Labels – especially medical labels – can help us make sense of our experiences, but they can also lead to people speaking for us, about us, and to us in ways that limit us, or assume the wrong things. For instance, labels like ADD and ADHD are often given to people who pay attention differently from most people, with the second one used for people who also speak and act with high/loud/fast energy (think of children called “hyper”). As another example, a diagnosis of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) refers to a whole range of things that may be experienced by someone who has gone through major adversity (like violence, a natural disaster, or a car crash).

Words like these can get you access to services, medications, and memberships in groups that may make you feel less alone; they might make your life much easier. Diagnoses can make it possible to get help in school, often called “accommodations.” These might include things like extra time in an exam, or a quiet place to study, or a note taker in classes. If a label helps you get the help you need, learn about it and use it as you choose. If a label isn’t helpful, or hurts you, you can still learn about it – so you can ask people not to use it about you.

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