Henry Shelford, CEO and Co-Founder of ADHD UK, was quoted in the article and provided background information.
Actor Sir Anthony Hopkins sparked controversy by calling conditions like ADHD “nonsense”, prompting criticism from neurodiversity advocates and charities who argue such views dismiss the lived realities of many people with these diagnoses. The remarks reignited a broader conversation about public understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions and the challenges faced by those who are diagnosed.
Henry Shelford, CEO and co-founder of ADHD UK, responded by underscoring the difficulty many people with ADHD face, saying:
“It is easy for those who have found their perfect spot, where their individuality and difference help them succeed, to forget how hard it is for those who haven’t.”
Shelford highlighted that receiving a diagnosis is not simple or quick, explaining that:
“A diagnosis of ADHD or Autism isn’t like a coat bought off a fast-fashion rack. Assessments require medical specialists, and NHS waits are usually measured in years or even decades.”
He also pointed to research showing serious impacts for some people with ADHD, including higher suicide attempt rates — “1 in 4 women with ADHD and 1 in 10 men with ADHD will at some point try to take their own life” — and a shortened average life expectancy. Shelford said that although people with ADHD can achieve great success, “having ADHD can be extraordinarily hard, and comments like this make it harder for those struggling the most.”
You can read the full article here: https://www.the-express.com/entertainment/celebrity-news/189308/anthony-hopkins-adhd-condition-nonsense
