Resources
A quick ADHD and neurodiversity reference guide
ADHD and neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is a term that applies to everyone – it simply means that all our brains work differently.
Neurodiversity simply means that every brain works a little differently – it’s what makes us who we are. Around one in five people globally are neurodivergent, a term that includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Each person brings their own mix of creativity, focus, energy and perspective, along with challenges that deserve understanding and support.
Neurodivergence touches all of us in some way – whether through family, friends, colleagues, or the communities we’re part of. Awareness is the first step, and once we have that, the next steps become much clearer.
I believe when we start to see neurodiversity through a lens of curiosity rather than correction, we open the door to empathy, innovation, and true belonging.
New research shows that many neurodivergent conditions overlap. ADHD, for example, rarely exists in isolation – it often co-occurs with autism, dyslexia, or other traits. Understanding this complexity helps us move beyond labels and towards more compassionate, effective support.
Everyday support
If you’re learning about ADHD for yourself or someone you care about, you’re not alone. There are lots of practical tools, communities and ideas out there that can help make day-to-day life a bit easier and remind you that being different is something to be understood, not fixed.
Here are my favourites.
General awareness
| ADDitude Magazine The longest standing resource for ADHD. Articles, webinars and everyday tools for adults and children with ADHD ADHD UK A great source of guidance, research, and practical screening tools. CHADD (US-based, global reach) Offers evidence-based information and an active online community. |
School and learning support
| Whole School SEND Gateway Practical advice for teachers and parents supporting neurodivergent children in education. Sen Books is also a useful store. NASEN (National Association for Special Educational Needs) Free resources and guidance for inclusive teaching and learning. Twinkl SEN Resources Downloadable worksheets and classroom tools designed to support children with ADHD and other learning differences. AIM is a charity that provides social support for autistic families and strives to ensure autistic voices are heard and respected. Mostly London/Brighton based. |
Career resources
Neurodiversity in Business (NiB) A UK initiative helping organisations understand and support neurodivergent talent.
ACAS Guidance Clear advice on disclosure, reasonable adjustments, and your rights at work.
ADHD Works offer specialist workplace coaching and training for neuro-inclusive organisations (I am an accredited ADHD Works coach).
Mental health support
ADHD comes with a 50 per cent increased risk of anxiety and depression. Support is available.
Dial 111 If you or a loved one are in danger, dial 111 in the UK
The Samaritans are available 24/7. Call 116 123 (free, 24/7).
Mind UK charity with local outlets. Their A-Z of mental health is especially helpful
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) support for anyone feeling down or in crisis (especially men).
Shout text 85258 (24/7) to speak with a trained crisis volunteer.
Media and influencers
There are so many great ADHD experts. Here are some of my favourite and most respected.
Leanne Maskell is the founder of ADHD Works, where I trained as a coach. She has written some amazing books, including the A-Z of ADHD, which is the most sought after book in prison, apparently.
Dr Ed Hallowell A psychiatrist and one of the pioneers in the field. If you want grounding, kind, evidence-backed advice, Dr. Hallowell is a great place to start.
Dr Samantha Hiew Founder of ADHD Girls, an organisation that supports neurodivergent women and non-binary people with thoughtful, research-backed content and events.
Alex Partridge When I first got diagnosed, Alex’s content really helped me feel seen. His book “It All Makes Sense” is about discovering ADHD later in life. His ADHD Chatter Podcast is great.
Ellie Middleton – a fantastic and relatable AuADHD author and influencer.
Chris Packham Although not his main area of expertise, his 2025 documentary Inside our Minds was so powerful and reached a wide audience.
Think you may have ADHD?
Key facts
🌻 Employment tribunal cases involving neurodivergent conditions have risen sharply since 2020. ADHD-related cases alone increased from just six in early 2020 to 51 by the first half of 2025. In 2022, there were over 100 successful discrimination tribunal cases relating to neurodiversity in employment.
🌻 Around 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent, meaning they have at least one condition such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia or dyspraxia. These differences can affect learning, communication, and work – but they also bring huge potential for creativity and innovation.
🌻 By the time a child turns 10, they may have heard 20,000 more negative comments than their neurotypical peers. This pattern often continues into adulthood, especially in workplaces that aren’t designed for different ways of thinking.
🌻 Neurodivergent people are more likely to experience mental health challenges. For example, around 50 per cent of those with ADHD also experience anxiety or depression, compared with 20 per cent of the general population.
🌻 Many conditions overlap. ADHD and autism can exist together – something only formally recognised in 2014 – which shows just how complex and individual neurodiversity can be. New research suggests that 85 per cent of people who stammer also have ADHD.
🌻 Disclosure remains difficult: around 70% of neurodivergent employees haven’t told their employer about their condition, often for fear of stigma or misunderstanding.
🌻 Employment gaps persist – in the UK, only 22% of autistic adults are in paid work. Many ADHDers are chronically underemployed.
Neurodivergent conditions overview
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
| Overview: A developmental condition that affects how a person thinks, interacts, and experiences the world. Key Traits: Challenges with social communication, repetitive behaviours, and specific interests. Resource: National Autistic Society (NAS) |
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Overview A condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Key traits Difficulty focusing, excessive activity, and impulsive actions.
Resource: ADHD UK
Dyslexia
| Overview: A learning difficulty that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. Key traits: Challenges with reading fluency, decoding, spelling, and writing. Resource: British Dyslexia Association (BDA) www.bdadyslexia.org.uk |
Dyscalculia
Overview: A learning difficulty related to numbers and mathematical concepts.
Key traits: Difficulty understanding number concepts, performing calculations, and recognising patterns.
Resource: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-is-dyscalculia
Dysgraphia
A condition affecting writing abilities.
Key Traits: Problems with handwriting, spelling, and organising written work.
Dyspraxia
Overview: A condition that affects coordination, planning and motor skills, making everyday tasks more challenging
Key traits: Difficulties with coordination, planning, organisation, and everyday tasks, often accompanied by frustration or low confidence
Resource: Dyspraxia UK
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
| Overview: A condition where the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information from the senses. Key traits: Over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to sensory input like noise, textures, and lights. Sensory Processing Disorder UK (SPD UK) Resource: www.spduk.org |
Tourette Syndrome
| Overview: A neurological disorder characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalisations known as tics. Key traits: Motor tics (e.g., blinking, head jerking) and vocal tics (e.g., grunting, throat clearing). Resource: www.tourettes-action.org.uk |
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