There’s more to an ADHD diagnosis than learning that you have a form of neurodiversity. On one hand it opens up a whole new landscape… but it’s not actually new to you as it’s something you are completely familiar with. Knowing that you have ADHD is quite often a relief and the start of something very positive. It’s the beginning of understanding what makes you… you.
If you are discovering you have ADHD in adulthood, it can bring some clarity after years of anxiety, self-doubt or struggles. For those diagnosed as children, early support can make all the difference in how they view themselves, including getting the right kind of essential help throughout school years.
Understanding ADHD brings numerous shifts in perspective - equipping you with strategies for success and reframing your unique traits as strengths.
Here’s why seeking an ADHD diagnosis can be incredibly empowering:
Self-awareness and understanding
A diagnosis can be like turning on a light in a dark room. It allows you to understand your behaviour and traits that may have previously felt confusing or challenging. ADHD affects how the neurodivergent brain works, which is different to the neurotypical brain. Understanding this shifts the focus away from personal shortcomings and creates a path for self-compassion and acceptance. It’s potentially quite exciting once you start to explore it some more.
Understanding your ADHD type: inattentive, hyperactive - or combined
ADHD presents in three types: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. If you have inattentive ADHD you may struggle with focus and prioritising; while if you have hyperactive ADHD you might tend to experience impulsivity and restlessness. Many people have combined ADHD, experiencing traits of both. Understanding your specific ADHD type is a powerful tool, helping you focus on strategies and tools that are right for you.
Access to tailored support and resources
People with ADHD gain access to support networks, resources and tailored therapies. From behavioural therapy and organisational tools, you can find specific strategies that will help you in daily life. Professionals in your life, at school or work for example, might offer their experience and suggest strategies that make a tangible difference. This might include allowing extended time for tasks, to providing differently structured environments, so you’re more comfortable and able to reach your full potential. Some people with ADHD might struggle to sit through a 2-hour lecture for example so different provision might be available to navigate this type of challenging situation.
Finding out what works for you
With an ADHD diagnosis comes the opportunity to explore productivity techniques designed for neurodivergent minds. As previously mentioned, you might benefit from breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, using timers, and adopting visual planning tools. These techniques often lead to improved efficiency and will allow you to harness your unique energy and focus bursts effectively.
Embracing creativity
ADHD is often associated with heightened creativity and unconventional problem-solving abilities. You might be a quick thinker, imaginative, and adept at finding unique solutions. Knowing you have ADHD encourages you to embrace these traits instead of trying to suppress them, potentially leading to innovation in your personal and professional life. ADHD embraces some interesting differences – hyperfocus for example - many of which can be embraced and channelled into amazing things.
Developing strong emotional resilience
Living with ADHD inevitably fosters resilience, often well-established, especially if it has gone undiagnosed for a long time. Managing symptoms and navigating a neurotypical world invariably leads to strong coping skills and determination, often underpinned with optimism and enthusiasm.
Finding a like-minded community
An ADHD diagnosis opens the door to a community of people with similar experiences. Support groups, online communities and forums can be invaluable, offering advice, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Realising you’re not alone can be transformative, providing solidarity and the understanding that you are part of something much bigger. Depending on where you are in the world it’s likely that you’re between 5 and 10% of the overall population living with ADHD. The number is far larger if you widen it out to include anyone who is neurodivergent. It has the potential for quite a big party!
ADHD and proud!
Receiving a diagnosis often helps you learn to advocate for yourself, both in daily life and within formal settings like work and school. Armed with this new understanding, you can feel empowered and strong enough to ask for support, set personal boundaries, and seek out environments that suit your strengths and needs.
Align yourself with a satisfying career
Traditionally people with ADHD often excel in areas requiring quick thinking, adaptability and high-energy. These traits are invaluable in a range of careers. You may have the superpower of hyperfocus – which is often quite the reverse of most people’s perception of someone with ADHD. This is highly valued – especially as the ability to zone in on something with clarity for sustained amounts of time is highly prized.
Recognising these strengths allows you to choose a path aligned with your natural abilities, enhancing satisfaction and success.
Choose how you share your diagnosis
This is your information to share as you like. By sharing an ADHD diagnosis you can engender better understanding and patience from family, friends, and colleagues. People close to you may become more empathetic, adapting their expectations to align with your needs. This open communication can strengthen relationships and reduce misunderstandings, especially regarding behaviours that might otherwise be seen as impulsive or inattentive.
Moving forward
An ADHD diagnosis can redefine your self-identity in empowering ways. It offers you the chance to learn about yourself, embrace your strengths and connect with others who share similar experiences. Far from being focused solely on challenges, an ADHD diagnosis can be a gateway to avoid burnout, discover your unique self – and with loads of potential to thrive in life with authenticity and confidence.
Contact me if you’d like to know more about ADHD and the journey from initial enquiry to diagnosis.
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