She needed someone to believe in her

Angela struggled with ADHD until our Family Support Specialist began to help.

Finding Confidence with ADHD: Angela's Story

I'm a Family Support Specialist with A Better Way. When I first met the Thompson family, their daughter Angela was struggling. Living with ADHD, she often felt misunderstood at school and at home. Expectations seemed too heavy, and Angela's confidence was slipping away.

I spent time with the family, listening to their concerns and sharing my own ADHD journey. This helped normalize Angela's experience and showed her that she was not alone. Together, we built supports that fit her needs: routines that worked with her brain, color-coded notes, and positive ways to reframe negative self-talk.

Angela's parents and I partnered to strengthen family supports and push for school accommodations. We gathered paperwork, drafted a strong 504 request, and met with the school. At first the district refused an IEP because she tested well. But we kept at it. Our advocacy paid off, and Angela was approved.

The changes made a big difference. She was able to drop classes that felt overwhelming, gain one-on-one tutoring, and receive extended time for assignments. For the first time, she had a structure that truly worked for her. We also connected the family with ADHD resources, a tutor, and a support group for high-school girls.

Step by step, Angela learned to speak up for herself, set healthy boundaries, and rebuild her confidence. Today, she is not only keeping up, but Angela is also thriving. She is helping others understand ADHD and she's believing in herself again. Walking with this family reminded me why this work matters and gave me confidence too.

* Names changed to protect client anonymity.