ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically affects attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. More than 5% of the population has ADHD but everyone has different traits and strengths associated with ADHD.

It’s important to remember that ADHD doesn’t need to be ‘cured’ as it is just a difference in how the brain works. Some people with ADHD do choose to go on medication to help manage their symptoms, but there are also many other types of support available. The type of support someone will seek depends on their individual needs.

Support available

The type of support someone seeks depends on the area of life they would like help in. There are lots of options available including:

👉🏽 Coaching

An ADHD coach can help someone recognise how ADHD impacts their life. They’ll help with discovering strengths and building on them through goal setting and action planning. They might also help someone implement strategies to overcome any struggles they experience due to ADHD.

ADHD coaching is different from therapy in that the coaching is more outcome-oriented. The focus of the coaching is to help someone achieve their goal through developing strategies whereas in therapy the primary goal is healing. People can find healing through ADHD coaching, but the emphasis of coaching is action-orientated outcomes.

👉🏽 Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation aims to teach the person with ADHD, or those close to them, more about ADHD. It helps people understand ADHD better and where certain behaviours or traits come from. Understanding ADHD is often a crucial first step towards managing your challenges and enhancing your strengths.

👉🏽 Therapy

Therapy can come in the form of talking therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Many people with ADHD find therapy useful because it can help them manage negative self-talk, rebuild self-esteem and process any ADHD-related trauma. It can also reduce feelings of anxiety and self-criticism commonly felt by people with ADHD.

👉🏽 Workplace or classroom accommodations

Accommodations that are offered by your place of work or study can differ, so it is best to talk to your employer or teachers about how they can best support you. Accommodations can include things like flexible working or changing their environment to reduce distractions.

If someone is happy to discuss their ADHD with their employer, they can ask for a workplace needs assessment and reasonable adjustments. A workplace needs assessment identifies an employee's unique strengths and challenges and recommends accommodations that might help them perform their job to the best of their ability.

People with ADHD might also be able to get support from the government's Access to Work programme, which funds practical support in the workplace. People with ADHD may also fall under the Equality Act (2010) which means their employer is legally obligated to provide reasonable adjustments and support.

At university, students with ADHD are often provided with additional support. Again, this support can differ depending on the university so it is best to discuss it with the individual university.

In England, students with ADHD may also be able to access the Disabled Student’s Allowance. Student Finance England might ask them to do a needs assessment so they can determine what support they require. The allowance can be used to access this support.

👉🏽 Support groups

There are lots of support groups and online forums to talk to people with similar experiences. Sometimes just reading other people's experiences is beneficial, you don't have to post yourself. Check out Noetic’s community to learn about other people's experiences.