I have not actually been diagnosed with ADD, but based on a lifetime of reviews and write-ups by both teachers and supervisors/employers, I am currently in the process of finding a psychiatrist who will be able to do the necessary testing to find out if that's what my "problem" is.

I am currently employed, but relations with my supervisor and co-worker within the department are rocky and in my most recent performance review I scored "below expectations" in one area so it has been brought to HR's attention. Any difficulties I have staying "on track" or following directions are now grounds for me to be written up, and it is portrayed as me being "disrespectful" of her. It has come to the point where she and my co-worker are condescending and catty, treating me like I'm a complete moron.

I am NOT, not have I ever been, notoriously difficult to get along with and I have good relations with just about everyone else in this small company. However, it's my supervisor who has final say.

Has anyone had a similar experience, especially those whose ADD was diagnosed as an adult? I mean, if you were already in a bad situation at work where you were close to being fired, did it change things at all if you learned that you DID have ADD and were able to attribute some of the "work issues" to the ADD?

I had to take HR courses in college.

--

Don't talk to our supervisor using labels like ADD. I think it invokes stereotypes.

Talk to HR only, if you must. (They know the labour laws, and what can/can't be said/done to people with disabilities under the ADA.)

They have to respect confidentiality and can then tell your supervisor that you have a 'medical condition'.

Need be, get them a doctor's note confirming you have a neurological condition.

--

From there, they can get on to assessing particularly where you need work ('below expectations' is SO GENERAL) -- and how to get help for accommodating/overcoming that performance issue.

Perhaps an OT (occupational therapist) can assist with this. (In a big company, this may be covered by benefits or a training fund.)

--

I would not use a label with a supervisor who already showed some concern/disdain/negativity, as *you might earn more of their rejection*, setting you up for a Constructive Dismissal scenario.

I appreciate the response - because HR is already involved due to my "below expectations" rating in the performance review, I think it probably would be a wise decision to go directly to them.

They have already made changes to try to address and change the situation, to "teach" me what is expected of me. The problem is, the solutions they've come up with make me feel like even more of an idiot who requires constant supervision and an absolutely rigid daily routine (though my supervisors will sometimes change this on a whim, which throws me off even more).

It leaves me feeling degraded and embarassed to the point where I have constant tightness in my stomach and chest from the anxiety of possibly doing something wrong. It stresses me out to the point that I can't focus on what I'm doing, so I end up doing something ELSE wrong, too.

Thanks again for the response, I am SO glad to have found this forum!!!

~Audrey