ADHD
About ADHD
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels in ways that can impact learning, work, and relationships across the lifespan. In Australia, the Young Minds Matter survey found around 7% of children and adolescents aged 4-17 met criteria for ADHD in the past 12 months, and adult prevalence varies by study (Australian Government Department of Health, 2013-14).
How ADHD can show up
- Attention regulation: Difficulty sustaining focus, switching tasks, or filtering distractions, with occasional periods of intense focus.
- Impulsivity: Acting quickly, interrupting, or making rapid decisions that feel hard to pause or plan.
- Hyperactivity or restlessness: Fidgeting, pacing, or an internal sense of needing to move.
- Executive functioning: Challenges with organisation, time management, prioritising, and follow-through.
- Emotional regulation: Big feelings, low frustration tolerance, and rapid shifts in mood.
- Co-occurring experiences: Anxiety, learning differences, sleep issues, or low self-esteem that can shape day-to-day impact.
Further information about ADHD
- Predominantly inattentive presentation: Attention difficulties and disorganisation are most prominent.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation: Restlessness and impulsivity are most prominent.
- Combined presentation: Both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive features are present.
- Across the lifespan: ADHD can look different in children, adolescents, and adults, and masking may change how it is noticed.
Self-help ideas for ADHD
- Use external structure like calendars, reminders, and visual lists.
- Break tasks into smaller steps and use timers for focus sprints.
- Create low-distraction spaces and plan for regular movement breaks.
- Build accountability with check-ins or body-doubling.
- Notice strengths and celebrate progress to support motivation.
When to seek professional support
It may be helpful to seek support when ADHD experiences are affecting daily life or wellbeing.
- Focus, organisation, or impulsivity difficulties disrupt work, study, or relationships.
- Overwhelm, burnout, or low self-esteem is becoming persistent.
- Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or sleep issues are present.
- You are seeking diagnostic clarity or support planning.
How we help with ADHD
- Psychoeducation to understand ADHD patterns and strengths.
- Practical strategies for organisation, attention, and time management.
- Support with emotional regulation and stress management.
- Therapy for co-occurring concerns like anxiety or low mood.
- Collaboration with schools, GPs, or psychiatrists when relevant.