A local family (Doylestown, PA) is participating in a nationwide campaign this Halloween to help dispel myths and raise awareness about ADHD, a disease that affects more than 10 million Americans, including millions of children.
Many Americans think that ADHD is caused, or made worse, by the consumption of refined sugar and candy. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, “the idea that refined sugar causes ADHD or makes symptoms worse is popular, but more research discounts this theory than supports it.”
According to ADHD Aware Founder Natalie Knochenhauer, Halloween provides a great opportunity to dispel this myth and educate people that ADHD is a serious disease of the brain. The organization is doing that by asking parents to distribute small, Halloween-themed cards (right) along with candy on October 31
“ADHD is not caused by bad parenting or unruly kids” said Knochenhauer. “It’s a real disease that affects more than 10 million Americans. However, because people often belittle or joke about ADHD, many families are reluctant to seek a diagnosis or support for their children.”
According to Knochenhauer, distributing cards on Halloween is one small way, ADHD Aware, can reach people. Knochenhauer, a mother of four, has ADHD as do all of her children.
visit adhdaware.org for more information and to get involved.
visit adhdaware.org for more information and to get involved.