Should You Get Tested for ADHD as an Adult?
You've jumped down the ADHD rabbit hole. What started with a single short video that came through your feed has turned into a full-blown research project and rethinking your entire life. It's lead you to wondering if you could have ADHD. Maybe you even feel pretty confident about it, and have decided to self-diagnose. But there's still that voice inside of you wondering if you should get an a professional assessment "just to be sure".
There are many reasons people don't jump straight to getting a professional assessment done. The two biggest barriers: cost and wait times. Getting a private assessment is pricey, especially without insurance and can run you $1000+. Both private and publicly funded options often have wait times, with publicly funded assessments having extremely lengthy wait times that can be months or even years depending on where you're located.
To someone weighing their options and deciding whether pursuing a professional ADHD assessment is worth their time and money, these are the questions I would ask them to help make a decision.
Is an official diagnosis required to access something?
Sometimes an official diagnosis can be required to access certain things. This may be accommodations at school or work. It may also be programs, tax credits, or funding.
You may be missing out on helpful resources that you aren't even aware of! This can be a good opportunity to do some searching and see what may be available in your school/workplace/community.
Would getting clarity be meaningful for you?
Keep in mind, going through an assessment doesn't guarantee an ADHD diagnosis. You may end up with a different diagnosis (if you're doing a comprehensive psychological or psychoeducational assessment). Or, you may not be diagnosed with anything.
Consider how your future self might feel with each of these outcomes. The one thing you're almost promised to walk away with is clarity in regards to whether or not you have ADHD.
Do you have the time, money and energy right now?
These are all important considerations to take into account! Remember, not now doesn't mean necessarily mean never.
Is this a particularly busy season of your life, or do you find yourself with extra time?
Are finances tights, or are you able to budget for this? (if going the private route). Do you currently have insurance (through school, work, or otherwise) right now that can help pay for it? Is it possible you may not have this coverage in the future, or that the coverage could change?
What about your energy and emotional state? Going through the assessment process and receiving your results can be draining. If you have a lot weighing on you, is this something you can handle right now?
The big question: why does this matter to you?
I believe it's incredibly important that you have a clear answer to this! There are so many reasons why someone may want to seek out a later in life diagnosis.
Is this something that genuinely matters to you for a specific reason? Or, are you just looking into it because you think you "should" get one. That this is just the next step of the process.
If that is what you believe, I'm here to tell you that it doesn't have to be! This journey is your own, and you are free to go about it in whatever way feels right for you.
So, should you get an ADHD assessment as an adult?
Well, only you have the answer to that! Hopefully these questions help guide you as you weigh your options and come to your own conclusion.
Just keep in mind that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to go about this. Everyone's self-discovery journey with neurodiversity is going to look different. Self-diagnosis is valid, should you choose to go that route as well.
If you're feeling alone and overwhelmed on your path, I'd love to support you! ADHD coaching is personalized to meet you right where you're at. Together we will explore your goals, build strategies that actually work and get you to where you want to be in life. If you're interested in learning more, let's meet for a free discovery call!
