# What Happens After an ADHD Diagnosis? What to expect after an ADHD diagnosis, including receiving the written report, discussing treatment options, seeking accommodations, and sharing results with providers. Updated 2026-10-10. Also on the [web page](https://adhdevaluations.fyi/guides/what-happens-after-an-adhd-diagnosis). # What Happens After an ADHD Diagnosis? Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a significant step, but the evaluation itself is just the beginning. Understanding what comes next helps you make the most of the results and decide what to do with them. ## Receiving the Written Report After the evaluation is complete and the clinician has written the report, you will typically receive it in one of two ways: - **A feedback session.** Many clinicians schedule a follow-up appointment to review the findings, explain the diagnosis, answer your questions, and discuss recommendations. - **Direct delivery.** Some clinicians send the report by mail or through a secure patient portal without a separate feedback session. Take time to read the report carefully. It should include the clinician's findings, the basis for the diagnosis, and any recommendations. If anything is unclear, contact the clinician for clarification. ## Understanding the Diagnosis A thorough report will explain how the clinician arrived at the diagnosis, including which criteria were met and how they considered alternative explanations. The diagnosis may specify: - The presentation of ADHD (predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined) - The severity level and any co-occurring conditions that were identified - How the symptoms affect daily functioning in school, work, or relationships ## Treatment and Support Options A diagnosis opens the door to treatment options, but no single treatment is right for everyone. Discuss with the evaluating clinician or your primary care provider what steps may be appropriate. - **Therapy and coaching.** Behavioral therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and ADHD coaching can help with organization, time management, emotional regulation, and coping strategies. - **Medication.** Some individuals choose to explore medication. This requires a consultation with a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or other prescriber. - **Educational support.** Tutoring, study-skills training, or executive-function coaching can support academic success. - **Lifestyle and self-management.** Many people benefit from sleep routines, exercise, nutrition changes, and organizational systems tailored to their needs. ## Accommodations at School or Work A documented diagnosis is often required to request accommodations. - **K-12 schools.** Your child's report can support a request for a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) through the school district. - **Colleges and universities.** Many institutions have a disability services office that reviews documentation and arranges accommodations such as extended test time or note-taking support. - **Workplace.** Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you may request reasonable accommodations from your employer, such as written instructions, quiet workspace, or flexible scheduling. ## Sharing the Diagnosis You control who receives the report. Some situations where sharing may be helpful include: - **Your healthcare providers.** Sharing the report with your primary care doctor, therapist, or prescriber ensures coordinated care. - **Your school.** Provide the report to the appropriate office — the school counselor, the disability services office, or the 504 coordinator. - **Your employer or human resources department.** If you are requesting workplace accommodations, the report or a letter from the clinician is typically required. - **You and your family.** Just keeping the report for your own reference is completely valid. You do not have to share it with anyone. ## Next Steps to Consider - Keep a copy of the report in a safe place. You may need it for years to come. - Follow through on any recommendations the clinician made during the feedback session. - Research local or online support groups, ADHD coaching, or community resources. - If you hit barriers — whether at school, work, or with insurance — reach back out to the evaluating clinician, who may be able to provide additional documentation or advocacy. An ADHD diagnosis is not the end of the process. It is the start of a more informed path forward, and the report is a tool to help you or your child get the support you need. ## Questions ### What does the written ADHD evaluation report include? A comprehensive report typically includes your personal and family history, symptom rating scales, test results, a clear diagnostic statement, and recommendations for treatment, accommodations, or support. ### Can I use an ADHD diagnosis to get accommodations at school or work? Yes. A formal diagnosis documented in a written evaluation report can support a request for academic accommodations under a 504 Plan or an IEP, or for workplace reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. ### Do I need to share my ADHD diagnosis with anyone? No. The decision to share the diagnosis is yours. You may choose to share it with your healthcare provider, your school, your employer, or anyone else, but you are not required to do so.