ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person regulates attention, organisation, activity levels, and impulse control. It is not caused by poor parenting or laziness; rather, it is linked to differences in brain development and functioning. It’s about how your brain is wired to process information and respond to the world.
3-6 % of individuals in UK are believed to have ADHD.
It can manifest differently in different individuals.
Some are inattentive, others hyperactive/impulsive, and many experience a combination of both.
ADHD is a form of neurodiversity, and it can show up differently for each person. Understanding your presentation helps us work with your natural thinking style, building on your strengths while supporting areas that feel more challenging.
The most common presentation, where both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive traits are part of your experience.
Primarily characterised by hyperactive and impulsive traits.
Mainly characterised by inattentive and distractible traits.
While traits often begin in childhood, ADHD can continue into adulthood, and in some cases, is only diagnosed later in life.
Common traits include:
We take a comprehensive approach, combining clinical interviews, developmental history, observer input, and validated questionnaires, such as the DIVA-5. This ensures we capture experiences across both childhood and adulthood.
Understanding your ADHD presentation allows us to:
Daniel always knew he was “different” from his classmates. At school, he was bright but constantly distracted; a bird flying past the window could steal his attention mid-lesson. Teachers told him he “had potential but didn’t apply himself.” Homework was rushed at the last minute, and projects were started with enthusiasm but abandoned halfway through.
In adulthood, Daniel’s career was a mix of successes and struggles. He thrived in fast-paced environments but often felt overwhelmed when tasked with managing complex administrative tasks or long-term projects. His desk was covered in half-finished tasks, and emails went unanswered. Socially, he was friendly but often interrupted others without realising, which left him feeling guilty.
After an ADHD assessment at Spectrum Mind, Daniel finally understood why he had felt out of step for so long. He started medication, learned organisational strategies, and used reminders to keep on track. Within months, his work performance improved, his stress levels dropped, and most importantly, he began to see himself as capable rather than “lazy”
