Welcome to ADHD Foundation.

Everyone deserves a moment to shine.

The ADHD Foundation has been established to bring about positive change
for people affected by ADHD and other associated conditions.

What we know

In mental health – and particularly in neurodevelopmental disorders – there is no doubt that, if we get the combination of understanding and care right, the benefits to individuals and society are clear; if we get them wrong, results can be dramatic. This is exemplified across ADHD: with the right support, given from an early age, there are few limits to what those who live with this condition can achieve. Olympic athletes, Michelin-starred chefs, entrepreneurs, doctors, artists and many other outstanding professions all boast individuals with ADHD among their elite. However, too often delay, ignorance, stigma and inequity of care result in thousands of children and their families being left to fend for themselves. The typical long-term consequences of this are not only limited school achievement, a chaotic adult life, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, they often include less well-known, but far starker extremes such as self-harm, imprisonment, homelessness and substance abuse.

The contrast is stark and provides a clear reminder of how vital it is that we get this combination right. We fully believe that each and every child with or without ADHD has endless potential. However, the statistics included in this report provide just a snapshot of our challenge; and it is no small one. Despite over two decades of scientific and clinical research confirming that ADHD is not only a very real condition, but one that is highly prevalent and treatable, alarming numbers of people continue to question its very existence. What is perhaps most concerning is that these are not simply minorities of people on a periphery, but those on the front lines of child development – teaching staff, doctors and policy makers.

Meanwhile the impact of unrecognised ADHD becomes clearer by the day – from increased adolescent pregnancy and school exclusion through to likelihood of imprisonment, suicide and even levels of general mortality.

You & your family

Parents only want the very best for their children. ADHD Foundation consider that the resources and information provided by Understood to be highly professional. 15 Organisations in the USA have joined forces to support parents of children aged 3 to 20 years.

In todays’ world of technology it is vital that information provided to our community is of high quality and reliable. With state-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more, Understood aims to be that support.  You can access this resource at https://www.understood.org/en/family we hope you find this resource helpful.

Small, achievable steps towards changing attitudes, understanding and practice will make a huge difference to the lives of children living with ADHD. By reviewing the calls to action in this report, getting involved in the conversation and enacting change we can ensure that we create an environment where a generation of children can achieve great things, and are not left looking back on a lifetime lost.