Hi, I’m Kelly. Receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD was both life-changing and deeply emotional for me. For much of my life, I felt as though I did not quite fit anywhere. Even within my own family, I often felt different and carried a profound fear of rejection. Throughout secondary school, I struggled socially and academically. I rarely felt a true sense of belonging, found it difficult to sit still in lessons, and often left the classroom under the guise of needing a break simply to manage my restlessness. Homework was frequently late, mornings were overwhelming, and internally I was battling challenges I did not yet understand.

Entering the workplace brought further difficulties. In my first role within a supermarket, I often felt misunderstood and, at times, bullied. It took time for colleagues to see beyond the behaviours they misinterpreted and to understand me as a person. The emotional toll of constantly feeling “too much” or “not enough” led to significant anxiety and depression. I engaged in therapy and was prescribed medication for anxiety, yet nothing truly addressed the root cause. I moved through life without a clear sense of belonging, and this inevitably affected my confidence, relationships, and self-esteem.

Like many individuals with ADHD, I experienced an intense drive to achieve coupled with overwhelming frustration when I could not meet my own expectations. I would set ambitious goals, only to feel defeated when boredom, overwhelm, or mental exhaustion prevented me from completing them. It was a relentless cycle of ambition and self-criticism.

My career in residential childcare marked a turning point. Working closely with vulnerable young people, I discovered a deep passion for advocacy. Supporting children who felt misunderstood resonated profoundly with me. It was during this time that I began to recognise traits in myself that mirrored those of the young people I was supporting. This ultimately led to my ADHD diagnosis.

Receiving that diagnosis was difficult to process, yet it also brought clarity and self-compassion. Beginning appropriate treatment has significantly improved my quality of life. More importantly, it allowed me to reflect on the little girl I once was — unsupported, misunderstood, and struggling in silence. That reflection drives my desire to ensure other children and adults do not endure the same experience without recognition or support.

Today, I am proud to be an Ofsted-registered Residential Children’s Home Manager. I have several years of professional experience leading teams, supporting young people with complex needs, and implementing structured, nurturing environments. My perspective is informed not only by lived experience but also by professional training, safeguarding knowledge, and leadership expertise.

I want to become an ADHD Ambassador to advocate openly and honestly about the realities of living with ADHD — the daily challenges, the hidden struggles, and the emotional impact that often goes unseen. I am passionate about helping schools, families and workplaces better understand how ADHD presents beyond stereotypes, and about equipping individuals with practical coping strategies that empower rather than stigmatise.

ADHD is not simply about attention; it affects identity, relationships, self-worth, and opportunity. By combining my professional background with my personal journey, I hope to champion greater awareness, compassion, and meaningful support for those navigating life with ADHD. I want to be the advocate I once needed — and to help create environments where difference is understood, supported, and celebrated