated researcher, psychologist, author, and ADHD advocate, Dr. Brown generously contributed his time and support to CHADD and ADHD awareness efforts. We are grateful for all of his work and friendship through the many years of his association with CHADD.

Lifetime Achievement

In 2024, CHADD presented Dr. Brown with our Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition of the extraordinary impact he had on how we understand, support, and advocate for people with ADHD. He helped to change the public perception of the condition from one of behavioral and attention challenges to one of complex executive function differences. His books made a difference for many people, especially the groundbreaking A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults and Smart But Stuck: Emotions in Teens and Adults with ADHD. His Brown Executive Function/Attention Rating Scales served as a guide in diagnosing ADHD and helping clinicians meet the needs of their patients and clients.

Dr. Brown was invited to speak in more than fifty countries, making friends and professional contacts who helped to increase understanding of ADHD worldwide. He frequently spoke to CHADD audiences and contributed to CHADD’s Attention magazine, always sharing his expertise and answering questions as new research was published.

ADHD awareness

Devoted to raising ADHD awareness, Dr. Brown contributed to ADHD Awareness Month through short essays and video discussions. He made ADHD and executive function challenges understandable, describing ADHD as fundamentally a disorder of executive function—the brain’s “management system” responsible for organizing, prioritizing, activating tasks, sustaining focus and effort, managing time, working memory, emotional regulation, and self-monitoring. His work reframed how clinicians, educators, parents, and people with ADHD understand what’s really going on.

A generous heart and an exemplary mind

Affectionately called “Doc” Brown by his friends and admirers, Dr. Brown was known for his warmth, ready smile, and unfailing kindness. He had a talent for setting a person at ease and listening deeply to their concerns and thoughts. He contributed readily when CHADD asked if he could be a webinar expert or write for CHADD’s Attention magazine. CHADD deeply appreciated his support and friendship with our organization, our leaders, and our chapters.

Dr. Brown was on the clinical faculty of the department of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine for more than twenty years, while serving as associate director of the Yale Clinic for Attention & Related Disorders and maintaining a private practice. In 2017, he relocated to California, where he opened his Brown Clinic for Attention & Related Disorders in Manhattan Beach. He leaves a legacy that reaches far beyond his own writing or clinical work. He published more than thirty peer-reviewed articles, seven books now translated into twelve languages, was named an elected fellow of the American Psychological Association, and received the distinguished alumni award from Knox College. His intellectual legacy will continue to shape our understanding of ADHD for generations.

CHADD’s tributes to a friend

In the coming months, CHADD plans additional tributes to Dr. Brown in Attention magazine and testimonials to celebrate his dedication to the ADHD community. Many members of our staff had the opportunity to work closely with him through the years. We meet his loss with both sadness and gratitude for having had the opportunity to know and learn from him.

The Dr. Thomas E. Brown Memorial Fund

Donations to the memorial fund will carry forward Dr. Brown’s legacy by supporting CHADD’s core mission: providing evidence-based resources, expanding access to trusted care and education, and strengthening advocacy for the 22 million children and adults across the United States who live with ADHD.

With your support, we hope this fund will grow into a lasting endowment that reflects Dr. Brown’s lifelong commitment to helping individuals with ADHD live fuller, more empowered lives. This initiative will begin with CHADD’s Young Scientist Award, to be renamed The Dr. Thomas E. Brown Pioneer Award. The award is presented annually at the International Conference on ADHD to two young researchers who are helping to advance our knowledge of ADHD.

Thomas E. Brown, PhD (1942–2025)
Devoted Husband, Father, Brother, Grandfather, and Renowned Psychologist

Dr. Thomas E. Brown, a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on August 18, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 25, 1942, Tom attended Carl Schurz High School in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Knox College in 1964, he earned a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School in 1968, and then his doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Yale University in 1976.

Dr. Brown became one of the most influential voices in the modern understanding of ADHD. Over the course of five decades, he transformed how the world sees ADHD—not simply as a disorder of attention, but as a complex challenge of executive functioning. He developed the widely used Brown Executive Function/Attention Rating Scales and authored seven books, including the acclaimed Smart but Stuck and A New Understanding of ADHD, which continue to guide patients, families, and professionals worldwide.

Tom married Roberta “Bobbie” Brown on June 3, 1967. Together they raised their children, Liza and David, in Hamden, Connecticut. In 1979, Dr. Brown became the consulting psychologist for Hamden Hall Country Day School, where both Liza and David attended. For many years, Dr. Tom and Bobbie Brown were beloved fixtures in both the Hamden Hall and Hopkins School communities.

Dr. Brown served on the clinical faculty at Yale Divinity School and was Director of Clinical Services at Highland Heights Residential Treatment Center. In 1984, he opened a private practice and joined the Yale Department of Psychology, later transitioning to the Yale School of Medicine, where he taught for more than twenty years and served as associate director of the Yale Clinic for Attention. Following the death of his wife, Bobbie, Tom moved to Los Angeles to be closer to Liza and David. In 2017, he founded the Brown Clinic for ADHD in Manhattan Beach, California, with his associate and mentee, Dr. Ryan J. Kennedy. His West Coast affiliations included adjunct faculty appointments at both USC and the UC Riverside School of Medicine.

A gifted speaker, Dr. Brown was invited to lecture in more than 50 countries around the globe. For many years, he traveled with his beloved wife, Bobbie. From donning Viking horned hats in Norway to riding elephants in India, they lived a life full of love and shared adventure.

Among his most widely viewed work is a twenty-eight-minute video produced for Understood.org, where he clearly explained the nuances of ADHD in everyday language. The video has been viewed over eleven million times and remains one of the most-watched and referenced ADHD resources online—solidifying Dr. Brown’s role not only as a clinician and educator, but also as a gifted communicator who made complex science accessible to the world.

Dr. Brown was a pioneer in the field of ADHD and learning disabilities. He published more than thirty peer-reviewed articles, was an elected fellow of the American Psychological Association, received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Knox College, and in 2024 was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from CHADD, the leading nonprofit for ADHD. His loss is felt not only by colleagues and patients, but by a global community of scholars, clinicians, students, and families. He was admired for his intellectual rigor, revered for his clinical insight, and beloved for his compassion and warmth. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, and the field he helped shape. Tom will be remembered by his family as a dedicated, loving, generous, and kind patriarch; he will be missed, but his presence and impact will live on.

“Doc” Brown is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth “Liza” Somilleda, and her husband, Abel, of Hawthorne, California; his son, David Brown, and his wife, Jen, of Los Angeles, California; his grandchildren, Noah Somilleda, Simone Somilleda, and Ford Brown; and his beloved sister, Nancy Gebhard, and her husband, Robert Gebhard, of Centennial, Colorado.

Ford Brown was born on June 25, 2025—the very day Dr. Brown turned 83.

To honor Dr. Thomas E. Brown’s lifelong dedication to understanding and supporting those with ADHD, the family has established the Dr. Thomas E. Brown Memorial Fund in partnership with CHADD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to this fund to continue his legacy through research, education, and direct support for individuals and families living with ADHD.

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The article’s thesis, “With diagnoses at a record high, some experts have begun to question our assumptions about the condition—and how to treat it,” is unfounded. CHADD and its professional advisory board, comprising fourteen of the nation’s top ADHD professors, doctors, and researchers, are unequivocally in unison about the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children and adults.

ADHD is a complex, lifelong neurobiological condition that affects 22 million people of every age and gender across the United States. It is among the most well-researched medical diagnoses in the world and is the most treatable mental health disorder in psychiatry.

Over the past twenty years, ADHD diagnosis rates have increased. This increase reflects improved awareness, as well as more accurate evaluation tools. New studies have recommended that children display possible ADHD symptoms receive an evaluation, with the goal of early interventions that can position them for success. This has resulted in an increase in childhood diagnosis by 2.4% in ages 3-5, 11.5% in ages 6-11, and 15.5% in ages 12-17, according to this study from 2022.

In the United States, an estimated 15.5 million adults had an ADHD diagnosis in 2023, and approximately half of them received their diagnosis in adulthood. It is likely these adults were not evaluated for ADHD when they were children, as the epidemiology of ADHD has changed dramatically over time.

What comprises an accurate diagnosis is central to this discussion. Unlike other medical conditions, there is no single test that definitively diagnoses ADHD. An evaluation for ADHD can include a myriad of factors and tools including a detailed history, symptom assessment, age of onset and duration, impact on daily functioning, rating scales, observation, computerized tests, differential diagnosis, co-occurring conditions, and interviews and questionnaires by the patient, parents, teachers, partners, or other relevant individuals.

Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents were first developed in 2000, with revisions made in 2011 and 2019. However, there has been an absence of clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adults, creating a significant gap in mental healthcare in the United States for decades. Those clinical guidelines are currently under development by the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) with CHADD leading the charge on preparing educational toolkits to accompany the guidelines. The establishment of formal guidelines will have significant implications for the field. There will be uniform diagnostic and treatment approaches across the country, and adult ADHD will have an elevated validity as a subject for training, so future clinicians will be better equipped to diagnose and manage the condition. Accessible, interactive guidelines will reach a range of health care providers and therapists on the front lines, such as general practitioners and nurse practitioners, not just those who specialize in ADHD.

It is notable that of the 15.5 million adults with ADHD, one third report that they do not receive any type of treatment. Left undiagnosed or untreated, the consequences of ADHD include anxiety, depression, substance use disorder, reckless behavior, increased injuries and accidents, school and job failure, relationship and social issues, suicide, and decreased life expectancy by as many as thirteen years. Untreated ADHD has more devastating consequences than poor diet, insufficient exercise, obesity, and smoking combined. It is crucial that ADHD is recognized and treated as a public health issue.

We know from years of research that the most effective treatment plan for ADHD is an individualized, multimodal approach that can include medication, parent and patient training, educational support, and behavioral interventions. Research confirms that stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for managing the symptoms of ADHD—essential for many individuals to develop self-regulation, function successfully, and contribute to society. Studies show these medications significantly reduce. ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children and adults. Stimulant medications remain the most effective treatment option and are a critical component of a multimodal approach.

Tough’s article references the NIMH-funded Multimodal Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA) study, a multisite study designed to evaluate the leading treatments for ADHD, as a basis for its conclusion that stimulant medication does not deliver long-term benefits in ADHD symptoms or in scholastic achievement, and causes serious side effects. It is significant to note that primary results from this study were published twenty-six years ago, in 1999, with the most recent follow-up data published in 2009. Additionally, at the end of the fourteen-month randomized controlled trial period, some MTA participants on medication requested pharmacological treatment from their own physicians. Therefore, the study results may not reflect the real-world impact of sustained and continued multimodal interventions addressing medication, behavioral, and educational needs.

As we navigate the changing landscape of healthcare policy, CHADD remains committed to advocating for evidence-based approaches that support the 22 million people across the country with ADHD, and for the rights of individuals and families affected by ADHD. We urge policymakers, professionals, the public, and the media to rely on trusted scientific sources—including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD), Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—when making determinations about ADHD prevalence and treatment.

About CHADD

CHADD is the leading nonprofit organization serving individuals with ADHD and those who care for them. Our mission is to empower people affected by ADHD by providing evidence-based information, supporting individuals and professionals, and advocating for equity, inclusion, and universal rights. We believe in a world that recognizes, incorporates, and celebrates the strengths of those with ADHD. To learn more, find support, or access educational resources, visit CHADD.org.

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As the nation’s leading organization dedicated to children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), CHADD believes it is essential to respond when misleading or inaccurate information is released that may have an impact on public understanding and access to evidence-based ADHD care.

The recently released Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report—issued by the MAHA Commission, established under Executive Order 14212—includes several concerning statements about ADHD—its diagnosis, treatment, and the condition itself. While CHADD supports any effort to improve the health of American children, the report’s section on ADHD contains significant scientific inaccuracies and omissions that risk reinforcing stigma, fear, and misinformation about a well-established neurodevelopmental condition.

Recommended, evidence-based ADHD treatment is multimodal—combining behavioral strategies, educational supports, and, when appropriate, medication—to reduce impairment, strengthen coping skills, and improve overall quality of life across all settings (home, school, and community).

Setting the Record Straight

Stimulant medications. The MAHA report inaccurately claims that ADHD medications offer only short-term benefits and contribute to long-term harm. In reality, decades of peer-reviewed research, including longitudinal studies, show that stimulant medications, when properly prescribed and monitored, are safe, effective, and play a critical role in improving focus, emotional regulation, safety, and overall functioning for millions of children and adults living with ADHD.

Dependence and withdrawal. Contrary to the report’s suggestion of widespread addiction risk, extensive clinical research consistently finds that stimulant medications prescribed to treat ADHD have a low potential for misuse when taken as directed, and rarely lead to physical dependence. Importantly, individuals with ADHD—particularly children—are unlikely to misuse stimulant medication when it is properly prescribed and monitored. In fact, effective ADHD treatment, especially when initiated in childhood, has been associated with a reduced risk of developing substance use disorders later in life. This finding directly challenges the narrative that these medications cause long-term harm and underscores the importance of access to evidence-based treatment.

Overdiagnosis narrative. The MAHA report promotes the misleading idea that ADHD is broadly over diagnosed and suggests that family structure or diet may play a causal role. In reality, ADHD is a well-established neurodevelopmental condition with strong biological and genetic foundations. It is diagnosed based on consistent, impairing patterns of behavior assessed using rigorous clinical criteria—not by family dynamics or dietary habits. While the report presents rising diagnosis rates as a serious concern for American children, it conflates adult and child data in a way that overstates the trend in youth. In fact, rates of ADHD diagnosis in children have remained relatively stable in recent years. The overall increase is largely due to improved recognition of ADHD across the lifespan—particularly in adults who were previously undiagnosed—not a surge in inappropriate labeling of children. Framing the increase as overdiagnosis misrepresents the data and distracts from the real need: expanding access to timely, evidence-based care for all individuals with ADHD.

The role of family and lifestyle factors. The MAHA report suggests that ADHD may be caused by parenting style, family structure, or lifestyle choices such as irregular family meals. While positive routines like family meals and supportive environments are beneficial for all children, they are not substitutes for evidence-based care for children and adults with ADHD. ADHD is not caused by parenting style or household structure. Minimizing the seriousness of ADHD by attributing it to family dynamics undermines decades of scientific research, places unfair blame on caregivers, and risks delaying or denying appropriate treatment. Left untreated, ADHD is associated with a reduction in life expectancy by as much as thirteen years. Families need support, not stigma—and children with ADHD deserve access to care and treatment that reflect the best of what science and compassion can offer.

Our Commitment to Science and Support

CHADD remains committed to advocating for evidence-based approaches to ADHD care and the rights of individuals and families affected by it. We urge policymakers, professionals, and the public to rely on trusted scientific sources—including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD), Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—when making determinations about ADHD treatment and policy.

About CHADD

CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is the leading nonprofit organization serving individuals with ADHD and those who care for them. Our mission is to empower people affected by ADHD by providing evidence-based information, supporting individuals and professionals, and advocating for equity, inclusion, and universal rights. We believe in a world that recognizes, incorporates, and celebrates the strengths of those with ADHD.

To learn more, find support, or access educational resources, visit CHADD.org.

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What motivated you to start a CHADD chapter in your state?

As a Native Hawaiʻian woman who grew up on the west side of Oʻahu in Mākaha Valley and attended elementary school in the surrounding underserved communities, I know firsthand how important it is to create support systems that reflect the unique needs and cultural values of our people. While I’ve spent the last ten years immersed in ADHD education and advocacy to support my own two sons, I always felt that something was missing in Hawai‘i, and so I wanted to start a space where families could gather, feel understood, and connect.

Starting this CHADD chapter was not just about providing resources but about creating a movement grounded in Hawai‘ian values. I envisioned a space where people across our island chain could feel seen, supported, and empowered through the lens of our local culture. I wanted to create a place where keiki (children), mākua (parents), and kūpuna (grandparents) alike could navigate ADHD with dignity, community, and deep connection.

My journey with ADHD was a very lonely one, full of defeat, hopelessness, and a lack of support and resources. But learning everything I could, and then implementing those best practices, and later finding community made all the difference. And that’s exactly why I’m here—because no one should have to struggle alone or feel like they must figure everything out by themselves.

What has the response been?

The response has been great so far. Many people have reached out to say they’ve waited years for something like this and have requested resources or are thrilled to finally have found “their people.” Whether it’s a medical professional from Maui, a parent from the Big Island, or a teacher out in Waiʻanae, the common message has been: “We needed this.” There’s such a hunger here for safe spaces that honor both neurodiversity and local ways of being. People are showing up with open hearts—ready to learn, connect, support one another, and even volunteer, and it has been so heartwarming.

What do you hope to accomplish in your first year?

I think this first year is more about planting roots and nurturing growth. Currently, we’re focused on tabletop events, as well as hosting monthly support groups that feel like a talk-story session with friends who truly get it. Down the road, we’d love to build culturally informed workshops that center Hawaiʻian values like pono (well-being), hoʻomau (perseverance), and lokahi (unity), while also partnering with schools and professionals across the state.

Our larger vision is to make sure families (especially in rural and underserved communities) know that they don’t have to walk this path alone. We want them to know that ADHD doesn’t have to be a struggle and that it can actually be a strength when we uplift each other through understanding and aloha.

What has been the most surprising thing so far about starting a chapter?

I think I underestimated how much this would resonate with people. We’ve had all different types of people (parents, college kids, professionals, newly diagnosed adults) reach out saying, “I’ve never been to a support group because nothing like this has ever existed in Hawai‘i.” It’s humbling to see how meaningful it is just to have a culturally rooted judgment-free space where people can finally exhale. The support, interest, and eagerness to get involved with our chapter has been overwhelming in the best way, and we’re just so thrilled to be a part of such an amazing community.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Kat, Kevin, and I feel incredibly grateful and honored to carry this torch. We’re doing this for our keiki (children), our extended ‘ohana (family), our kaiaulu (community), for pilina (connection), and for future generations who deserve to grow up knowing that their brains are brilliant, just unique. We’re not just building a chapter. We’re building a movement grounded in aloha, community healing, and local leadership.

We want to send a big mahalo nui to CHADD for supporting this vision and giving us the tools to do this work with integrity and heart. Together, we are helping families across Hawai‘i feel seen, supported, and strong.

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The professional and personal attributes of the new appointees represent a range of skill sets and deep expertise in ADHD—including leading schools, coaching, authoring books, and providing bilingual psychotherapy and educational therapy. Collectively, their contributions to the ADHD community will further strengthen and support CHADD’s leadership as they guide the organization in the achievement of its strategic goals.

New Board Members:

• Rachel Feldman, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS. Rachel Feldman is a licensed clinical social worker and neurodiversity-affirming therapist with extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating neurodivergence. She currently provides psychotherapy and consultation through her private practice, specializing in neurodivergent mental health and parent support. She brings a passion for reshaping how we understand and support individuals with ADHD or AuDHD and their families.
• Cindy Goldrich, EdM, ADHD-CCSP. Cindy Goldrich is a mental health counselor, certified ADHD clinical services provider, author, and an internationally recognized expert in ADHD and executive function support. She is the founder of PTS Coaching, a leading provider of training and coaching services for parents, educators, and allied professionals. Through her programs, the ADHD Parent Coach Academy and the ADHD Teacher Training Academy, she has trained professionals worldwide to support children with ADHD and executive function challenges.
• Ashley Harding, MA. Ashley Harding, founder of North Star Academics, is a fourth-generation educator and Los Angeles native dedicated to advancing educational equity. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in child development from Tufts University, with additional study in education reform at NYU and a graduate fellowship in Belize through the University of Pennsylvania’s social impact program. With over a decade of experience, she supports students and families in private and independent schools, helping to bridge cultural and academic gaps. She also serves as president of the Black Education Advocacy Network (BEAN) board.
• Ronald J. Yother, EdD. “Josh” Yother passionately champions the cause of students and families grappling with learning and attention challenges. He is currently the president and head of school at Skyuka Hall in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a thriving K-12 independent school lauded for its dual accreditation and individualized commitment to students with diverse learning and attention needs. A proud alumnus of Tennessee Wesleyan University, Gonzaga University, and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Dr. Yother’s narrative weaves seamlessly into his professional mission. Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, he is unwavering in his resolve to enhance the lives of those facing similar hurdles.

CHADD looks forward to the energy, insight, and leadership these new members will bring to our board. Their diverse skills and dedication will strengthen our ability to serve children and adults with ADHD and expand our reach in meaningful ways.

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At CHADD, we know that living with ADHD presents unique challenges, often compounded by societal biases for members who are also part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Research shows a strong overlap between neurodivergence and the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, a 2021 University of Cambridge study found that autistic individuals are about eight times more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than their neurotypical peers. Similar trends are seen with ADHD, emphasizing the need for safe, inclusive spaces.

It is often in these safe spaces that people first feel secure enough to unmask, learning to live as their authentic selves with pride. Our chapters across the country, both in-person and virtual, create welcoming spaces for building community. CHADD’s peer support groups help individuals with ADHD and AuDHD to feel less alone, learn, grow, and share their experiences without fear of judgment. Our education programs and peer support meetings are designed to be welcoming environments where all members can share their experiences, feel seen, and learn to live their best lives without fear of judgment.

CHADD proudly supports the rights and dignity of our LGBTQIA+ members. Our mission to enhance the lives of people affected by ADHD is also inherently inclusive. By advocating for policies that uplift marginalized communities, we are working toward a future where everyone can thrive. You can read more about CHADD’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in a previous blog entry.

Together with our partners and members, we are committed to fostering a world where inclusivity and belonging lead our advocacy, creating a supportive environment where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued.

Happy PRIDE! Unmask, be proud, and celebrate who you are!

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We were encouraged by planned efforts to improve public health through better nutrition, sleep, and exercise. Such improvements are valuable and benefit all individuals, including those with ADHD. These factors contribute to overall wellbeing, can help support emotional and physical health, and may even aid in improving some symptoms of ADHD. However, while a healthy lifestyle is important, it does not treat or alleviate the core symptoms of ADHD.

ADHD is a complex, lifelong neurological condition that requires evidence-based treatment. Decades of scientific research confirm that for many children and adults with ADHD, stimulant medications are not just helpful, but medically necessary. These treatments are a cornerstone of an individualized, multimodal approach that may also include behavioral interventions, parent and patient training, and educational support.

We stand firmly behind the overwhelming scientific evidence proving the efficacy and often critical necessity of stimulant medications for many children and adults diagnosed with ADHD as part of an individualized, multimodal approach.

ADHD is a significant public health issue, affecting 22 million people of every age, gender, IQ, religion, socioeconomic background, and political affiliation across the United States. This complex, lifelong neurological disorder is among the most well-researched medical diagnoses in the world and is the most treatable mental health disorder in psychiatry.

Evidence-based research confirms that stimulant medications are the most effective treatment for managing the symptoms of ADHD—essential for many individuals to develop self-regulation, function successfully, and contribute to society. Studies show these medications significantly reduce ADHD symptoms in 70 to 80 percent of children and adults.

For children under the age of six, clinical guidelines recommend behavioral parent training as the first-line treatment, with medication considered only if behavioral interventions alone are insufficient. However, for older children, adolescents, and adults, stimulant medications remain the most effective treatment option and are a critical component of a multimodal approach.

Multiple studies make it abundantly clear that when ADHD is not properly diagnosed and treated, the consequences are severe, and include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, reckless behavior, increased injury and accidents, school and job failure, relationship and social issues, suicide, and a decreased life expectancy of as many as thirteen years. Left untreated, ADHD has more devastating consequences than poor diet, insufficient exercise, obesity, and smoking combined, contributing to higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, accidents, incarceration, and even premature death.

Research does not support the view that ADHD arises from excessive sugar intake, too much television viewing, poor child management by parents, or social and environmental factors. These elements do not cause ADHD, although they can exacerbate symptoms in some children.

The increasing ADHD diagnosis rate over the past twenty years reflects improved awareness, more accurate screening, and a growing willingness to seek help—factors that lead to better treatment and support for those who need it. This rise is a sign of progress, not a cause for concern.

It is paramount that children and adults diagnosed with ADHD have access to all aspects of treatment. Restricting access to stimulant medications would disproportionately harm the millions of children and adults who rely on these medications for daily functioning. The risks of untreated ADHD—including increased rates of school failure, job loss, addiction, and suicide—far outweigh the carefully managed use of these life-changing medications.

As leaders in the ADHD community, we stand united in our commitment to disseminate accurate, science-based information, and determinedly advocate for the wellbeing of children and adults with ADHD. We urge policymakers to protect access to ADHD medications and ensure that any public health initiative recognizes the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting stimulant treatments. Limiting access would be a devastating step backward for millions who depend on these medications to lead healthy, productive lives.

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