Learning about ADHD with her son
Sherri couldn’t figure out why the other moms in her son’s play group appeared to have it all together while she struggled to get her son to school on time and make it to the office without losing her cool.
During the week, she would watch in helpless frustration as her house descended into chaos every morning as she struggled to get lunches packed, bills paid, and laundry folded.
As an account manager for a popular food brand, she loved the novelty and dynamic energy of working with new people every day and offering value for her clients.
But she struggled to file her reports on time and sit through weekly planning meetings.
It was all too much and her partner was concerned she might be depressed.
A-ha moment
When her son began struggling in school and showing signs of distress with having to sit for more than a few moments, she took him to their family doctor who asked a series of questions then recommended an ADHD assessment.
As Sherri listened to the description of how ADHD shows up, she felt a chill run down her spine.
“That’s me,” she thought. “I checked every single box.”
She started researching adult ADHD online and discovered a wealth of stories from other parents that also discovered their neurodivergence in adulthood.
Reading their accounts helped her feel less isolated and she made the decision to talk to her doctor.
After diagnosis, relief and trepidation
After a full adult ADHD assessment, Sherri was diagnosed with Predominantly Combined ADHD.
“It explained so much! All these years I thought there was something wrong with me,” she says.
“Turns out I’m just wired differently.”
But she was concerned. She had overheard colleagues making fun of the rise of ADHD related content on social media and she worried that her friends might mock her for being different.
“The TikTok videos are great, but I can see why my friends might find them silly and annoying,” she admits.
She decided to keep her diagnosis private while she worked with her doctor to find a prescription medication that would help her focus.
ADHD runs in families
ADHD is highly hereditary. When one or more members of the family have it, the odds of another family member being neurodiverse increase, up to 91%.
It’s important to remember that it is not a disease and not a curse. It’s a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts brain function. There are many effective ways of managing ADHD for both adults and children and there is no one size fits all approach.
Some benefit from stimulant medication, while others learn to thrive with the right support, exercise, good sleep hygiene, and plenty of self compassion.
It’s also not anyone’s fault and despite some myths that blame sugar or video games, it’s not caused by environmental factors.
Back on track
Sherri’s doctor recommended she work with a coach and after a few sessions, she started to develop some strategies to help her cope with the mountain of laundry and dishes at home.
She was even able to help her son feel better about his diagnosis by creating more play time and exercise. He has supportive teachers and they’ve been able to find a tutor that specializes in kids with ADHD.
“As a family, we’re stronger and more connected after ADHD discovery,” Sherri says. “My son and I are closer and my partner doesn’t have to worry about me so much.”
Sherri has been talking to her manager about a hybrid work option so she can spend more time with her son and her partner has offered to take on tasks that she finds overwhelming, such as the grocery shopping and washing the dishes.
“None of it is perfect, and my life still feels messy and chaotic sometimes, but just knowing there is an explanation gives me immense peace of mind.”
Learn more about ADHD assessments.