ADHD conference prompts 'the start of real change'

Speakers focused on what improvements were needed to make the island more neuroinclusive

Organisers of a two-day conference on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) said they hoped it would be "the start of real change".

Charities and experts spoke at the event organised by ADHD Jersey at the Pomme d'Or Hotel on Friday and Saturday.

Speakers focused on what improvements were needed to make the island more neuroinclusive.

Rachel Boss from ADHD Jersey said: "It's so nice to see that ADHD is finally being taken seriously."

Rachel Boss started ADHD Jersey to help people affected by the condition

Ms Boss said: "We've got people here from probation, education, CAMBS and social services. I'm just so delighted at the attendance."

"It's so good that finally you know my grandchildren might actually get the support my children and I could've done with."

The conference was attended by professionals who work with those with ADHD on Friday while the Saturday event was for the public.

Lesley Harrison from Autism Jersey said collaboration was important

Leslie Harrison from Autism Jersey spoke about how the charity could collaborate to support those with ADHD.

She said: "You can see quite clearly where there is that overlap. There are challenges in both autism and ADHD and how they can co-exist.

"By collaborating and working together we can make sure people can go to work and have the right kind of support as well as a community that's also accepting."

Autism Jersey has worked with the government on the recently published Neuroinclusive Strategy for Jersey.

John Liot from Haute Vallée School said the island was moving in the right direction to help neurodivergent people

John Liot from Haute Vallée School attended the event to share his views on the changes needed in education.

He said the event brought out "a lot of conversation" and the island was "moving forwards in a positive way".

Mr Liot added: "If neurodiverse children are trying to adhere to the neurotypical standards it doesn't work and I think if we change education to have that kind of focus then everyone benefits."

He said he was diagnosed with ADHD in his 30s and has been working with teenagers who have the condition for more than 10 years.

Campaigner Andrea Bilbow OBE warned it would cost more in the long term if better support is not provided

Andrea Bilbow OBE from The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support (ADDISS) was a key speaker at the event.

She said "This is a major mental health issue and it has a huge economic cost on society."

"We know that a high percentage of people in the prison system have this condition so think about how much money could be saved if we help them before they have to even end up there."

The Neuroinclusive Strategy Jersey aims to raise awareness and improve support available in the island over the next three years.