The Hidden Struggles of ADHD: A Mother’s Perspective

I definitely get most frustrated about society’s inability to understand neurodiverse people.

As a mum of an adult who was diagnosed with ADHD, I feel like I’m always fighting his corner, not because he can’t, but because I’m his mum. I love him, and I will protect and defend him until my last breath. I am a mum who wholeheartedly loves her children. I’m that lioness who protects her young. I have always been like that, from arguing with teachers and other parents who misunderstood or placed blame on my son for things he never did, to wanting (but not succeeding) to walk into his workplace and say:

"Do you think he purposely means to be late again? He’s shown you his ADHD report from the doctor. This isn’t a label, it’s a disorder. One that will shape his life differently forever. He will live with his crowded brain and unwanted thoughts every single day. Please, do your research."

Of course, my son didn’t want me to, so I didn’t.

It’s 2025, and the world is in an ever-evolving, messy state of affairs. I mean, you only have to read a newspaper or watch the news to feel down for the rest of the day! But as an adult, I’ve found more and more ignorance surrounding people. And I’m not sure if it really is blissful for them, I think ignorance is often a choice.

I always take into account age. Age plays a massive role in how someone reacts. If someone grew up before neurodiversity was well known, I understand why they might not fully grasp ADHD. But as humans, we have the ability to learn new things every day. So, it should never be as simple as “Well, in my day, there was no such thing” or “In my day, you just got on with it” and so on. The reality is, this isn’t your day. This is now. And our children are experiencing a world completely different from the one you grew up in.

That’s not to say your world didn’t have hardships. Every generation has its own struggles. For instance I deeply honour those who fought hard in the wars, allowing us to be here today. My beautiful Nan, whom I admired massively and loved dearly, was evacuated as a child, taken from her parents. I know that was unimaginably hard on her.

But today, as a mum, I have to focus on the world we live in to protect my children the best I can.

A world where Donald Trump became president again.
A world of conflict and rivalry.
A world full of screens.
A world where bullying doesn’t stop at school but follows you home online.
A world that is deeply unfair.
A world where mental health struggles are increasing.
A world where the cost of living is skyrocketing, and families struggle to make ends meet.
A world where wars rage on, and innocent people suffer.
A world where climate change continues to be ignored while natural disasters become more frequent.
A world where social media fuels division instead of connection.
A world where young people feel more pressure than ever to succeed, yet the goalposts keep moving.
A world where kindness sometimes feels like a rare commodity.

ADHD has always been here, it didn’t just appear out of thin air. It was just misunderstood. But the amazing thing about today’s world is that advancements in science allow us to know so much more about this disorder and so much more about the human brain.

ADHD is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, meaning individuals with ADHD are protected from discrimination and have the right to reasonable adjustments in the workplace and education.

I often hear the term labelling and I hate it.

My son hasn’t been wrapped up in paper, had a label slapped on him, and been posted off somewhere. He has been diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD affects the brain. And it’s clear that those with ADHD need our understanding, our patience, and our help.

Like any mental health struggle, there is no snapping out of it. There is no just shaking it off.

And that is why this blog is so important to me. If I can educate just one person, then that’s already one more person who understands my son a little better, a mother’s view on ADHD and how it can affect me too and other parents who are watching their children, or in my case, a young adult, navigate an often less-than-understanding world.

Remember, many disabilities are invisible.