October is Attention–Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month, a time to reflect, learn, and celebrate the many ways students with ADHD and learning differences thrive in school and life. This year’s theme, “The Many Faces of ADHD,” reminds us that no two individuals experience ADHD in the same way. Each student’s journey is unique, and their strengths and challenges deserve recognition, understanding, and support.
“As a department chair, I have the privilege of supporting students and staff throughout our building. Celebrating “The Many Faces of ADHD” this month means creating space for both understanding and action beyond just awareness,” shared Nicholas Carley, special education department chair at Osbourn Park High School.
ADHD often intersects with specific learning disabilities (SLD), which are diverse in nature and can look vastly different from one student to another. Some may struggle with reading, while others find math, writing, or processing spoken language more difficult. These differences are part of the “many faces” of how learning challenges present.
PWCS educators continue to find innovative ways to support students with ADHD and SLD in their classrooms.
“In my experience teaching both general and special education, I’ve learned that students with ADHD often show what they know in ways that don’t always fit into traditional reading or writing tasks,” explained Hannah Richter, teacher on special assignment at Porter School. “They might excel when they’re moving, speaking, drawing, or building something with their hands—and when we give them the chance to express themselves in those ways, we often see a deeper level of understanding.”
Richter encourages colleagues to offer flexible, multimodal options: inviting a student to create a video, sketch a comic strip, or build a model instead of always assigning a written essay. Breaking tasks into smaller steps and allowing flexible timing can also reduce stress and increase engagement.
While educators and specialists provide inclusive classrooms, personalized instruction, and resources that empower students to achieve their full potential, families can access support through the PWCS Special Education Department.
Beyond the division, PWCS partners with local organizations such as the Greater Prince William Health Center (GPW) to expand support for students and families. GPW provides behavioral health services in areas including:
ADHD and SLD are part of a broad spectrum of human experience. Recalling this year’s theme, “The Many Faces of ADHD,” encourages us to look beyond labels and recognize the individuality, creativity, and resilience of every student.
“I aim to ensure that our systems and supports reflect the reality that ADHD doesn’t look the same for every student,” said Carley. “That means advocating for flexible instructional practices, encouraging collaboration between general education and special education staff, and making sure our students with ADHD are not only accommodated but truly understood.”
Together, PWCS families, staff, and community partners are building a future where all learners can thrive—because every face, every story, and every student matters.