Written by Kat Garoës-Hill, Creative Communications Officer and ADHDer
October is ADHD Awareness Month in the UK, a time to celebrate neurodiversity, share lived experiences, and increase understanding of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in both children and adults. It's also an opportunity to address the under-diagnosis of ADHD in female-identifying individuals and especially those from Black and Minoritised backgrounds. I’ve written this blog to promote awareness and open conversation about ADHD and how it impacts those in our communities.
Being Diagnosed with ADHD
Over a year ago, aged 32, I received my ADHD Combined Type Diagnosis. Since then, I've embarked on a profound journey from grief to acceptance. It was a stroke of luck that my diagnosis came relatively quickly (within 8 months) through the NHS route of Psychiatry UK. This was partly due to the surge in diagnoses during the pandemic, driven by factors such as remote work, furloughs, restrictions on outdoor activities, and the toll on mental health.
I've always known I was different; during my school years, I was often labelled as being a ‘butterfly brain,’ chatty, lacking focus, easily distracted, and prone to peer pressure. My report cards frequently stated that I was 'extremely bright but underachieving and needed to try harder.’ However, the possibility of having a learning disability was never explored.
Photograph of Kat, taken a week after being diagnosed in October 2022.
As a woman of Black mixed heritage, with Indian and Namibian roots, I attended secondary school in a predominantly white working-class area during the 2000s. At that time, ADHD seemed synonymous with hyperactive white boys who disrupted lessons and couldn’t sit still. I vividly remember moments when I'd search for information on ADD and ADHD online, but because I couldn't find anyone who looked like me with the condition, I dismissed the possibility of having it.
Women and girls, particularly those with the inattentive type, often face delayed diagnoses, as they are frequently misconstrued as shy, withdrawn, or passive, rather than exhibiting ADHD symptoms. Usually, they either don't receive a diagnosis or are misdiagnosed with conditions like depression or anxiety.
Under-diagnosis within Black and Minoritised Communities
It's deeply concerning that many women, particularly those from Black and Minoritised backgrounds, might endure agonising waits, sometimes spanning decades, before finally receiving an ADHD diagnosis. In the UK, approximately 3-4% of the population are living with ADHD. Delving further into the numbers, a study has shed light on the disparities within this figure. It revealed that a staggering 13% of people who are screened as positive for ADHD are Black, compared to 10.2% who are of White British descent, while the Asian community makes up 8.9%. These statistics underscore the severity of the issue, showcasing the higher prevalence of ADHD within the Black and Minoritised communities. A prolonged wait for diagnosis can lead to profound feelings of loneliness and isolation, compounding the already substantial impact of ADHD on our lives.
Getting a late diagnosis had a major impact on my health and wellbeing. Like many other women, I was misdiagnosed by multiple healthcare professionals from my late teens to mid-20s as suffering from depression and anxiety, and prescribed various doses of unnecessary medication, rather than thoroughly delving into the root cause of my symptoms. These misdiagnoses had a significant effect on my experience at university and during my early career.
Photograph of Kat with colleague Japheth Monzon, Project Officer at a Housing event.
In an effort to cope, I became adept at masking my symptoms, but this coping mechanism took a toll, leaving me tired, fatigued, and eventually leading to burnout. It wasn't until later that I realised the symptoms I had experienced since childhood, including distractibility, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining focus, were not isolated to my early years. They persisted into my adult life, impacting my education and career in ways I couldn't fully comprehend at the time. These undiagnosed and unaddressed ADHD symptoms played a pivotal role in my journey toward acceptance and effective self-management. It's worth noting that medication is one facet of ADHD management and can provide relief for some individuals, but I've made a personal choice not to pursue medication.
There's a lack of general awareness surrounding ADHD, which means that even healthcare professionals might not readily recognise its symptoms, especially in adult patients. Cultural factors further compound the problem. In many communities, mental health concerns, including neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, are often stigmatised or overlooked. This lack of cultural awareness can lead to misinterpretations of symptoms, making diagnosis even more elusive for those in Black and Minoritised communities. Addressing these barriers is crucial to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, receives the timely and appropriate diagnosis and support they deserve.
Working for BSWN
Photograph of Kat (stood up in the middle) with other members of the team and also Dr. Connie Sozi (left), and Miranda Grell (knelt down in the middle).
At BSWN, we're a driving force for racial justice, fully committed to addressing disparities guided by our mission to empower Black and Minoritised communities and challenge systemic barriers, ultimately promoting racial equity. Our community-led approach sets us apart. We often find ourselves working closely with Black and Minoritised individuals who are neurodivergent or face mental health challenges, through our programmes and research initiatives. We're dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and accessible space for them. We firmly recognise that accessibility and neurodiversity are valuable strengths that drive progress and innovation within our communities.
Receiving a diagnosis whilst working at BSWN has been a positive yet challenging experience for me. It's also been a learning curve for the organisation. Since my diagnosis, we have taken proactive steps, with the entire team attending neurodiversity training and engaging in broader conversations around neurodiversity. I am extremely grateful for the support of my manager and the ADHD Coaching I've received through Access to Work.
Conclusion
In this exploration of ADHD Awareness within Black and Minoritised Communities, I’ve delved into the profound impact of delayed diagnoses and the under-diagnosis of ADHD. My personal experience underscores the importance of recognising and addressing this issue. Raising awareness is just the beginning; our collective efforts can break down the barriers to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate support for everyone, regardless of their background. It's our collective responsibility to channel our awareness into action and dismantle the barriers that hinder equitable ADHD diagnosis and support within Black and Minoritised communities.
Resources and Support
Here are some useful resources that provide support and information on ADHD, specifically for underrepresented communities or individuals, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed.
One of the best groups I found when I was seeking my diagnosis, they support Black women and non-binary folks who are self-diagnosed or medically diagnosed. I reached out to them when I was first seeking a diagnosis and they were really helpful and responsive, providing support around the assessment process, ADHD therapists, and other resources. Help Support Black Women & Non-binary folk with ADHD by donating to their fundraiser, they are raising money to cover core costs and outreach services.
A supportive podcast that delves into the experiences of ADHD in females is hosted by two remarkable women in their late 30s: Dawn-Marie Farmer from Scotland and Laura Mears-Reynolds, who has a mixed heritage. Both have received late diagnoses and share their insights on navigating life with ADHD.
This channel is an invaluable ADHD toolbox, offering a wealth of strategies for living with and managing ADHD. It's also home to a welcoming community of individuals who provide support and assistance to one another. If you're looking to learn more about ADHD and connect with a supportive community, I encourage you to explore this resource.