Educate, Communicate, & Advocate

If you live with ADHD, you may have some experience interacting with different healthcare providers.

Maybe you had a hard time getting your ADHD diagnosis.

Unfortunately, it isn't always easy to get the medical help you feel you need, and this can be a common experience for many people with ADHD.

But, I want to encourage you not to give up—it's not impossible.

When you find yourself frustrated with unanswered questions and unhelpful answers, try these three steps before you speak with your healthcare provider.

Educate

When you are going to meet with any healthcare provider about something new, it is important to know what you are talking about. I am not saying that you need to get a college degree in medicine, but take some time and do some independent research on the topic you want to discuss.

When it comes to ADHD, if you are looking to get tested and diagnosed, be sure to have plenty of information to share about the signs and symptoms you have been experiencing that brought you in to their office.

You can also explore reputable organizations that offer education on signs and symptoms often associated with ADHD. One such organization is Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). CHADD is a fantastic, non-profit group where their sole purpose is to support and educate on the topic of ADHD.

Communicate

Once you have done your research, it's time to communicate your thoughts and any questions to your healthcare provider. The more information you can share, the better. Sometimes it can be difficult to properly gather your thoughts and share them out loud, in the moment.

If that is something you struggle with, I suggest writing down your thoughts and questions ahead of time and bringing them with you to your appointment. This is also a great strategy for ADHDers in general—instead of relying on your brain to remember everything you want to say in the moment, bring it all written down so you don't forget to say anything once you're talking to your healthcare provider.

Advocate

While I wish it was always as easy as just educating yourself and communicating your thoughts to a healthcare provider, it is not always that simple.

You may find that your healthcare provider doesn't agree with what you communicate and does not want to move forward toward testing, diagnosis, or treatment.

It can be frustrating and downright depressing when it feels like no one believes you or like no one is truly listening to what you have to say. It can feel like you are out of options once you're told "no".

But, as a patient in any healthcare system (US), you have certain rights. If you feel you are not receiving proper treatment or care, or that your healthcare provider just isn’t listening or offering support, you can always seek out a second, or even third, opinion.

If you are unsure what your rights are as a patient, I highly recommend going back to the first step to educate yourself on what those rights are. You may even be able to request representation or a liaison to assist in advocating for you, or you can reach out to a trusted friend or family member and ask them to help and support you through the process.

Don’t give up!

It can be hard to navigate the ups and downs of any healthcare system, but it's not impossible. With a little research and education you can learn more about yourself and what you would like to communicate to your healthcare provider. And if you find yourself in a difficult situation, it is important to stand up and advocate for yourself and the rights you have to get the care you deserve.

Thank you for your time and attention,

Nikki