Understanding Neurodiversity in Adult ADHD Treatment and Diagnosis

(by Mary Rawson Foreman, PhD — Psychologist & Art Therapist, Kirkland WA)

As our understanding of mental health evolves, so does the way we talk about it. Neurodiversity reminds us that brains come in many beautiful variations — ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more — and that difference doesn’t automatically mean disorder.

For adults with ADHD, this perspective can feel like a deep breath of relief. Instead of viewing ADHD as a flaw to be fixed, we begin to see it as a different way of processing the world — one that comes with both challenges and incredible strengths.

In this post, I’ll share how I think about adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment through a neurodiversity lens, and how newer approaches — including psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and ketamine therapy — may support growth and healing.

Why Neurodiversity Matters in ADHD Treatment

The neurodiversity movement challenges the old assumption that there’s a single “normal” brain we should all aim for. Many adults with ADHD are imaginative problem-solvers, quick thinkers, and deeply intuitive.

I’ve met countless clients whose minds move faster than most — sometimes racing, sometimes meandering — but often toward creative insights others might never see. Studies even suggest that adults with ADHD are more likely to excel in creative fields.

When we work from a neurodiversity-informed perspective, treatment isn’t about “curing” ADHD. It’s about understanding how your brain works best — and building systems, relationships, and environments that fit you, not the other way around.

The Complex Journey of Adult ADHD Diagnosis

Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be both clarifying and emotional. Many people arrive in my office after years of feeling “lazy,” “messy,” or “not enough,” when in fact they’ve been navigating life with a brain wired for stimulation and curiosity.

Unlike children, adults often develop clever ways to mask or compensate for symptoms — sometimes so well that even they don’t see the underlying pattern. ADHD also tends to travel with companions like anxiety, depression, or burnout, which can blur the picture.

A thorough assessment typically includes a detailed interview, self-report measures, and sometimes input from family or partners. The goal isn’t just to check boxes — it’s to understand how your mind moves through the world.

Why Good Assessment Matters

Testing helps translate lived experience into language and insight. A careful assessment looks beyond symptoms — into your work, relationships, emotions, and strengths — to create a clear roadmap for care.

When we know how your brain processes information and emotion, we can design a treatment plan that fits like a tailored jacket. Maybe that means building time management tools that actually make sense for your brain, or addressing emotional regulation through mindfulness or body-based strategies.

It is a lot to manage.

Treatment Options for Adults with ADHD

There’s no one-size-fits-all path, but here are the approaches I see work best when thoughtfully combined:

Medication

Stimulant medications (like methylphenidate or amphetamines) can improve focus and reduce impulsivity for many adults. For others, side effects or personal preferences lead them to explore alternative or complementary options.

Psychotherapy

Therapy helps you connect the dots — between attention, emotion, and self-worth. Cognitive-behavioral strategies can support organization and planning, while deeper, relational therapy can address the shame and perfectionism that often accompany ADHD.

Lifestyle and Mind-Body Approaches

Movement, sleep, nutrition, and mindfulness all make a real difference. Regular exercise and restorative practices like yoga can improve focus and regulate mood. These aren’t “quick fixes” — they’re supports that help the ADHD brain thrive.

Ketamine & Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy: A New Frontier

In recent years, there’s been growing curiosity about how psychedelic-assisted therapies might support neurodiverse minds. Ketamine, in particular, has shown promise in treating depression, trauma, and emotional dysregulation — all of which can overlap with ADHD.

Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) offers a structured way to access deeper insight and emotional flexibility. Some clients describe it as a “reset” that helps them see their patterns from a fresh perspective. When done carefully, within a therapeutic relationship, it can help integrate new ways of relating to attention, emotion, and self-compassion.

Psychedelic preparation and integration work (even without the medicine) can also be powerful — helping clients reflect, reframe, and embody change in grounded, sustainable ways.

The Future of ADHD Treatment

As we expand our understanding of neurodiversity, treatment becomes less about fixing and more about aligning. The best care for ADHD isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s a collaborative process that honors each person’s wiring, wisdom, and values.

Whether through testing, therapy, or newer modalities like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, the goal is the same: to create a life that feels authentic, supported, and truly your own.

If you’re an adult exploring ADHD testing or treatment — or a therapist curious about integrative approaches — I offer neurodiversity-affirming assessment and therapy in Kirkland and throughout Washington State.