ADHD Support

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, organisation, impulse control, and activity levels. ADHD affects everyone differently, and many people with ADHD have unique strengths alongside the challenges they experience. It is not caused by bad parenting, poor diet, or too much screen time, though these can affect symptoms day-to-day.^{[1]NHS[3]ADHD UK}

Whether you have recently been diagnosed, think you may have ADHD, or are supporting a child, family member, or friend, understanding the condition can help you access the right support.^{[3]ADHD UK}

People with ADHD may experience some or all of the following. Not everyone has the same symptoms, and they can vary from person to person. ADHD is usually described as having three main types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type.^{[1]NHS[2]NICE NG87}

• Difficulty concentrating or staying focused on a task
• Forgetfulness and frequently losing everyday items
• Becoming easily distracted
• Restlessness or feeling constantly on the go
• Impulsive behaviour or speaking without thinking
• Difficulty organising tasks or managing time
• Starting tasks but finding them difficult to finish

In girls and women, ADHD is often missed because it can show up more as daydreaming, inattention, anxiety and emotional sensitivity rather than hyperactivity.^{[2]NICE NG87[3]ADHD UK}

For children, concerns are usually first raised by parents or teachers. A GP cannot diagnose ADHD on their own, but they can refer to a community paediatrician, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), or a specialist ADHD team. NICE recommends that diagnosis should be made by a specialist healthcare professional with training in ADHD.^{[2]NICE NG87[4]ADHD UK}

Schools have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with ADHD under the Equality Act 2010. This may include extra time, movement breaks, a quiet workspace, reduced homework loads, or a simplified timetable. An Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan can be requested if a child needs more support than a school can usually provide.^{[4]ADHD UK[7]YoungMinds}

Adult ADHD is increasingly recognised. Many adults only discover they have ADHD when their own child is diagnosed, or when they reach a point in work or relationships where the demands outweigh their coping strategies. A GP can refer adults to an ADHD specialist service or community mental health team for assessment.^{[1]NHS[6]UKAAN}

Treatment for adults can include medication, psychoeducation, coaching, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD, and practical strategies for organisation, time management and emotional regulation. Waiting times for adult ADHD assessments vary widely across the UK and can be long, so it is worth asking your GP about local NHS pathways and estimated waits.^{[2]NICE NG87[9]NHS England}

Under the Equality Act 2010, ADHD can be a disability. Employers must make reasonable adjustments such as flexible hours, written instructions, breaking tasks into chunks, and a quieter workspace. Employees do not have to tell an employer they have ADHD, but doing so can unlock workplace adjustments.^{[3]ADHD UK[5]ADHD Foundation}

NICE guideline NG87 sets out the approach to ADHD in the UK. For children, parent-training and education programmes are usually offered first. Medication may be considered if symptoms are still causing significant problems after environmental changes and support. For adults, a combination of medication, psychoeducation and psychological support is often used.^{[2]NICE NG87}

Common ADHD medications include methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, dexamfetamine, atomoxetine and guanfacine. These must be prescribed and monitored by a specialist. Medication supply issues have affected some patients in recent years; NHS England provides updates for patients and clinicians.^{[2]NICE NG87[9]NHS England}

Many people with ADHD lead successful, fulfilling lives. Understanding how ADHD affects you, developing practical strategies, and accessing appropriate support can make everyday life easier. Useful strategies include:^{[3]ADHD UK[5]ADHD Foundation}

• Using visual reminders, timers, alarms and checklists
• Breaking big tasks into small, timed steps
• Keeping everyday items in the same place
• Planning regular movement and exercise breaks
• Prioritising sleep and a regular routine
• Asking for written instructions instead of verbal ones
• Using calendars, apps or a trusted person to prompt deadlines

Anxiety, low mood, rejection-sensitive dysphoria and sleep difficulties are common alongside ADHD. Mind and other mental-health charities can offer support if these become overwhelming.^[10]Mind

Parents, carers, partners, teachers, and employers can all play an important role in supporting someone with ADHD. Learning more about the condition can improve understanding and help create supportive environments at home, school, and work.^{[4]ADHD UK[8]Contact}

Families may also be entitled to benefits or support such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for adults, or Carer's Allowance. A full benefits assessment can be done through Citizens Advice or a welfare-rights adviser.^[8]Contact

The following organisations provide reliable information, peer support, training and advocacy for people with ADHD and their families across the UK. They are established charities, networks or NHS resources.

• ADHD UK — National charity providing information, peer support, online community, and local group listings. adhduk.co.uk^{[3]ADHD UK}
• ADHD Foundation — Neurodiversity charity supporting children, adults and families, with training and resources. adhdfoundation.org.uk^{[5]ADHD Foundation}
• UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN) — Professional network for adults with ADHD, with clinician directories and resources. ukaan.org^[6]UKAAN
• YoungMinds — Mental-health support for children and young people, including ADHD advice for parents. youngminds.org.uk^{[7]YoungMinds}
• Mind — Information and support for ADHD and mental health. mind.org.uk^[10]Mind
• Contact — Support for families with disabled children, including advice on benefits, education and social care. contact.org.uk^[8]Contact
• Citizens Advice — Free advice on benefits, employment and disability rights. citizensadvice.org.uk.

"With the right support, understanding, and practical strategies, people with ADHD can thrive, achieve their goals, and make the most of their strengths."

Sixpence Support UK does not diagnose or treat ADHD. However, we can help you find reliable information, understand the support available, and connect you with trusted organisations that provide specialist advice and services.

If you are concerned about ADHD for yourself or someone you care about, start with your GP. If you are in crisis or need urgent mental-health support, call NHS 111, your local NHS crisis team, Samaritans on 116 123, or 999 in an emergency.