Insights from the 2024 Annual International Conference on ADHD: A Personal Perspective

In November, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 Annual International Conference on ADHD in Anaheim, CA. Hosted by CHADD, ACO, and ADDA, this event brought together an amazing community of ADHD professionals, advocates, and individuals looking to deepen their understanding of ADHD. As an ADHD coach in training, I couldn’t have been more excited to immerse myself in learning, connect with other ADHDers, and soak in everything this unique conference had to offer.

Let me tell you—this conference was absolutely AMAZING, and it’s safe to say that it will become an annual tradition for me!

A Conference for Everyone

Although many attendees were ADHD professionals, the conference truly catered to everyone—from parents and teachers to adults living with ADHD. The sessions were as diverse as the people attending, covering topics like parenting children with ADHD, managing finances, tackling overcommitment, and specialized sessions just for coaches. The organizers did a fantastic job creating a space where anyone, regardless of their relationship with ADHD, could walk away with valuable insights.

The keynote speakers were nothing short of iconic. I’ll admit I was a little starstruck seeing Penn Holderness casually walking through the hotel lobby! It was refreshing to hear all of the keynote speakers address not only the strengths of ADHD but also its real, messy, and sometimes challenging side. They emphasized the importance of embracing the full spectrum of the ADHD experience, which I deeply appreciated.

Standout Sessions and Insights

If I could’ve attended every session, I absolutely would have (thank goodness for the recordings!). With so many incredible topics and speakers, it was hard to choose, but a few sessions stood out:

1. "The Overwhelmed Child: Parenting Children with Big Emotions" with Leslie Josel: As someone who was the overwhelmed child growing up, this session resonated deeply with me. Leslie talked about connecting with a child’s right brain (the emotional side) during moments of big emotions and waiting to engage the left brain (the logical side) until the child is ready. That insight gave me a new perspective on my childhood and will undoubtedly help me as a coach.

2. "Social Anxiety and ADHD" with Thomas Brown: Hearing Thomas Brown, a cornerstone in the ADHD community, speak was surreal. His session explored the relationship between ADHD and social anxiety, as well as strategies for treatment. Understanding the overlap between the two gave me clarity about my own experiences and provided resources I can share with others.

3. "ADHD & Thinking: The Great Escape" with Jeff Copper: Jeff Copper’s session was a game-changer. He explained the five types of thinking—automatic, shallow, learning, contemplative, and problem-solving—and how ADHD brains often struggle with ambiguity. His key takeaway? Ambiguity increases avoidance, while clarity boosts motivation.

When tasks feel vague or involve too many decisions, it can lead to “stuckness.” Jeff emphasized the importance of creating plans and embracing accommodations without emotional

resistance. Working with our brains, rather than against them, allows us to thrive—even if it looks different from how others do things. This was a powerful reminder to lean into what works for us.

A Place to Unmask and Belong

What made this conference truly magical wasn’t just the knowledge—it was the community. For the first time, I was surrounded by a majority of people with ADHD, all united by a shared goal: gaining a deeper understanding of ADHD. Whether attending for themselves, their clients, or loved ones, the passion and dedication everyone brought to learning was unlike anything I’ve experienced.

It was a space where I could fully unmask, let my guard down, and just be me. Striking up conversations felt natural (a rarity for my introverted self), and the support from everyone was incredible.

The energy of being surrounded by people who “get it” was empowering. Seeing others’ successes and struggles reminded me that we’re not alone—and that our ADHD community is truly extraordinary.

Gratitude for the ADHD Community

Attending this conference has filled me with immense gratitude for the ADHD community, everyone I’ve met, and the organizations that made it all possible. The experience was transformative—not only for my personal growth but also for my journey as an ADHD coach.

If you ever have the opportunity to attend the Annual International Conference on ADHD, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s an experience like no other, and I hope you’ll feel the same sense of connection, empowerment, and inspiration that I did.

See you next year, Kansas City! 🌟