ADHD Medication Self-Check: A Neurodivergent-Affirming Guide

💡 Purpose

Medication isn’t meant to make you “normal.”

It’s meant to make life feel a bit less uphill — to help your brain work with you instead of against you.

This guide helps you notice whether that’s happening in ways that matter to you.

🌞 Daily Check-In (30 Seconds)

At the end of each day, take a quick moment — no judgment, just noticing.

Today my brain felt:

☐ Clear  ☐ Foggy  ☐ Calm  ☐ Jumpy  ☐ Tired  ☐ Flat

Something that felt easier today: ___________________________

Something that still felt hard: _____________________________

Anything new (sleep, appetite, emotions, energy): _____________

🩵 Tip: The goal isn’t to feel “perfect.” It’s to see if life feels a little more manageable, sustainable, or spacious.

📆 Weekly Reflection (5 Minutes)

1. Function — How life flowed

☐ I could begin tasks with less internal resistance

☐ I finished more of what I started

☐ I had more energy left at the end of the day

2. Focus — How my attention felt

☐ My thoughts were less scattered

☐ It was easier to come back after distractions

☐ I didn’t need as much self-pushing to stay on task

3. Feeling — How my emotional world felt

☐ I felt more like myself — not overstimulated or shut down

☐ My mood was steadier and recoveries were quicker

☐ I handled frustration or change with less overwhelm

Overall sense this week (1–10): ______

(1 = constant struggle 10 = calmer, more in rhythm with myself)

Notes for my provider:

⚠️ When to Revisit Your Plan

Medication may need adjusting if:

• You notice no real difference after 4–6 weeks at a stable dose
• You feel overstimulated, anxious, or disconnected from yourself
• Sleep, appetite, or heart rate are clearly off
• The benefits fade quickly or come with crashes

💬 You are not failing — it’s data. Your body and brain are giving feedback.

🌼 Gentle Reminders

• ADHD medication is one support tool, not the whole picture.
• “Working” means life feels a bit less like constant uphill effort.
• You deserve clarity, steadiness, and comfort — not pressure to perform.
• Your feedback matters more than any checklist.

🕐 5-Minute Weekly Tracker

End-of-Week Reflection:

• What felt easier this week? ____________________________
• What still needed more support? ________________________
• Anything I want to share with my provider next time? ____