1). Are ADHD and autism related? - Yes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are related. Both are neurodevelopmental disorders that share genetic and environmental links, and can have overlapping symptoms.

2).  Are ADHD and ADD the same thing? - Yes, ADHD and ADD are the same thing. ADD is an outdated term for ADHD.

3). Are ADHD meds bad for you? - ADHD medications can have side effects, but they are usually minor and reversible. However, long-term use of some ADHD medications may increase the risk of heart disease. (Loss of appetite, Trouble sleeping, Jitteriness, Irritability, Moodiness, Headaches, Stomachaches, Fast heart rate, High blood pressure, Muscle twitching, but always consult your doctor if worried by the medication.
Medications can include - Methylphenidate, Vyvanse, Atomoxetine, Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, Focalin, Quillivant XR, Aptensio XR, Daytrana, QuilliChew ER, Ritalin LA, Adzenys XR-ODT, Amphetamine, & Cotempla XR-ODT.
A lot of these names are basically manufactures names for the same compound - Methylphenidate.

4).  Are ADHD meds addictive? - ADHD medications are generally not addictive when taken as prescribed and monitored by a doctor. However, the risk of addiction increases if the medication is misused. 

5). Are ADHD and OCD related? - Yes, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are related. They are both common neuropsychiatric disorders that can affect a person's daily life. Both disorders can cause impulsivity, inattention, and executive function problems. Both disorders are linked to abnormal activity in the frontostriatal system, which controls motor, cognitive, and behavioural activity.

6). Can ADHD be cured? - No, ADHD cannot be cured, but it can be treated to help manage symptoms. Treatments can include medication, behavioural interventions, psychotherapy/cognitive training and lifestyle changes.

7). How ADHD affects daily life? - ADHD can impact work in many ways, including difficulty focusing, managing time, and controlling emotions. People with ADHD may also struggle with organization, learning new skills, and following through on commitments. Symptoms can include inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, poor memory, distractibility, boredom, & procrastination. Challenges may include difficulty controlling emotions and patience can lead to conflict with coworkers and supervisors. Difficulty learning new material or transferring knowledge to others, organisational skills, & time management.

8). Can ADHD get worse? - not if treated, but symptoms can appear to worsen when a person's executive functions aren't developed enough to meet the expectations of their age. This can happen due to a number of factors, including: Life experiences: New challenges, like starting college or entering the workforce, can overwhelm coping strategies. Hormonal changes: Hormonal shifts, especially in women, can impact how well ADHD medication works.
Sleep deprivation: Poor sleep can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Diet: Certain foods and additives can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Stress: Chronic or acute stress can intensify ADHD symptoms.
Lack of exercise: A lack of exercise can make ADHD symptoms worse.
Environmental factors: Adverse environmental factors can negatively impact people with ADHD.
Lack of treatment: An inappropriate diagnosis or treatment can increase the impairment from ADHD.
Skipping breakfast: Skipping breakfast can make ADHD symptoms worse.

9).  Why does ADHD happen? - The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it's likely due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors. ADHD tends to run in families, but it's not caused by a single gene. Instead, it's likely caused by many small genetic differences. Children with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine, a brain chemical.  Brain metabolism in children with ADHD is lower in the parts of the brain that control attention, movement, and social judgment.
Environmental factors could include eposure to toxins, such as lead paint or cigarette smoke, birth complications, such as premature birth or low birth weight, substance use during pregnancy, such as alcohol, recreational drugs, or smoking. and problems with the central nervous system during development. Also, brain structure differences, as in differences in the actions of neurotransmitters, these are the chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells.

10). Will ADHD get better with age? - Similar answer to line item 8. above.  ADHD symptoms may change with age, but they don't always improve, but can be maintained or improved with the proper training.

11). Will ADHD medication help my child? - Yes, medication can help children with ADHD, but it's not a cure.
Medication is often used in combination with other treatments, like therapy and behavioural strategies.
No one wants to medicate if they can help it!.
There is a notion that ADHD medications improve attention by helping brain chemicals work better. These medications target dopamine and norepinephrine which affect attention and concentration, but there could be side effects such as behaving more excitedly or become more withdrawn, act more inflexible or develop obsessive-compulsive behaviours, and they may cry more, and nobody wants that!
Other strategies should be tried first, like cognitive training, extra support in school, changes to the classroom.
Therapy to learn and practice skills like staying organised, being attentive, managing schoolwork, or dealing with stress generally needs to come from parent training, school support, and the employ of effective cognitive training professionals.
**Not every child with ADHD needs medication**

12).  Can diet help with ADHD in children and adults? - Yes, a healthy diet can help reduce some symptoms of ADHD in children and adults. but a healthy diet shouldn't be about ADHD, it's essential for health generally, so in other words it can improve overall health and provide the nutrients the brain needs to function.
Why a healthy diet can help:
Nutrients: People with ADHD may have low levels of nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are important for brain function.
Food intolerances: Some research suggests that food intolerances may be a cause of ADHD.
Fruits and vegetables: Studies have shown that children who eat more fruits and vegetables have less severe ADHD symptoms.
What to eat ?:
Lean proteins: Include lean proteins like Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs in breakfast.
Slow-digesting carbohydrates: Include whole carbohydrates like steel-cut oats in breakfast.
Fresh fruits: Include fresh fruits in breakfast.
Vegetables: Include vegetables in lunch and dinner.
Avoid ultra processed food (UPF) These are foods that have been processed many times and contain additives. They can be high in fat, salt, and added sugar, which can contribute to poor health outcomes.
Avoid - Frozen pizza, chicken nuggets, burgers, and chips. Bacon and ham are high in sodium and saturated fat, and contain preservatives that may be linked to health concerns.
Energy drinks: Contain sugars and caffeine, which can make the heart work harder and faster.
Sweetened drinks: Contain added sugars, which can make it harder to eat healthy foods.
Packaged breads: Can be high in salt.
Plant-based meat and cheese substitutes: May not be as healthy as they are marketed to be.
Just avoid all of these - pre-prepared meals, sausages and nuggets, sweets, biscuits, pastries, buns, and cakes, crisps, chocolate, fruit yoghurts, fish fingers, instant noodles, baked beans and if you research this, the list just gets longer..
Excellent research done by Paul Houston, well worth a visit to his web site - https://trialsoflife.net/ 

13). Do you really have ADHD? -  You might have ADHD if you experience symptoms that are frequent, severe, and persistent, and that interfere with your daily life. These symptoms can include:
Inattention: Difficulty paying attention, following directions, or staying organised
Hyperactivity: Excessive energy, fidgeting, or talking excessively
Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, making hasty decisions, or finding it difficult to resist temptation
Restlessness: A need for constant activity or stimulation
Disorganisation: Poor time management, planning, or organization
Forgetfulness: Frequently losing things or being forgetful in activities
Interruptions: Frequently interrupting others or being very talkative
Difficulty multitasking: Trouble focusing on a large task or multitasking
Lack of follow-through: Having trouble following through on promises or completing tasks
You can consult a mental health professional for a diagnosis, medication, and treatment guidance. A general practitioner (GP) can also discuss your concerns and refer you to a specialist. However consider this as a first step on understanding ADHD, it might not be, people are very easy to state you might this, generic diagnosis!!
It has been shown that undertaking certain tests/assessments you can identify that your issue may be down to the way you process information, visually or auditory.