Learning about ADHD.. everything just clicked

After years of grappling with self-doubt, Claire Quigley Ward's life took a pivotal turn when she received an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 41.

- ANDREA LAMBROU

From childhood struggles in school to navigating the complexities of parenting, the Renfrewshire-born mum's journey illustrates the often unseen challenges faced by many with ADHD-particularly women.

Now, with both her son and daughter also having received an ADHD diagnosis, she is dedicated to supporting others on similar paths with her All Aboard ADHD podcast.

"I'm afraid that your standards are more on the 'average' than the 'good' scale," read one teacher's note on Claire's Year 7 school report.

Another remarked: "Your work is hampered by your personal lack of discipline."

Claire was born in Renfrewshire and later moved to East Kilbride in South Lanarkshire before settling in England.

By Year 9, she received a comment that echoed deep within her. It stated: "You began this year half-heartedly, not really achieving what you are capable of. It appears that you reverted to your lethargic mode, and your performance has been disappointing."

For Claire, these words haunted her long after her school days ended.

She said: "When you're constantly being told you're not meeting expectations, you internalise those messages.

"It chips away at your self esteem. It made me feel as though I was inherently not good enough."