October Spotlight: Occupational Therapy Month & ADHD Awareness Month

October holds special significance in Canada. It is Occupational Therapy Month—a time to highlight the essential role occupational therapists (OTs) play in supporting people to live with purpose and independence. It is also ADHD Awareness Month, an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, reduce stigma, and share strategies that help individuals thrive.

While these two observances may seem separate, they intersect in meaningful ways.

Occupational therapy has much to offer people living with ADHD, and raising awareness helps more people access the support they deserve.

What Occupational Therapy Is All About

Occupational therapy is often misunderstood as being limited to workplace concerns, but “occupation” in this context means any activity that occupies your time and brings meaning to your life—from work and school to self-care, leisure, and relationships.

OTs collaborate with clients to:

• Build routines and habits that support daily functioning

• Adapt environments to reduce barriers

• Foster skills for managing stress, energy, and executive function

• Support mental health and overall well-being

At its core, OT is about aligning what matters to you with how you live each day.

ADHD Awareness: Reducing Stigma, Increasing Support

ADHD is more than being “distracted” or “hyper.” It is a neurodevelopmental difference that impacts executive functions—the brain-based skills that help us plan, focus, regulate emotions, and follow through on tasks.

October is a chance to:

• Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about ADHD

• Recognize the diverse ways ADHD presents across the lifespan

• Encourage compassion for the very real challenges of living with ADHD

• Share evidence-based supports that make a difference

Awareness is the first step toward advocacy and access to meaningful care.

Where OT and ADHD Meet

Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to support people with ADHD by making the abstract concrete and breaking down overwhelming challenges into manageable steps. Some of the ways OTs help include:

• Creating flexible systems for organizing time, tasks, and environments

• Supporting emotional regulation and stress management

• Building routines that promote consistency without rigidity

• Encouraging self-compassion to balance the inner critic that often accompanies ADHD

• Working alongside families, schools, and workplaces to reduce barriers and increase participation

This holistic, client-centred approach helps individuals not only manage their symptoms but also connect more deeply to their strengths and values.

Looking Ahead

As we recognize both Occupational Therapy Month and ADHD Awareness Month, let’s celebrate the importance of creating inclusive communities where people can thrive in all aspects of life.

If you or someone you care about is living with ADHD—or struggling with routines, energy, or emotional balance—consider reaching out to an occupational therapist. Together, we can build pathways that honour strengths, reduce barriers, and expand possibilities.