ADHD and Trauma: Heading to CHADD 2023!

In just a week's time, I'll be attending the highly anticipated International CHADD conference, an event that holds immense significance for individuals navigating the complexities of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For those unfamiliar, CHADD stands for Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It's an organization dedicated to providing support, resources, and education to individuals affected by ADHD, their families, and professionals working in the field. There are local chapters all over and it’s a great way to meet like minded people, build a support system, and educate yourself and others about the challenges we face as neurodivergent people. They have stuff for individuals as well as families, adults, parents, kids- they aim to span the spectrum. You can find out more here: https://chadd.org/

So before I start talking more about the conference let me just tell you how I got involved because it’s just so ADHD and frankly hilarious. I had never heard of this organization, nor this conference, but last year it was in Dallas. I don’t remember where exactly I saw an advertisement for it but I registered immediately and ended up attending the multiple day conference. I came home with a notebook and mind full of information and ideas and drastically more educated than I would be otherwise. Bonus: I got 23 CEU’s in a weekend! I also met some amazing people who have become a big part of my personal tribe and I’m still in touch with. What I did notice last year was that the trauma piece was lacking. I linked up with a few trauma therapists who also all noticed. We were troubled because ADHD and Trauma are practically inseparable. Also, ZERO people mentioned suicidal thoughts. We were missing something BIG.



Fast forward to this year… I asked last year when call for presentations would be and was told June. I found out, ironically through my fantastic ADHD coach, that they were in February. And I found out the DAY before proposals were due! So, in true neurodivergent fashion I decided to shoot my shot, messy as the process would be. I stayed up all night writing my proposal and researching, trying to really drive home why we need to address this. Of course, I didn’t think anything would come of it. I also wasn’t thinking about the fact that it was in Maryland and I live in Texas! I didn’t consider how I’d take time off, get there, pay for it, or anything else. I just wanted to get the message out. Not planning ahead- like we do! Oops. And they said yes! Not only did they say yes, they said “Here have not one, but TWO hours to speak to everyone!” When I got that email it was a combination of “HELL YES! And Oh.. Shit. Now what?” And- here we are. I’ve been prepping for weeks, editing, prioritizing, and internally screaming. And I couldn’t be more excited!

This conference isn't your typical gathering of clinicians and specialists exclusively; it's specifically designed for everyday people grappling with ADHD. It offers a unique opportunity to learn from peers and some of the most prominent minds in the field, creating a platform for sharing experiences, insights, and evidence-based knowledge. Preparations for this international event have been underway for weeks. I'll be contributing to the dialogue through a speech titled "Down the Rabbit Hole: Understanding the Intersection of Trauma and ADHD." This topic is pivotal as it addresses a crucial aspect often overlooked in the ADHD conversation: the profound impact of trauma on individuals with ADHD.

The relationship between trauma and ADHD is a critical area that demands attention. Many individuals with ADHD experience trauma at higher rates than the general population and understanding how this impacts treatment is essential to provide comprehensive support and guidance. ADHD isn't just about attention issues; it encompasses a spectrum of challenges, including emotional dysregulation, executive function difficulties, and heightened sensitivity to stressors. When coupled with trauma, these challenges can make each other so much worse, leading to complex and intricate problems that require creative and educated solutions.

One of the primary reasons why educating on trauma and ADHD is vital is because it's not solely confined to the realm of clinicians. It's for every individual impacted by these conditions—be it the person living with ADHD, their families, educators, or even employers. The insights gained from understanding this intersection can foster empathy, effective strategies, and a supportive environment that can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected. There isn’t a space of life that this doesn’t touch: It deeply impacts romantic relationships with things like shame, guilt, parent/child role, and resentment and misunderstandings. It impacts all relationships with conflict avoidance, masking, misunderstandings, being rejected, and creating attachment wounds. It impacts our ability to remain consistent in work, relationships, and life for ourselves overall. We are deeply misunderstood and get reputations for being lazy, uncaring or selfish, unreliable, and not worth investing in, which is incorrect and inherently damaging. We become people pleasers and class clowns in response and the world is robbed of the contributions we could be making. It must change.

My hope is that this conference serves as a catalyst—a jumping-off point—for generating more substantial content, discussions, and initiatives aimed at educating and supporting individuals navigating the maze of ADHD and trauma. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and innovative approaches, we aim to stem the tide of pain and confusion that often accompanies these conditions. We are also moving to start the hard conversations that nobody knows how to have.

To learn more about the International CHADD conference and its diverse array of sessions, speakers, and resources, you can visit their website here. Stay tuned for updates and insights as we delve into the heart of understanding ADHD and trauma, striving to create a more informed and compassionate community.

This conference isn't just an event—it's a gathering of minds, a convergence of experiences, and a platform for learning and advocating for a better understanding of ADHD and its multifaceted connections to trauma. Together, let's embark on this journey of discovery and empowerment and make real change!

Remember, the conversation doesn't end at the conference; it's a springboard for ongoing learning and collaborative efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of those impacted by ADHD and trauma.

See you at CHADD! And if you can’t come to this year’s conference, I encourage you to find your local chapter and get involved. We don’t have to do this alone and we can make things so much better for eachother with just a little work, neurodivergent or not!