Dorset petition to speed up ADHD diagnosis rates reaches 12,000 signatures
It was started by our Dorset news reporter George Sharpe.
The Dorset news reporter for Greatest Hits Radio, George Sharpe is resuming his 104 mile walk to raise awareness of ADHD.
It's to raise awareness and get MP's to discuss the time it takes to get a diagnosis for ADHD.
George postponed the walk to observe the national lockdown guidelines, but is now starting again on Saturday from Ringwood.
On average, it takes 104 weeks (2 years) to get diagnosed in England - although in some areas it's as much as 4 years.
People with ADHD can flourish in work and relationships - if they have access to the right support.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and it can continue through adolescence and into adulthood.
It affects people's behaviour and can make them seem restless, like they struggle to focus, and may cause people to act impulsively.
Symptoms include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, as well as:
• carelessness and lack of attention to detail
• continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
• poor organisational skills
• inability to focus or prioritise
• continually losing or misplacing things
• forgetfulness
• restlessness and edginess
• difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn
• blurting out responses and often interrupting others
• mood swings, irritability and a quick temper
• inability to deal with stress
• extreme impatience
• taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, driving dangerously
George has ADHD and was diagnosed as a child, but that isn't the case for many, who go through years of misdiagnosis and waiting lists.
George said:
"Having a diagnosis of ADHD can mean a world of difference to anyone who has the condition. It means that I, and those around me, can understand the way my brain works and offer help when I need it.
"I was incredibly lucky to have a mother who spotted my condition and fought for a diagnosis when I was a child. Other people don't have that privilege, and may go through years of low self-esteem and misdiagnosis before they even consider that they might have ADHD. Then, they have the long wait for a diagnosis.
"Spotting it sooner could support people to lead happy work lives and less stressful home-lives.
"That's why I'm walking 104 miles - to speak out for those who are waiting for a diagnosis, and those who may not have ever considered they have the condition."