This week is Neurodiversity week. Today we are taking a look at ADHD and ADD, which are types of Neurodiversity.

What is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

The NHS website defines ADHD as ‘a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.’

  • Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.
  • Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it’s diagnosed later in childhood.
  • The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.
  • People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.
  • The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families.
  • Research has also identified several possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.

ADD (Attention deficit disorder), refers to an individual who may struggle to focus and experience difficulties focusing on instructions, but is not hyperactive.

In the Family Team at Ellisons, we have all received training from Autism Anglia about ADHD (and ADD) and will be able to adjust the way we deliver advice in order to suit the individual client’s needs.  We endeavour to set clear parameters for communication – using bullet points rather than lengthy paragraphs are often helpful. Often it is easier for the neurodiverse person to read correspondence with a contrast such as grey and white rather than black and white which can be too overwhelming.

At Court the process can simply be overwhelming, and even more so for the Neurodiverse person. It is important to consider which representative to send to Court and also to keep consistency. If necessary, applications can be made for additional measures, for example attending remotely. Courts are noisy places with bright lights and compounded with this being a first experience, can take an individual with an already heightened state of anxiety to complete overwhelm.

If you are a neurodiverse individual, or suspect that you are, and are going through a separation, divorce, or have been the victim of domestic abuse, please feel free to contact us on 01206 71968. We offer a free exploratory call with our lead expert MaryCarmel Wilson, who has specific experience in relation to assisting the neurodiverse client and clients with neurodiverse children or an ex-partner. If you have children who have a SEN diagnosis, and you require bespoke advice in relation to their needs, MaryCarmel Wilson can provide you with tailored advice, specific to the child (or children’s) individual and complex needs.