What effect does ADHD have on my life?

ADHD can impact your life in many ways. Have a look through the following list. Do any of them sound a bit like you?

Then explore this website for advice on how to get help, either on your own, or with a parent, carer or teacher.

Attention issues – the ‘AD’ in ADHD

• Sometimes you find it hard to concentrate, other times you focus totally on things that interest you
• Maybe you’re easily distracted, or you can’t concentrate on a task
• You might also avoid doing things that need more focus

Hyperactivity – the ‘H’ in ADHD

This is where you find it hard to sit still, or you drum your fingers, tap your feet, play with your hair, or just generally mess about

Impulsiveness

This means you can find it difficult to wait your turn, or be impatient

Maybe you interrupt all the time or blurt out answers to questions or try to do something before you fully understand what’s needed

Difficulties with social skills

• Having ADHD can make it harder to make and keep friends
• Perhaps you don’t fully understand how other people feel, or you make them feel awkward or uncomfortable

Being disorganised

With ADHD, you might forget things that have been planned, missing appointments and forgetting equipment

You may also not leave enough time to finish your work

Mood swings

ADHD may make you more sensitive to all the changes that happen as you grow up

In turn, that can cause conflicts, confrontation, anger and frustration, which can sometimes make things worse