My 15 year old daughter did amazing in middle school, although she has always struggled with time management, planning, and overall executive functioning. The transition to high school has been tough, and she struggled with the additional workload and demands. My mother and sister have ADHD and I see some of those traits in my daughter. I have always felt that if she was dealing with a possible diagnosis, I would consider getting an evaluation once she could no longer keep all the balls in the air. That might have happened first semester freshman year.
I know she is intelligent and I worry a diagnosis could define her or become a crutch. But I also don't want her to be handicapped if she needs medication or more support. I have never said a word of this to her and I am unsure if she feels like some of these executive functioning skills are harder for her than other people.
I have heard one friend talk about how finally getting medicated as an adult was life changing for her and made her realize how a lot of her struggles in school weren't her fault. I have also heard people talk about how the diagnosis, extra time, etc. can be somewhat limiting. I think my next steps worry me because it feels like today if you seek an evaluation you usually get a diagnosis.
Would love thoughts/opinions/experiences/etc. Please know I take ADHD seriously and know that for some kids the medication is 100% necessary and not optional. I think my daughter's case is mild and hesitate to medicate her given that she has made it this far without really struggling in school (she goes to an academically rigorous independent school outside of the D.C. area).
Thank you!