Terrible sign at ADHD assessment..

[starsallover]

Yesterday I had my assessment. I noticed (because I notice everything) that there were two things in the room that really bothered me. There was a picture on the wall that said "Use your Brain" and a fairly small sticker on the mini fridge that said "Work Harder". I brought these things up with the assessor because a lot of neurodivergent people hear these things often. I think those things were insensitive and a bit oblivious! Honestly, if these things are in their office AND they don't think about how they'd make people feel, I don't know how comfortable I am with the assesment. Just going through a hard time right now in general and this wasn't appreciated.

[STEM_Dad]

Seems both inappropriate and unprofessional on the part of somebody whose job it is to do assessments. If they also do coaching or therapy for people who are neurodivergent, then it's even more inappropriate.

Are they a solo practitioner, or are they part of a group practice of some sort?

• If they are a solo practitioner, then I feel like I would not be able to resist telling them my observation and how it made me feel, and how I think it would make other neurodivergent people feel. I would also consider reporting this to some agency (their licensing body, if they are a psychologist or psychiatrist, maybe the local branch of a disability advocacy agency).

• If they are part of a group practice, I would notify the head of the practice or their partners. Plus what I mentioned above.

~~~~~

Some people think that they are just being clever. Others simply don't care. And still others are actually toxic, or have become toxic from career choices.

What would be really sad is if this diagnostician is actually ADHD themselves, and don't know it, and they are being hostile towards themselves.

[Netjester]

Well I think the phrase "Use your brain!" is 100% perfectly fine because that is the goal. Our goal with treatment is that we are able to use as much of our brain as possible. Think about what ADHD is. It's a neurological disorder and for the most part your reward center(opiate receptors) is what's controlling your neurons, causing them to skip your pre-frontal cortex all together. The right medication will help you to use your brain and hopefully re-train your brain to function better.

Now the "Work Harder" thing is F-ing ridiculous, if it's meant as encouragement for ADHD. Since it was on the refrigerator, I almost think it was motivation for someone who might be dieting. Regardless, it shouldn't be somewhere where a patient would see it.

I have a question. Was this at a psychiatrists office or a psychologists office?

A question I would ask the staff here is what percentage of their patients have ADHD. If they say less than 75%, I would find someone else to assist with ADHD. My experience is that unless the doctor is fully dedicated to ADHD, they will not be able to treat you effectively. We are a different breed and we need continually get new therapies and medications as they become available. Old school stuff, simply doesn't work for us.

[Portuguesemess]

🤣🤣 I'm sorry starsallover ...that's hilarious! Unbelievably calous, but hilarious. Jesus Christ... What did they say to you when you pointed that out?

Maybe they where just motivational phrases for the assessor : it's the only scenario where they make perfect sense😉😂 He does need to work harder and he does need to use his brain😂

Stay strong starsallover

I hope i goes well and if not, i hope you find a better fit for you 💪🤍

[AuDHD3245]

It wasn't your office, they're not your stickers, it's not your seat, it's not your choice. it's not your right even to judge anything about anything in a someone elses place of work, and if you have a problem with it, it's your problem not theirs. How would you like it if someone came into your home and didnt appreciate how you make your bed, how you arrange your cutlery or questioned you on how you sit?

Address that quick because it's insulting

[PinkPanda23 in reply to AuDHD3245]

No. It depends entirely on the time, place and the reason the space exists. When you deal with people who are neurodiverse as your job in your space, you have to offer a neutral, safe experience to gain trust. Your own motivational triggers need to be placed where the clients/patients aren't seeing them. If I walked into my cardiologist's office and saw those signs, I'd think he was borrowing somebody else's office, or lose my confidence in him if it was his space. I've spent my life being bombarded with business's version of motivation du jour, and none of them spoke to my ADHD brain except to elicit fear and shame at my inability to "just do it" like they do. It seems the OP also has done. Don't add to their self-doubt by chastising them for noticing things that clearly threaten them, or at least raise red flags. We need to be able to trust our instincts and work with them, not be told we are wrong and stop it this instant. I invite you to reconsider!

[AuDHD3245]

Those stickers are a message. A reminder. They're not to be looked at and judged. They've been there long, long before Star saw them, and they help 'someone' somewhere. And, they're not planted to cause harm or offence. If someone's got a picture in their place of work that says 'your dreams will come true', it's not a message to frown upon and judge, it's just there to read.

[MaudQ]

That would piss me off too. I’m mad right now on your behalf! You did absolutely the right thing by pointing it out. Some people who are supposedly experts have a long way to go in terms of patient support and soft skills. So thank you for your advocacy! I personally would have a hard time letting it go though, so I hope that pointing out the stickers and posting here has helped you feel better 💜

[MaudQ in reply to MaudQ]

Also, if the assessment comes back and the results don’t feel right to you, trust your instincts. It might be that you’re just raw because you are going through a hard time - or it might be that this provider is clueless or biased. You can get a second opinion. I didn’t care for the Dr who gave me my assessment. So I went back to my original provider and asked for her opinion and she agreed with me. You deserve to feel better 💜

[Goodtrouble]

Wow, indeed not very sensible, what did she say when you pointed this out? Also especially when you are in that vulnerable place when you decided to take the step to be assessed it can be overwhelming. Rejection sensitivity disforia is very common in Adhd,something like this can enhance that feeling. Are able to choose another assessor?

[Wasted71years]

My reaction would be that this shows the person is a really bad choice to help me with my ADHD, or at least they will be ham-fisted and clumsy dealing with me. Thus it is a red flag not to work with this practitioner on therapy or skills building.

However, diagnosing someone with ADHD is possible using the diagnostic criteria, all the evidence from your lifetime and the assessments, even if the person doesn't get ADHD or isn't even sympathetic. They can still diagnose you. I wouldn't worry about them being involved in diagnosis but would immediately find another person to help me get treatment.

[starsallover in reply to Wasted71years]

Hi and thanks... this office doesn't offer therapy, just assessments. They're highly recommended my my psychiatrist so I'll take it at that. Hope for the best.

[starsallover]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback and support! I was feeling anxious and burnt out after that asessment. The room was also small and stuffy. But it's DONE and I did the best I could.

[FindingTheAnswers]

"Use your Brain",,, ok, yeah. But it's difficult to do when your mind is constantly running over 100 mph, and you're in a continual state of anxiety. "Work Harder"? Again, ok, yeah. I just wish they could have walked in my shoes to see if they could have worked harder than I did/have. Especially before I was diagnosed and prescribed Adderall.

So, I have to agree with you. They don't 'Get It'.