The link between ADHD and adoption is fascinating.  While about 9-11% of children have ADHD, around 20-30% of adoptees have it. 

Why is this?

• Stress during pregnancy: An adopted baby may experience stress if the birth mother is stressed, affecting brain development.
• Separation: Being separated from the birth mother can impact the baby's neurotransmitters. 

Challenges for adoptees:

• Low self-esteem: Feeling rejected by birth parents can hurt their self-esteem and emotional well-being.
• Belonging: Adoptees might struggle with feeling like they don't belong, which can be worsened by ADHD traits like rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). 

When working with adoptees with ADHD:

• Acknowledge challenges: I recognise these issues and encourage open dialogue.
• Provide insights: I explain how ADHD affects their brain.
• Introduce strategies: I offer tools and strategies to help them manage better.