Articles
ADHD is complex, personal, and often misunderstood. These articles bring together lived experience, evidence, and real-world perspectives to support clearer understanding.
You will find reflections and insights from neuroscientists, lawyers, nutrition and assistive technology specialists, everyday ADHD adults, and our founder. Different voices, different angles, and no single right answer.
No jargon. No stereotypes. Just grounded perspectives that don’t always agree, and don’t try to simplify things too quickly.
Latest Articles
ADHD, Work, and Finding Direction: Why “Find Your Purpose” Can Be Unhelpful
Many of us with ADHD can find ourselves either pushing relentlessly or stuck on everyday tasks and decisions. Often, both are part of the same pattern. Trying to stay organised and on top of everything can gradually turn into something else. More systems. More effort....
The Workers Missing from the ADHD Conversation
We’re pleased to share this piece from Jamie Gordon, a neurodiversity advocate, workshop facilitator and Employment Advisor within NHS Talking Therapies. Alongside founding the Reading ADHD Group, Jamie has spent years working across hospitality, retail and...
Working memory and ADHD: why life feels harder than it should
Ever forgotten where you put your car keys moments after setting them down? Walked into a room and suddenly wondered, “Why did I come in here?” Or met someone new, heard their name, and forgotten it seconds later? These moments happen to everyone. But for many adults...
Thinking Differently, Filtered Out. Why systems reward familiarity over insight
This article reflects on how organisations, institutions, and recruitment systems tend to respond to difference in practice, rather than how difference is experienced internally. It focuses on how systems decide what counts as legitimate experience, and how people who...
ADHD, identity, and the quiet cost of fixed stories: When explanations stop too soon
As conversations and content about ADHD grow, there is a strong pull towards certainty. Clear explanations. Clear traits. Clear stories about what ADHD is and what it means. That pull is understandable. Many people arrive at ADHD understanding after years of...
Breadth, Curiosity, and the Future of Learning: Rethinking an Education System Built for a Different Era
Is it just me, or does school appear to reward doing things the “right way” while the world outside rarely works that way. We ask children to fit themselves into the system long before they have had the chance to explore who they could be. Behind this sits a deeper...
Loving her, fully
This reflection was written by Carl, the partner of someone with ADHD. In his own words, he shares the chaos, love, and everyday realities of living alongside ADHD and other disabilities. Living with my partner, who has ADHD, is a constant mix of motion, energy, and...
Turning Lemons into Lemonade: My ADHD Journey, Burnout, and Building Something New
We’re really pleased to share this piece from Jodie Steele, a brand strategist, travel creator, and advocate for neurodivergence and complex health. After a career leading campaigns across the UK and Middle East, Jodie’s path shifted when ADHD, burnout, and health...
Movement and ADHD: Rebuilding Trust in Your Body One Step at a Time
When it comes to ADHD, movement is often treated like a “should” - something you’re meant to force your way into for the sake of productivity, mood, or health. But for many of us, especially those navigating burnout or executive function challenges, the real challenge...
Chasing Dopamine and Connection: What My Teenage Self Needed You to Know
By Brenda Keirnan, in collaboration with ADHD Pirates This piece shares part of my lived experience being autistic with ADHD and as an Inclusion Advisory Teacher who now supports schools across Derbyshire. I wrote it for the many educators who are doing their best,...
Eating for ADHD: Meal Planning, Supplements, and Managing Impulsive Eating
This article is Part 2 of our ADHD and nutrition series with Dana Chapman. In Part 1, we explored how diet, hydration, and gut health can affect ADHD symptoms. Here in Part 2, we turn to practical strategies — including meal planning ideas, the role of supplements,...
Eating for ADHD: Practical Nutrition Tips for Better Energy, Focus, and Mood
This article is Part 1 of a two-part series on ADHD and nutrition. In Part 2, we'll explore meal planning strategies, supplements, and managing impulsive eating. Many adults with ADHD struggle with energy crashes, impulsive eating, or difficulty planning meals. But...
Assistive Tech for ADHD: What Might Actually Help, and When
ADHD can make certain tasks feel heavier than they need to be, from planning projects to keeping up in meetings or just getting started on that one thing you’ve been putting off for days. Assistive technology isn’t about “fixing” ADHD. But some tools can make things...
Time Blindness and ADHD: Why Time Feels Different for Us
At ADHD Pirates, we’re passionate about making the science behind ADHD accessible and practical. Time blindness is a common experience for many adults with ADHD, but why does it happen, and how can we work with our brains instead of against them? To dig into the...
ADHD: Beyond Gendered Stereotypes
ADHD is one of the most misunderstood neurodevelopmental differences, with its recognition shaped by societal biases and gendered stereotypes. These narratives exclude many individuals and perpetuate misunderstandings. This article explores these biases and advocates...
Beyond Inattention: Exploring Emotional Intensity in ADHD
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), a term introduced by ADHD specialist Dr. William Dodson in the 1990s, has emerged as a significant talking point in the ADHD community. It describes intense emotional reactions to perceived rejection or criticism—an experience that...
Understanding Time Blindness in ADHD
Time blindness is a common experience for many adults with ADHD. It refers to a weakened perception of time, making it hard to estimate how long tasks will take or how much time has passed. This can lead to various challenges in daily life. What is Time Blindness?...
Procrastination and ADHD: Understanding and Overcoming the Challenge
Procrastination is a common experience, especially for individuals with ADHD. This article explores why procrastination is prevalent among people with ADHD and offers strategies to help manage it effectively. The Nature of Procrastination Procrastination involves...
How to Get an Adult ADHD Assessment in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigating the process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be overwhelming. Here's a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you through the process, with additional information that may help along the way. Start by Keeping a Symptom Log Before visiting...
The Paradox of Perfectionism in ADHD
Perfectionism and ADHD often intersect in complex ways. For those with ADHD, striving to do everything perfectly can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Understanding Perfectionism in ADHD Perfectionism entails setting exceptionally high standards and striving to...