I’ve resisted seeking parenting help for my son plenty of times. Shouldn’t I have my sh*t together by now? I’m an ADHD specialist for goodness’ sake.
The truth is that navigating ADHD is not a one-person job. Supporting someone with ADHD is tricky business. For one, ADHD shows up differently in each child. It also presents differently at each stage of development.
This uneven development is one of the things that drives parents crazy. It makes us question ourselves.
Am I an enabler? If my son can focus for three hours playing a video game, why can’t he focus long enough to make his bed?
One important thing to remember is that your child, adolescent, or young adult received an ADHD diagnosis because their executive functioning skills are significantly underdeveloped relative to peers.
That’s why it’s so important for you to reach out for support when you feel like you’re drowning. Pleading with, blaming, and threatening our ADHD kids is no fun. It doesn’t work, either. So, why not take an easier road?
Here are 5 Reasons why an ADHD Specialist Could Make Your Life Way Easier:
1. Increased knowledge
An ADHD specialist’s job is to help everyone in the family learn about the neurobiological nature of ADHD and how it impacts development. This added knowledge builds insight, healthy communication, and compassion for everyone in the family.
2. Recognition of your own blind spots and areas for growth
I have years of experience helping kids and parents address challenges associated with ADHD. However, when it comes to my own son, I have significant blind spots. We all do. That’s why it’s so helpful to work with an ADHD specialist who can see things more clearly. It’s never easy to share about our weaknesses, but transparency is key to growth. So, if you’re disorganized, give specific examples of how disorganization shows up in your life. If you struggle to maintain an evening routine (I’m lousy at this), own it. No one is perfect. But also own your strengths. I promise you have many.
3. Support to Develop a Clear Plan
ADHD specialists are also trained to help their clients identify strengths, challenges, and goals. For example, as an ADHD specialist, I enjoy helping my clients identify obstacles (large or small) that interfere with their goals. For example, some teens feel super-nervous asking teachers for help, so we need to work on their anxiety. Others can reach out for help more easily, but struggle to motivate themselves once they get home. Thus, in this situation, we need to create an environment at home that helps them stay on track. One real benefit to virtual meetings is that ADHD specialists can now loop in teachers and other supportive persons more easily to help us problem-solve.
4. Opportunities to Collaborate with other Professionals
ADHD specialists are also well-connected within the ADHD community. For example, if your child has learning difficulties, the ADHD specialist often know academic tutors who specialize in supporting youth with ADHD.
5. Recognition of What You’re Doing Right
ADHD specialists are also trained to identify their client’s strengths, as well as strengths within their support network.
Alrighty folks, I hope you found this post helpful. Feel free to pass it along to others who may benefit:)
In the meantime, stay strong and healthy. You’ve got this!
Your friend and support,
