📘
What it is:
ADHD affects focus, attention, and impulse control.
It can make it hard to sit still, listen, or finish tasks.
Signs and symptoms:
- Finds it hard to focus
- Talks a lot or interrupts
- Forgetful or distracted
- Feels restless
How it affects people:
- Difficulties at school, work, or home
- Can affect friendships
- May feel frustrated or tired
Support and treatment:
- Speak to a doctor
- Medication may help
- Therapy or coaching
- Support in school or work
How others can help:
- Be patient
- Give reminders
- Use simple instructions
- Praise effort
Where to get help:
- Mind (ADHD)
- CHADD (US)
- GP or health services
🚪 Agoraphobia
What it is:
A fear of places where escape may be difficult.
People may avoid leaving home or busy places.
Signs and symptoms:
- Panic in crowded places
- Avoids going out
- Feels safer at home
- Sweating or fast heartbeat
How it affects people:
- Hard to leave the house
- Can cause loneliness
- Everyday tasks feel stressful
Support and treatment:
- Talking therapy (CBT)
- Gradual exposure
- Medication
- Online support
How others can help:
- Be calm and supportive
- Go with them if needed
- Do not pressure
- Encourage help
Where to get help:
- Mind – Phobias
- NHS – Agoraphobia
🍽️ Anorexia Nervosa
What it is:
An eating disorder where someone tries to keep their weight very low.
Signs and symptoms:
- Eats very little
- Worries about weight
- Exercises too much
- Feels tired or dizzy
How it affects people:
- Can harm the body
- Affects mood and thinking
- Can be life-threatening
Support and treatment:
- GP or therapist
- Talking therapy
- Dietitian support
- Hospital care if needed
How others can help:
- Avoid comments about weight
- Be kind and supportive
- Encourage help
- Be patient
Where to get help:
- Mind – Eating Problems
- Beat (Eating Disorders)
- Samaritans
☁️ Anxiety Disorders
What it is:
Strong feelings of fear or worry that happen often.
Signs and symptoms:
- Nervous or tense
- Trouble sleeping
- Fast heartbeat
- Constant worrying
How it affects people:
- Stops people doing things
- Affects daily life
- Can cause panic attacks
Support and treatment:
- Therapy (CBT or counselling)
- Relaxation techniques
- Medication
- Support from others
How others can help:
- Listen without judging
- Be patient
- Take things slowly
- Offer support
Where to get help:
- Mind – Anxiety
- Anxiety UK
- Samaritans
🧩 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
What it is:
Autism affects communication, understanding, and how people experience the world.
Signs and symptoms:
- Finds social communication hard
- Likes routines
- Sensitive to sounds or lights
- Strong interests
How it affects people:
- Social situations may be stressful
- Needs more time to process
- Has strengths like focus and creativity
Support and treatment:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Structured routines
- Emotional support
How others can help:
- Be clear and simple
- Give extra time
- Respect routines
- Focus on strengths
Where to get help:
- National Autistic Society
- Autism Speaks
- Local support services
🧒 2. Extra Simplified Easy Read (High Support)
ADHD
- Hard to focus
- Talks a lot
- Feels restless
Help:
- Be patient
- Give simple steps
Agoraphobia
- Fear of going out
- Feels safer at home
Help:
- Go slowly
- Be supportive
Anorexia
- Eats very little
- Worries about weight
Help:
- Be kind
- Get support
Anxiety
- Feels worried a lot
- Body feels tense
Help:
- Stay calm
- Listen
Autism
- Thinks and feels differently
- Likes routines
Help:
- Be clear
- Be patient
🎓 3. Trainer / Teaching Notes
Learning Objective
Learners will:
- Understand common conditions
- Recognise basic signs
- Know how to support safely
Key Teaching Points
- Keep language simple
- Focus on support, not diagnosis
- Reinforce patience and understanding
Important Reminder
- These are not labels
- Every person is different
Suggested Activity
Match the Condition
- Match condition → signs → support
Discussion Question
“How can you support someone without judging them?”
🎭 4. Role Play Activity
Scenario 1 – Supporting Anxiety
Person A:
- “I feel really worried.”
Person B:
- “I’m here for you.”
- “Let’s take it slowly.”
Scenario 2 – Supporting Autism
Person A:
- Feels overwhelmed
Person B:
- Uses simple language
- Gives time
Scenario 3 – Supporting ADHD
Person A:
- Struggles to focus
Person B:
- Breaks tasks into steps
- Encourages
After Role Play
- Did you listen well?
- Were you patient?
📊 5. Easy Read PowerPoint Plan
Slide 1: Title – A–Z Conditions
Slide 2: ADHD
Slide 3: Agoraphobia
Slide 4: Anorexia
Slide 5: Anxiety
Slide 6: Autism
Slide 7: How to help
Slide 8: Key message
🧩 6. Symbol / Visual Suggestions
- ADHD: ⚡ or bouncing ball
- Agoraphobia: 🚪 door
- Anorexia: 🍎 food / heart
- Anxiety: ☁️ cloud
- Autism: 🧩 puzzle / infinity
🌟 Final Easy Read Message
- Everyone is different
- Be kind and patient
- Listen and support
- Help people get the right support
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