My name is Ian. I was diagnosed with Combined Type ADHD at 40. That diagnosis was a turning point, transforming my understanding of both myself and the challenges faced by people with ADHD.

Growing up, I often felt different from my friends: I was restless in class, lost my train of thought mid-sentence, and struggled to sit still during group activities. My impulsivity frequently got me into trouble—blurting out answers without thinking, interrupting classmates or teachers, or acting on sudden urges that led to pranks and class disruptions. I was labelled “wild” or “rude” when I simply couldn’t help fidgeting or speaking out, and that sense of isolation and misunderstanding lingered for decades.

My journey has involved not only understanding my neurodiversity but also actively working to break the stigma associated with living with ADHD. This experience has given me deep empathy and a relentless drive to advocate for change. As a football coach for children aged 3–8, I witness firsthand the unique struggles young people with ADHD/ADD experience—difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity in group activities, and a need for tailored support that is often missing at this critical stage. This insight fuels my mission to ensure early intervention and inclusive coaching strategies are available to every child who needs them.

My commitment to this cause is also profoundly personal. My daughter’s ADHD diagnosis at 17—following a period of intense struggle that led her to crisis—ignited my determination to fight for better resources, understanding, and acceptance.  

 In addition, my nephew was diagnosed with ADHD, which deepened my understanding of its familial nature and reinforced my resolve to support other families navigating similar challenges. Their journeys remind me daily that behind every statistic is a human life deserving of compassion and support.

As an ADHD UK Ambassador, I draw upon my lived experience, coaching expertise, and deep personal investment to raise awareness, promote best practices, and build communities where no one with ADHD ever feels alone, misunderstood, or stigmatised.