Why are we here:

• The Addy Club is born from an aspiration to change the conversation around ADHD and neurodivergence, especially as it effects women, who are often overlooked, and who commonly experience later diagnoses.
• That was the short and sweet version, but this has been over 4 years in the making… read our full story [HERE.](https://theaddyclub.beehiiv.com/p/welcome-addy-club?_gl=1*1vmzuzh*_ga*MTk3OTA3MjUxMi4xNzEyNzA5NzE0*_ga_E6Y4WLQ2EC*MTcxNTYwNTIzNC4xNi4xLjE3MTU2MDYzNDAuMTguMC4yMDk2NTAyMzE1*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MTUzNjExMTUuQ2p3S0NBandpX2V4QmhBOEVpd0Ffa1UxTWxDbmtYcTRYZkY5dUtzVk50UVd3V0NOSURibHNySjJQb05rTC1MZk1HZTJWX0kybzExQzVSb0NESVFRQXZEX0J3RQ.._gcl_auNTE5Mjk4MDMzLjE3MTI3MDk3MTQ.)

What are we all about and how are we getting started:

• We’re not sure yet where this will take us. But what we do know is that we want to create an experimental and empowering place to help you navigate your neurodivergence. We want to bring you along as we explore the nuances of ADHD.
• As a starting point, we want you to know “that you’re in good company”. What better way to do that than make an ADHD girlie uniform and give back in doing so by donating a portion of proceeds from Addy Club merch to ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association).

Our Merchandise:

• For our first merch drop we decided to bring to life the phrase “Make waves and let them roll” (designed in collaboration with an neurodivergent artist @Prettycoolstrangers.)
• We wanted them to be comfy, amazing quality, act as a conversation starter, and be something you’re proud to wear as a member of The Addy Club.

A few facts about women and ADHD

• ADHD is lifelong and describes the structural, chemical, communication, and arousal differences in the brain that subsequently impact what is called the “executive functioning” system of the brain (source).
• Adults with ADHD often have no idea that their symptoms are an actual condition, many women go undiagnosed until their 30s or 40s!!
• Many of the symptoms that women and girls commonly experience aren’t even used to diagnose the disorder because the core symptoms listed in the DSM-5 have been built on a history of research on males. Women are frequently misdiagnosed with other conditions (source, source).
• It wasn’t until 1993, yes 1993, that including women in medical studies became a requirement for government-funded research in the United States (source)
• For women living with ADHD, gender norms and stereotypes affect how you interpret your symptoms and how others label the way you cope.
• For women, hormones can play a significant role in ADHD symptoms. Monthly fluctuations in levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, can have a major impact on severity and presentation (LOTS more research is needed on this topic!) (source)