Hi, I’m Melanie. I received my ADHD diagnosis last year at the age of 48, and it has turned out to be life-changing, especially in the way that I now see, and more importantly, accept myself. After a life of poor self-esteem, believing myself to be lazy, unmotivated and, ultimately, a failure, I now have a truer sense of who I am and what (with the correct support) I am capable of. The more I learn about ADHD or talk to those who have ADHD, the more strongly I feel about sharing my experience as a late-diagnosed female.

I am a qualified teacher who now works as an educational adviser within a local authority. I have extensive experience of working with children and young people with SEND. On a daily basis, I work with some of the most vulnerable children and young people within society and strongly advocate for them to ensure that they have the correct support with their education in order for them to achieve the best possible outcomes.

I am delighted to have been appointed as an ADHD UK ambassador. I want to use all the skills and knowledge gained working in the education sector, as well as my experience of having ADHD, to educate the public about what it is like to live with ADHD, while also supporting and advocating for those who live with (or love those with) ADHD. By becoming an ambassador, I wish to make a change for good through the message that whilst there are difficulties that come with having ADHD, there are also so many strengths. I want to use this platform I have been given to create educational and workplace environments that are inclusive, are based upon equitable practices and bring out the best in those who have ADHD.