Dear Pura (and wave to Croix),
I’m in WA and there is an organisation here called ADHD WA. I’m guessing each state probably has something similar. The one here includes peer support, group programs, coaching and therapy. Except looking at the therapy program it looks like the current psychologist there is booked out and there is a waitlist. But an organisation like that may be a good starting point for assistance and learning ways to manage ADHD. You could see if there is something similar in your state. It may at least be a good starting point.
I actually went to this organisation myself in 2007 as was increasingly suspecting I had ADHD. They were called the Learning and Attentional Disorders Society then and were more informally structured. I got to speak to a counsellor with lived experience. It was good to just express my feelings and challenges and she thought I fitted the ADHD profile. She did then suggest the possibility of going to a psychiatrist but I was reluctant at the time as I wasn’t convinced I needed medication. I am at the milder end but with ADHD traits, such as fluctuating between hyperfocus and scatterdness. I’ve continued on managing on my own, but for people with more severe impacts, such as a friend of mine, medication can make quite a difference. I’ve kind of worked out my own strategies and have improved over time. I’ve had a lot of trauma-related dissociation as well and I know that’s played a huge part in my level of ADHD-ness.
I think it is wonderful you want to harness your strengths, and you will have your own unique strengths for sure as neurodivergent brains do things differently which brings new perspectives. Some of the most inventive and creative people have been people either diagnosed with ADHD or historical figures now suspected of having ADHD. I hope you can soon find the right support for you and your kids.
All the best,
Eagle Ray
