How can I educate others about ADHD?

PostedDecember 23, 2025

UpdatedDecember 30, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Educating others about ADHD helps to replace myths with understanding and supports inclusion at home, school, and work. According to NICE guidance, psychoeducation is a core part of ADHD care, not an optional extra, helping families, teachers, and employers understand what ADHD is, how it affects daily life, and what reasonable adjustments make a difference.

Why education matters

ADHD is often misunderstood, and stigma can stop people from seeking help. A 2024 review of unmet needs in ADHD found that public and self-stigma remain major barriers to care, and that structured education programmes can reduce these attitudes when paired with real-life stories and peer contact. Better understanding also improves collaboration, parents feel more confident, teachers can adapt to classrooms more effectively, and employers can make informed adjustments.

What NHS and NICE recommend

NICE advises that everyone with ADHD and their families should receive clear, tailored information about ADHD, including written resources, local support options, and advice on environmental adjustments. For parents, group-based ADHD education and support are recommended as first-line care, especially for young children. NHS and RCPsych materials also encourage sharing reliable information with teachers and workplaces to improve understanding and reduce stigma.

How to educate effectively

Structured, evidence-based education works best.

For families: Group psychoeducation and parent-training programmes help families learn practical strategies and feel less isolated.

For schools: Teacher training on ADHD recognition and behavioural management improves knowledge and confidence.

For workplaces: RCPsych recommends employer education about ADHD and reasonable adjustments such as quiet spaces, clear written instructions, and flexibility with deadlines. Digital training modules for clinicians and online information sessions for families are also expanding access to trusted evidence-aligned content.

Reliable sources for ADHD education

Stick to reputable organisations such as ADHD UK, ADHD Foundation, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. These groups provide webinars, downloadable resources, and awareness campaigns co-designed with clinicians and people with lived experience. NICE and RCPsych caution against relying on unverified social media content, which can spread misinformation or reinforce stereotypes.

The takeaway

Educating others about ADHD is not just about awareness; it is about empowerment. When families, teachers, and workplaces understand ADHD as a valid neurodevelopmental condition, they can respond with empathy and evidence-based support. As NICE guidance reminds us, informed environments create better outcomes for everyone, replacing blame with understanding and isolation with inclusion.

For adults seeking structured, evidence-aligned support and coaching, emerging programmes like Theara Change are designed to complement clinical care with behavioural education and self-management tools.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

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.