How stories help us see differently: Celebrating ADHD and Learning Disabilities Awareness Month through storytelling

This October, we’re using the power of storytelling through entertainment channels like TV, film, and podcasts to increase awareness and reduce stigma around learning and thinking differences. Tune in and join the conversation! Since 1985, October has been recognized as National Learning Disabilities Month. It’s a month dedicated to educating the public about learning disabilities through campaigns and events. Additionally, several national organizations have come together to celebrate ADHD Awareness Month and Dyslexia Awareness Month every October. It’s a big month for Understood!

This year, we’re celebrating these milestones through one of the most powerful tools we have: storytelling. Whether on a screen or in your headphones, stories help us better understand the diverse ways people learn, think, and navigate the world. 

We’re proud to highlight Understood’s work across film, TV, and podcasts this October. Our work is helping to raise awareness — and reduce the stigma of learning and thinking differences.

A new animated kids’ show featuring characters with ADHD, with skills for everyone to build. 

Paris Hilton’s new animated kids’ series, Paris & Pups, celebrates the bond between 12-year-old Paris Star (called “Star”) and her five fabulous pups. They’re living their best lives, going on creative adventures, and bringing kindness and happiness to others. What’s unique about the show is that the characters Star and her pup Slivington have ADHD, mirroring Hilton’s own experience. It was important to Hilton and the Paris & Pups team — including Happy Nest Entertainment, 9 Story, and 11:11 Media — that ADHD was represented authentically. That’s where Understood came in.

Our experts helped develop unique character traits for Star and Slivington, and storylines that highlight behaviors and challenges common to those with ADHD. Understood Experts also incorporated social-emotional learning and executive function skills into the series. These skills benefit kids with ADHD, but ultimately help all children (and even adults!) tuning in.

In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, Paris & Pups dropped a special episode on October 2 that focuses on Star and Slivington. Understood created a free guide to help you talk with your kids about ADHD while watching the episode. Check it out here. 

How to watch Paris & Pups: YouTube Kids

A feature documentary film following five mothers determined to establish the first public school in New York City for children with dyslexia.

Directed by Emmy Award winner Anna Toomey, Left Behind tells the powerful story of five tenacious mothers who unite to create the first public dyslexic school in New York City, the largest school district in the country. The journey is not a smooth ride, as they face both institutional and personal hurdles as they try to upend a system.

The stories shared in Left Behind are all too familiar for parents of kids with learning and thinking differences. It’s also eye-opening for those less familiar with the struggles that dyslexic kids face. Understood Experts reviewed the film to ensure it portrayed the subject matter — and the experiences of the families — with accuracy and nuance. We’re proud to continue sharing the film with our community so more people can listen, learn, and advocate for all kids to get the support they need to thrive in school.

In celebration of Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, you can watch Left Behind for free from October 24 to November 1 worldwide. Register with Kinema below. 

How to watch Left Behind: Sign-up for the worldwide free screening on Kinema: Then tune in October 24–November 1, 2025.

A three-part limited series exploring how to build inclusive spaces that help everyone sparkle.

For people with ADHD, moving homes can be especially overwhelming. The planning, organization, sensory overload, and disrupted routines add a lot of stress. As Paris Hilton prepared to move to her new home and headquarters for her company, 11:11 Media, she wanted to make the spaces ADHD-friendly — for herself and for her guests. She documented her journey in a new three-part limited series called Inclusive by Design, premiering during ADHD Awareness Month.

Throughout the series, Understood Experts help Paris create systems and spaces that work best for her brain, and ultimately create an inclusive space for all — family, friends, and team members. Using science-backed insights, our experts share tips on how others can do this for any space and budget. Everything from the layout of spaces, to sensory choices like lighting and textures, to accessibility and organization tips. Fans of the show can access more expert tips on our Digital Hub designed specifically for women with ADHD and others who may struggle with planning and organization. 

How to watch Inclusive by Design: YouTube - First episode drops October 22, 2025

Podcasts made for and by women with ADHD, proven to help them thrive.

After hearing positive feedback from Understood podcast listeners for years, our team wanted to better understand the impact of our podcasts created by and for women with ADHD. So, we asked them! In partnership with Torrens University Australia, we surveyed 424 women with ADHD who listen to ADHD Aha! and MissUnderstood to explore how the podcasts affect their health literacy, feelings about their ADHD, and connection to other women. 

The first-of-its-kind Women With ADHD: The Power of Podcasts study showed that many women with ADHD place a higher value on podcasts, compared to other forms of media, as a source of health information and health literacy. And more importantly, they say Understood podcasts improve their well-being and help them thrive:

• More than 9 in 10 say they trust our podcasts and the hosts to share accurate health information.

• 94% say listening to these podcasts has had a positive impact on how they view themselves.

• 85% say that listening to these podcasts makes them feel more confident to navigate future challenges they may face because of their ADHD.

How to listen: Check out ADHD Aha! and MissUnderstood wherever you get your podcasts.

Telling real stories of people who learn and think differently is a core part of our work at Understood. Do you have your own story to share with us? Email info@understood.org.