Living with ADHD in Herefordshire

This is a report by Healthwatch Herefordshire. The project looked at experiences of living with ADHD in the area.

Following an increase in feedback related to ADHD a further look at the experience of living with this condition and services locally was carried out.

A total of 18 individuals and 5 parents were spoken to.

Key findings

• Their school’s knowledge, experience and resources relating to neurodiversity. Some schools and some individuals within schools were more able to identify potential signs of neurodiversity and offer support than others. Alongside this was the parents existing knowledge and ability to identify the possibility of their child’s neurodiversity.
• For the adults we talked to it was clear that the misdiagnosis of other mental health conditions was one of the biggest challenges in the quality and the length of time it has taken to get the support they have needed or received and the recognition by professionals that they have ADHD. 

Key findings - what could be done to improve

• Better understanding and reasonable adjustments from employers and professionals when going through diagnosis as an adult can be really helpful. 
• A platform for local networking where adults can meet others with ADHD and share, their experiences and gain networks of like-minded people for peer support. 
• A local support service that provides advocacy & support for adults and older children with ADHD that can support them with occupational issues, routes into work and improving life skills to help them keep in routine with ‘life admin’ and studying.

There are recommendations in this report.

• Use existing networks setup within the county – such as parent carer forums, Talk Community Hubs etc to provide specific ADHD networking opportunities. Bringing those with ADHD in a local area together and support them to build a support service for each other. 
• Support Primary care services to provide more knowledge and support to those waiting for a diagnosis of ADHD – this could take many forms such as group support sessions, digital education for example and utilise some of the national support organisations that exist to start with, so individuals feel like they have a next step and a place to go while waiting for a diagnosis. 
• Primary care services educated on the offer the ‘Right to Choose’ – its apparent many still aren’t aware of this being an available option to them and in many cases has sped up referrals. 
• Creating support networks for parents through schools on a very local level – the range of parents that this has the potential to bring together is huge and together they can support each other and their families. 
• Providing opportunities to facilitate basic training sessions for local employers to understand ADHD and what they can do to best support employees with the condition, both reasonable adjustments and to keep them engaged in their employment and allow them the same opportunities for career progression. 

There are follow up actions in this report.

A second stage project will be completed. This will involve engagement works in schools, with employers, and community and voluntary organisations.