Through my struggles with ADHD, I learned that the greatest gift we can give ourselves and others is understanding and support. A-D Directed is my way of paying it forward and helping those who may be going through similar challenges.
From an early age, Owner and Founder Michael found himself in problematic situations and lifestyles, leading him into involvement with the Justice system and exclusion from main stream education. At the age of 23 he made the changes and geographical moves necessary to start his life anew. He studied for an access to university qualification and went on to study for and successfully achieve a 2:1 BSc in Criminology.
However, Michael still wasn’t able to have the ‘normal ‘ life that others around him seemed to enjoy. A perpetual chaos of relationships, employment and personal crises still seemed to follow Michael wherever he went. Alongside this his internal narrative was becoming so loud and critical that Michael firmly believed he was one crisis away from a mental health breakdown. In short, he thought he was crazy as he did not understand himself and the un-identified condition he had.
Michael attempted to get an NHS diagnosis, but as many of us are aware, the waiting times that he faced, left him at risk of once again becoming involved with the CJS, losing valuable relationships, and unable to maintain employment for long periods of time.
It is the risk and harm that ADHD causes that A-D Directed was formed to address. High demand and extremely long waiting times has led to the creation of a two-tier health system that excludes those who do not have the means to go private. This has led to a perfect storm of stagnated services and swathes of families and individuals being left with no understanding as to why they feel how they feel.
Despite disclosing his diagnosis with his employers, it soon became clear that the support for those in the workplace, and general understanding about how these conditions also affect staff and colleagues, was non-existent.
The suffering and confusion that individuals are left in, with no support or diagnoses, is harmful, but much can be alleviated by education and support. It was this realisation that led Michael to set up A-D Directed in order to try and improve some of the issues he had identified and experienced, and prevent others experiencing the harm and trauma he went through before he was able to access the understanding and skills needed to manage his traits and symptoms. (Please click on ‘What we do” to find out how)
This is the purpose of A-D Directed. Using real world practical solutions, maintaining personal and business objectives for our clients whilst ensuring that they, their employees, or their loved ones are able to navigate life and avoid the pitfalls that so many with ADHD (diagnosed and un-diagnosed) face.
ADHD is a impactful condition with many harmful outcomes if not properly understood and managed. But it is also a set of traits that when harnessed properly, can turn those with it into some of the most productive and innovative individuals in our society.
Please get in touch, and see how we can support you to reduce the chaos and tap into the strengths of ADHD.
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