My daughter has been diagnosed with ADHD. Now what?

Question

We saw a neurologist today and according to the Qbtest they administer to determine ADHD, my daughter was diagnosed with it. They don't feel that it's severe enough to warrant medication but they are going to work with the school to get her a 504.

Is there anything else that I can do on my end to help support her?

I spoke to a friend who used an advocate to guide her through the process (her son also had dyslexia) but is my daughter’s therapist still the right fit for her or does she need something different in your opinion?

Answer

It depends. Her therapist helps her with one of her biggest symptoms that now we know is rooted in her neuro divergence of ADHD and her emotional regulation. If you change her therapy, the person who helps her needs to be well versed in emotional regulation or else all the focus, planning and executive function assistance, which is also part of a well-rounded ADHD intervention will be a waste of time.

So here are my recommendations for next steps:

1. Educate yourself on ADHD: https://www.understood.org/.../chil.../add-adhd/what-is-adhd

2. Learn about emotional regulation and ADHD.
I love this video and this YouTube page that has all things ADHD:

https://fb.watch/61DzcyCZuW/

3. Go to a parent to parent meeting or call them to learn about a 504 and ADHD:
www.ptopmiami.org

4. Explain to your daughter what ADHD is and let her know you are all going to work together to help her manage symptoms.

5. Famous people with ADHD:

  • Michael Phelps

  • Mark Cuban

  • Richard Branson

  • Simone Biles

  • Solange Knowles

    Introduce her to them.