ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a widely recognized neurodevelopmental condition that affects many adults. Current statistics suggest that approximately 336 million adults worldwide are living with ADHD. Despite its prevalence, many individuals do not receive an ADHD diagnosis until adulthood.
Often, childhood diagnoses are missed because children may not exhibit the stereotypical signs of ADHD, typically characterized by disruptions in the classroom or difficulties with schoolwork. This is particularly common among young boys, who tend to display more hyperactive traits.Â
In contrast, girls, especially those who are BIPOC and LGBTQ+, are frequently diagnosed later in life due to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis in childhood. Factors such as limited access to care or the ability to mask ADHD traits can further contribute to this issue.
As an adults, you may begin to explore the possibility of a diagnosis as you gain a deeper understanding of your challenges and reflect on whether ADHD may be a contributing factor. Seeking an ADHD diagnosis can offer several benefits, such as helping you access necessary accommodations, ultimately enhancing your quality of life. However, the decision to pursue a diagnosis is entirely up to you and what fits your needs.
Let’s dive into what ADHD is, the traits associated with it, the types of ADHD, the professionals who can diagnose ADHD, and how to navigate the diagnostic process as an adult.Â
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological difference and form of neurodivergence, akin to autism and dyslexia. It manifests through various traits, including difficulty focusing, anxiety while waiting, impulsiveness, and challenges with emotional regulation.
The brains of individuals with ADHD process information and interact with the world differently, presenting unique strengths alongside challenges.Â
Classified as a chronic condition, ADHD may impact day-to-day functioning, affecting school, interpersonal relationships, and home life. Adults may also experience difficulties in the workplace, often due to sensitivity to criticism.
What Are the Traits of ADHD?
ADHD manifests through a range of traits, including hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These traits can vary in how they present from person to person and may often benefit from ADHD coaching. Common traits among individuals with ADHD include:
Time Management and Organization Issues: Struggles with completing tasks on time, including frequent lateness.
Perfectionism: An overwhelming desire to achieve perfection, which can hinder productivity.
Restlessness: A persistent need to move or be active.
Neurodivergent Masking: Concealing neurodivergent traits to conform to societal norms.
Impulsiveness and Forgetfulness: You are more likely to impulse buy, or you are likely to buy something and then not remember the cancellation date. This makes debt quite common.
Anxiety: Feeling anxious when waiting for tasks or situations.
Loss of Belongings: Frequently misplacing or losing items.
Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria: Intense emotional reactions to perceived rejection or criticism.
Hyperfixation: The tendency to focus intensely on a task, making it difficult to switch tasks when needed.
Sensory Overload: Becoming easily overwhelmed by sensory stimuli in the environment.
Poor Decision Making: Struggling to make decisions or initiate and complete tasks.
Emotional Dysregulation: Experiencing strong emotional responses to minor issues.
Job and Relationship Difficulties: Challenges stemming from disorganization, forgetfulness, or hyperfocus.
Personal Hygiene Issues: Struggles with maintaining personal care routines.
Types of ADHD
ADHD is categorized by three types, each varying in traits presented:
Inattentive ADHD: Characterized by inattentive traits, without hyperactive-impulsive traits, including difficulty focusing, disorganization, forgetfulness, and challenges with sustained mental effort.
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD: ADHDers with hyperactive-impulsive primarily present with hyperactive and impulsive traits, without inattentive traits. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHDers present with excessive fidgeting, constant movement, difficulties in remaining quiet, and interrupting others.
Combined type ADHD: Individuals present with a mix of hyperactive-impulsive traits and inattentive traits.
For a formal ADHD diagnosis, signs must have been present before the age of 12, even if previously undiagnosed.
Getting Diagnosed with ADHD as an Adult
If you suspect you may have ADHD, you'll want to begin your journey by knowing who can diagnose it in Canada. Only qualified healthcare providers—such as psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists, nurse practitioners, and physicians—can provide an official ADHD diagnosis.
It's important to note that registered psychotherapists and social workers cannot diagnose ADHD, but they can facilitate your path to seeking one by providing neurodiversity-affirming therapy.
Here is a step-by-step guide to pursuing an ADHD diagnosis as an adult:
Step 1: Seek Out a Healthcare Professional:Â
Your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or general practitioner should be your first point of contact to begin the assessment process. If they have experience diagnosing ADHD, they may be able to provide you with a diagnosis covered by your provincial health insurance.
If they do not feel competent enough in ADHD, they may refer you to a specialist like a psychiatrist or psychologist, depending on your specific needs and financial circumstances.
A diagnosis by a psychiatrist is covered by provincial health insurance plans in Canada. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medications and provide counselling, but these assessment have a long waitlist.
Psychological assessments, on the other hand, are costly and usually not covered by provincial health insurance plans. They, however, usually have a shorter waitlist than a psychiatric assessment. If funds are an issue for you and you have a disability consider disability grants, such as the Bursary for Students with Disabilities.Â
Once you have an idea of what healthcare professional you want to see, you can then seek further steps to getting an ADHD diagnosis.
Step 2: Determine Cost:
If you are seeking a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or your general practitioner, it may be covered by your provincial health insurance plan; verify this with your healthcare provider.
If you can afford a private ADHD assessment, costs can range from $300 to $3,500. Factors such as location and the extent of the assessment will influence pricing. We recommend scheduling free consultations with several providers to find the best fit.
Step 3: Book an Appointment:
Once you have determined the cost and have chosen a practitioner, schedule your appointment via phone, email, or an online booking system, depending on the provider's preferences.
Step 4: Gather All Relevant Information:
Now that your appointment is booked, you are going to want to prepare for the appointment itself. Prepare for your appointment by collecting pertinent information, such as:
Current concerns and their impact on your functioning
Medical history
Report cards and any previous assessments
Family history regarding ADHD or related conditions
Lifestyle history and any previous mental health diagnoses
Any past cognitive tests and pharmacy records
Bringing comprehensive documentation can greatly assist the provider in making an informed diagnosis.
Blue Sky Learning’s Partners
Blue Sky Learning collaborates with three neuro-affirming clinics that can provide ADHD assessments. Here’s a brief overview of these clinics:
Finding FocusÂ
Cost: $399 CAD for a diagnosis and treatment plan and they offer payment plans to increase accessibility.
At Finding Focus, there are no labels or stigmas. Their team of licensed, expert clinicians will take your diagnostic appointment on the same or the next day, and follow best practices of care so you can move forward with clarity.
Free consultation with ADHD Coach Maddy for a $25 rebate on your assessment.
Adult ADHD CentreÂ
Cost: provides an adult ADHD assessment for $300 CAD
The Adult ADHD Centre is a neuro-affirming clinic led by Dr. Parhar, who actively treats individuals with ADHD.Â
Potential refund through private health insurance. Blue Sky Learning can assist you in seeing if coaching fits your needs.
Psychotherapy MattersÂ
Psychotherapy Matters connects clients and therapist health providers with psychiatrists who can diagnose ADHD—covered by provincial insurance.
With consent, therapists can request referrals and attend consultations to stay updated on your care.
Blue Sky Learning offers a chance to book a free consultation to learn more about this exciting and affordable opportunity.
Book a Free Consultation With Blue Sky Learning
At Blue Sky Learning, the team embodies compassion, empathy, and a person-centered approach, providing various opportunities for students, professionals, parents, and educators to address individual concerns and growth areas. The mission is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood, reducing stigma and empowering personal growth.
If you’re a neurodivergent individual considering an ADHD assessment or seeking support from an ADHD coach or therapist, Blue Sky Learning is here to help. Book a free 20-minute consultation with one of the team members by emailing hello@blueskylearning.ca or visiting the website.
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