Problems with attention, concentration and activity (ADHD)

If you have a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) this means that you can struggle with paying attention, have high levels of energy and react quickly to things. This can make it more difficult at school, during hobbies and when making friends, although how much it affects someone is different for each person.

What behaviours can ADHD cause?

Tasks such as sitting still, concentrating and following instructions are harder for people with ADHD as they can often feel restless or fidgety, can be easily distracted and can talk a lot. This can make activities such as school lessons and doing homework more difficult.

People with ADHD can sometimes find it harder in social situations, such as making friends or playing games, as they can struggle to follow conversations and take turns. Sometimes people with ADHD also have difficulties with their sleep.

Although there is no cure for ADHD, the difficulties can be helped and managed in many ways, for example by having extra support in school, learning techniques and strategies to help them cope, and sometimes taking medication.

  1. Having ADHD is not your fault and is not a bad thing. People who have ADHD are just as talented as those without ADHD. In fact it is reported that some of the world’s most successful people have diagnoses of ADHD including Justin Timberlake, Jamie Oliver, Will Smith, Emma Watson and Richard Branson!
  2. There are lots of strategies and techniques that you, your parents, carers and teachers can use to help you cope and manage with the things you find difficult. So, it is important to make sure that those involved in teaching or supporting you are aware that you have ADHD.
  3. When you have ADHD remembering, being organised and planning your day can be one of the hardest things to do, which can make school difficult. It might be helpful to make notes or reminders, set alarms on your phone of important things that you need to remember, and try to be organised and plan ahead for what you will need for each day. It might also be helpful to let others help you with this too.
  4. If you have been given a diagnosis and have been prescribed medication to help you there is a really useful website called Young Minds which can give you lots of information and advice.

Apps

Sussex Partnership is aware of these outside organisations for additional help and support. These are not connected with Sussex Partnership and there is no guarantee that you will receive any benefit from these.

Websites