07 Nov Understanding ADHD: Making Sense of Your Strengths and Struggles

At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we understand that ADHD is neurodevelopmental and therefore a variation in the brain. ADHD is a natural variation of the brain; it differs from what is often called neurotypical in today’s society, as the neurotype has differences. The correct term for finding affirming care—whether it be an ADHD assessment, finding the best psychologist for your individual needs, or perhaps an ADHD psychiatrist—would be looking out for clinicians who have a special interest and understanding in providing neurodivergent-affirming care.

ADHD involves differences in self-regulation; it is more than just attention or focus — it’s about how your brain processes and responds to the world. For some, ADHD brings creativity, energy, and passion; for others, it can feel exhausting, scattered, frustrating, or overwhelming. There are also other factors to consider, as ADHD is multifaceted. These factors include how much is on your plate at any given time — the more life demands, multitasking, organisation, or decision-making required, the more overwhelmed, scattered, exhausted, or burned out one can feel.

However, at other times, you may wonder why you can manage all these things. It varies depending on a multitude of factors, and this is why it is so important to find the best support that understands ADHD and meets you where you’re currently at, with your individual experiences.

The Positive Wellbeing Psychology Integrated ADHD Care Model:

For this reason, our practice has evolved and developed an integrated model that brings together psychologists and psychiatrists under one roof. The aim of this is to offer comprehensive ADHD assessments and ongoing tailored support by our team of psychologists who have a special interest in ADHD.

While not all our psychologists have this level of special interest, we will certainly match you with a psychologist who gets it. This ensures you begin to develop a greater understanding of your individual neurotype in a neurodiversity-affirming manner, and that you start to understand the whys — or what your particular needs are — to manage various experiences. This allows for a safe and supportive environment to foster growth in a compassionate way.

Collaboration Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists

It also means you have access to our team of psychiatrist should any adjustments be required due to medication side effects, or if you are just starting out and need to engage in the diagnostic process first — we have you covered. You can choose from our Psychologist-Led ADHD Assessment or Psychiatrist-Led ADHD Pathway, but both options involve a collaborative approach that enhances the understanding of your individual neurotype and tailors recommendations and strategies, rather than providing general information.

After the diagnostic process, should ADHD be indicated, you can explore your options for pharmacological treatment with a psychiatrist, ADHD-specific therapy with one of our neurodiversity-affirming psychologists, or both. Either way, we’re here to walk you through it.

This integrated model means that the support you require is available in a streamlined, linear manner — all under one roof. Our psychologists can communicate directly with your psychiatrist, and your psychiatrist can liaise with us to help track various changes through regular therapy sessions, ensuring the most optimal treatment and clinical outcomes for you. It also means you continue with the same psychiatrist rather than changing each year. It means you can have a review whenever you need. This is what our practice aims to provide a truly evidence-based and integrated care.

Making Support Accessible

It also means it’s not hard for you to get started. We understand that with ADHD, the challenge often lies in starting and making decisions — especially when you’re feeling most overwhelmed.

Okay, now I want to walk you through some more information about ADHD, but should you wish to hit the pause button now and get started — do it. You can send your enquiry here, and our Clinic Director, Emily, will walk you through the pathway options and even recommend what you might benefit from. It will be via email as Emily reads every single enquiry to make sure you are matched with the best suited clinician for your individual needs.

---

---

Understanding ADHD as a Neurodevelopmental Difference

ADHD is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages attention, motivation, and self-regulation. What ADHD is not — it is not a reflection of intelligence, willpower, how productive you are or are not, how academically focused you are, or a reflection of what you’re capable of — rather, it is linked to the way dopamine and other neurotransmitters affect focus, reward, and task initiation.

Categorically inline with the DSM-5, ADHD is often described through three main presentations:

• Predominantly Inattentive Type – difficulty sustaining focus, forgetfulness, mental drifting.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – restlessness, acting quickly without pause, difficulty waiting.
• Combined Type – a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive features.

These are extremely brief snippets of each of the three and should not be taken as exhaustive. As noted above, ADHD is multifaceted and has many variations. This is why each person’s experience is different. While one person may struggle to sit still in meetings (yet have no trouble sitting still when playing a new computer game they love — for hours!), another might find their mind constantly racing with ideas but be unable to finish tasks. Many adults also experience emotional dysregulation, time blindness (i.e., accidentally missing lunch hour or not noticing the need to go to the bathroom all day when hyperfocused), and sensitivity to rejection or criticism — all of which are valid and real parts of ADHD.

Why Getting Clarity with an ADHD Diagnosis Matters?

For many adults, seeking an ADHD assessment is a deeply personal decision. Some come after years of feeling what has been internalised or communicated to them as being “lazy,” “inconsistent,” “just not applying themselves,” or “not listening,” only to realise those struggles were neurological. Some may reach adulthood having suspected ADHD, or even knowing their experiences are indicative of ADHD, but due to internalised stigma, have avoided or delayed the diagnostic process.

Perhaps the need to involve someone who knew you prior to age 12 — often a parent — has put you off, as this is a deeply private journey you’ve wanted to take without involving others. Whatever the reason — and there are many I’ve been privileged to hear through my passion for providing ADHD assessments — we are here for you now.

Receiving a clear diagnosis can be transformative — allowing you to replace self-criticism with self-understanding. Individuals often describe the assessment process as “putting the missing puzzle piece in place.” It helps explain challenges at work or in relationships, and it provides a foundation for change — through therapy, coaching, lifestyle support, and, if appropriate, medication.

Our Integrated ADHD Assessment Pathway

Because ADHD touches both psychological and biological factors, we provide a fully integrated assessment process led by our team of psychologists and ADHD psychiatrists:

• Initial Consultation (ADHD Psychologist-Led or ADHD Psychiatrist-Led): An in-depth conversation exploring your history, current challenges, and goals for assessment. You choose if you prefer having the assessment led by a psychologist or psychiatrist. Both are involved, but you can decide or ask us to recommend based on what brings you to us!
• Psychometric Assessment (Psychologist): Using evidence-based tools such as Conners 4, DIVA-5, and BRIEF, we assess attention, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. We also utilise a number of screening tools to be able to accurately provide differential diagnostic findings and workout a formulation of how other experiences interplay with the experience. For example, anxiety symptoms if very common as a secondary presentation due to difficulties with self regulation and difficulty with executive function. It might be that binge eating disorder is showing due to life long struggles with maintaining regular meals due to time blindness or perhaps impulse control resulting in binge eating. Our psychologists and psychiatrists – we just get it!
• Clinical Review (Psychiatrist): Your experienced psychiatrist integrates findings, confirms diagnosis, and discusses medication options where clinically appropriate.
• Feedback and Support Plan: We recommend a follow up appointment so you can ask further questions. You’ll receive a clear, written summary with recommendations for therapy, self-management, and medical follow-up. Your follow up can be with a psychologist or psychiatrist under a 30 minute review – you can ask any questions and make a plan!

This approach ensures your care is coordinated, evidence-based, and person-centred, with open communication between all clinicians and your GP.

Therapy and Support Strategies

Medication can help with self-regulation and to manage symptoms, but therapy plays a vital role in long-term wellbeing.

Our psychologists use practical, evidence-based approaches including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for ADHD – helps manage negative self-talk, procrastination, and emotional impulsivity.
• Executive Function Coaching – teaches skills in organisation, prioritisation, and planning.
• Mindfulness and Self-Compassion – supports emotional regulation and focus.
• Lifestyle Planning – integrating exercise, sleep, nutrition, and routines that support attention and energy.

To be very honest, the above is just a snippet and usually falls under what’s known as the evidence-based intervention toolbox. There is so much more that a psychologist with a special interest in ADHD explores. Often, this includes unpacking various triggers that stem from feelings of being misunderstood or from experiences of rejection sensitivity dysphoria. These interventions are not designed to “fix” ADHD but rather to help individuals build systems and strategies that work for their unique neurocognitive profile.

A Strengths-Based Perspective

At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, we recognise that ADHD often coexists with exceptional creativity, enthusiasm, curiosity, and empathy. These traits are not separate from ADHD — they are often part of the same unique way the brain processes the world. Many people with ADHD thrive in dynamic environments that allow flexibility, imagination, and freedom to explore their passions. However, when the environment doesn’t align with how their brain functions best, everyday life can feel overwhelming, frustrating, or disorganised. That’s why understanding your individual neurotype is so important — not to change who you are, but to support you in harnessing your strengths while developing practical strategies to manage the challenges.

Our goal as psychologists and psychiatrists is to help you gain a deeper understanding of your neurotype — recognising both the differences that shape your experience and the unique strengths they bring. Through an affirming and collaborative approach, we aim to support you in living in alignment with your values, energy, and potential, and in building a life that truly works for your brain.

How Positive Wellbeing Psychology Can Help?

Taking the Next Step

Seeking an ADHD assessment is an act of self-understanding and self-compassion. It’s about choosing to better understand how your mind works — so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence. If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD might explain some of your experiences, our integrated team of psychologists and psychiatrists is here to guide you with care and professionalism. We take the time to understand your individual experiences and provide recommendations that are meaningful and practical for you. You can learn more about our ADHD psychologists or take the next step by booking an ADHD assessment today.

---

---