Busting ADHD Myths for Workplace Inclusivity in the U.K.
Busting myths around ADHD to support a more inclusive workplace
From the outside, the designer jackets worn by Kim and Jenny look colorful, fashionable and fun. Open them up, however, and the silk linings reveal something altogether more meaningful – illustrations of the pair’s struggles to be their real selves at work.
Kim and Jenny have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect behaviour. People with ADHD can often bring great creativity, new ways of thinking and new ideas. But a survey initiated and funded by Takeda UK in 20241 found that women and non-binary people with ADHD often fear being judged, stigmatized, even overlooked for career progression. This often leads to them masking their true selves.
“There are a lot of myths around ADHD, which can make us want to hide,” Jenny says.
Fashioning ADHD acceptance
Takeda aims to help change this paradigm with the Staring Back At Me campaign.
Both the survey and the specially designed jackets are key parts of this campaign. Takeda teamed up with Savile Row tailor, Gormley and Gamble, and illustrator Ana Jaks, to create the unique jackets that bring the invisible nature of ADHD in the workplace to life. The linings focus on Kim and Jenny’s experience of living with ADHD at work: from time-blindness to hyperfocus, masking and daydreaming, the symbolism of each illustration shows the complexity of living with the condition.
Jenny is sharing her experiences with others as a campaign ambassador.
“Being brave enough to be visible through these suit jackets is a lovely way to depict what we are trying to do with the campaign. I hope other women with ADHD do not fear being seen,”
Kim, also a campaign ambassador, adds: “The ripple effect of women supporting women within the ADHD community is so powerful.”
‘Staring Back at Me’
Takeda launched the campaign in 2024, in association with four UK-based ADHD patient organisations – ADHD Foundation, Centre for ADHD and Autism Support, ADHD Solutions and (ADDISS) ADHD Information Services. The campaign’s name, Staring Back at Me, reflects insights from research and consultation with women diagnosed with ADHD later in life. The research revealed that the condition had literally been “staring back” at them for many years, though they often experienced delayed diagnosis. The campaign focuses on women and non-binary people, because 50-75% of those groups with ADHD in the UK remain undiagnosed2.
The survey was conducted with 1,115 adults in the UK – 49% of them female, 48% male and 1.3% identifying as non-binary. A total of 68% of women responding, and 93% of non-binary people, said that people with ADHD are at a disadvantage in the workplace. Of those surveyed, 96% said they were reluctant to bring up their diagnosis in the workplace and 73% explained this was due to a fear of being judged. Almost half of female and non-binary respondents felt the condition could be used against them, potentially as a barrier to promotion.
The data indicates that increased awareness of ADHD and its symptoms would improve workplace inclusivity. The campaign provides employers with the resources they need to create a more inclusive working environment.
From awareness to understanding
Professor Amanda Kirby, Chair of ADHD Foundation, comments: “Although we are now seeing an increase in awareness of ADHD, there is still a lack of understanding of the condition. This is especially true in the workplace. When a workplace is supportive and aware of women and non-binary people with ADHD traits, it allows those with the condition to unmask and be their true selves. This opens the door to employers gaining the benefits from new ways of thinking and new ideas. We hope this latest research can support employers to take action to create a more inclusive workplace for all.”
Dr Simon Meadowcroft, Medical Director, Takeda UK & Ireland, adds that while employers have increased their efforts to provide a supportive environment for neurodivergent women and non-binary people, more still needs to be done. “People with ADHD can bring huge strengths to the workplace, such as new ways of thinking and creativity,” he says. “The Staring Back at Me campaign continues to raise awareness of the symptoms of ADHD in women and non-binary people and gives employers the resources and tools they need.”
Campaign ambassador Jenny says she’s hopeful the campaign will achieve its goals.
“I hope this campaign and my story reinforce the message that people with ADHD can bring real strengths to the workplace. All we need is the right environment and support to thrive,” she says.
Read more about ADHD, the survey and the creation of the suits, and find workplace resources, at ADHD in the Workplace - Staring back at me : Staring back at me.
References:
- https://staringbackatme.org.U.K./adhd-in-the-workplace/
- Walters, A. (2018), Girls with ADHD: Underdiagnosed and untreated. The Brown University Child and Adolescent Behaviour Letter. 34(11):8-8. [last accessed May 2026].
C-ANPROM/GB/NON/0052 Date of prep: May 2026