Alopecia areata is a common condition that occurs in males and females of all ages. Though is occurs in children most often, it is very common for the initial diagnosis to come during adulthood. Whereas children might be more resilient to their alopecia areata, a diagnosis later in life can be emotionally overwhelming for an adult who has already defined their role in society, in the workforce and in relationships. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation has many programs created to ease the burden of the adult who has received and alopecia areata diagnosis.