Understand It, Manage It, Thrive

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, affects far more than a child’s ability to sit still in class. It shapes how someone focuses, regulates emotion and follows through on what they set out to do — in children, teenagers and adults alike. At Feeling To Healing, with ADHD support London & Online the we provide support for the whole family, helping you recognise the signs, understand what’s actually going on, and build practical strategies that work, whether you’re here for your child or for yourself.

This page is for general information and isn’t a substitute for a professional diagnosis. If you recognise these signs in yourself or your child, speak to your GP or book a consultation with our team.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition. According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), it presents through three core symptom clusters: inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Not everyone shows all three — presentation varies by person, and often by age. ADHD is frequently thought of as a childhood condition, but for a significant number of people it continues, often undiagnosed, well into adulthood.

Signs of ADHD in Children

Occasional daydreaming or forgetfulness is normal. Persistent inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity are not. Children with ADHD may:

• Struggle to stay focused or be easily distracted
• Appear not to listen when spoken to directly
• Constantly fidget, squirm or feel unable to stay seated
• Talk excessively or blurt out comments at the wrong moment
• Act impulsively without considering consequences
• Interrupt others frequently
• Have a quick temper or a noticeably short fuse

Signs of ADHD in Adults

Adult ADHD often looks different from the hyperactive stereotype seen in children — which is part of why it goes unrecognised for so long, especially in women. It’s more commonly felt as inner restlessness than visible fidgeting. Adults with ADHD may experience:

• Chronic disorganisation — losing track of tasks, deadlines or belongings
• “Time blindness”: consistently underestimating how long things take
• Difficulty starting or finishing tasks, even ones that matter to them
• Emotional reactions that feel disproportionate or hard to regulate
• Restlessness or a constant sense of being mentally “on”
• Friction in relationships or at work linked to forgetfulness or impulsivity
• A long history of feeling “like they should be doing better” despite effort

How Common Is ADHD?

ADHD is far more common, and far more under-recognised, than most people realise. According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance, ADHD affects an estimated 5% of children and young people and 3-4% of adults in the UK. NHS England’s own 2026 figures estimate that around 2.5 million people in England may have ADHD, with more than 549,000 currently awaiting assessment. A 2026 study in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, led by researchers at UCL and King’s College London, found that while diagnoses have risen sharply since 2020, recorded diagnosis still falls far short of estimated prevalence — particularly among adults, where the researchers estimate over 90% of people over 65 with probable ADHD remain undiagnosed.

Support While You Wait for an ADHD Assessment

With NHS waiting lists for ADHD assessment running long, many families and adults are left managing day-to-day life with no formal diagnosis and no plan. You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to start getting support. Our psychologists can work with you or your child in the meantime — building practical coping strategies, structure and emotional regulation skills — alongside, not instead of, the NHS or private assessment process.

Living With Unsupported ADHD

Left unsupported, ADHD can affect far more than attention. Difficulty focusing and regulating behaviour can lead to academic or workplace struggles, strained friendships and family relationships, and a slow erosion of confidence and self-esteem. These effects compound over time — which is exactly why earlier, practical support tends to make such a noticeable difference.

Our Approach to ADHD Support

At Feeling To Healing Psychology Clinic, we use evidence-based approaches tailored to the person in front of us — not a one-size-fits-all script. For children, that often means working with parents as well as the child, building skills for focus, emotional regulation and behaviour at home and school. For adults, it means practical strategies for organisation, follow-through and emotional regulation, built around real daily life. Sessions are available in person at our Central London clinic or online via secure video, wherever you’re based.

Get Professional Help

If you suspect your child, or you yourself, may have ADHD, seeking guidance early makes a real difference. Book a free consultation to talk through what you’re noticing and how we can help. You can also reach us on +44 203 996 1510 or contact us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity, as defined in the DSM-5. It can affect children, teenagers and adults.

What are the signs of ADHD in children?

Common signs include difficulty staying focused, constant fidgeting or restlessness, excessive talking, acting without thinking, interrupting others, and a quick temper. Occasional forgetfulness or daydreaming is normal; persistent patterns across settings are what matter.

Can adults have ADHD too?

Yes. ADHD often continues into adulthood and frequently goes undiagnosed for years, especially in women. In adults it commonly shows up as disorganisation, time blindness, emotional reactivity and difficulty following through on tasks, rather than the more visible hyperactivity seen in children.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

A formal diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician, typically via the NHS or a private ADHD assessment service. We support clients through this process and alongside it, but a formal diagnosis is handled by an assessment specialist.

Can you help if we’re still waiting for an NHS ADHD assessment?

Yes. You don’t need a diagnosis to start building practical strategies. We work with children and adults to manage day-to-day symptoms while a formal assessment is in progress.

Is ADHD support confidential?

Yes. Everything you share with your practitioner is treated as confidential, in line with our clinic’s professional and ethical standards.