Case Study

Redefining ADHD

2 Oct 2024

Many adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can appear restless and disorganised. Some struggle with social interactions or are badged impatient and impulsive. Yet Daniel, who was diagnosed with the condition aged 26, is the epitome of calm, considered professionalism – on the outside at least. He studied hard and did well at school, has a wide circle of friends and interests, and loves nothing more than talking to people; a key component of his role as an Ingeus employment advisor in NHS Talking Therapies in Derbyshire.     

In his view, ADHD is negatively misnamed: “I don’t lack attention, it’s just different in its focus, I find my own ways of working,” explains Daniel, who joined the Talking Therapies team five years ago. Responsible for supporting people to navigate their way through working life alongside professional NHS mental health therapy, he spends his days talking to others in turmoil, helping them plan a way forward. He receives glowing feedback from those he helps and regularly tops the team’s table for the most face-to-face appointment bookings. 

“Nor am I hyperactive,” he adds, “I can sit still, the chaos is on the inside. I trained as a paramedic, attracted by the unpredictability of a role like that, but I realised I most enjoyed the mental health side, sitting down and talking to people. There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone who doesn’t know what to do, being able to talk through and find the threads in jumbled situations, then put a meaningful plan of action together. That’s what I do, and I have what feels like hundreds of signposting ideas documented. I work at my participants’ pace, but tend to do my admin in flurries; I find it easier to run at things all at once. 

“While I’m working, being ‘hyperactive’ and inattentive don’t feel like good qualities, yet in many ways my ADHD is a benefit. Just like in my paramedic role, I can balance lots of different things quickly, and now I have a better understanding of myself, I can share experiences and connect with the participants I speak to who also have neurodiverse conditions. I love to try new things, have met friends from all around the world, and throw myself wholeheartedly into initiatives at work.” 

A mental health first aider and Ingeus D&I Champion representing both disability and LGBTQIA+, Daniel says his diagnosis 18 months ago helped his past life click into place: “Friends had suggested I had ADHD traits and it suddenly made sense of how I work, and many of the decisions I’ve made in the past,” he continues. “The support I get at Ingeus is quietly but firmly there. I’m not always the best at asking for help but know that anything I need would be given. My manager proactively checks in on me when she can see I have a busy day ahead and I’m given additional admin time if needed.  

“I think it’s really important that colleagues understand that people with ADHD really are trying, probably sometimes a bit too hard. Outwardly we may seem a bit all over the place but it’s not laziness or lack of want; we’re just figuring out the right way of approaching things. It’s like having all your ingredients laid out to make a meal, then turning to the cooker and finding that all the buttons are gone. When it comes to support and understanding, it’s not about the recipe, it’s about finding ways to put the buttons back. 

“It’s nice to be part of a company that embraces diversity and understands the intersectionality of the differences many of us share.”