All young people will have these characteristics to some degree but they will be stronger in young people with ADHD.
There is always support available and it is possible to learn how to manage ADHD so you can make things easier.
ADHD
If you have ADHD there’s always support available and ways to manage it to make things easier.
What is ADHD?
Everybody’s brains work differently, it’s natural for there to be differences in how our brains work. This is called neurodiversity. For some people their brains work in a way that is called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). One in 20 young people have ADHD. There are 3 main characteristics:
Hyperactivity
Where you have lots of energy, find it hard to sit still, need to move or fidget and may have problems sleeping. Perhaps you find it hard to take part in activities quietly.
Impulsivity
This is an inability to regulate thoughts, feelings and actions. Maybe it’s hard to think about the consequences of your actions. Perhaps you blurt answers out and find it difficult to take turns and not interrupt others.
Inattention
This is difficulty concentrating and remembering information. This could mean that you’re easily distracted, disorganised, are forgetful and lose things.
Famous people who have ADHD include:
- Simone Biles – Olympic Gymnast
- Michael Phelps – Olympic Swimmer
- Solange Knowles – Singer
- Justin Timberlake – Singer
- Emma Watson – Actor
- Ryan Gosling - Actor
- Jamie Oliver – Celebrity Chef
What should I do if I think I have ADHD?
Only a specialist can tell you for sure if you have ADHD. As a first step use our conversation starter to write down the things you're struggling with and how you would like to be supported. You can then give that to an adult you trust such as a parent, teacher or school nurse.
If you then want to get an assessment you can speak to a trusted adult such as a teacher, school nurse, school counsellor or youth worker who should be able to organise this for you.
What to do if people aren't supportive
Sometimes parents, carers or teachers may not be supportive of you being assessed for ADHD. There are some misconceptions that ADHD is a behavioural problem, when it isn’t it just means that your brain works a bit differently.
You don't have to deal with this alone, there's always support available. You can always talk to an adult you trust like a school counsellor or school nurse or speak to Childline.
How to manage ADHD
There are many things you can do that can really help you manage your ADHD. If you have been diagnosed you can speak to your specialist about the best things to try. Here are a few things that could help:
