What's the point of an ADHD diagnosis?

[HelpAGirlOut1234]

Just as the title says... what is actually the point if you have no intention of taking medication, or medicating your child.

Really?

Surely you are joking??

Reasonable adjustments.

I'm really not joking... And I'm not trying to be obtuse, obnoxious etc, I'm genuinely trying to understand

What sort of reasonable adjustments could be expected in the case of a child and an adult?

What @PickAChew said. A child that has has support/reasonable adjustments is more likely to be a happy and successful student and human being in general.

But what sort of reasonable adjustments are generally offered?

What sort of reasonable adjustments could be expected in the case of a child and an adult

DSA?

I don't know what a DSA is?

adhduk.co.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

Disabled students allowance. Allowances to ADHD students include extra time in exams, time to get up and fidget during long periods of concentration, a study buddy...

I agree, OP. Medication is the first port of call for treating ADHD. You can put in all the reasonable adjustments in the world and they won't make up for an inability to concentrate.

DS1 (11) is medicated in school only and it has been life-changing for him. He just got almost full marks in his SATs. Other parents have asked me how he's doing so well and my only answer is 'meds', which they don't want to hear, because they 'disagree' with medicating their own children. It's baffling.

Well I am thinking of seeing if I am because if I should be on Ritalin instead of anti anxiety meds that might be for effective for me. And also I think it would be an explanation for why some things are a struggle for me and I might get some strategies to deal with it.

As well as reasonable adjustments it helps the individual understand themself. To understand why they are the way they are.

Thanks @Soloadventurer - other than the additional time in exams, our schools already offer fidget toys, breaks etc to any student that needs them regardless of diagnosis or not.

(Caveat: a few children unfortunately don't take to meds, but their parents have tried various titrations etc.; this is obviously very tricky and has to be managed by other means).

Schools can make reasonable adjustments to help students with ADHD in a variety of ways, including:

Visual aids: Use visual timetables, color-coded materials, and labels around the school to help with organization and reduce distractions.

Seating: Consider adapted seating plans, such as fixed seating or seating at the front of the classroom. You can also try placing the student away from windows, doors, and high-traffic areas.

Extra time: Allow more time for classwork, assignments, and tests.

Breaks: Provide regular breaks and quiet areas for students to recharge.

Redirection: Gently guide students back on track if their attention wanders.

Positive reinforcement: Focus on praising and rewarding students for their achievements.

Other adjustments: You can also try breaking down work into smaller sections, personalizing work topics, or providing opportunities for students to have positions of responsibility.

The Equality Act 2010 requires schools to take reasonable steps to accommodate students with ADHD. However, the term "reasonable" is not explicitly defined in the act, so the decision is left up to the school or local authority. Factors that may influence their decision include the school's financial resources, the cost of the aid, and the effect on other students.

Adjustments at work and at college.
Adjustments during interviews - printed questions possibly beforehand, more time to answer, standing desk or exercise ball
Plan your career knowing what your strengths are and that actually you are good at X because of Y but A is always going to be difficult no matter how hard you try it won't come natural.

Most importantly validation so you aren't thick/lazy/stupid/naughty or can't stick at things, whatever that adult has been told in the past you have a condition and can try X, Y and Z to manage it.

It depends on the age of the individual and the situation. Initially it allows greater understanding of how the person’s mind works, so on an individual level they may no longer consider themselves as lazy, or disorganised and realise that actually they have a condition which is impacting on their skills. They can then start to put in strategies such as checklists, timers, body doubling etc. For children, people may see their behaviour as being impacted by ADHD rather than just naughty, and strategies can be but in place such as written instructions, simplified instructions, additional breaks or fidgets. People can also apply for some benefits or to the access at work scheme. There are many more accommodations than I am prepare to list!

Thanks @Sirzy @KTheGrey that's interesting, particularly about the Ritalin v anti anxiety meds.

Is there a risk though of some people just putting all of their shortcomings down to a diagnosis, as opposed to putting in more effort in certain areas of their life to improve I wonder.

To be honest, my OP wasn't actually advocating the use of medication, particularly as so many people now appear to have an ADHD diagnosis.

I absolutely agree they can be life changing for some people, but just clarifying my OP wasn't actually saying that more people with ADHD should take meds as that's I think how you may have interpreted it.

So delighted your son got on so well in his exams, that's awesome!

Or maybe people could be happier, more successful and more fulfilled jn their lives if they understand why they may find things difficult/debilitating that don't seem so for other people?

Would you say the same of MS? Or myopia? Or dyslexia?

@HelpAGirlOut1234 or they understand their shortcomings and redirect their life to things they are naturally better at and find easier.

A common symptom of ADHD is spontaneity and not recognizing dangerous situation - that person would not necessarily be great working with heavy machinery or some tools as they struggle to risk assess BUT with knowledge that this is an issue they struggle with processes can be put in place to make it safer. Line manager can verbally check what their RA is and flag any other dangers that may not have been apparent

Thank you for the detailed response @Crumpledfrock, that's really helpful. And as I mentioned above, our schools naturally do all those for all pupils, regardless of diagnosis or not.

Maybe beneficial later in school to get some extra time for exams though as that's not given to all students.

I never understand this. ADHD meds are evidence based and they work. They wear off within 24 hours so no issues with having to taper etc.

Why refuse an evidence based effective treatment for yourself and your child.