Too Little, Too Late? Why Early Support for ADHD Matters

Key points

ADHD can lead to multiple adverse outcomes.

People with ADHD, appropriately supported, can thrive.

Early support can help prevent later, more challenging complications.

Interventions can modify the course of ADHD.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) originates early in development although, in most countries, ADHD is not always recognised or supported in childhood . There is good evidence that for many, ADHD is not identified until adult life, after complications have arisen. Their ADHD was missed or misdiagnosed. This is especially the case for women and minority groups. 1

As outlined in the recently published, NHS-England commissioned, Independent ADHD Taskforce Report, there is robust evidence that unsupported ADHD can lead to multiple adverse outcomes.