Living with ADHD? Three ways to find support and feel less alone Xmware

2026-10-16T11:01:00

(BPT) - Sponsored by Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.

ADHD Awareness Month is an opportunity to help individuals and families find trusted resources, build support networks and have more productive conversations throughout their ADHD journey.

Whether it's a child struggling to stay organized at school, a parent trying to understand changing behaviors or an adult feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities, ADHD can affect nearly every aspect of daily life.^1-3 An estimated 7 million children and 15.5 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD, yet many still feel unsure where to turn for reliable information, support and guidance.^4,5

Although navigating ADHD can feel isolating at times, no one has to do it alone.

While every person's experience is different, there are practical steps that can be taken to feel more informed, better understood and more prepared. Here are three places to start:

1. Start With Trusted Resources

A father helps his daughter with her homework.

Getting started is often the hardest part. Reliable educational resources can help people better understand ADHD, learn what questions to ask and discover support available in their communities. StartTalkingADHD.com, a resource from Collegium Pharmaceutical, offers information and tools designed to help individuals and families begin conversations and identify a support network that reflects their everyday needs.

ADHD advocacy organizations, such as Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), point to the value of trusted information and peer support in helping people feel understood and better equipped to navigate the condition.⁶

"We hear from families that the challenges of ADHD are not limited to one setting or part of the day. They are looking for practical and trusted information and guidance from people who understand ADHD firsthand," said Ingrid McPhilliamy, General Manager, ADHD, Collegium Pharmaceutical. "By making those resources easier to find and share, we can help individuals and families feel more confident in taking the next step that is right for them."

2. Build a Support Network

The impacts and signs of ADHD can often vary from one moment or setting to the next.⁷

"Because ADHD isn't experienced in just one place or at one time of day, support should not come from just one source," said Krista Mason, Director of Development, CHADD. "A network of people who understand an individual's routines and experiences can help them feel supported in the moments that matter most."

This network may include family members, friends, educators, coaches, workplace contacts, community organizations or others who understand your most important routines. The right mix will look different for everyone, but bringing these perspectives together can create a fuller picture of where additional support may be useful.

3. Prepare for More Meaningful Conversations with a Healthcare Provider

A father and son sit and listen to a doctor in her office.

Keeping track of everyday experiences can make conversations with healthcare providers more productive.

"It can be helpful to come prepared with a list of things that have felt challenging since you last spoke with your healthcare provider," said Naomi Myrick, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC. "Talking through those observations — many of which happen outside of the clinic — can allow for more informed conversations."

Following your visits, use these notes as ongoing reminders to compare growth and challenge areas.

Support needs may evolve as routines, environments and life stages change. Continuing to chat with others in your network about what they are noticing can help keep conversations with your healthcare provider focused on your real-life experience and needs.

ADHD support can begin with a single step. Whether you're seeking answers for yourself or your loved one, finding reliable information, building a trusted support network and preparing for conversations with a healthcare provider can make a meaningful difference.

Visit StartTalkingADHD.com to learn more.

CHADD receives funding from Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. Naomi Myrick works with Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc. as a paid consultant. The views expressed are those of the author(s).

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References

Sallee FR. Early Morning Functioning in Stimulant-Treated Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and its Impact on Caregivers. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2015 Sep;25(7):558-65.
Giannakopoulos, George. "Adolescents with ADHD in the school environment: A comprehensive review of academic, social, and emotional challenges and interventions." Journal of Clinical Images and Medical Case Reports (2025): n. pag.
French B, Nalbant G, Wright H, Sayal K, Daley D, Groom MJ, Cassidy S, Hall CL. The impacts associated with having ADHD: an umbrella review. Front Psychiatry. 2024 May 21;15:1343314.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data on ADHD in Children. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html. Estimate based on 2024 National Survey of Children's Health data. Accessed September 2026.
Staley BS, Robinson LR, Claussen AH, et al. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Treatment, and Telehealth Use in Adults — National Center for Health Statistics Rapid Surveys System, United States, October–November 2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2024;73(40):890-895.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Uniting in Understanding: The Role of Peer Support. Available at: https://chadd.org/adhd-news/adhd-news-adults/attention-uniting-in-understanding-the-role-of-peer-support/. Accessed September 2026.
Pedersen SL, Kennedy TM, Joseph HM, Riston SJ, Kipp HL, Molina BSG. Real-World Changes in Adolescents' ADHD Symptoms within the Day and across School and Non-school Days. J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2020 Dec;48(12):1543-1553.