Sound Health Counseling – Laura Tauzin – York, PA

So you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD…now what? So your loved one has been diagnosed with ADHD…now what? I was diagnosed at age 24 with Predominantly-Inattentive-type ADHD. My family didn’t know what to think at the time, especially because they had only known ADHD to be the condition that causes a person to not be able to sit still and get in trouble a lot at school as a kid, and that wasn’t me. But after my diagnosis, things changed for the better, over time.

I Have ADHD

Your experiences are valid and there is an entire community of people waiting to support you. There are support groups on just about every social media platform and video tutorials eager to help. You should keep these things in mind:

• Just as it takes you time to adjust to a world of neurotypical family members, it will take your family members time to adjust to your needs. 
• ADHD is an explanation, not an excuse. You might need more reminders and redirection than others, but you are still responsible for acting and should be held accountable.
• Forgive yourself for forgetting, but learn from it and do better. Change what isn’t working. 
• Acknowledge the frustration of others. The diagnosis might give you validation and information, but it doesn’t relieve the struggle. Your family will appreciate that you recognize their feelings too.

My Loved One Has ADHD

Your experiences are valid, and there is an entire community of people waiting to support you. ADHD isn’t a one-lane, one-sided existence. You are there too, and you deal with the person’s ADHD- there is support for you too.

• Learn, but don’t beat yourself up over misconceptions. You knew what you knew, now you’re learning more. Guilt doesn’t help you or your loved one. Move forward together.
• ADHD is an explanation, not an excuse. Yes, you might need more patience and have to repeat things to your loved one more than others, but also hold them accountable. Natural consequences are okay. 
• Forgive them for forgetting, but expect them to do better.
• Your frustration is valid. The person with ADHD is not living in a bubble.

What Else Can I Do?

Managing ADHD often requires additional support. At Sound Health Counseling, we help you create a system that works for you and your family. Contact us today to get started!