ADHD
A neurotype involving differences in attention regulation, impulse control and activity levels. It can influence how a person focuses, regulates behaviour and responds to their environment. ADHD presents differently in different people and may involve both strengths and challenges.

ADHD Coach
A professional who supports people with ADHD to develop strategies for organisation, motivation and executive functioning. Coaching approaches and training backgrounds vary between practitioners.

Dopamine
A neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward, attention and learning. Research suggests dopamine signalling and regulation may function differently in ADHD.

Neurotransmitter
A chemical messenger used by nerve cells to communicate with each other. Neurotransmitters help regulate many functions including attention, mood, movement and learning.

Executive Function
A group of mental processes that help people plan, organise, manage attention, remember information and regulate behaviour in order to work towards goals.

Hyperactivity
A higher level of movement, restlessness or physical energy often associated with ADHD. How it appears can vary between individuals and situations.

Hyperfocus
A state of intense concentration on something engaging, sometimes to the exclusion of other tasks or needs. For some people this can be helpful, while in other situations it may make it harder to shift attention.

Impulsivity
A tendency to act or respond quickly, sometimes before fully considering consequences. This can influence decision-making, communication and self-regulation.

Inattention
A difference in how attention is regulated, where focus may shift depending on interest, stimulation or environmental factors.

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
A term often used to describe strong emotional responses to perceived rejection or criticism. Many people with ADHD recognise this experience, although it is not a formal diagnosis.

Time Blindness
A term often used to describe difficulty sensing the passage of time or estimating how long tasks will take. This can affect planning, transitions and time management.

Working Memory
The ability to hold and use information in mind for a short period of time. For example, remembering someone’s name just after being introduced, keeping track of details in a conversation, or holding several steps of a task in mind while completing it.

Co-occurring Differences
When ADHD occurs alongside one or more other neurodevelopmental differences, mental health conditions or health-related differences.

Stimulant and Non-Stimulant Medication
Medications that may be prescribed to support attention, impulse regulation or other aspects of ADHD. Their effects, benefits and side effects can vary between individuals.

Titration
The process of gradually adjusting medication dosage under clinical supervision in order to understand how a medication affects an individual and to help find a suitable balance between benefits and side effects.