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.