Getting an ADHD Diagnosis Is Only the First Step

By Cynthia Hammer, MSW, Executive Director, Inattentive ADHD Coalition, www.iadhd.org

—Realize that nothing has changed with an ADHD diagnosis. You have a name for what has always been there.

—Expect to be relieved and sad after your diagnosis. Relieved to know something is the matter, and sad to learn something is the matter and was not recognized earlier.

—Learn about ADHD—what it is and is not—resources include books, ADHD magazines, reputable internet sites, conferences, and support groups.

—Have people in your immediate circle learn about ADHD along with you.

—Have faith that you will improve. Getting your ADHD diagnosis is a positive, helpful step in building a better life for yourself.

—Forgive yourself for your past failings.

—Focus on learning and taking steps to make your future better.

—Acquiring new habits and changing behaviors takes time.

—Accept that improvements come slowly. Go easy on yourself. Rome was not built in a day.

—Celebrate each new habit or improved behavior. They are milestones.

—Share ideas and concerns with others with ADHD, in person or online, in Facebook groups, and at r/adhd.

—Make one or two friends with ADHD to talk to about your experiences.

—Become comfortable telling people, in a simple, non-aggressive way, that you have ADHD. It will be no big deal to them when it is no big deal to you.

—Find ways to describe, in simple terms, how ADHD negatively and positively affects your life.

—Learn to laugh at your ADHD-moments

—If unable to accomplish these "To Do" items, seek the assistance of an ADHD therapist or coach.

*This article may be freely copied and distributed.