ADHD is growing as a label but why - If this is genetic then why haven't we picked it up sooner?
What if mainstream science has it all wrong, because if you have ADHD then it's a barrier to the world, so who has it right, those who have ditched the label and embraced neurodiversity or the boffins that want you to take drugs and be a victim.
In 2018 I was going to take my life, I simply didn't fit in, I now know that I am neurodiverse, in this blog I want to bring together some of the research that I have done that gives a different perspective to the challenge of neurodiversity and offer a solution based on my own work.
If ADHD is a life sentence then explain this from a client who messaged me recently:
"Hi Marcus,
Just a quick message to say thank you for all you’ve done.
I have just got engaged and the man I am with, the family I have walked into and everything in between, is everything I wished for but never had the confidence to think I could have.
This and many other things I owe to you, you helped me out of a really dark place and helped me find me again.
I have never been this happy and confident in myself and my own skin".
This client had ADHD, her former partner had ADHD and so did the kids.
She and her family were in a dark place, they trusted the experts and as a result she was in pain.
She isn't anymore and it's due to my own research with clients which is supported by many alternatve thought leaders on this topic.
For decades, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, predominantly treated through medication and behavioral therapy. Mainstream advice, such as that from the NHS, emphasises symptom management—prescribing stimulant medications, implementing behavioral interventions, and focusing on coping strategies. While these approaches have their place, they often frame ADHD as a defect or disorder. However, an emerging body of evidence suggests a need to fundamentally rethink this narrative.
What if ADHD is not a disorder, but rather an adaptive response to modern environmental and societal pressures?
This article challenges the mainstream understanding of ADHD by exploring alternative perspectives, from the Hunter-Farmer Hypothesis and Dr. Gabor Maté's trauma-based approach, to the connections with Polyvagal Theory. We’ll also discuss how interventions like omega-3 supplementation and the work I am doing to help people understand this trauma response and turn adversity into oppotuity.
The conventional definition of ADHD posits it as a disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, affecting both children and adults. The NHS highlights treatment options like medications (e.g. methylphenidate or amphetamines) and structured therapies aimed at symptom management. These approaches often imply that the brain of someone with ADHD is “broken,” perpetuating a deficit-based model.
However, this framing ignores the complexity of ADHD’s underlying causes. While genetics may play a role, environmental factors such as stress, diet, and early childhood experiences are increasingly recognised as contributing factors.
One of the most compelling counterarguments to ADHD as a disorder is the Hunter-Farmer Hypothesis, proposed by Thom Hartmann. This theory suggests that ADHD traits were once advantageous in hunter-gatherer societies, where heightened alertness, impulsivity, and rapid shifts in focus were essential for survival. In contrast, agricultural (farmer) societies prized structure, routine, and sustained attention—traits less aligned with the natural wiring of a “hunter” brain.
From this perspective, ADHD is not a deficit but a mismatch between evolutionary traits and modern societal demands. This idea encourages a shift in thinking: instead of labeling individuals as disordered, we should consider how environments can better accommodate neurodivergent minds.
We need to consider if we are living in un-natural surroundings and maybe we are responding to a threat because we can't cultivate a life that feels natural.
Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned physician and trauma expert, argues that ADHD is not primarily a genetic condition but a stress-response adaptation. He views ADHD behaviors as coping mechanisms developed in response to early childhood trauma or chronic stress. In his book Scattered Minds, Maté explains how an overactive stress system, influenced by a lack of attuned caregiving or adverse childhood environments, can disrupt attention regulation and impulse control.
This trauma-based perspective aligns closely with Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. Polyvagal Theory emphasises the role of the vagus nerve in regulating emotional states and stress responses. ADHD traits, such as hyperactivity or distractibility, can be seen as manifestations of a dysregulated nervous system stuck in a “fight-or-flight” or “freeze” state.
Click the image above to watch the short clip from Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO
Rather than treating ADHD as a disorder, Maté and Polyvagal Theory suggest that healing lies in addressing the root causes—chronic stress, trauma, and an overstimulating environment.
Beyond trauma and environment, diet plays a pivotal role in brain function. Emerging research highlights a strong connection between ADHD symptoms and deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA, are critical for brain health, impacting neurotransmitter function, inflammation, and neuronal communication.
Studies have shown that children and adults with ADHD often have lower levels of omega-3s, and supplementation can improve attention, impulse control, and mood regulation. Products like Zinzino Balance Oil, have really helped me by providing high-quality omega-3 supplementation, aiming to restore balance in the brain and body, reducing symptoms without reliance on medication. This is one of the major stumbling blocks when it comes to supporting ADHD because we need to support the mind and body to bring balance.
How do I know?
Well anyone who suffers will tell you that the static in your head is the biggest challenge and I was first made aware of the impact of Omega Three by Dr Rachel Gow whose work supported my own theory.
Zinizino however was the game changer because there products show you the result so no guesswork needed.
Find Out More - https://zinizino.makeyourlifecount.co.uk
How do individuals with ADHD harness their unique traits to thrive. I know from my own experience and that of my clients that ADHD is not a limitation but a different way of experiencing the world—a way that can lead to extraordinary success when supported properly.
When we focus on creating environments and mindsets that empower individuals to leverage their strengths, whether through tailored mentoring, coaching, or therapy people can turn adversity into oppotunity, but first we have to challenge the mainstream.
By combining insights from trauma work, nutritional science, and personal empowerment, I offer a blueprint for embracing ADHD as a gift rather than a problem. That is now where I spend most of my time helping clients with great results, just look at the journey my former client Kerry Katona has been on over the last 2 years
So, where does this leave us?
The traditional view of ADHD as a disorder fails to capture the complexity of the human experience. Evidence from evolutionary psychology, trauma theory, and nutritional science points to ADHD as an adaptive response to modern challenges. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are not flaws—they are indicators of a brain responding to its environment in the best way it knows how.
To truly support individuals with ADHD, we need a paradigm shift. This includes:
It’s time to challenge the mainstream narrative and embrace a broader, more compassionate understanding of ADHD.
What are your thoughts, please share this blog and give hope to someone who needs it most and if you want to break free then I would love to help - get in touch and together we can Make Your Life Count
