Whether you are black, white or purple, dealing with an ADHD diagnosis can be both a relief and a challenge.

Here are some articles that will hopefully get you on track:

Adult ADHD: Next Steps After a Diagnosis

Free Printable: Adult ADHD Diagnosis Information

Life After My ADHD Diagnosis

I hope this helps, Dena

Quote

Hi:

I was recently diagnosed wiht ADHD in late december of '09. Although it has been a great relief to finally find out what has been the problem for so long. It has also been very frustrating to me to find a lack of women of color related research and support/social groups that focuses on ADHD. The fact that women are under diagnosed is staggering, hoever the fact that women of color are also not represented is disheartening to me. As a Afroo-Latina woman who is fluent in Spanish I think it is very important to look at the issues that women face as mother, wives, graduate students-who juggle so much. Especially in a culture where women are expected to be the ultimate superwoman. As I continue on my journey and learn how to live a more mindful life with ADHD. I am really looking forward to finding more community and support with other women of color who also have ADHD, as it is culturally, spiritually and [w]holistically important to have that connection support as we work with our families and friends. ADHD may be colorblind, however it is even more invisible when the data shows that poor children and women of color are not seen in the research that is being done.

I am definitely looking forward to obtaining any information folks may have stumbled across or know of any support groups that are sensitive to the needs of women of color. Saludos and mil gracias. La mariposarose

Quote

Quote:

tndianne said: Its been a month now that I learn I had Adhd on one hand it was a relief I could put a name on what the heck was wrong with me but at the same time I was sad that the diagnosis came so late in my life a lot of decisions I made in the past were because of not knowing what the heck was wrong with me like the decision not to have Children. I'm still trying to learn as much as I can about Adhd the good and the bad so I can made an inform decision as to what will be my next step. What I have notice there is very little data on Adhd in the African American community and other than my sister I don't know anyone else with the disorder or anyone willing to admit it. So it makes me feel so alone out here not having someone I would be comfortable with to talk about the challenges of living my life with this disorder especially as an African American.

Quote

The AA community still looks upon mental illness' as "taboo" or a sign of weakness. I truly believe most AA children diagnosed ADHD in school are labeled by professionals who lack understanding in the strengths/skills of those who are Visual Spatial Learners (VSL). Fortunately, through trial and error, I was able to "find my way" through academia. Unfortunately, my younger sibling brother was not so fortunate. He was label Learning Disabled and endured years of verbal/emotional abuse and resulted in ultimately taking his life in 2007. I just turned 40 yrs old and like you do not have children. I have two nephews and have noticed the difference in how one processes information quite differently than his older brother. To be honest, I still am uncertain if I want to take the chance of having children considering the genetic makeup and arduous life I've endured due to my battles with ADD.

MahButterfly Quote:

tndianne said: Its been a month now that I learn I had Adhd on one hand it was a relief I could put a name on what the heck was wrong with me but at the same time I was sad that the diagnosis came so late in my life a lot of decisions I made in the past were because of not knowing what the heck was wrong with me like the decision not to have Children. I'm still trying to learn as much as I can about Adhd the good and the bad so I can made an inform decision as to what will be my next step. What I have notice there is very little data on Adhd in the African American community and other than my sister I don't know anyone else with the disorder or anyone willing to admit it. So it makes me feel so alone out here not having someone I would be comfortable with to talk about the challenges of living my life with this disorder especially as an African American.

Quote

Hi, I am an African American mother of 3 girls ages 3, 6, and 7. My 7 year-old was diagnosed with ADHD October 2008. She is taking medication and we received behavioral therapy for almost 5 months. I am very concerned about school. To date, she has been doing very well academically, but with a fair amount of emotional struggle at home and at school. She does not have a formal IEP in place. We have gotten this far with constant communicaction with teachers, school counselors, and administrators regarding her progress and class room instructional needs. She is entering the 3rd grade at a new school this fall. This school is majority white and has a reputation for labeling many African American children as problem kids. I want to be the best advocate possible for my daughter. Any suggestions on how to navigate the school setting while simultaneously avoiding having my child mislabeled?

Quote