Every October is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month, an occasion to raise awareness and support for those with ADHD. In data shared by NHS England with the newsweekly, it is mentioned that there is no significant variation by sex and ethnic origin in their records, and positive screens for the disorder were found to be concentrated in younger age groups, among the unemployed and in those in receipt of benefits. However, the NHS does regularly publish data and waiting times/referral breakdown information on Learning Disability Services Statistics and Autism Statistics, but not a disorder as specific as ADHD itself.
Aged only 21, Adam Azim will be the first British-Pakistani to ever fight for the esteemed European Title, on November 18th in Wolverhampton. Adam is a future world champion. A monster in the ring, he is a polite, respectful individual outside of it. He has incredible flair, and celebrates every victory with a backflip in the ring! He first started boxing as a way of controlling his ADHD and has been very open about the challenges this presents him.
Speaking to Asian Voice exclusively, Adam Azim said,” I come from a Pakistani Asian family. I’m Kashmiri as well as British, as I was born in the UK. We’re all warriors in my family. We’re from the Janjua Rajput caste, which is the same as Amir Khan, who is someone I’ve always looked up to.”
He first discovered that he had ADHD at 4 years old. “I was very hyperactive and I had this energy that no one in my family had ever seen before. My parents saw that I couldn’t stop fidgeting, and I kept moving around and messing about - so they took me to the Doctor where I was diagnosed with ADHD. My family knew I needed an outlet for my energy, so they chose boxing and that helped me manage my ADHD,” Adam said.
Addressing what Asians need to understand about ADHD, the future champion said, “ADHD is very prevalent in the Asian community. I think people need to understand that ADHD isn’t a bad thing to have. It’s a really good thing. You can use it to achieve good things. Not just in boxing - it could be cricket, football, or any great activity. You can use your ADHD to achieve something great. ADHD is a superpower. It is energy that you can channel into anything you want to achieve great things.”
Talking about navigating the condition, he told us, “My ADHD has been great for me. Some days I sit on the couch, and I don’t want to do anything, but my ADHD drives me to get up and do it. It is an extra kick I have within me that I can invoke into my training. My advice to anybody with ADHD who wants to pursue a career in sports, or anything they’re good at, keep going - don’t give up. It is a great thing to have. Use it as your superpower. I’ve used it in boxing and I’m hoping to get something great out of it. On November 18th I will be the first British-Pakistani to fight for, and hopefully win, the European Title. It is proof that others can achieve the same if not better.”
There is no harm in enquiring and speaking to a professional
Psychologist Mamta Saha said, “We (South Asians) are becoming more and more open as a generation to accept special educational needs and address hidden and overt disabilities. I am finding that South Asian parents are less and less afraid to share their child’s behavioural issues with the intent to help, support and heal.”
Asked if parents can discover ADHD in their kids earlier on, Saha said, “Yes. 100% if a parent notices any abnormalities, they are typically able to pick these up and there is no harm in enquiring and speaking to a professional for direction and guidance.”
But is there enough help and support for ADHD in the UK? “The UK is a lot more advanced than other countries in the east. Parents however shouldn’t ever be complacent, and they should be proactive to ensure that their children have the essential support both inside and outside of school. Workplaces are becoming more accepting and open to exploring how they can support neurodiverse employees. Asian businesses need to pay close attention and embrace neurodiverse employees as this cohort has untapped gifts and potential that could lead to innovation abs creatively above and beyond an individual who is neurotypical,” the psychologist told the newsweekly.
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Addressing ADHD diagnosis in South Asians through a culturally sensitive lens
Asian Voice spoke exclusively to Dr Samir Shah, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director – Priory Hospital Altrincham and Clinical Director – of Priory Private and Wellbeing Services about ADHD and its South Asian connect.
How much do you think ADHD is stigmatised in the South Asian community?
South Asian community faces unique challenges and stigma associated with both childhood and adult ADHD, not to forget mental illness as a whole. ADHD is usually accompanied by co-existing mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, bipolar illness, oppositional defiance or antisocial, risky behaviours, substance use and emotional regulation issues. Such complexity can affect an individual’s level of self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-perception and self-value in the society.
It is challenging to identify ADHD in South Asians due to cultural issues, perceptions and expectations from the society and each other. Usually, South Asian cultural value places emphasis on collective identity and conformity that supports the community, strengthens the feelings of belonging, and develops community strength; however, such values can also lead to stigmatisation of conditions like ADHD that could be seen as ‘not fitting in’ with the norms and expectations. In most South Asian cultures there is a strong emphasis on societal norms and expectations, and individuals with ADHD could be viewed as disruptive or challenging to these norms.
Having ADHD could be seen as a sign of weakness or failure for individuals or families to admit that they need outside help or medical intervention to function ‘as expected’. There are also misconceptions and myths about mental health disorders let alone ADHD within the South Asian community, which further lead to stigmatisation. These misconceptions may arise from a lack of awareness or understanding of the symptoms and behaviours associated with ADHD. There is also an issue of stigma associated with the use of ADHD medications, which in some parts of Asia are banned to carry or prescribe.
By addressing ADHD diagnosis in South Asians through a culturally sensitive lens, community engagement, and working together we can improve early detection and provide appropriate support, ultimately enhancing the well-being and success of individuals with ADHD in Asian communities.
Do you have any data related to South Asians in the UK who have ADHD?
According to the UK GOV.UK 2021 data, there is no meaningful difference among different ethnic groups including South Asians, although this is from a small number of people data. There is a strong chance that in South Asian communities ADHD is not as easily noticed or considered as in some other communities.
