Neurodiversity – ADHD

What is ADHD

Younger children are naturally energetic and curious. Their attention changes from one thing to another and they tend to be constantly moving about- this is all a part of growing up. For some children, these traits are not just a phase and they are a part of being a neurodivergent individual.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that reflects a unique cognitive profile. Children with ADHD often think in fast and creative bursts, move with energy and enthusiasm and also tend to respond impulsively. These traits are strengths in environments that value innovation, thinking outside the box and on the spot.

ADHD is not an illness or disease to be ‘cured’

It is important to know that ADHD is not an illness or disease to be ‘cured’ and individuals cannot ‘grow out of it.’  It is a natural difference in how the brain develops and works. It usually shows up early in life and continues into adolescence and adulthood. Children with ADHD may experience challenges in environments that require them to sustain focus for long periods of time, require stillness and rigidity and there is nothing wrong with that- it just means that this type of environment is not built with their needs in mind. Nevertheless, with the right support, understanding and adjustments, children with ADHD can flourish and live fulfilling lives.

How common is ADHD?

NHS England have estimates of ADHD in England, showing 2,498,000 in England, of which 623,000 are children (0-18).  However, this figure may underestimate the true prevalence because it is being recognised in more girls and women nowadays, who have historically been undiagnosed.

Causes of ADHD

We still don’t understand fully the causes of ADHD and research is still ongoing into environmental and genetic factors.

Traits of ADHD

ADHD manifests differently across individuals  with variations in attention regulation, impulse control, activity levels and executive functioning which contributes to a rich spectrum of cognitive, emotional and behavioural experiences. Each person young person with ADHD has a distinct profile of strengths, challenges and ways of interacting with the world.

Types of ADHD

There are a number of types of ADHD:

• Inattentive type manifested by wandering off tasks, difficulty with persistence, sustaining focus and organisation
• Hyperactive/ Impulsive type manifested by increased motor activity such as running around, excessive fidgeting, tapping or talkativeness
• Combined type manifests with a presentation of a mixture of inattentive traits and hyperactive traits.
• The most common type is the combined type with a prevalence of 50-75%. The inattentive type is the second most common with a prevalence of 20-30% of cases, followed by hyperactive-impulsive type which accounts for around 15% of cases.

Abilities and challenges

All people have varied abilities and challenges, but this is more pronounced for neurodivergent people, including autistic people and those with ADHD. Autism and ADHD tend to be described as ‘spectra’ which can sometimes be difficult to understand.

Is everyone a little autistic or has a bit of ADHD?

Sometimes people mistakenly say that ‘everyone is a little bit autistic’ or ‘everyone has a bit of ADHD’. Whilst people may be trying to express empathy, this idea may be hurtful, and it risks minimising the experiences and support that autistic and ADHD individuals encounter.

Autism and ADHD are better understood as a group of different traits and experiences made up of many spectra. For example, one person may have heightened sensory sensitivity, and the other may find social communication more difficult. Similarly, one person with ADHD may struggle with attention, while another may experience impulsivity difficulties. This doesn’t make one person ‘more autistic’ or ‘more ADHD’ than another; it just reflects the way different neurotypes can manifest.

No two autistic people or people with ADHD are alike

No two autistic people or people with ADHD are exactly alike. Both autism and ADHD can present in a wide range of ways across different individuals, influenced by personal strengths, challenges, environments, and life experiences. Recognising this diversity helps move us away from stereotypes and encourages a more individualised, respectful understanding of neurodivergence.

Diagnosis of ADHD

Before meeting the child for a neurodevelopment assessment forms will be sent out to parents and the school to gain a better understanding of the young person. in different settings and ensure the diagnosis is holistic. At this stage, the young person, parent and school will also fill out pre-screening questionnaires. Additionally, the parent and young person will also have to rank an anxiety and depression scale to assess the  young person for any mental health concerns. This is important to help the clinician differentiate traits displayed due mental health or neurodivergence, within the neurodevelopmental assessment stage.