Dougal Sutherland: What is ADHD and what workplace support is available? - Saturday Morning with Jack Tame

What is ADHD? 

• Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 
• Symptoms include difficulty focusing attention -often cant’s keep focused on something but sometimes get “hyperfocused” on something and can’t move off it when need to; acting suddenly without thinking (impulsivity); being really disorganised; fidgety, restless, can’t sit still for long; changing jobs a lot, messy and disorganised, misses deadlines, often seen as unreliable; can affect friendships 

Why is it an issue in the workplace 

• Historically ADHD was thought to only exist in children and that they would grow out of it 
• Now know that about 2/3 of people with ADHD as a child continue to have symptoms and signs as an adult 
• Lots of people missed being diagnosed in childhood but now realising that they might have it – so lots more people getting diagnosed as adults 
• Also increasing number of women being diagnosed in adulthood who were likely overlooked during childhood 

How to support at work 

• Recognising it’s ADHD is a good start rather than assuming someone is “lazy” or it’s something to do with their personality 
• Adjusting work environment to reduce distractions 
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