It affects people of all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds — and no two experiences are exactly alike. In fact, ADHD affects approximately 7%-9% of children, 3%-5% of adults, or 1.8 million Canadians.
For some, ADHD shows up in childhood; for others, it’s recognized much later in life. It can influence school, work, relationships, and self-esteem in unique ways, but it can also bring creativity, resilience, and innovation.
This year’s ADHD Awareness Month theme, “The Many Faces of ADHD,” reminds us that ADHD is not one-size-fits-all. By sharing diverse stories and perspectives, we can break down stereotypes, reduce stigma, and highlight the strength found in every face of ADHD.
A large review of 175 studies from around the world found that about 7.2% of children under 18 have ADHD (Thomas et al., 2015). In 2013, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated there were about 1.8 billion people aged 5–19 worldwide. If 7.2% of them have ADHD, that equals roughly 129 million children.
For adults, a study of over 11,000 people across 10 countries in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East found that about 3.4% of adults have ADHD (Fayyad et al., 2007).
Click the photos below to read their stories in full.
"Getting diagnosed felt like coming home. It’s been a steady process of unlearning all the ways I thought I was broken. Almost everything I’d labeled as laziness, selfishness, or failure turned out to be symptoms of something bigger. I finally had language for all my feelings. Most importantly, I wasn't alone anymore. I finally had a sense of community in speaking to others who feel how I feel, and think the way that I think. It has brought so much compassion, for myself and others like me. Even after getting diagnosed, it's been incredibly hard to let go of the shame I internalized and the anger I feel. Anger that something was wrong and nobody believed me or helped me. It's still hard, especially because some people continue to carry and perpetuate that same mindset."
"I was diagnosed in 2024 at 48, but I suspected since 2001 when I started teaching and began reading about ADHD and working with students with ADHD. I learned to internalize my hyperactivity and mask my inattentiveness. Until my diagnosis, I didn’t know who I was. I’ve spent this past year, after completing rehab for substance use disorder, taking a leave of absence from work, separating from my common-law partner of nineteen years, and attending weekly psychotherapy appointments to begin learning the true individual that I am. Psychotherapy with a therapist who also has ADHD and identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has been most helpful. He’s helped me embrace the positive aspects of ADHD. Also, being part of an online peer group for adults with ADHD helped me feel a sense of belonging in this world."
"I was always very energetic and wondered if I had the hyperactive version of ADHD, but I was diagnosed when my son was in grade 4 and I was 44. I was grateful to attend an ADHD 101 conference put on at BC Children's Hospital in conjunction with Kelty Mental Health. I have since spent significant effort learning about and advocating for my son and his two neurodivergent siblings. Apparently, I shared my gifts. I have recently written and performed a one-person storytelling play at the Vancouver Fringe Festival featuring my life experience as a parent with ADHD parenting neurodivergent children."
Show the world that ADHD impacts people of all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds — and that no two stories are the same.
We’ve created a free Canva template you can personalize with your photo and share with your friends to showcase how you're one of “The Many Faces of ADHD.”
Download the template, add your photo, share your story in a caption, and post it on your social media to help break down stigma and celebrate Canada's diverse ADHD community.
CADDAC's ADHD Awareness Month posters are a simple way to spark conversation and spread understanding. Print and hang them in schools, libraries, workplaces, and community spaces to help more people see the many faces of ADHD!
To close out ADHD Awareness Month, we’re celebrating “The Many Faces of ADHD” — a reminder that ADHD affects people of all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds, and no two journeys are alike.
Our 17th Annual ADHD Conference will bring these diverse experiences together under one roof. On November 1–2 at UBC Vancouver, join us to learn from experts, connect with others who understand, and explore the many ways ADHD shapes lives — and how we can support one another through it.
Let’s honour the many faces of ADHD by building a more understanding, inclusive community.
