Being an ADHD Quaker
My journey into Quakerism has been a deeply transformative and enriching experience, one that has been significantly shaped by my personal journey with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This spiritual path has not only provided me with a sense of purpose and belonging but has also become a source of inspiration for my work with children.
My introduction to Quakerism was serendipitous. It was during a time when I was seeking a sense of stillness, reflection, and meaning in a fast-paced world that often felt overwhelming due to my ADHD. I was actually on a weekend away with my partner, and I noticed there was a Meeting House across the road. The first time I attended a Quaker meeting, I was struck by the simplicity of the practice. Silent worship, where we gather in stillness, collectively listening for the Inner Light, resonated deeply with me. As someone with ADHD, the practice of mindfulness and embracing moments of quiet reflection offered a therapeutic sanctuary that I had been yearning for — and something that had proved mainly elusive. Quaker silence, although seemingly similar to meditation, is quite different.
And the Quaker community’s warmth and acceptance are always amazing. I have been to Meetings in Brighton, Lewes, Abergavenny, even Berlin, and I have always been struck how every group was made up of people that valued each individual, which was both comforting and empowering, but that they often did this even in the face of challenge. It’s easy to be nice to people you like, but to be kind to people you struggle with, is an exceptional skill — and one I have never not observed in Meetings. As I continued to attend meetings, I became more deeply involved in the Quaker community, eventually making it into a weekly thing — and going on my first retreat, and now becoming a Quaker Children’s Worker for a Local Meeting in London. Try telling me from twelve months ago this…
My personal journey with ADHD has been marked by its unique challenges and opportunities — to say the very least. The practice of Quakerism has become a harmonious accompaniment to my life with ADHD. Through mindfulness and silent reflection, I have learned to harness my ADHD tendencies, improving my ability to concentrate, manage impulsivity, and make choices aligned with my values and priorities. Inattention and hyperactivity become less disruptive when you decide to stop pursuing careers you do not enjoy, and to reflect on letting your life speak.
The support network of like-minded individuals who share their spiritual experiences, personal struggles, and moments of joy has been invaluable. These connections provide me with understanding and acceptance, reducing the isolation that individuals with ADHD sometimes experience. I have been able to share insights with fellow Friends knowing I am not judged, and feeling held by them in the space we share. So much so, that I thought it had to be shared more widely. So much so that, after one really chance encounter, I became a Babies and Children’s Worker at a London Local Meeting.
This role is not the first role I have had working with children and families. For the last four years, I have worked in specialist children’s services in a variety of settings in support roles. I have supported paediatric consultants, children’s nurses, clinical psychologists and Allied Health Professionals across many services — until one day I listened to an urging inside myself that I had to move from supporting to leading.
And so I transitioned into a frontline role in a Primary Care Network as a
Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Coach. In this, I predominantly focussing on link work, mental health strategies, and working with neurodivergence with a client base mostly made up of 11–25 year olds — but that hasn’t stopped a handful of under-10s ending up on my appointment ledger!
My journey with Quakerism and ADHD has significantly influenced my work with children. I firmly believe that the principles of mindfulness, stillness, and community building that I’ve embraced through Quakerism can be transformative for young minds, especially those facing challenges like ADHD.
In my work with children, I emphasize the importance of mindfulness and offer tools for cultivating focus, self-regulation, and emotional well-being. Quaker practices, such as sitting in silence and listening, can provide children with a space for reflection and self-discovery. These practices not only help them manage their ADHD symptoms but also foster a deeper sense of empathy and connection with others. Moreover, I encourage the creation of supportive communities for children where they can freely share their experiences, challenges, and joys. Building a sense of belonging and acceptance is paramount in helping children with ADHD thrive. My Quaker values and practices also find themselves interweaving themselves with my professional practice as a trainee counsellor.
My journey into Quakerism with ADHD has been a profoundly enriching and transformative experience. This spiritual path has provided me with the tools to navigate the challenges of ADHD while fostering a sense of inner peace and a strong community. These experiences have inspired my work with children, where I strive to share the benefits of mindfulness, reflection, and community building. It is my hope that these values and practices will guide young minds in managing their challenges and embracing a life filled with purpose and compassion.
