A DHD affects focus, attention, and impulse control.
It can make sitting still, finishing tasks, and following instructions difficult.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Hard to focus or listen
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Restless or fidgety
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Forgetful or distracted
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Talks or interrupts a lot
How it affects people:
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School, work, or home life can be harder
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Friendships may be affected
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Can cause frustration or tiredness
Support and Treatment:
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Talking to a doctor or specialist
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Therapy or coaching
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Medication may help
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Extra support at school or work
How others can help:
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Be patient and give reminders
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Use short instructions and routines
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Praise effort, not just results
Where to Get Help:
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Talk to GP or health services
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📞 Helplines or local support groups
Symbol idea: ⚡ Lightning bolt or bouncing ball
🚪 Agoraphobia
What it is:
Strong fear of being in places where escape is hard.
People may avoid crowds, shops, transport, or even leaving home.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Panic in open or crowded spaces
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Fear of having a panic attack outside
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Feeling safer at home
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Sweating, shaking, or fast heartbeat
How it affects people:
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Can make leaving the house very difficult
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May cause loneliness or depression
Support and Treatment:
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Talking therapies like CBT
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Gradual exposure to feared places
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Medication to reduce anxiety
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Online or telephone counselling
How others can help:
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Go with them to places if they want
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Don’t rush or pressure them
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Offer calm support
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Encourage professional help
Where to Get Help:
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📞 Local crisis or mental health helplines
Symbol idea: 🚪 Doorway or person inside a house
🍽️ Anorexia Nervosa
What it is:
An eating disorder where a person keeps weight very low.
They fear gaining weight and may see their body differently.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Eating very little
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Fear of weight gain
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Over-exercising
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Feeling dizzy or tired
How it affects people:
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Can harm the body
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Affects mood and thinking
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May affect school, work, or relationships
Support and Treatment:
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Doctor, dietitian, or therapist
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Talking therapy and family support
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Hospital care if necessary
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Recovery is possible
How others can help:
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Avoid talking about food/weight
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Listen and encourage professional help
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Celebrate achievements not related to food
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Be patient
Where to Get Help:
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📞 Samaritans: 116 123
Symbol idea: 🍎 Food or heart symbol
☁️ Anxiety Disorders
What it is:
Excessive worry or fear. Includes GAD, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Feeling nervous, tense, or restless
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Trouble sleeping or concentrating
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Fast heartbeat, sweating, or panic
How it affects people:
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May avoid situations
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Can affect work, school, or social life
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Can cause panic attacks
Support and Treatment:
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Talking therapy (CBT or counselling)
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Relaxation, breathing exercises
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Medication may help
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Support from friends/family
How others can help:
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Listen calmly
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Take things slowly
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Offer to accompany them if needed
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Be patient
Where to Get Help:
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📞 Helplines or crisis support
Symbol idea: ☁️ Cloud or worried face
🧩 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What it is:
Affects communication, social understanding, and behaviour.
Signs and Symptoms:
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Difficulty understanding feelings or social rules
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Prefers routines
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Sensitive to lights, sounds, or touch
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Deep interests in specific topics
How it affects people:
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Social situations can be stressful
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May need time to process information
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Can bring strengths like focus and creativity
Support and Treatment:
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Speech and occupational therapy
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Autism-friendly support at school/work
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Clear routines and visual schedules
How others can help:
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Give extra time to respond
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Use clear, simple language
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Be patient with routines or differences
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Focus on strengths
Where to Get Help:
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📞 Local autism support organisations
Symbol idea: 🧩 Puzzle piece or rainbow infinity
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