Hello, I’m Jamie Gordon, and my journey with ADHD is both a personal struggle and a catalyst for change. Diagnosed in 2020, my experience with ADHD has been marred by misdiagnosis, misunderstanding, and a systemic lack of support that I’ve encountered within the healthcare system. This journey has not only shaped my advocacy but also fueled my determination to make a tangible difference for those affected by ADHD, especially in the face of bureaucratic inertia and societal misconceptions.

Moving to Reading in 2022, I faced the daunting reality of NHS waiting lists, a testament to the fragmented nature of healthcare data sharing and a medical system ill-equipped to handle ADHD’s complexities. This experience propelled me into action, from writing to my MP to lodging formal complaints with various NHS services, highlighting the dire need for systemic change.

Beyond navigating my own challenges, including dyslexia and likely dyscalculia, I’ve channeled my energies into political activism and community support. Initiating a local in-person peer support group, my goal is to not only offer a sanctuary for those grappling with ADHD but also to lobby for profound changes in funding, support, and understanding both locally and nationally.

My engagement with ADHD UK and the broader community through advice, donations, and advocacy underscores my commitment to leveraging data and personal experiences to drive awareness and change. However, the journey is fraught with challenges—from protracted waiting lists and medication shortages to the need for a more inclusive approach to ADHD assessment and support.

My advocacy is particularly focused on the systemic issues that exacerbate ADHD challenges: the oversights in screening that neglect critical aspects like emotional dysregulation, the lack of comprehensive support beyond medication, and the barriers to education and employment exacerbated by ADHD. The plight of students in Reading, facing years-long reassessment delays, epitomizes the broader struggles within our education and healthcare systems.

Addressing medication shortages, the stigma around ADHD medication misuse, and the need for a nuanced understanding of ADHD’s impact on life trajectories are central to my advocacy. Moreover, the intersection of ADHD and the prison system—highlighting the dire need for screening, support, and rehabilitation—reflects a broader societal failure to recognize and address the unique challenges faced by individuals with ADHD.

As I step into the role of an ambassador for ADHD UK, my vision is clear: to dismantle the barriers and biases that hinder ADHD support and recognition, advocate for systemic reforms, and ensure that every individual with ADHD has the opportunity to thrive. It’s a mission driven by personal experience, a commitment to community, and a belief in the power of collective action to enact lasting change.