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Why do coworkers forget to support someone with ADHD? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

At first, colleagues may show understanding when someone discloses they have ADHD, but over time that support can fade. According to recent NHS and NICE evidence, this happens because ADHD symptoms are often misunderstood, fluctuate in visibility, and are influenced by workplace culture rather than intent alone (NICE NG87 – ADHD diagnosis and management). Many employees simply forget ongoing needs when neurodiversity awareness is not built into everyday systems or communication. 

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Understanding why support fades in the workplace 

Studies from 2023–2025 show that inconsistent support for ADHD colleagues often stems from three overlapping issues: awareness, perception, and empathy fatigue. 

Limited awareness and invisible symptoms 

ADHD can appear “invisible” in adults. Colleagues may see periods of strong focus followed by distraction or disorganisation and interpret this as inconsistency rather than neurological variation. Research from PubMed (Navigating the professional journey for adults with ADHD, 2024) and CIPD’s Neuroinclusion at Work guidance (2024) shows that without regular reminders or structural reinforcement, coworkers tend to deprioritise ADHD adjustments once initial awareness fades. 

Empathy fatigue and stigma 

Over time, emotional fatigue and subtle stigma can reduce coworkers’ willingness to offer support. Some may view reminders, flexible deadlines, or communication adjustments as unnecessary, especially when ADHD symptoms are not outwardly visible. NICE and NHS workplace resources, including the CNWL ADHD Reasonable Adjustments guidance, highlight that ongoing awareness training and structured adjustments are essential to maintaining inclusion. 

Private services such as ADHD Certify provide professional ADHD assessments and post-diagnostic support across the UK, helping adults understand how fluctuating symptoms can affect relationships and consistency at work. 

Key takeaway 

Coworkers rarely mean to neglect someone with ADHD, but without consistent awareness and formal structures, support often fades. Reinforcing neurodiversity education, maintaining open communication, and scheduling regular check-ins help ensure ADHD accommodations remain reliable and respectful at work. 

Begin your ADHD assessment today
Avery Lombardi, MSc
Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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