Oliver was diagnosed with ADHD in June 2022.   

ADHD comes with a number of symptoms such as:

• having a short attention span and being easily distracted
• making careless mistakes - for example, in schoolwork
• appearing forgetful or losing things
• being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious or time-consuming
• appearing to be unable to listen or carry out instructions
• constantly changing activity or task
• having difficulty organising tasks
• being unable to sit still
• constantly fidgeting
• being unable to concentrate on tasks
• excessive physical movement
• excessive talking 
• being unable to wait their turn
• acting without thinking
• interrupting conversations
• little of no sense of danger

It's a lot right? Imagine having to figure all of this out as a 7 year old.  Then get your head around the fact that there is no cure for ADHD.

Having ADHD  is a challenge - both for the individual and for the people around them and ADHD UK are there to help people face the challenge. They help people to find their unique way and thrive. 

Take my hand and come with me,
I want to teach you about ADHD.
I need you to know, I want to explain,
I have a very different brain.
Sights, sounds and thoughts collide.
What to do first?  I can’t decide.
Please understand I'm not to blame,
I just can't process things the same.

Take my hand and walk with me,
Let me show you about ADHD.
I try to behave, I want to be good,
But I sometimes forget to do as I should.
Walk with me and wear my shoes,
You'll see its not the way I'd choose.
I do know what I'm supposed to do,
But my brain is slow getting the message through.

Take my hand and talk with me,
I want to tell you about ADHD.
I rarely think before I talk,
I often run when I should walk.
It's hard to get my school work done,
My thoughts are outside having fun.
I never know just where to start,
I think with my feelings and see with my heart.

Take my hand and stand by me,
I need you to know about ADHD.
It's hard to explain but I want you to know,
I can't help letting my feelings show.
Sometimes I'm angry, jealous, or sad.
I feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and mad.
I can't concentrate and I lose all my stuff.
I try really hard but it's never enough.

Take my hand and learn with me,
We need to know more about ADHD.
I worry a lot about getting things wrong,
Everything I do takes twice as long.
Everyday is exhausting for me...
Looking through the fog of ADHD.
I'm often so misunderstood,
I would change in a heartbeat if I could.

Take my hand and listen to me,
I want to share a secret about ADHD.
I want you to know there is more to me.
I'm not defined by it, you see.
I'm sensitive, kind and lots of fun.
I'm blamed for things I haven't done.
I'm the loyalist friend you'll ever know,
I just need a chance to let it show.

Take my hand and look at me,
Just forget about the ADHD.
I have real feelings just like you.
The love in my heart is just as true.
I may have a brain that can never rest,
But please understand I'm trying my best.
I want you to know, I need you to see,
I'm more than the label, I am still me!

Author: Andrea Chesterman-Smith

So this is for Ollie, and everyone else trying to thrive with ADHD.

Thank you for reading and any donation would be gratefully received.

Claire x