ADHD and AAC: Celebrating Neurodiversity and Communication

October is ADHD and AAC Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and celebrating neurodiversity and communication. Both ADHD Awareness Month and AAC Awareness Month take place every October, creating an opportunity to recognize the different ways people think, learn, communicate, and express themselves. This month reminds us that every person deserves to be understood, respected, and supported, regardless of how their brain works or how they communicate. By increasing awareness of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), we can help create a more inclusive world where every mind has a voice and every voice matters.

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulse control, activity level, organization, and executive functioning. People with ADHD may experience these traits in different ways and to varying degrees.

Signs and Characteristics of ADHD

• Difficulty sustaining attention

• Easily distracted

• Forgetfulness

• Difficulty organizing or managing time

• Trouble starting or completing tasks

• Impulsivity

• Restlessness or feeling the need to stay active

• Difficulty managing emotions

• Frequently losing or misplacing items

• Difficulty following through on instructions

ADHD can look different from person to person, and not everyone experiences the same characteristics.

What is AAC?

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) refers to tools and methods that help people communicate without speaking physically. AAC can include gestures, facial expressions, communication boards, picture symbols, sign language, and speech-generating devices or apps. 

Signs That Someone May Benefit From AAC

AAC isn’t a condition with “signs.” Instead, AAC may be helpful when a person has difficulty communicating through speech alone, such as:

• Speech is difficult to understand

• Limited or no functional speech

• Difficulty expressing wants, needs, thoughts, or feelings verbally

• Speech becomes unreliable when tired, stressed, or overwhelmed

• Difficulty communicating consistently in different environments

• A person uses gestures, pictures, writing, or other communication methods

• A person needs additional support to participate in conversations

• A person understands more than they can express through speech

• A person wants another way to communicate independently

Difference between ADHD and AAC 

ADHD and AAC are distinct, but both may be relevant to neurodiversity and communication. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental difference that can affect attention, organization, impulse control, and executive functioning in different ways. AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) is not a diagnosis or disability; it includes tools, strategies, and communication methods people may use when speech alone does not meet their needs or preferences. Some people with ADHD use AAC, but AAC also supports people with many other communication styles, disabilities, and needs.

Spreading Awareness about ADHD and AAC

We promote ADHD and AAC awareness by sharing accurate information, listening to lived experiences, challenging misconceptions, and using schools, workplaces, social media, and community organizations to foster inclusion. Most importantly, we should respect diverse ways of thinking and communicating and ensure everyone has the support and opportunity to be heard.

My Special Message to the ADHD and AAC community 

I proudly support ADHD and AAC awareness because everyone deserves to be included, respected, understood, and heard. As a full-time AAC user, I rely on AAC to communicate independently and express my thoughts, feelings, needs, ideas, and personality. Communication access is a fundamental human right, and everyone deserves the tools and support to communicate meaningfully. Although I do not have ADHD, I value different ways of thinking, learning, focusing, and experiencing the world. During ADHD and AAC Awareness Month, I encourage everyone to move beyond awareness by listening to people with ADHD and AAC users, providing accessible communication tools, respecting individual communication styles, challenging stereotypes, and creating inclusive spaces where every voice can be heard and valued.

Thank you for reading this blog post. Stay tuned!

With love,

Marisa Conners

Remote Blog Intern  @ CorMission