Why I Always Recommend Early Diagnosis
"I want to get tested. I need to know what is wrong with me."
Those were the words my 10-year-old son said to me after I lectured him about listening to his coach and not rolling around in the grass during baseball practice. We had been talking about getting him formally assessed for years, but I hesitated. I worried that a diagnosis would put an unnecessary label on him and hold him back.
Now, six years later, I see things differently. Here’s what I wish I had done differently and why early ADHD diagnosis can make a world of difference.
What Would an Early Diagnosis Have Changed?
Looking back, I wish I had gone through the testing process when he was in kindergarten—when we first started to really struggle. I see now that an early diagnosis would have changed so much for both of us. Here’s how:
I Would Have Had the Right Tools Sooner An early diagnosis wouldn’t have changed who my son is, but it would have equipped me with the right knowledge and tools to support him better. I wouldn’t have spent years second-guessing my parenting or wondering why traditional discipline strategies weren’t working.
It Would Have Informed My Parenting ADHD is not just about inattentiveness or hyperactivity—it impacts executive function, emotional regulation, and learning. If I had understood his brain wiring earlier, I could have shown up for him with more patience, compassion, and the right strategies instead of frustration.
He Would Have Experienced Less Shame Without a diagnosis, my son was often left wondering why things that seemed easy for other kids were so difficult for him. An early diagnosis could have helped him understand himself better and realize that his brain just works differently—not worse, just different.
I Could Have Advocated for Him in School Earlier Instead of feeling like we were constantly playing catch-up, an early diagnosis would have allowed me to advocate for accommodations that could have helped him succeed in school from the start. I would have been able to work with teachers on effective strategies, rather than reacting to problems after they arose.
What I Want Parents to Know
If you're feeling hesitant about getting your child tested for ADHD, I get it. No parent wants to see their child unfairly labeled or misunderstood. But what I’ve learned—both professionally and personally—is that a diagnosis isn’t a label, it’s a tool. It gives you the clarity and insight you need to support your child with confidence and compassion.
When you know what you’re dealing with, you can finally stop second-guessing and start taking action that actually helps.
👉 If you’re ready to take the first steps toward answers and support, this post walks you through the 3 simple steps to get started.