Raising awareness of ADHD
An event taking place this month aims to promote the understanding of the challenges faced by adults with ADHD in daily living and work.
The Cork branch of ADHD Ireland will be hosting the event, called Living and Working with ADHD, which aims to raise awareness of the condition among the adult population.
The keynote speaker for the event will be the broadcaster and podcaster Keith Walsh. Keith was diagnosed with ADHD at 49 years of age and he will share his experience of living with the condition, including how he learned to cope with it and, ultimately, succeed because of it.
Speaking about his diagnosis, Keith Walsh said: “I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 49 and my life has changed for the better since then. I always knew there was something about me and it was frustrating as I used to forget I had events on.
“But after getting the diagnosis I have been able to talk to people about it and I know what activities and what jobs suit me.
“I was delighted to be asked to speak at the Living and Working with ADHD event and I look forward to meeting other adults who've had a late diagnosis and let them know that there are lots of people they can turn to for advice.”
The awareness event is open to adults with ADHD or who suspect they might have ADHD. It will take place on Wednesday 17 May at 7.30pm in St Peter’s, North Main Street, Cork city.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects approximately 5% of the population. Individuals typically struggle with organisation, staying focused, and self regulation.
This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety and desperation as they navigate a world primarily designed for neurotypical people.
Martin Finn, Service Development Manager of the Cork branch of ADHD Ireland said: “Life is busy for every adult but it can be deeply overwhelming for an adult with ADHD.
“They may run into continuous trouble with missed appointments and deadlines, difficulties prioritising and completing tasks and regulating their emotions.
“The constant struggle can feel like constant failure, especially since ADHD traits are often misinterpreted by others as lack of interest, care or motivation. This can lead to low self esteem, poor mental health, anger issues and problems with relationships at home and in the workplace.”
Mr Finn said he hopes those attending the event will gain a new perspective on what it means to have ADHD: “We are looking forward to hearing from our speakers Keith, Ailín and Mike as we share stories, tools and strategies. We hope that adults with ADHD will come away from the evening with a sense of hope and self acceptance and even appreciation for the many positive traits of ADHD such as creative thinking and problem solving.”
Keith will also join a panel discussion with 2 local professionals with ADH, coach Ailín Kennedy and journalist Mike McGrath Bryan.
Ailín was 32 when she was diagnosed with ADHD.
She said:“Getting that diagnosis was such a relief for me and I really feel that it's important for other adults who suspect they have ADHD to know that they are not alone. I haven't let the diagnosis hold me back, if anything it pushes me further to prove to others that I can do anything I set my mind to.”