It's ADHD Awareness Month!
Last year our founder, Lucy Macnamara, opened up about her ADHD diagnosis and the incredible strengths that accompany it, from passion and drive to enhanced creativity. That's why, this ADHD Awareness Month, we're thrilled to raise awareness of neurodiversity, and the boundless potential of ADHD minds.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a pattern of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental and neurological factors, and treatment typically consists of a tailored plan of cognitive therapy, exercise and medication.
Whilst living with ADHD can present challenges, there are many unique strengths associated with the condition that individuals can harness in various aspects of their life. For instance, many people with ADHD possess a creative and innovative spirit that allows them to think outside the box, as well as an abundance of energy which can present itself as a major asset in physical activities or professions requiring high levels of energy and enthusiasm.
Famous Faces with ADHD
Here are just a handful of brilliant minds with ADHD diagnoses!
Albert Einstein
John Lennon
Bill Gates
Walt Disney
Emma Watson
Lucy's Story
Having been herself diagnosed with the condition just last year, creating a greater awareness about ADHD means a great deal to our founder, Lucy Macnamara.
Commenting on her own experiences with ADHD, Lucy reveals that she had trouble concentrating as a child – “I read the questions too quickly, panicked when I realised I couldn’t answer them, and then sat and fidgeted, or looked out the window for the rest of the exam” – and that in later life this has manifested itself in challenges including “trying to focus on an important zoom call”.
Lucy advocates the need to share information and encourage discussion about ADHD, maintaining that, had she been diagnosed with the condition earlier, this would have made a huge difference to navigating those tricky earlier years.
Lucy is particularly passionate about educating people, especially kids who have just been diagnoised with it, and employers, on the benefits of the condition, both in and out of the workplace. When it comes to her personally, she says "I have the creativity, drive and energy to come up with ideas and push them forward and can make quick decisions".
Our founder, Lucy, in Polzeath, Cornwall
Aspiga Supports ADHD UK
Here at Aspiga, we’re about more than just sustainable fashion, aspiring to create a community where everyone feels supported and empowered, and we believe that by shedding light on neurodiverse conditions, like ADHD, we can contribute to a more understanding and compassionate world.
That’s why we have pledged to give 10% of profits from Lucy’s favourite styles to ADHD UK this October to support all of the amazing work that they do.
ADHD UK was founded in 2020 with a mission to help those affected by ADHD, be it those who have the condition themselves, or people close to them. ADHD UK is a charity funded solely from personal donations, of both time and money. It aims to help people navigate their condition, reduce the stigma that some attach to those with ADHD, build awareness, and undertake or fund research that will have a meaningful impact on those with ADHD.
