How this organization is fighting the stigma and supporting girls with ADHD

Mental illness has been getting more much-needed awareness lately. And while it’s important that we begin to dive deeper into how different people are affected by mental illness, it’s vital that we dive into the ways that sexism plays a role in how we treat those who experience certain struggles.

One organization, in particular, is working on just that. As Teen Vogue writes, their mission is to end the stigma that girls with ADHD face as they search for diagnosis and treatment.

The organization is called The Kaleidoscope Society, a community “for and by women with ADHD” — and it is working to ensure that girls with ADHD are given everything that they need to thrive.

As Broadly wrote in an interview with founder Margaux Joffe earlier this year, girls are less likely to be believed as having ADHD, even when the same symptoms manifest.

And with upwards of 6 million girls and women living with ADHD, it’s dangerous that so many are misdiagnosed — and according to the statistics by The Kaleidoscope Society, that could be upwards of 4 million girls and women affected. That’s why the org connects women with diagnostic help, podcasts, work and school tips, and stories and advice from successful ADHD women.

Though the symptoms are “more subtle” in girls than in boys, it’s important that we’re educated on the ways that learning differences manifest differently across demographics. After all, everyone deserves to feel heard and understood — and gender shouldn’t be a barrier to keep girls from getting the help that they need.