This text is part of the special Philanthropy section
On the theme “ADHD is serious, but it can be tamed!” », the Philippe Laprise Foundation conducted its very first fundraising campaign as part of ADHD Awareness Month in October. The organization aims in particular to break down the prejudices surrounding attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity and to equip people who receive such a diagnosis as well as their loved ones.
The campaign illustrates ADHD through the theme of birds. “The first thing to do to tame one is to get to know it. It’s the same thing with ADHD,” summarizes Annick Héon, general director of the Philippe Laprise Foundation.
More than 75,000 children and 200,000 adults in Quebec live with ADHD. However, this condition is still poorly known to the public, believes Mme Hey. “It’s very trivialized and we often talk about overdiagnosis. We will hear some people say: “They all have ADHD.” But no, that’s not the case,” she observes.
The Philippe Laprise Foundation’s campaign aims to deconstruct these preconceived ideas about ADHD and to shed light on the challenges and realities of people who live with this condition.
Challenges…and strengths
If the term “ADHD” is well known, its realities are less so, believes Mme Hey. “People will have in their minds the image of a rambunctious little boy. But, in fact, it’s much broader than that,” she emphasizes.
According to the Association of Psychiatrists of Quebec, ADHD consists of difficulty modulating attention and controlling movements. This results in careless errors, difficulty completing a task, forgetfulness and loss of objects. “It’s not that the person is unable to concentrate. Instead, she will have difficulty stopping the thoughts that come when the moment is not appropriate,” she explains. She cites the example of a student who thinks about what he will eat in the evening instead of focusing on finishing his math exam.
ADHD can also cause motor and emotional hyperactivity. “For example, I am rarely happy, sad or angry. I am always very happy, very sad or very angry”, illustrates Mme Héon, who has ADHD herself.
Eating disorders, depression, drug or alcohol consumption problems, suicidal thoughts… “When it is not diagnosed and taken care of, there can really be serious consequences,” explains the general director. But we should not believe that ADHD is inevitable either. When managed well, it can even become an ally. »
Some studies also attempt to establish a link between ADHD and greater creativity. But this hypothesis does not yet gain consensus among scientists who are looking into the question. According to Mme Hey, people living with ADHD can benefit from their condition by pursuing their passions. “When people with ADHD do what they love, they can become machines,” she says. They can be very effective in accomplishing something that motivates them. Otherwise, it can be very difficult for them to take action. »
Taming the beast…or the bird
Like a bird to be tamed, the Philippe Laprise Foundation wishes to raise public awareness of ADHD through several training courses on its website. These are not only intended for people living with this condition, but also for their loved ones. “We must realize that certain obstacles are not the result of whim or bad faith. And understanding this allows us to demonstrate more tolerance,” says M.me Hey. The organization also offers different strategies to deal with certain challenges.
She cites as an example a student who would not do his homework. “Does having ADHD excuse not doing homework?
Absolutely not, says Mme Hey. But knowing that this is a real challenge will help a teacher support the young person to find things that will work. »
The very first fundraiser from the Philippe Laprise Foundation did not have a specific financial objective. “As it was the first campaign, we had no comparisons. But the more money we raise, the more we will be able to develop new tools that will meet the different needs of the population and stakeholders,” indicates the general director of the organization.
That said, beyond accumulating funds to carry out its initiatives, the Philippe Laprise Foundation wishes above all to raise public awareness of the realities of ADHD. “Once it is well taken care of, it can also become a strength and we can live with it very well. »
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Dutyrelating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.
