What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects both children and adults. It isn’t about laziness or lack of intelligence. ADHD is simply a different way the brain processes information, attention, and emotions.

People with ADHD often experience challenges with focus, organisation, impulse control, and regulating emotions. At the same time, they are frequently creative, energetic, and full of unique strengths. With the right strategies and support, children, teens, and adults with ADHD can thrive at home, at school, at work, and in relationships.

ADHD in Children

ADHD often becomes noticeable in childhood, usually around the time children start school. While every child is different, some common signs include:

– Difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks
– Forgetting or losing things often
– Trouble sitting still or waiting their turn
– Strong emotional reactions or quick frustration
– Struggles with routines, homework, or friendships

Raising a child with ADHD can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s important to remember that they are also curious, imaginative, and full of potential. With the right tools and support, children with ADHD can learn to manage their challenges, build healthy friendships, and grow into confident, capable young people.

ADHD in Teenagers

The teenage years bring new pressures, school exams, growing independence, and more complex social relationships. For teens with ADHD, these changes can sometimes feel especially overwhelming.

Common signs of ADHD in teenagers may include:
– Difficulty staying organised with homework, projects, and exams
– Forgetfulness or procrastination that leads to stress
– Struggles with conversational skills, blurting, interrupting, or “monologuing”
– Intense emotions and challenges with selfregulation
– Risk taking behaviours or low selfesteem

At the same time, many teenagers with ADHD are creative, adventurous, and full of passion for the things that interest them. With guidance and coaching, they can learn strategies to manage their responsibilities, build stronger social skills, and grow in confidence as they prepare for adulthood.

ADHD in Adults

ADHD doesn’t always go away as children grow older, many carry it into adulthood, where it can show up differently than in childhood or adolescence. Instead of schoolwork struggles, adults often notice challenges with work, relationships, or daily routines.

Common signs in adulthood may include:
– Trouble staying organised, planning ahead, or managing time
– Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or everyday tasks
– Difficulty focusing or finishing projects
– Restlessness, impatience, or difficulty winding down
– Struggles with selfesteem from years of feeling “different”

While ADHD can make adulthood challenging, it also brings unique strengths such as creativity, energy, and big picture thinking. With greater awareness and practical strategies, adults with ADHD can develop coping skills that support them in reaching their goals, enjoying fulfilling relationships, and creating balance in their lives.

ADHD Strengths

It’s easy to focus only on the struggles that ADHD brings, but ADHD is also linked to incredible strengths. Many children, teens, and adults with ADHD are:
– Creative and innovative, full of new ideas and unique ways of seeing the world
– Energetic and passionate, bringing enthusiasm and drive to what excites them
– Resilient, learning to bounce back from challenges with determination
– Big-picture thinkers, able to see connections and possibilities others may miss
– Empathetic and caring, often deeply sensitive to others’ feelings and needs

When these strengths are recognised and nurtured, people with ADHD can thrive in ways that feel authentic and empowering. ADHD isn’t just about challenges, it’s about potential, growth, and learning to use those strengths to build a fulfilling life.