Post-ADHD assessment: what if I – or my child - don’t get a diagnosis?

You’ve been searching for answers, and you were 99% sure that you – or your child - had ADHD, but the assessment says otherwise.

If you or your child don’t receive a diagnosis, you might feel overwhelmed with emotion and unsure of what to do next.

We asked Emma, Adelaide-based Clinical Psychologist - how can people deal with a non-diagnosis when they were expecting one?

5 tips to help when you don’t get a diagnosis

1.) Give yourself space to feel whatever you need to feel

Not receiving a diagnosis can take you by surprise and leave you feeling a range of emotions – disbelief, grief over the lack of clarity, frustration, sadness, disappointment, and even anger.

Before doing anything else, it’s important to give yourself (or your child) space to feel whatever emotions arise.  

If you’re a parent and your child is struggling, remember to validate their feelings – even if they don’t make sense to you in the moment. Be careful not to unintentionally minimise or dismiss what they’re feeling. Give them space if that’s what they want but be there with open arms and listening ears when they need you.

2.) Re-read the assessment report after you’ve had time to process

Following completion of your ADHD assessment, you should have received an assessment report. If you had your assessment at Activ8 Mind, your report would include –

• The outcome of your assessment.

• Specific strategies to help you with things you are struggling with.

• If relevant – recommendations for further treatment and / or assessments.

  
  

Processing the news – or shock - of a non-diagnosis can make it difficult to absorb the information in the feedback session. Once you’ve had time to process, take time to re-read your report and review the strategies.

Gathering support and understanding from your networks can help you implement the strategies suggested, especially when they are related to your work or school environment.

3.) Try to focus less on the label, and more on the recommendations

This tip can seem difficult, especially if you feel that a label will give you more clarity and support.

It’s important to try and reframe your – or your child’s – thoughts and focus on the implementation of your specific strategies.  

Children’s assessments include, as standard, a cognitive assessment. This will provide you – and school staff - with recommendations that outline how school and home environments can be tailored to best support your child.

Adult assessment reports can also be shared with individuals at your school or workplace. This can help you advocate for your needs and request accommodations that help you utilise your personal strengths and challenges.

4.) Don’t go it alone – find people to connect and share your experience with

When you or your child don’t receive the diagnosis that you’re expecting, it can be easy to feel unsupported and lost. Connecting with others gives you an opportunity to share your experience, and your feelings.

There’s no ‘must-do’ when it comes to connecting – you can connect with people online or in-person and these people can be family members, friends, community support networks. Keep an eye out for people sharing their own non-diagnosis experiences and connect with those who align with your personal values and needs.

5.) Look after your mental health and don’t be afraid to ask for help

Not receiving a diagnosis can be hard. Be kind to yourself, especially on the days when life feels extra tough.

If you or your child need additional support, working with a psychologist or a mental health counsellor can help process your feelings, reframe unhelpful thoughts and adopt strategies that support mental wellbeing and personal growth.

To speak with one of our psychologists or counsellors in Parkside, Parafield or via Telehealth, contact us at 8292 5300 or at info@activ8group.com.au. To access Medicare funding for psychology or counselling sessions, please see your GP for a mental health care plan.  

This article shares general tips that could be useful post-diagnosis. Each person is unique, and these tips should not be used in place of personalised advice from your psychologist or GP. If you need specific support strategies, please book an appointment with your GP, a psychologist, or another suitable healthcare professional.