A year ago, major hormonal changes in my body made it impossible to mask my ADHD traits the way I used to. My spelling, word recall, and focus shifted dramatically. That started me on a journey toward getting an official ADHD diagnosis, not just to validate my lived experience, but also to prepare for possible new supports and treatment options.
In this video, I share what the ADHD diagnosis process has been like so far, what I’ve learned along the way, and a few tips I wish I had known at the start.
💡 This journey has been humbling, frustrating at times, eye-opening, and also rewarding. If you’re beginning this path, know you are not alone.
Transcription:
What I’m learning in the ADHD diagnosis process.
About a year ago, a large portion of my estrogen and progesterone in my body disappeared. Outside of the hot flashes and night sweats, the biggest impact was on my inability to mask my ADHD traits. And okay, my spelling has gone to heck, and my word recall has gotten worse than I’ve ever known it to be. It was wild how fast it happened.
It’s taken me a full year from my first conversation with my doctor to finally get appointments with professionals who will help me balance things out and build a new normal. I know, a phrase that feels overused since Covid, but it fits here really well.
I think so, since I could no longer mask my ADHD traits so easily, I decided it was the perfect time to get an official diagnosis. Partly to validate my lived experience, and mostly to be prepared should I decide medication might be a supportive thing for my new chemistry, requiring me to keep an open mind to all options.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far in the diagnosis process. Starting July, I’ve been going through the ADHD diagnosis process, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Here’s a few things I wish I had known from the start, or I brought to the table and turned out great.
One, it can take months to even get an appointment, so patience and persistence are part of the journey.
Two, at the first meeting it is really helpful if you bring a list of behaviors associated with your ADHD traits and a note on how that is impacting your life, both negatively and in positive ways.
Three, if testing is involved, ask for accommodations. For example, I requested that the test be read to me for the most accurate results. That makes a big difference, and I was really thrilled I did not need to provide my own accommodations.
Four, be clear with yourself about why you’re doing this process, and then let the people helping you know that as well. That clarity helps to keep the process grounded.
This, I’ll just be honest, this journey has been humbling, a little bit frustrating in the time it took, eye-opening, and also rewarding. If you’re starting down this path, just know that you’re not alone.
Thank you so much. I’d love to hear your comments and feedback about this. I am JoyGenea, International Neurodiversity Coach and champion for the different thinkers of the world. Thank you so much, and look for an update in the future. Follow me, then you’ll find out more. Bye now.