A diagnosis can bring a range of responses: relief, regret, anger, confusion, sadness, release, compassion, renewed energy and hope, to name a few.

It may take a while to really feel like you can make sense of what a diagnosis means to you and to others with whom you share this information.

• It’s not the whole story (you are not your diagnosis)
• Give yourself time and attention for processing what the diagnosis means to you and talk to someone who has some knowledge about AD/HD
• Explore your resources; connect with others who can relate to your struggles (MRU AD/HD group meeting info)
• Be patient with yourself. Often AD/HD related behaviours have previously been viewed as personality faults. Self-criticism may have become a habit that is hard to break. Counselling may be helfpul with this struggle.
• Figure out and share with others what helps and hinders your performance and well-being. There are still many myths floating around about AD/HD and there is still much to learn.
• Experiment with new ideas about how to compensate for deficits and draw on your strengths.
• Learn about your rights, resources, (MRU Calendar, p. 5) and responsibilities (MRU Calendar, p. 11) in post-secondary.