A NEWTOWN man is reaching out to others who have ADHD.

Stuart Trigg, 46, was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 23. It was the first time anyone had been able to shed light on some of the difficulties he’d had in and beyond school, finding it a massive relief in some ways, and a life changing moment.

He is looking to help others through the Mid Wales ADHD group.

“It covers a broad spectrum”, he said. “We have a saying ‘once you have met one person with ADHD, you have met one person with ADHD’ meaning everyone is different, from mild symptoms managed with planning and strategies to life-changing symptoms such as extreme behaviour, or inability to simply function with many tasks day to day. ADHD is divided into three different types: Inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type or combination type.

“ADHD is a genetic disorder, which mainly concerns a lack of dopamine in the brain, resulting in a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.

“Children with ADHD may also struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. In many cases this can persist into adulthood. Bill Gates, Michael Phelps, Steve Jobs, Justin Timberlake, Adam Levine, Taylor Swift and even Einstein are examples of people who have succeeded with ADHD. We are losing the stigma, and seeing it for the potential benefits it can bring.

“I have benefited from learning about the condition, and run a successful business that regularly contributes to our local tourism and business sectors.

“ADHD is certainly not caused by sugar, poor parenting, electronic devices or is just ‘naughtiness’. Although these may contribute in some cases. ADHD is now the most studied mental health issue in the world, with a proven genetic link.

“There is provision for referral and diagnosis in Mid Wales, and our group can help to direct you to it, while answering any questions you might have, offering advice, ways to work with ADHD and supporting members in any way we can.”

Join ‘Mid Wales ADHD Support & Chat’ on Facebook if you feel any of the above could apply to you or someone you know.

They can also be contacted on Twitter @MidWalesADHD or email midwalesadhd@gmail.com.