NeuroKnowHow

Neurodiverse People Who Know How

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New Report: Supporting students living with ADHD at University: Working better together

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🚀 Exciting News! 🚀

We’re proud to have collaborated with Takeda UK on the report: “Supporting Students Living with ADHD at University: Working Better Together.” 🎓✨

This report highlights the real challenges students with ADHD face and offers practical solutions for universities and healthcare professionals to better support them. 💡💙

đź“– Who is it for?
âś… Those involved in the care and management of university students living with (or suspected) ADHD

This project was initiated and funded by Takeda UK Ltd and is designed for professionals working in this space.

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Embracing My “Attention Difference Hyperdrive” – Brief journey to Self-Acceptance

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I was interviewed about ADHD for a BBC Future article. The article highlights an issue that been problematic for a loooooong time, in that ADHD is widely under diagnosed in adults, especially in women and minorities. One of the important factors of an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, is that it can provide relief and self-understanding, allowing people to better accommodate their needs. However, there still exists challenges, this includes the stigma around the diagnosis and difficulty accepting it, especially for those diagnosed later in life.

The article also explores concerns around potential overdiagnosis of ADHD, but what is overdiagnosis, is a diagnosis the “recognition” of a natural way of being in the world, that has been deemed subnormal and ignored, in the same way women were ignored till they fought to get the vote. Obviously the article mentions the risks and trade-offs of treatment, particularly with stimulant medications. It emphasises the importance of a thorough, individualised approach to diagnosis and treatment, rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

Importantly, the article also highlights the strengths and positive aspects of ADHD, such as creativity, curiosity, and attention to detail. Experts argue that ADHD should not be viewed solely in terms of deficits, but as a form of neurodivergence that can bring unique advantages. But like I say to all the people I work with “we are people of extremes”, and our experiences are the things that explains what that means. With that in mind the article acknowledges both the challenges and the potential for self-acceptance and empowerment.

For years, I struggled with issues like poor focus, disorganisation, and memory problems. I had been diagnosed with dyslexia at 21, but felt something else was at the root of my challenges. It wasn’t until I was 37 years old that I finally received an ADHD diagnosis – a turning point that would change my life.
“I hated the term ‘attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’,” I say. “The two ‘Ds’ suggest dysfunction, so I prefer to call it ‘attention difference hyperdrive’ instead.” This linguistic shift points to my broader perspective – one of embracing my neurodiversity rather than seeing it as a disorder.

My ADHD diagnosis came amidst a “perfect storm” of major life changes and stresses. I was working for different universities, launching a new business, studying for a postgraduate degree, and becoming a new father. It was during this chaotic period that the people in my life started noticing my characteristic behaviours and urged me to seek an evaluation. “The plates were spinning, and they might just come crashing down,” I recall. But receiving the ADHD diagnosis was ultimately a relief. “It explained why I’d always found it difficult to fit in. I could finally forgive myself for the challenges I faced, and others could too.”

Working as an ADHD coach, I draw on my personal experiences to support others navigating adult ADHD. I’ve seen how ADHD is often overlooked, especially in women and minorities. Many of my clients describe reaching a crisis point before finally getting the answers they needed. But I emphasise that an ADHD diagnosis isn’t all downside. In fact, I able to see my “attention difference hyperdrive” as a positive – fuelling my creativity, curiosity, and eye for detail. “ADHD can be a spectacular recipe for many good things,” I say.

Through my work, I hope to shift the narrative around adult ADHD. Rather than focusing on deficits and dysfunction, I want to celebrate the unique strengths that often come hand-in-hand with the condition.
“I’m like a fly on the wall who is also part of the wall,” I say of my dual roles as both an ADHD coach and someone living with an ADHD diagnosis. It’s this lived experience that allows me to offer a compassionate, holistic perspective – one that empowers others to embrace their neurodivergence too.

You can read the article here: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20241003-the-pros-and-cons-of-an-adult-diagnosis-with-adhd

Contact us to book in ADHD Coaching, Autism Mentoring or Specialist Study Skills Support.

ADHD Meds May Boost Cognitive Skills Long-Term, But Weigh Pros and Cons

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For children and adults with ADHD, medications like methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin) and atomoxetine (Strattera) are commonly prescribed to help manage symptoms. While these drugs can improve focus and behaviour, their longer-term impacts—both positive and negative—are still being explored.

A recent meta-analysis from King’s College London suggests that there are potential cognitive benefits from long-term treatment with stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications. Across 20 studies of methylphenidate and 8 studies of atomoxetine taken for at least 1-3 weeks, both drug types led to improvements in key areas like attention, inhibition, reaction time, and working memory compared to placebo (placebo is something that does not have any effect, like a medicine capsule filled with corn flour). 

The cognitive effect sizes were small-to-medium for methylphenidate, but medium-to-large for atomoxetine (except for working memory). Lead author Professor Katya Rubia noted these cognitive enhancements “have implications for school and work performance” by addressing deficits that frequently impact academics and occupations. 

However, the potential upsides need to be carefully weighed against the medications’ possible downsides and side effects, which the meta-analysis did not investigate. Stimulants like methylphenidate may cause sleep problems, appetite suppression, stomach-aches, and slightly delayed growth. Atomoxetine has also been linked to nausea, fatigue, and potential increases in heart rate and blood pressure and urine retention.

While Rubia says the findings underscore considering cognitive function “alongside behaviour” when treating ADHD, a holistic approach is warranted. Medications may help manage symptoms, but they are not an effortless solution nor are they risk-free. Other evidence-based treatments like behavioural therapy should be explored.

For those considering ADHD medications, have an open discussion with your doctor about your specific needs and weigh the pros and cons carefully. It is important to pay close attention to impacts on thinking skills, but also closely monitor side effects over time. With full information, each person can make a well-informed choice about the role medication should play in their ADHD treatment plan.
 

1-1 support over the summer (Dyslexia tuition, ADHD coaching, Autism Mentoring, Mental Health) London and Surrey

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We have 1-1 slots available for the following support in Greater London and Surrey: Autism Mentoring; ADHD coaching; Dyslexia Tuition. For anyone age 16+ including those in receipt of Access to Work Funding.
DSA Students:  If you are a student in receipt of DSA NMH support and you have not yet used your allocation of hours, you can book in for support over the summer months as long as you are registered on your course for the academic year 24/25.  Get help with any re-sits and get prepared for the new year ahead :).  Specialist SpLD Study Skills support, Autism Mentoring and Mental Health Mentoring.

Embracing neurodivergence

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We believe that a person centred approach is important when supporting Neurodivergent people and encourage our clients to embrace their Neurodivergence, Autism and ADHD. In this article, A GP, psychologist, nutritionist and fitness instructor give their advice on how to live healthily and happily with ADHD and autism

https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/04/be-kind-to-yourself-an-expert-guide-to-living-well-with-neurodiversity

COVID-19 Research in HE survey

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A Coventry University PhD Research Student is exploring the impact of the pandemic on students who are disabled and/or neurodivergent, studying at University at this time, and would love to know what these experiences have been like during these educational changes accompanying the COVID-19 pandemic.

They are currently looking for students willing to participate in a 15-25 minute questionnaire, both now and in 3 months’ time, exploring their experiences. There is a chance to win a £50 Voucher for completing both times.

The link to the questionnaire can be found here: 

https://coventryhls.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eCWslOGrdpjW7oG 

Mind Wandering and ADHD

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Mind WanderingAs the song goes…

“‘Cause I’m a wanderer, yeah a wanderer
I roam around around around, around, around”

Interesting article on the BBC Radio 4 All in the Mind Programme on ADHD and Mind Wandering. UKAAN’s Philip Asherson Professor of Clinical and Molecular Psychiatry at Kings College London and a consultant at the Maudsley Hospital in London talks to Claudia Hammond about recently published research that highlights  excessive mind-wandering might be at the core of ADHD. The programme also  hears experiences from two teenage girls with ADHD about their experience of mindwandering whilst at school.