If this was shared with you, your employee would like to talk about their ADHD. However, before that conversation, please familiarize yourself with these pages.
Anytime someone with a disability discloses that status, they often must educate on their condition at the same time that they are asking for assistance. That’s a challenging position to be put in. So instead, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the different types of ADHD, co-morbid conditions, and what accommodations are common, which will free them to talk about their particular needs rather than as a representative for their condition.
Step 1. Research – but be careful who the source is. A lot of advice for people with ADHD is written by neurotypical people and offers unhelpful advice. For example, while telling people to check their planner three times a day seems like it would be a helpful tip – it neglects to understand the underlying issues of time blindness, object permanence, executive- dysfunction, etc. If you struggle to remember tasks, setting a task to remember your tasks won’t help. Additionally, there are many sources for helping kids with ADHD that offer guidance that does not apply to adults, especially in the workplace.
Step 2. Ask how they would like the conversation structured as in-person/phone/zoom, with an agenda or conversationally, with HR or another co-worker present or individually. Ask them if there is anything they specifically want you to look into or think about in advance.
Step 3. Expect uncertainty. Some employees may have been diagnosed years ago and are just realizing that they want to share their status. Some employees may have just been diagnosed and are still figuring out what that means for them. This situation will be prevalent with women, who have been chronically underdiagnosed, often not being tested until late into their 30’s, 40’s and tragically even later in life. Also, knowing that you are struggling and knowing what you need to help with that struggle are two different things. Be prepared to brainstorm suggestions.
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