October Means More than Pumpkins: ADHD and Dyslexia Awareness

October used to just mean pumpkin spice, fall colors, and trick-or-treating. But in recent years, it’s become one of the most meaningful months of the year for my family.

At first, I thought of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which took on deeper meaning as I watched friends fight through that diagnosis. Then I learned it’s also ADHD Awareness Month and Dyslexia Awareness Month.

This year feels especially significant, because it’s the first October since both of these diagnoses – ADHD and Dyslexia – officially became part of my daughter’s story.

Parenting a Child with ADHD and Dyslexia

I talk regularly with my daughter about her diagnoses because:

They are part of who she is.
I never want her to feel ashamed or “less than” because of them.

The truth is, she faces challenges that most of her classmates don’t. Reading requires her to learn in two different ways – one taught in class, and another that works for her. Focusing in school is already uphill, and yet she pushes through with incredible determination.

She is wildly intelligent, beautifully creative, full of personality, and surrounded by friends who love her. ADHD and Dyslexia don’t take that away – they just shape how she moves through the world.

Learning About ADHD and Dyslexia as a Parent

I’ll admit it: I didn’t know much about either condition. I was probably in the camp that thought ADHD was “just a kid being hyper.” Dyslexia? I wasn’t even sure I’d ever known someone who had it.

But as a parent, I’ve realized the best way to help my daughter is to be open and honest. We don’t whisper about her challenges. We talk about them, normalize them, and look for the strengths in them.

And what’s surprised me is how many people I’ve met along the way who live with ADHD or Dyslexia – some I never would have guessed.

The Side of ADHD Nobody Warned Me About

ADHD shows up differently in every child. For some, it’s constant energy. For others, it’s lack of impulse control. It can also look like anger – meltdowns, shouting, throwing things, and explosive outbursts that seem to come out of nowhere.

It’s also the little things: the impulsive urge to dye a doll’s hair with makeup, or paint on the wall “just because.” These aren’t acts of defiance – they’re often acts of compulsion.

Imagine holding it together all day at school, sitting still for hours when your brain is begging to move, then coming home exhausted and expected to do homework and after school activities. It’s no wonder many kids unravel.

Trusting Your Gut as a Parent

If your child feels “different” in ways that seem bigger than what other parents describe, trust your intuition. Maybe your three-year-old’s tantrums feel like more than the usual “threenager” stage. Maybe their meltdowns are so intense they can’t even remember them afterward. Somewhere inside, you know they are different.

Listen to that inner voice. Talk to your pediatrician. Explore therapy options. Reach out for evaluations. Getting answers may feel overwhelming, but it can also open the door to understanding and support.

Finding Support That Works

I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of medication. But I eventually realized that the right treatment was key to my daughter’s success.

Medication helps her focus in school so she can learn and build confidence. It gives her the chance to control impulses and enjoy her friendships. It helps make home life less chaotic and provides the opportunity to do fun family activities. It doesn’t change who she is – it simply helps her shine.

That said, medication is not a magic cure. It manages symptoms, but neurodivergent kids are still kids. There will still be anger, impulsivity, and challenges. Finding the right combination can take time, and what works today may need to be adjusted tomorrow. Having a strong relationship with your child’s psychiatrist is critical for long-term success.

Moving Forward With Hope

October is full of awareness days, but for me it’s more than ribbons or hashtags. It’s a reminder that our children deserve to be understood, supported, and celebrated – not whispered about or shamed.

If your child has ADHD, Dyslexia, or any learning difference, please remember: these challenges don’t define them. They’re simply one part of the story – a story that can still be bright, creative, joyful, and full of possibility.

Please take a look at a previous post, Mourning the Parenting You Expected and Embracing the One You Have, if you are currently struggling in your parenting journey.

And if this story resonates with you, I’d love for you to subscribe and join me as I continue sharing our family’s journey.