A Diagnosis of ADHD is Not Scary!
by Liz Adams, Minnesota Neuropsychology, LLC
A big part of neuropsychological evaluation involves diagnostic considerations. I want to give my perspective on diagnosis because it can be scary or off-putting sometimes.
Think of diagnosis as a trail marker. It designates the path one is traveling rather than a label of the person walking the path.
The idea behind a diagnosis is to say:
This pattern of behaviors/feelings occurs in an individual
Other humans have experienced this pattern before
This pattern has occurred in enough humans that scientists have studied it and put a name to it (i.e. you are not alone!)
Thanks to these studies, we have an understanding of the biology/brain science behind the pattern
We have a good idea of things that will help the individual along the path
Although it's a path others have traveled, this doesn't mean you'll walk it the same way or notice the same things. You'll have your own unique experience on the path.
Getting a diagnosis doesn't change the person. It doesn't say anything new about them.
The purpose of diagnosis is:
To clarify the path the person is walking on
To let them know they're not alone
To provide an opportunity to learn about how others have fared along this path
To give suggestions about the next steps and options for support