Post-diagnostic support for ADHD. So, what happens now?
There are so many people I speak to , clients, friends, women I meet in online groups , who all too often say the same thing.
They finally get an ADHD diagnosis. Often after years of self-doubt, misdiagnosis, and feeling like they’ve been getting life wrong. They feel relieved, hopeful even. Like maybe now, with the right support, things can start to change.
But then… nothing.
No roadmap, no signposting, no real follow-up. Just a diagnosis and a vague sense that they should “look into medication” or “read about it online.”
And if you ask the clinician who assessed you, “What happens now?”, it’s not unusual to be told, “That’s it.”
That’s it?
That’s just not good enough.
Especially for women. Especially in perimenopause or midlife, when everything feels like it’s crashing down.
So what support is available?
It varies, and that’s part of the problem. There’s no consistent post-diagnostic pathway across the UK. Some people get follow-up appointments, some get offered medication titration, a few get access to psychoeducation sessions. But many get nothing more than a letter confirming their diagnosis and a copy of the assessment report.
Here’s what’s usually available:
Medication
Most NHS ADHD services will offer medication titration and monitoring after diagnosis. This is often helpful, but it's rarely joined up with other support and usually ends once a person is stable on medication.
Some psychoeducation
A few NHS teams or private providers offer group sessions that explain what ADHD is and how it shows up day-to-day. But it’s not consistent and many people never get access to this.
GP involvement
Not all GPs feel confident to, or don’t have the knowledge or training in how to support or understand ADHD/neurodivergence, and many women feel dismissed, invalidated or misunderstood.
Private coaching or therapy
Many people turn to private ADHD coaches or therapists trained in neurodivergent support. This can be hugely beneficial, but it comes at a cost, and not everyone knows it exists or how to access it.
Online communities
There’s a lot of strength in peer support. Charities, social media groups, and forums can provide a sense of belonging and shared understanding. But they’re no replacement for professional, structured support.
What should be available?
Here’s what a good post-diagnostic support offer would look like — and what many of us are still campaigning for:
Structured psychoeducation: Regular sessions to understand ADHD, executive functioning, emotional regulation, time management, and self-esteem.
ADHD coaching: Support to develop strategies that work with your brain, not against it and understanding how your ADHD affects you is instrumental in moving forward. Coaching helps people build confidence, manage overwhelm, and reconnect with their strengths. Ideally neuroaffirmative support systems should be offered first line for those either in the often years-long waiting times for an assessment and certainly post diagnosis.
Hormonal and mental health support: Especially for women navigating perimenopause, PMDD, or postnatal experiences. ADHD doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
Support for families and partners: Helping those around you understand what ADHD is (and isn’t), and how to communicate without blame.
Ongoing check-ins: ADHD isn’t a one-off event — it’s lifelong. People need regular opportunities to review what’s working and what’s not.
So what can you do now?
If you’ve just been diagnosed — or if it’s been a while and you’re still feeling a bit lost — here are some options:
Speak to your GP about medication reviews, shared care, or referrals to local mental health or neurodevelopmental teams.
Look into Access to Work: This government scheme can fund ADHD coaching and workplace adjustments if you’re employed or self-employed
Find an ADHD coach or therapist: Look for someone trained specifically in ADHD, who understands the emotional, practical, and hormonal layers involved.
Connect with others: Join online peer support groups, attend webinars, or follow professionals sharing evidence-based strategies on ADHD and women’s health.
Ask questions. Keep advocating. It’s exhausting, I know. But you deserve support that actually supports you.