Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost has spoken candidly about his son Oakley's struggles with ADHD, revealing that the teenager found his purpose after leaving school to pursue a stonemasonry apprenticeship. Frost described how Oakley, diagnosed with ADHD just before his GCSEs, had a 'rough old time' in the education system, which he said 'didn't suit' him.
ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting brain development, can cause difficulty focusing, following instructions, and being easily distracted. Frost, who himself faced challenges at school due to dyslexia, encouraged Oakley to try an apprenticeship after a stressful period during his A Levels.
Speaking on the My Time Capsule podcast, Frost said: 'He came out and did landscaping for a bit and he was alright, he was doing it, he enjoyed the hard stuff. And then, we're surrounded by stone where we live and I suggested to him about stonemasonry.' Just three months into the apprenticeship, Frost noticed a dramatic change in his son.
'He's carving stuff, he's making stuff, he's literally a different human being,' Frost said proudly. 'And when he comes home, he's saying "So and so has shown me this" or "Look what I've done," and you feel like, in the last few months, he's found his purpose. He's incredibly good at it considering how long he hasn't been doing it, but you can just see a difference in him and that's quite beautiful really.'
Frost, who turned his own life around with the guidance of the late Geoff Hamilton, reflected on the importance of hands-on work. 'Like any 16-year-old, who is a bit lost and a bit angry, those influences are so important. Being able to use your hands, and feel like you're playing a part in something,' he said.
The father of four also revealed that his family has faced other health battles, including his wife Sulina's sepsis and his daughter's eating disorder. These challenges influenced their decision to relocate and scale back their lifestyle to spend more time together.
