Help ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, describes a neurodivergent pattern of brain development and thinking. Individuals with ADHD typically show very variable concentration and focus; their focus can be short and often changing. Individuals with ADHD can also have high physical and cognitive levels of activity alongside challenges controlling sudden urges and impulses. Although individuals with ADHD will share characteristics, each individual will still have their own personality, characteristics, strengths and challenges.
The most important thing is to better understand and appreciate our differences; it is important that we work with our brains, and not against them, finding out what works best for each individual to thrive.
See our ADHD – Quick Guide below. This is also downloadable here.
On the surface, ADHD falls into one of three categories, or clinical presentations as described below. However, in Leeds Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service (CYPMHS, previously known as CAMHS), we acknowledge that there is a lot more to ADHD than these categories describe. We also know that the way ADHD feels and presents in different individuals can change hugely over time.
This means that these ‘clinical presentations’ may not always be helpful as things change across a life-span. Therefore, we do not typically diagnose these specific subtypes. Instead, we will identify ADHD profiles as a whole.
ADHD generally falls into one of three categories, or subtypes:-
Individuals with hyperactive and impulsive ADHD can be very physically active. They may fidget, fiddle or move around a lot and struggle to sit still. They are often described as being full of energy, “always on the go”, “they can’t switch off”. This hyperactivity can also be seen internally, with high levels of ‘thinking’/’cognitive’ activity.
Activity often goes hand-in hand with impulsivity, meaning they may speak or act quickly, without thinking. It may be very challenging to wait or resist the urge to move even when instructed not to.
Individuals with inattentive ADHD can find concentrating for long periods of time very challenging, especially if the task isn’t interesting or motivating to them – like a particular lesson at school. Listening and processing information can also be very challenging.
Instead of focusing on one thing at a time, individuals with ADHD can often be focusing on lots of things at once. This can lead to them being very easily distracted, as their brains find something more interesting to concentrate on, or try to process what is going on around them.
It may also be really challenging to switch between tasks and to multi-task. This can lead to challenges with organisation, being very forgetful and often losing things.
The combined ADHD presentation is a mixture of both Inattentive ADHD and Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD. Many people display characteristics of both types and identify with the combined ADHD presentation.
While having an ADHD brain comes with its own challenges, it can also enable unique strengths and skills, such as, being particularly creative, thinking outside the box, having high levels of energy and being able to focus strongly on things of particular interest.While having an ADHD brain comes with its own challenges, it can also create a unique skill set, such as, being particularly creative, thinking outside the box, having high levels of energy and being able to focus very well on things of particular interest.
The ADHD research team at the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) at Cardiff University worked with children with ADHD and their families and carers, and health professionals to create an animation about what it’s like to have ADHD. The team hopes the animation will be useful for children newly diagnosed with the condition. Read more about the animation at www.ncmh.info/adhd.
ADHD experiences
Understanding your ADHD identity can be a really big thing – it may take time to work out what ADHD means to you and that’s okay. We’re all unique individuals so everyone will have different feelings about what ADHD means to them. It can be helpful to understand how others relate to having ADHD . There are a lot of neurodivergent people sharing their stories on social media, websites and books. Here are a few that might help you get started:
- My Amazing ADHD Brain: A Child’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD – Emily Snape (2024) (aimed at 4-9 year olds)
- ADHD Is Our Superpower: The Amazing Talents and Skills of Children with ADHD – Soli Lazarus and Adriana Camargo (2021) (aimed at 7-10 year olds)
- A Gobblegark’s Guide to Your Brilliant Neurodivergent Brain – Suzanne Robertshaw & Lily Fossett (2023) (aimed at 7-12 year olds)
- Wonderfully Wired Brains: An Introduction to the World of Neurodiversity – Louise Gooding & Ruth Burrows (2023) (aimed at 7-12 year olds)
- All Dogs Have ADHD: An affirming introduction to ADHD – Kathy Hoopmann (2020) (aimed at approximately 8-15 year olds)
- Ways To Be Me – By Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott (2021) (aimed at 9-16 year olds)
- Different, Not Less: A Neurodivergent’s Guide to Embracing Your True Self and Finding Your Happily Ever After – Chloe Hayden (2024) (both autism and ADHD, aimed at older young people and adults)
- UNMASKED: The Ultimate Guide to ADHD, Autism and Neurodivergence – Ellie Middleton (2023) (both autism and ADHD, older young people and adults)
There are lots of very successful and famous people with ADHD, showing that individuals with ADHD can thrive and do incredible things, including:
- Emma Watson – British actress and movie star, best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. Emma was diagnosed with ADHD as a young girl and took ADHD medication throughout filming all the Harry Potter films. Emma also has a degree in English Literature from Brown university/Oxford University.
- Simone Biles – USA Olympic champion gymnast
- Michael Phelps – Olympic swimmer, the most successful and most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals!
- Channing Tatum – American movie star
- Ant McPartlin OBE – Television presenter, singer, comedian and actor. Nominated for over 40 television awards
- Mel B – Singer and song writer, member of one of the most successful girl bands the Spice Girls. Mel has ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia
- Nicola Adams OBE – GB Olympic Gold medalist Boxer. Named one of the most influential LGBT people in the UK. She’s also from Leeds!
- Heston Blumenthal OBE – British celebrity chef, TV personality and food writer
- Dave Grohl – American musician, songwriter and record producer, band member of Nirvana and the Foo Fighters – introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice!
- Justin Timberlake – Grammy award winning singer, actor and previous member of boyband NSync
- will.i.am – American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and record producer
- Adam Levine – American singer and songwriter, frontman of band Maroon 5
ADHD strengths and challenges
Lots of unique strengths and challenges can be experienced in ADHD.
Read more
ADHD diagnosis, recommendations and medication
Daily adjustments, lifestyle changes and medication information for ADHD
Read more
ADHD language and learning
The way an individual with ADHD communicates and learns can look and feel different.
Read moreRecommended external links
ADHD Foundation
A resource bank of information form a leading neurodiveristy national charity.
Go to website
ADHD and You
Lots of great information for young people, parents and carers and adults about ADHD.
Go to website
NHS - living with ADHD
The NHS ADHD page has some helpful daily recommendations for those with ADHD, as well as other information.
Read more
UK ADHD Partnership
The UK ADHD Partnership website has articles and information about ADHD, as well as tips for parents of a child with ADHD.
Go to website
ADDitude
The ADDitude magazine and website publishes articles on ADHD and advice for parents and carers, as well as free resources and webinars
Read moreADHD Foundation Booklet
This resource looks at several important topics surrounding ADHD such as: emotion and organisation, clear and open communication, and managing stress.
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