The Diagnosis Guide
A field guide for the ADHD diagnosis journey.
From our founder
“This is the guide I wish existed when I was getting diagnosed. I spent years thinking I was lazy or not trying hard enough. I was never the problem. I just didn’t have the explanation yet.
More from Dan →If you’re on that journey now, you’re not alone.”
Start wherever you are
Find your starting path
The field guide
The 10 kits
Ordered to track the journey. Go start to finish, or open straight to the help you need.
01Getting evaluatedThe window that’s loud with questions and quiet on straight answers. Who to call, what happens, and how to get seen clearly.02The medication routeThe stimulant landscape, decoded, then how to actually find, keep, and afford what you’re prescribed.03Therapy, coaching & skillsThe support that isn’t a prescription: therapy, coaching, and help for what ADHD often brings with it.04How your brain worksNot the TikTok version. What ADHD actually is, and why your brain does what it does.05Community & supportNearly everyone names the same feeling after a diagnosis: isolation. The fastest antidote is other people who get it.06Your daily operating systemThe single most useful shift after a diagnosis: stop asking your brain to hold everything.07Work, school & relationshipsWho you tell is your choice, every time. How to make the fit easier at work, in class, and at home.08For parentsIf you’re here for your child, you’re doing the work. Some of this may feel familiar from your own life.09Listen & readA short, trusted starting library. Better to read three good things than drown in forty tabs.10The languageA plain-language glossary: the people you’ll meet, the science under the hood, and the words worth knowing.
Every resource, in one place
The directory
CHADD ADHD HelplineDirectory
Find local professionals who work with ADHD.
chadd.org ↗
ADDitude directoryDirectory
Search for clinicians and support by location.
additudemag.com ↗
Psychology TodayDirectory
Filter therapists and prescribers by specialty, including ADHD.
psychologytoday.com ↗
ASRS v1.1Self-check
The WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, a short, widely used checklist.
ADDitude self-testsSelf-check
Free symptom self-tests for adults, women, and related conditions.
additudemag.com ↗
Sliding-scale & training clinicsAccess
Some university and training hospitals offer lower-cost evaluations. Check with your local clinics.
ADDitudeEducation
Expert-reviewed articles, self-tests, and webinars for adults.
additudemag.com ↗
CHADD National Resource CenterEducation
An evidence-based clearinghouse on ADHD across the lifespan.
chadd.org ↗
NIMHGovernment
Plain-language information on ADHD from the NIMH.
nimh.nih.gov ↗
CDCGovernment
Basic, science-based facts on ADHD.
cdc.gov ↗
ADDA virtual support groupsPeer support
Virtual groups, including ones for newly diagnosed adults, women, students, and couples.
add.org ↗
CHADD support groupsPeer support
100+ support groups around the country, in person and online.
chadd.org ↗
CHADD information lineHelpline
Spoken support and referrals at (800) 233-4050, weekdays 1–5 PM ET.
Reddit: r/ADHDCommunity
Large, active communities. Solidarity, not medical guidance.
reddit.com ↗
988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCrisis
Free, confidential support, 24/7, by call or text to 988.
988lifeline.org ↗
MedFinderStock locator
Finds pharmacies near you with your stimulant in stock; free savings card.
medfinder.com ↗
FDA Drug Shortages databaseFree tool
Check current shortage status by active ingredient.
www.fda.gov ↗
GoodRxSavings
Stimulant comparisons and a pharmacy discount tool.
goodrx.com ↗
Job Accommodation NetworkWork
Free, confidential guidance on reasonable workplace adjustments.
askjan.org ↗
You’re in good company
If someone told me you could be normal or you could continue to have your ADHD, I would take ADHD.
My brain doesn’t follow a straight line. It zigzags and explores uncharted territory.
I’ve always had a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. I was just interested in, like, everything.
Having ADHD is nothing to be ashamed of and nothing that I’m afraid to let people know.
My ADHD helped me to write stories that were not boring.
My brain is in 10 different places. I actually really enjoy it.
I get bored easily, and that is a great motivator.