ADHD has become an identity, not just a disorder. We need a new way to talk about it

For neurotypicals (those without a neurodevelopmental condition), getting things done is like walking on land. But – at least for me – getting stuff done is much closer to trying to sail a little boat through the sea. Photograph: Evie Hilliar

We desperately need to find a new way to talk about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

In the past couple of years, we have entered a new age of ADHD awareness. The stereotypical image of a ratbag, hyperactive little boy is falling away and slowly medical professionals, policymakers and regular people are coming to view the diagnosis as a serious, often lifelong and life-altering condition, affecting a huge number of people. Part of this process has been retroactively uncovering the scores of people who slipped under the treatment radar as children.