AADPA is excited to release the newly developed ‘Talking about ADHD’ guide. The guide was developed in conjunction with Neurodevelopment Australia, and has been endorsed by the ADHD Foundation, ADHD Australia, and Parents for ADHD Australia.
The aim of the guide is to encourage people to think about and stop using words/rhetoric (including words that elicit negative narratives and stereotypes) that tend to feed into the stigma surrounding ADHD and cause psychological harm to those living with the disorder, and instead, use language that fosters understanding and awareness of ADHD and aligns with the recovery paradigm i.e. hope for the future, acceptance of disability, personal empowerment, etc.(as outlined in the National Health and Medical Council Recovery-focused language guide).
Click the button below to download the “Talking About ADHD” poster including words to avoid and those to use instead.
Talking About ADHD
Knowing what to say and using the correct language when talking about ADHD can be difficult. This guide is designed to help. We recommend using these tips when talking about ADHD, whether in public or in private.
Download The "Talking About ADHD" Language Guide
Effective advocacy fosters empathy and understanding. It also promotes acceptance and inclusion. People with lived experience, clinicians and researchers have all contributed to this guide. It will continue to evolve and be updated as needed. We welcome suggestions and feedback.
Download the poster below including more tips for words to avoid and those to use instead.
The Talking About ADHD language guide was developed by Lou Brown, AADPA Appointed Director and Philippa Quinn Director, ND Australia and is endorsed by:
- Australian ADHD Professions Association
- ND Australia
- World Federation of ADHD
- The Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance
- The Israeli Society of ADHD
- The ADHD Foundation
- ADHD Australia
- Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney
- University of Melbourne
