October is the National ADHD (Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) awareness month. 2022 marks the 19th year that the ADHD Society of the Philippines (ADHDSP), the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), its partner agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations raise awareness about this highly misunderstood but very common neuro-developmental disorder.
Worldwide, 3-5% of people are estimated to have ADHD. In the Philippines alone, 80% of adolescents and 60% of adults have admitted to experiencing symptoms of ADHD. This is particularly alarming because 40 to 50% of children with ADHD have learning disabilities, with 30-50% of children with ADHD having engaged in disorderly conduct and exhibiting signs of antisocial behavior. 35% of children with ADHD do not finish high school.
Meanwhile, adults with ADHD have reported feeling frustration and isolation in their personal and professional lives. ADHD can hinder someone’s employment opportunities and career growth, leading to lower self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. ADHD among adults can also affect a person’s relationships and marriage. The negative stigma, lack of public understanding about ADHD, and the absence of a strong support network can lead to other mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and addiction.
With the Department of Education’s 2023 zero budget for learners with disabilities, it is doubly important to sound the alarm about the need for awareness, policy, and institutional and social support for people with ADHD.
This October 22-23, coinciding with ADHD awareness week, ADHDSP will be holding METAMORPHOSIS: Succeeding with Adult ADHD. This hybrid event is the first-ever national conference on adult ADHD in the Philippines.
METAMORPHOSIS aims to tackle pressing ADHD-related issues like diagnosis and profiling, medication and nutrition, addiction, addressing ADHD in the family, inclusive education, and coping mechanisms to help people with ADHD better manage their condition. The conference aims to shine a better light on the experiences and challenges of people with ADHD, raise awareness on how families, workplaces, and educational institutions can better support people with ADHD, and give people with this condition a helping hand in maximizing their potential.
METAMORPHOSIS brings together some of the country’s leading experts in adult ADHD, mental health, and development studies as keynote speakers and resource persons for the event.
Among these speakers are the Father of Child Psychology in the country Dr. Cornelio Banaag, renowned international life coach and owner of Journey ADHD Coaching Heidi Fishbein, and mental health professionals from The Medical City, The Hospital at Maayo Well Cebu, The Ateneo de Manila University, The University of the Philippines, and the De La Salle University.
METAMORPHOSIS: Succeeding with Adult ADHD is possible through the ADHDSP in partnership with the NCDA, National University, and its creative partner Vitalstrats Creative Solutions.
This event is open to parents with children with ADHD, students, educators, guidance counselors, medical and mental health professionals, school administrators, therapists, government offices, non-government organizations, and corporate organizations.
METAMORPHOSIS: Succeeding with Adult ADHD is happening on October 22-23, 2022 at the SM Mall of Asia. Secure your seats and register for the event at http://bit.ly.com/ adhdnatconreg.
