Sam was a bright and lively little boy but was very unhappy at school. He was criticised for being distracted, slow and messy.

Life was very frustrating for him, his teachers and his family, but no one could suggest why this loving little boy was having so much trouble getting on with schoolmates or coping calmly with life. As he grew up his troubles worsened and he was treated for depression.

It wasn’t until he was 24 years old that he and his family discovered that all his difficulties were due to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, known usually as ADHD.

Typically, children with ADHD are disorganised, forgetful, impatient, easily upset, and lacking self-control. On average there is one child with ADHD in every classroom and most will have ADHD throughout adulthood.

For Sam, the diagnosis changed his life. He was able to understand how his brain worked differently from other people, and his family learned how better to support him. First with the help of the medication Ritalin, and later without medication, Sam began to turn his life around.

That was ten years ago and Sam is doing fine.

ADHD Oxfordshire is an organisation set up by Sam’s mother Mary two years ago to help anyone affected by ADHD.

Individuals, families and professionals have all benefited from information and support provided one-to-one.

Now, new for 2012 is an ADHD Support Group. There will be an opportunity for parents of ADHD children, and for adults with ADHD, to meet others in the same situation, share experiences, and learn more through discussions and speakers. Adults are increasingly being diagnosed with ADHD, often after recognising it in themselves after their child is diagnosed.

The first meeting of the support group will be on Tuesday, February 28, in Eynsham at St Leonard’s Church Hall, Thames Street, and anyone interested is invited to come along between 7pm and 9pm.

For any other information about the support group or other services provided by ADHD Oxfordshire, contact adhd.oxfordshire@virgin.net or telephone Mary Austin on 01865 731378.