THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF SELF-ACCEPTANCE AMONG ADULTS DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder estimated to persist into adulthood for one-half to two-thirds of people. Despite this, the extant research has focused on children and adolescents with ADHD, leaving much of the experience of adult ADHD unknown. This study utilized the listening guide methodology to investigate the lived experiences of self-acceptance for seven adults diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. Data analysis identified four voice groupings: struggle, disconnection, acceptance, and connection. Overall, the participants of this research felt that their ADHD diagnosis provided clarity towards previous life experiences that felt difficult to understand. The voices spoke towards the experience of feeling accepted by others as an integral part of developing an increased capacity for self-acceptance. This research broadens the literature on adult ADHD by providing a perspective that emphasizes the relational nature of living, and connecting with, a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood.