A guide for young people

I have a diagnosis of ADHD…

What is ADHD?

ADHD is the short name for a condition called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This sounds very complicated, but it just means you may have difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

What does it mean for me?

Inattention 

• make careless mistakes in school work
• have great difficulty concentrating on the tasks
• easily distracted.
• forgetful and lose things.

Hyperactivity

• on the go as if driven by a motor
• restless and can’t sit still
• fidgety
• walks about in classroom.

Impulsiveness

• talk a lot
• have great difficulty waiting for their turn
• tend to interrupt conversations
• blurt out answers before the question is completed.

Why have I got it?

Scientists have been working hard to work out what causes ADHD but haven’t found all the answers yet. They do know it affects chemicals in the brain to help us sit still, pay attention and think things through. It can also run in families, so someone else in your family may have the same difficulties.

Do lots of people have it?

If we put 100 children in a room, at least one would have ADHD. Both boys and girls can have ADHD.

Will I always have it?

ADHD affects the way your brain works, and this brings good things and bad things. As you get older, the way it affects you will change.

What happens now?

You and your family will be offered help to understand ADHD. You may be offered medication to help.  Because other people such as your teacher will understand your ADHD, they will be able to help you if you need it.