Dr. Asad Rafi

You've got that external criticism, which is significant.

One of the things that is certainly even more powerful is that internal sense of self.

And individuals with ADHD are constantly striving for validation from the outside world.

And I say, before you can get that validation from others, you've got to seek it within yourself.

And I think that's one of the toughest elements of this particular condition.

When someone says to me, how would you describe someone with ADHD?

I say they're emotional people.

Don't tell them what to do.

Many parents will ask me this question.

Partners will ask me this question, say, here's a tip for you.

Don't tell your child or your partner what to do if they have ADHD because they see it as a criticism.

Even if they were going to go and do that particular task at that moment in time, it was their idea.

The minute you say, go and empty the dishwasher, go and empty the suitcase, whatever it might be, tell you what, they're not going to do it.

They'll do it when they're ready.

Many people will look at terms like PDA and relate to it.

We can relate to so many conditions.

I will often show people the criteria for Alzheimer's dementia.

Young people, children.

I say, how many of these features do you have?

You forget your keys, you forget names, whatever it might be.