ADHD Aha! How an ADHD diagnosis was lost and found again (Nikki Daye’s story)
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May 27, 2025 Nikki Daye, a school psychologist and ADHD advocate, grew up in the foster care system. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, her medical records were lost, leading to misdiagnoses of anxiety and PTSD. She shares her journey of feeling misunderstood and the clarity she found in adulthood. Nikki discusses her experiences with echolalia, the intersectionality of ADHD, and her passion for advocating for children in similar situations, including her own daughter. Her story highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and the need for better awareness of ADHD.
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Teen ADHD Diagnosis Amid Trauma
- Nikki was diagnosed with ADHD as a teen while in foster care, but the diagnosis was tentative and limited information was available then.
- Her symptoms overlapped with trauma effects, causing confusion about the diagnosis early on.
Echolalia as Self-Soothing
- Nikki experienced echolalia, repeating heard phrases impulsively without filtering.
- This repeated phrase behavior acts as a self-soothing or background mental noise for her.
Lost ADHD Diagnosis in Foster Care
- Nikki’s ADHD treatment in foster care involved trial and error with medications and multiple misdiagnoses including anxiety and bipolar.
- Many medical records were lost as she moved between foster homes and counties, complicating ongoing care.