Understanding the Fundamentals of ADHD

Understanding ADHD: A Clearer Path Forward for Children and Adults

ADHD is more than just struggling to focus or fidgeting in a chair. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and executive function, shaping how individuals learn, work, and interact with the world around them. ADHD can have a profound impact on education, work, and personal relationships, not only in childhood but throughout life.Despite being one of the most common neurodivergent conditions, affecting approximately 5% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide, many individuals remain undiagnosed. This is often due to outdated misconceptions about how ADHD presents in different people. Without proper support, children with ADHD may struggle in school, develop low self-esteem, and experience difficulties forming friendships. If left undiagnosed into adulthood, ADHD can lead to challenges in career progression, financial management, and mental health.

However, with early diagnosis and the right strategies, individuals with ADHD can thrive in their personal and professional lives.

Recognising ADHD in Children and Adults

ADHD symptoms can vary significantly between individuals, but they typically fall into three main categories: 

• Inattention – Difficulty maintaining focus, frequent careless mistakes, disorganisation, and struggles with time management. 

• Hyperactivity – Restlessness, an inability to stay seated, excessive talking, and a need for constant movement. 

• Impulsivity – Interrupting conversations, acting without thinking, making hasty decisions, and struggling with self-regulation.

These traits can present differently depending on age: 

• In Children:

• Difficulty sitting still in class, constantly moving or fidgeting. 

• Struggles to follow instructions and complete homework. 

• Easily distracted, forgetful, and frequently losing belongings. 

• Impulsive behaviour, such as shouting out answers or interrupting others. 

• Trouble making and maintaining friendships due to social misunderstandings. 

• In Adolescents and Adults:

• Chronic procrastination and trouble meeting deadlines. 

• Poor organisation and difficulty prioritising tasks. 

• Impulsivity in decision-making, financial management, or relationships. 

• Forgetfulness, frequently missing appointments or misplacing items. 

• Struggles with emotional regulation, leading to frustration or low self-esteem.

These challenges can significantly impact: 

• Education – Many children with ADHD fall behind in school due to difficulties with concentration and organisation, leading to frustration and academic underachievement. 

• Workplace performance – Adults with ADHD often find it challenging to meet deadlines, manage tasks, and stay engaged in structured work environments. 

• Relationships – Impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty maintaining attention in conversations can cause strain in both personal and professional relationships. 

• Daily life – Managing responsibilities, finances, and household tasks can feel overwhelming without proper support.

Despite these challenges, ADHD also comes with unique strengths, including creativity, hyperfocus, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills. Many successful entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals credit their ADHD-driven ability to think outside the box as a key factor in their achievements. However, without proper diagnosis and support, many individuals feel like they are constantly falling behind.

Why ADHD Often Goes Undiagnosed

Many individuals—especially adults—go through life without a diagnosis due to: 

• Different symptom presentations – ADHD does not always look like the stereotypical “hyperactive child.” Many adults, particularly females, exhibit inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity, leading to misdiagnosis or being overlooked. 

• Masking and compensation – Many individuals develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms, often excelling in structured environments until responsibilities increase. 

• Misattribution – ADHD symptoms are frequently mistaken for anxiety, depression, personality traits, or laziness. 

• Outdated diagnostic models – Historically, ADHD was considered a childhood disorder. As a result, many adults remain undiagnosed, only discovering their condition later in life after persistent struggles with work, relationships, or mental health.

Research suggests that a significant number of children and adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed, with many only seeking an assessment when academic struggles, workplace difficulties, or family concerns arise. Additionally, up to 80% of individuals with ADHD have at least one co-occurring condition, such as anxiety, depression, or autism, making a comprehensive assessment essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate support.

How My Team Can Help

ADHD is often misunderstood, and receiving a diagnosis can be life-changing. Many children and adults with ADHD have spent years feeling as though they are underachieving, struggling to keep up, or failing to meet expectations. My team consists of registered healthcare professionals with extensive experience in ADHD assessment and diagnosis. We provide thorough, evidence-based ADHD assessments that offer clarity and practical strategies for managing ADHD in daily life.

1. Initial Consultation

We begin with a structured discussion about concerns, symptoms, and developmental history. This helps determine whether an ADHD assessment is the right step.

2. Comprehensive Evaluation

Using gold-standard diagnostic tools, we assess: 

• Executive functioning and attention difficulties 

• Hyperactivity and impulsivity patterns 

• Developmental history and symptom persistence 

• The impact of ADHD on daily life, relationships, and work

We use: 

• DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) – A structured, evidence-based clinical interview designed specifically for diagnosing ADHD in adults. 

• Conners Rating Scales and SNAP-IV – Standardised tools used for identifying ADHD traits in children and adolescents. 

• Validated ADHD rating scales – These include self-reports and, where possible, input from parents, teachers, or colleagues to ensure a well-rounded assessment.

3. Personalised Insights & Post-Diagnostic Support

Following the assessment, we provide: 

• A clear diagnostic outcome, including a full clinical report. 

• Tailored recommendations for managing ADHD in different areas of life, including strategies for improving focus, organisation, and emotional regulation. 

• Guidance on educational accommodations, workplace support, and next steps, including therapy, coaching, and medication referrals if necessary.

Why Choose My Team for Your ADHD Assessment? 

• Certified Expertise: My team and I have extensive experience using gold-standard diagnostic tools, including DIVA-5 and Conners Rating Scales, to accurately assess ADHD in both children and adults. 

• Registered Healthcare Professionals: My team consists of experienced, registered healthcare professionals who specialise in ADHD and neurodevelopmental conditions. 

• Tailored Support: We provide personalised strategies to help individuals understand and manage their ADHD effectively.ADHD: A Diagnosis That Can Change Lives.

ADHD is not a lack of intelligence, motivation, or effort. It is a different way of thinking, processing, and engaging with the world. Many individuals with ADHD struggle in environments not designed for neurodivergent minds, leading to feelings of frustration and self-doubt. However, with the right diagnosis, understanding, and strategies, ADHD can become a strength rather than a barrier.If your child is struggling in school, or if you have spent years battling focus, impulsivity, or disorganisation, an ADHD assessment could provide the clarity and support needed to move forward.

If you are seeking answers, my team is here to help. Contact us today to book an assessment.