Lucy's ADHD Journey

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re spotlighting the voices of our staff. Lucy, School Business Manager at Oakley Vale Primary School, shares her experience of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and what it’s meant for her.

"I joined the Brooke Weston Trust in 2018 and quickly found purpose as a Finance Officer, and thrived in the fast-paced school environment, though I quietly struggled with organisation, prioritising and focus. Before understanding neurodiversity, I created my own coping strategies - headphones for concentration and working late when the building was quiet. As a single mum, structure helped, but I was diagnosed with depression, however the antidepressants weren’t addressing the real issue.

"When COVID hit, working from home removed the boundaries I relied on, and already challenging tasks became overwhelming. Increases in medication didn’t help, as I realise now I wasn’t depressed, my brain simply wasn’t working in the way it was being expected to.

"Research into dopamine and executive function helped me recognise familiar patterns in myself, and with support from my GP, I was referred to a specialist and diagnosed with ADHD in 2021. Everything finally made sense!

"During this time, senior leaders within the Trust offered exceptional compassion and support, helping formalise adjustments like quiet spaces, flexible working and regular check‑ins, which transformed my day‑to‑day work life.

"In 2022, I joined Oakley Vale Primary School as Operations Lead and then School Business Manager. The lively primary school environment brought new challenges, but my most effective support - headphones and Radio 1 Dance - remains essential for me to focus.

"Working in a primary school strengthened my passion for championing neurodiversity. I deeply empathise with neurodiverse colleagues, pupils and SEND families because I understand the often‑invisible daily challenges.

"Last year, I trained as a facilitator for the Springboard Women’s Development Programme. Embracing my ADHD strengths - quick thinking, problem‑solving and bringing energy into a room - has become a genuine superpower. Delivering training across the Trust is one of my proudest achievements.

"Starting ADHD medication was life‑changing. Combined with understanding and practical adjustments, it allowed me to thrive at work, as a parent and personally."

"Neurodiversity isn't a barrier, with the right support, it becomes a gift."