Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2026, as ADHD Awareness Month in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1538

BY: M. of A. Rules (Kelles)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        October 2026, as ADHD Awareness Month in  the  State
        of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  custom  of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside  to  increase  awareness  of  serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern, and fully in accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
memorialize  Governor  Kathy  Hochul  to  proclaim October 2026, as ADHD
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Each October, this vital month of recognition aims to raise
awareness and educate  the  public  about  ADHD,  or  Attention  Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder; and

  WHEREAS, ADHD is characterized by an ongoing pattern of inattention,
hyperactivity, impulsivity, or a combination of these attributes; and

  WHEREAS,  ADHD  often co-occurs with other disorders and conditions,
such as conduct problems, learning disorders, sleep  problems,  anxiety,
or  depression,  which  can  make  the conditions harder to diagnose and
treat; and

  WHEREAS, The symptoms of ADHD can interfere with daily routines  and
obligations,  impacting  areas like school, work, social activities, and
relationships; and

  WHEREAS, Children with ADHD are  at  increased  risk  for  injuries,
social  problems,  family stress, and poor grades; teens and adults with
ADHD are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance use
and unsafe sexual activity; and

  WHEREAS, Scientists have not yet identified the specific cause,  but
there  is  growing evidence to suggest that genetics contribute to ADHD;
several genes have been linked to the disorder, but there is no specific
gene or gene combination that has been identified as the  cause  of  the
disorder; and

  WHEREAS,  Treatment  for ADHD typically encompasses a combination of
therapy and medication intervention, with different  medications  having
differing impacts on children, teens, and adults; and

  WHEREAS,  It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious health concern, and more must be done to increase  activity
at the local, state, and national levels; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to  proclaim  October  2026,  as  ADHD
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of  New
York.