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If you live in the UK and you’re seeking a diagnosis/assessment for ADHD, I recommend making a list of things you deal with before going. This will help you recall your symptoms when asked and takes the pressure off you trying to communicate them.
If you’re a teen/child, who has a teacher who you feel understands you, you can also ask them to put together a few sentences about your struggles/behaviours in class. This isn’t possible for everyone, but if you can, this can help validate your struggles and battle RSD.
Take this to the appointment. It can be calming to feel like you have a professional on your side. This can also work with a note from a parent/carer/spouse. When explaining try: ‘I know *syptom* is common in people with *ADHD*. I experienced this when *personal experience*
Try to start with the symptoms that impact you the most. Connect them to you personally and talk about when it started. Leading with the strongest symptom gets your point across early and can empower you to continue talking. Tell them how the symptom makes you FEEL.
If you feel you’re not being taken seriously, you HAVE NOT wasted anyone’s time. You’re worthy of being listened to with kindness and to be taken seriously. If this isn’t happening, you can excuse yourself and leave. If your feelings are being hurt, respectfully leave.
In your pre-written list, * or number your symptoms by importance. Maybe your lateness isn’t so bad but your inability to concentrate at work is causing huge problems. Include all symptoms you’re comfortable with but make it personal. You’re more likely to be heard if you
Can show how your symptoms personally impact your daily life. People can not argue with feelings. If getting in trouble at work for not concentrating makes you scared of going to work, no doctor can argue with your FEELING. feelings are powerful.
It can be so hard to get diagnosed in the UK especially if you don’t have the funds to go private. Don’t let this put you off trying out strategies/accommodations used by others with ADHD. Diagnosis or not, you deserve to feel supported. You’re absolutely welcome and valid.
I’m a teacher in the UK. Diagnosed or not, if I feel any child would benefit from something I do to support a child with ADHD, I’ll put it in place. Getting diagnosed can be a long road, but I’m on your side. I’ve got you
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