For Elizabeth Esposito, helping others isn’t just something she values. It is something she puts into action.
A high school student from Morgantown, West Virginia, Elizabeth is the founder of See the Signs, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to improving the identification and management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly among girls and young women.
Her passion for this work grew from personal experience. While completing a middle school project about ADHD, Elizabeth began recognizing the signs in herself, an experience that ultimately inspired her to create See the Signs.
Through research, education, and patient support, the organization is working to help more people with ADHD access the resources they need to thrive.
Now, the nonprofit is extending that support to kids and families at UPMC Children’s by establishing a new fund to help families overcome practical barriers to ADHD care.
Expanding a Community of Support
Though Elizabeth lives in West Virginia, Pittsburgh already felt like part of her community.
She has spent time in the city attending Steelers games and concerts, shopping, and enjoying dinners with family. Her family also had a personal connection to UPMC after a loved one received care within the health system.
So, when Elizabeth began thinking about how See the Signs could reach more children and families throughout the Appalachian region, Pittsburgh was a natural next step.
“I wanted to expand the community of people that See the Signs could benefit,” Elizabeth shares. “When I thought about expanding to Pittsburgh, UPMC was the first place that came to mind.”
Removing Barriers to ADHD Care
The newly created See the Signs ADHD Patient Care Fund at UPMC Children’s will provide assistance with practical needs related to ADHD care, including transportation to appointments, evaluations and testing, counseling, medication assistance, meals, and family support.
“I hope that every child with ADHD has the same opportunities to be diagnosed and have access to tools to better manage their ADHD,” Elizabeth says. “I hope that the funds from See the Signs will break down barriers that are preventing those with ADHD from thriving.”
While See the Signs places a particular emphasis on improving ADHD identification among girls and young women, Elizabeth hopes its patient support work will benefit children and families more broadly.
For her, recognizing a need is only the beginning. Families also need meaningful resources to take the next step.
Turning Curiosity into Change
Through the See the Signs ADHD Patient Care Fund, families may receive assistance accessing clinical neurodevelopment appointments and research led by Heather Joseph, DO, focused on ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
It is all part of Elizabeth’s belief that research, education, and direct patient support are interconnected.
“We need to better recognize young people who are being missed,” Elizabeth explains. “Ultimately, I want young people with ADHD to understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and know that they are not alone.”
Through this partnership with UPMC Children’s, See the Signs will be able to help even more children and families, giving young people with ADHD greater access to the care, resources, and encouragement they need to recognize their strengths and reach their full potential.