Roots of Resilience - Childhood, Learning Challenges & Bullying

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I grew up in a small mining village in South Wales, a place where community was strong but opportunities were few. From an early age, I struggled at school. Reading and writing didn’t come easily, and I later learned I had undiagnosed ADHD. At the time, though, it just meant I was labelled “slow” and bullied. Those years left me feeling isolated and misunderstood.

What I wanted most was to fit in. Instead, I carried around the weight of shame and confusion, unable to see a future beyond the walls of my classroom and the judgments of others.

Sadly, I know my story isn’t unique. Thousands of children across the UK live with undiagnosed learning difficulties or neurodiversity that schools fail to support. Without help, too many slip through the cracks.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Research shows that children with ADHD, autism, or other SEND needs are far more likely to struggle academically and socially if their challenges are not recognised early. The ongoing debates around SEND reforms highlight just how many families fight tirelessly to get the right help for their children.

Where Families Can Turn for Help

• ADHD Foundation – the largest user-led ADHD charity in Europe, offering training, advocacy and parent support.

  
  

• UK ADHD Partnership – working with schools, parents and professionals to better understand and support children with ADHD.

  
  

• For additional support in school, parents can work with their child's school to apply for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), which sets out what additional help a child should receive and can provide the school with funding to support them to provide it.

  
  

My Reflection

Looking back, I can see how much difference the right support would have made. Instead, I sought escape elsewhere, and that search for belonging set me on a much darker path.