ADHD: It's Not What You Think (Probably)
- Sep 4
- 4 min read
Hey there, wonderful human! It's Collin Hill, and if you're reading this, chances are you've either wondered, "Could I have ADHD?" or you know someone who has. Maybe you've spent years feeling like you're playing life on "hard mode" while everyone else breezes through. Or perhaps you've been called "lazy," "unfocused," or "too much" your entire life, and deep down, you just know there's more to it. My heart goes out to you, because I hear this story all the time in my practice. As an LCSW and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), I don't just work with ADHD; I understand the very real, often frustrating, and sometimes secretly powerful ways it shows up in people's lives. And yes, I perform assessments and make diagnoses right here. Let's bust some myths and demystify the process, shall we?
First things first: ADHD is not a character flaw. It's not about lacking willpower.
It's a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it's how your brain is wired.
It affects executive functions – those vital skills like planning, organizing, time management, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
Forget the stereotype:
It's not just hyperactive little boys. ADHD looks different in everyone.
It can manifest as:
Inattentive presentations: Zoning out, difficulty sustaining attention, losing things, forgetfulness, struggling to follow instructions (often missed in girls and women!).
Hyperactive-Impulsive presentations: Fidgeting, restlessness, talking excessively, interrupting, difficulty waiting their turn.
Combined presentations: A mix of both.
The key?
These symptoms aren't just occasional quirks; they're persistent, present in multiple settings (work, home, school), and significantly impact your daily functioning and quality of life.
Why Get Assessed? Beyond Just a "Label"
I often hear, "Do I really need a diagnosis? Can't I just try harder?"
My answer is always: You've been trying harder your whole life!
An assessment and potential diagnosis aren't about slapping on a label; they're about:
Validation: Finally understanding why certain things have always been a struggle. It can be incredibly relieving to know you're not "broken," just processing information differently.
Understanding: Gaining insight into your unique brain wiring. This is powerful for self-compassion and strategizing.
Access to Support: A diagnosis opens doors to effective treatment options like medication (if suitable, with a prescriber), targeted therapy (like CBT for ADHD), ADHD coaching, workplace or academic accommodations, and support groups.
Self-Advocacy: Being able to clearly explain your needs to others, whether it's your boss, partner, or professor.
Shifting the Narrative: Moving from "I'm lazy/stupid/bad" to "My brain works differently, and now I know how to support it."
The Assessment Process: What to Expect (No Pop Quizzes, Promise!)
So, what does an ADHD assessment with me look like?
It's not a scary, sterile interrogation.
My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can share your story. Think of it as a deep dive, a collaborative detective mission to understand your unique brain.
Here's a general roadmap:
The Initial Consultation: We start with a chat. This is where I get to hear your concerns, your history, what's bringing you in.
It's a chance for you to see if I'm a good fit for you, too!
Comprehensive Clinical Interview: This is the heart of the assessment. We'll explore your developmental history (childhood symptoms are key for ADHD diagnosis!), your current struggles and strengths across different life areas (work, relationships, hobbies, finances, self-care), and your family history.
We'll talk about how these challenges impact your daily life.
Standardized Rating Scales & Questionnaires: I'll provide carefully selected, evidence-based questionnaires for you to complete. These aren't just a simple "yes/no," but help us quantify symptoms and their severity.
Sometimes, I might also ask for collateral information from a close family member (with your explicit consent, of course) or review old report cards – this helps paint a full picture of long-term patterns.
Differential Diagnosis: This is crucial. Many conditions can mimic ADHD symptoms (anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders, medical issues, OCD, Autism, etc.).
As an LCSW & ADHD-CCSP, I'm trained to differentiate and consider the whole person, ensuring that what we identify truly fits the criteria for ADHD and isn't better explained by something else.
Feedback Session: Once I've gathered and synthesized all the information, we'll have a dedicated session to discuss my findings. I'll explain everything clearly, answer your questions, and if an ADHD diagnosis is appropriate, we'll talk about what that means for you and the next steps for support and strategies.
If it's not ADHD, we'll explore what other factors might be at play and discuss alternative pathways to support.
My approach is always person-centered, strengths-based, and compassionate. We look at the challenges, but we also celebrate the unique talents often associated with ADHD – creativity, resilience, hyperfocus on passions, out-of-the-box thinking!
Beyond Diagnosis: Your Path Forward
Getting a diagnosis is a beginning, not an end.
It's the moment you get a map for a landscape you've been navigating blindfolded.
My role doesn't stop at diagnosis. I'm here to help you understand your unique brain, develop strategies that work for you, and connect you with resources that can genuinely improve your quality of life.
Whether it's therapy, coaching, or referrals to medication management, we'll build a personalized plan to help you thrive.
You don't have to struggle in silence anymore.
If anything in this post resonated with you, if you feel that familiar "aha!" bubbling up, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's explore what's possible together.
Warmly,
Collin Hill,
LCSW, ADHD-CCSP
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