ADHD diagnosis pros and cons sixth former

[Ticandtac]

My DD has problems with organisation and has had a few other issues at school. ADHD has never been mentioned but it has been hinted at, even to the point where I think traits have been mentioned which she doesn't possess.

I just wonder what people think the pros and cons are of finding out either way. She is very resistant to any form of help, particularly from me.

[ProfessionallyOffendedGoblin]

Why not read up on the subject and try out some of the strategies and ideas suggested?
If they work, it could make her more receptive to understanding that there may be ways of making things easier for her.

[Ticandtac]

A good suggestion, although looking at the strategies I wouldn't a) know where to start and b) know how to get her to adopt them. If the least little thing goes wrong she gives up.

But I still need an answer to my question...

What are the pros and cons?

[ProfessionallyOffendedGoblin]

Getting a dx isn't a magic happy pill, it's a key.
So my DS has a dx of Asperger's. That enabled me to work on strategies and reasonable accommodations with his schools, helped me to see what was hard-wired and what were areas of flexibility, how to handle meltdowns and situations where the stresses were building up to an unmanageable point.
It helped me realise that I had to understand how the world looked and felt and was perceived through his eyes before I could begin to work out how to help and support him.
There isn't an easy answer. It's a key, but you need to learn how to use it. No one knows where to start, but if you sit on your arse with the key in your hand, nothing will change.
A dx won't unlock a cornucopia of support, funding and financing, or a flood of compassion and tolerance from others. It won't suddenly turn a stroppy teen into a grateful and happy individual who will listen to her mother.
It's just a start.

[Ticandtac]

Thanks for your reply.

For the record I was expecting it to cost me money, not result in funding or financing. I would have expected some support though.

Your situation is quite different I think, I'm not seeing any pros.

Anyone have any?

[ProfessionallyOffendedGoblin]

Some of the pros of a Dx for my son were :
that the school made a number of adjustments for him,
teachers adapted their teaching style and organisation to maximise his learning,
he was given detailed, written explanations of what was required in homework tasks rather than being expected to remember
he was given a safe space to retreat to when he was facing overload,
he had a time out card that he could show and leave lessons,
the SENCO had a very good relationship with me, emailed me when I needed to know something
she intervened as a mediator between DS and others when things went wrong,
he was permitted adaptations to the uniform to meet his sensory needs
he got extra time for examinations (25%)
There must have been a lot more over the 5 years of secondary, but those are some of the most important ones.

[Ticandtac]

Thanks they sound really positive help for your son, the diagnosis was good for you.

My DD was offered counselling and as a result had a mentor for a few weeks in Yr 11 but this didn't continue in the 6th form after her GCSE results were good.

Trouble is she is reaching the age where she needs to cope on her own and this is colliding with her problems peaking, if I intervene too much how will she cope in the future?

[ProfessionallyOffendedGoblin]

Don't do things for her, teach her how to manage situations and demands for herself. She needs to be independent, but also needs the skills.
Scaffolded learning rather than intervention and taking over.

[Mumarch]

If she has ADD, and it is less hyperactive usually in girls, then Ritalin can really help. My DS had it diagnosed at 21, is on meds, and finding life SO much easier. Also she may need CBT to adjust her coping strategies.

Best of luck

[cory]

HE teacher here. Students with ADHD clearly have to take responsibility for their own condition by the time they get to us. But if they make sure to inform us and supply the appropriate paperwork we can help with:

adapted teaching

support from trained pastoral staff

online resources with carefully worded instructions

extra exam time

adaptations to exam paper (even little things like selection of font size and the wording of exam instructions)

This isn't about babying; it's about providing adequate resources, just like we provide the appropriate hearing aid adapted equipment in our lecture theatres for hearing impaired students or coloured exam papers for students with dyslexia.

[AgeOfExtremes]

Aargh this is a bloody zombie thread!

[HisMum4now]

My DS has ADHD, the diagnosis was a lifeline at the time. Instead of wondering "what is wrong with me?" it gives the key to understanding how DS functions and what tools to use - selecting the key that fits.
With the diagnosis he stopped trying harder, and could start trying smarter.

To be honest I can't see any cons.
What are you worried about?

[PhoenixUprising]

I think it would help her understand why she struggles with some things - and would help her take responsibility for working out what helps her.

Some people with ADHD/ADD are helped massively by multivitamins. Some by diet changes.....

With a dx it's easier to research her problems so you can both work out what might help.

I too can't see any cons. All of my kids have a dx of of something and it's never brought any cons.