ADHD & Neurodivergent
Embracing ADHD and Neurodivergence
Focused support that works for you
ADHD is more than a label. It affects how people think, process information and respond to their environment, and it often sits within a wider pattern of neurodiversity. These conditions involve differences in how the brain works compared to neurotypical individuals, leading to unique strengths and challenges.
Neurodiversity recognises that individual brains function in varied ways, and these neurological differences contribute to the distinct strengths and challenges experienced by neurodivergent people.
Understanding ADHD and neurodiversity is an important part of mental health, as it can improve overall emotional, psychological and social well-being. At Sommers Psychotherapy, we work with individuals, families and professionals to understand these differences, offer clarity and build practical support that works in real life.
Whether you’re navigating a recent diagnosis, questioning if ADHD might be part of your story, or simply looking to make sense of ongoing challenges, we’re here to help.
What Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Looks Like
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically shows up as difficulties with organisation, impulse control and regulating attention. While it’s often associated with a lack of focus, ADHD can also present as hyperfocus — a state of intense concentration on activities that are stimulating or rewarding. In these moments, a person may become so deeply immersed in a task that they lose track of time, ignore their surroundings, or struggle to shift their attention elsewhere. It can also mean being easily distracted, restless or constantly in motion, especially in environments that don’t support neurodivergent needs.
In childhood, ADHD might mean interrupting others, missing instructions or struggling to sit still in class. It can affect daily activities and social interactions, such as participating in group work, managing routines or making and keeping friends. Individuals with ADHD may also face challenges in how they communicate with others, which can further impact their social experiences.
In adulthood, ADHD can look like difficulty staying on top of tasks, zoning out in meetings or juggling multiple unfinished projects at once. At the same time, adults with ADHD may experience periods of hyperfocus, becoming so absorbed in a task that they lose track of time or neglect other responsibilities. It doesn’t affect intelligence, but rather how attention and energy are managed. Without support, ADHD can impact work, learning, and relationships. ADHD can determine how a person handles stress and makes decisions. With the right tools, people with ADHD can turn these traits into strengths.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity recognises that differences in how people think, learn and process information are natural variations, not deficits to be fixed. ADHD is one of several neurodevelopmental and neurodivergent conditions, including autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s syndrome (a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by involuntary tics), and obsessive-compulsive disorder. While these are sometimes classified as disorders or disabilities, they are increasingly recognised for their unique strengths and differences, which is a key focus of the neurodiversity movement. Conditions like autism and ADHD are often classed as disabilities, but the social model of disability emphasises that societal barriers and environmental factors contribute significantly to these challenges.
Learning disabilities and difficulties such as dyslexia and dyscalculia are also common among neurodivergent individuals, affecting reading, writing and understanding numbers. These challenges can coexist with other neurodevelopmental conditions, adding complexity to each person’s experience. It is important to distinguish between intellectual disability, which involves significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, and other neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD.
Neurodivergent people may have unique ways of processing information and approaching problems. Education, research and advocacy are vital in improving understanding and support for autistic people, those with ADHD and the wider neurodivergent community. Autism studies have evolved to better understand genetic and neurobiological factors in autism, shaping how we support and include autistic individuals.
The way we describe people with different neurological profiles matters, as language shapes perceptions and understanding of neurodivergence. Societal structures, such as education and employment, impact social relationships for neurodivergent individuals, highlighting the need for more inclusive environments.
Roughly one in seven people is considered neurodivergent. Many go undiagnosed, especially if they’ve adapted behaviours to fit neurotypical expectations. The rise in diagnoses is largely due to changes in diagnostic criteria and greater awareness, not necessarily because there are more autistic people.
At Sommers Psychotherapy, we help people identify how neurodivergence shows up in their lives, beyond labels, to understand how they work best, what causes friction, and what support makes a real difference, fostering self-acceptance in the process. Understanding and supporting autistic children in education and daily life is crucial, as is recognising the unique experiences of each autistic person within the neurodiversity movement.
What is a Neurodivergent Person?
A neurodivergent person is someone whose brain functions in ways that differ from what is typically expected in society. This neurological diversity can include a range of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder, among others. Neurodivergent traits often involve unique patterns of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world. For example, a person on the autism spectrum may experience differences in social communication or engage in repetitive behaviours, while someone with ADHD might find it challenging to focus on one task but excel in creative problem-solving.
Neurodivergent people may face difficulties in environments designed for neurotypical individuals, especially when it comes to social communication or adapting to rigid routines. However, these same individuals often possess remarkable ability in diverse cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, memory, and mental visualisation, along with high attention to detail, innovative thinking, and an acute awareness of body language. They have the capacity to approach problems from fresh perspectives. With the right support and understanding, neurodivergent people can thrive, using their strengths to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Recognising and valuing neurodivergent traits is essential for building a more inclusive society where every person’s abilities are respected and supported.
Learning disabilities are a common experience for many neurodivergent individuals and can present unique challenges in educational and everyday settings. Conditions such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia affect how a person processes written and numerical information, making traditional learning environments more difficult to navigate. These learning disabilities often co-occur with other neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, adding layers of complexity to a neurodivergent individual’s experience.
Healthcare providers and educators play a vital role in supporting neurodivergent individuals with learning disabilities. By offering tailored accommodations, such as assistive technology, individualised learning plans, and specialised teaching strategies, they help level the playing field and empower each person to reach their full potential. Recognising learning disabilities as part of the broader spectrum of neurodevelopmental conditions allows for a more compassionate and effective approach to education and support. By fostering environments that embrace neurological diversity, we can ensure that neurodivergent individuals have the opportunity to develop their abilities and participate fully in society.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about building clarity. Diagnosis typically involves a structured assessment by a healthcare professional that looks at long-term patterns across different settings. In recent years, many people have begun to self-identify with ADHD traits based on viewing online content or personal reflection. Self-identification can be an important and empowering step, especially for those who’ve gone years without answers. While a formal diagnosis offers clarity, access to support, and can rule out other conditions, it’s also true that not everyone has the means or opportunity to pursue one right away. For many, self-awareness is the beginning of finding language for their experiences and seeking the tools that help them thrive.
ADHD diagnoses can sometimes co-occur with other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions, and it is common for the same individual to have multiple diagnoses. Girls and women are often underdiagnosed, as their traits may lean towards inattentiveness rather than hyperactivity. Adults may have gone years assuming their struggles were due to poor organisation or anxiety. For those diagnosed later in life—formally or through self-recognition—the process can bring a mix of relief, validation, and emotional upheaval. Alongside the clarity, there may be a deep sense of loss for the time spent not knowing—years marked by self-doubt, missed opportunities, or feeling ‘not quite right’ without understanding why. Naming ADHD can help make sense of the past, but it can also stir up grief for what could have been different. At Sommers Psychotherapy, we can help clients gain insight into their experiences and plan next steps.
If you suspect ADHD might be part of your picture, we can help you explore it, with or without a formal label, and decide whether diagnosis is the right path for you.
A diagnosis is just the beginning. From there, we focus on helping clients build practical strategies tailored to their needs whether that’s managing executive function, reducing overwhelm, or improving daily structure. Treatment and support are designed to help individuals manage daily activities more effectively, making everyday routines and functions easier to navigate.
We also understand that ADHD often overlaps with other conditions, from anxiety and depression to dyslexia and sensory sensitivities. Our approach considers the full picture, so you’re not just managing symptoms in isolation.
Our team has specific experience supporting neurodivergent individuals, and we adapt our methods accordingly. Healthcare providers play a key role in supporting each neurodivergent person by tailoring therapy methods to their unique needs. That might mean visual tools instead of verbal processing, short-term goal setting, or building in time for offloading and reflection.
We work with adults, offering in-person and remote sessions. Our process is collaborative, focused and designed to help you make steady progress, not chase perfection.
Why Choose Us?
We specialise in ADHD, neurodiversity and emotional well-being, offering tailored support and practical strategies that work in everyday life. Whether you’re seeking answers, structure or long-term guidance, our team adapts therapy to fit the way you think.
With in-person and online options, we make getting help straightforward and supportive from the first conversation.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a session to speak with a member of our team, ask your questions, and explore how our support can help you. Whether you’re seeking a clearer understanding of ADHD, looking for practical strategies that deliver results, or want to support a family member or partner more effectively, we’re ready to help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
ADHD often presents differently in each person, but common signs include difficulties with focus, organisation, impulsivity or restlessness. It may look like zoning out in meetings, struggling with routines, or having trouble completing tasks. If these challenges persist and affect daily life, it might be worth exploring an assessment.
Diagnosis usually involves a structured assessment with a health care provider that considers long-standing patterns of behaviour across different settings. Whilst we don't offer diagnoses, we can help you look at the full picture, including co-occurring conditions, and offer clear guidance on next steps.
A diagnosis is just the starting point. We provide practical, personalised strategies to manage everyday challenges, from executive function to focus, time management and emotional regulation. Support is adapted to your needs, whether you're an adult or a family member seeking guidance.
Neurodiversity refers to natural differences in how people think, learn and process information. Conditions like ADHD and autism are part of this variation and come with both strengths and challenges. Rather than viewing them as deficits, we recognise them as valid ways of experiencing the world, and tailor support accordingly.
FEES - Please contact each practitioner directly.
£110
For in-person sessions
£95
For online sessions