Therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase: Support for Neurodivergent Children, Teens, and Adults

At Ballast Health and Wellness, we offer compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase. Our team works with children, teens, and adults who are navigating the emotional and social complexities of life with ADHD. Whether you're a parent seeking support for your child, a teen struggling with focus and school stress, or an adult coming to terms with a late-in-life diagnosis, we are here to help.

What is ADHD and What Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain regulates attention, impulse control, and activity levels. Neurodevelopmental disorders are lifelong conditions that impact how the brain grows and functions, particularly in areas related to learning, behavior, and social connection. ADHD is not a result of poor parenting or lack of willpower—it's a difference in brain wiring.

Individuals with ADHD often experience executive functioning challenges, meaning they may have difficulty with planning, prioritizing, starting or finishing tasks, or managing time effectively. These challenges can affect all areas of life, including school, work, relationships, and self-esteem. Therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase helps address these areas with tools and strategies tailored to the individual’s brain and needs.

Recognizing ADHD: Types and Common Symptoms

There are three main types of ADHD:

1. Inattentive Type – Difficulty with focus, organization, following instructions, and completing tasks.

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type – Restlessness, impulsivity, frequent interruptions, and difficulty sitting still.

3. Combined Type – Symptoms of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Each individual with ADHD presents differently, which is why personalized therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase is so important.

Some common signs of ADHD include:

• Chronic disorganization

• Trouble staying focused

• Forgetfulness

• Fidgeting or restlessness

• Interrupting or speaking out of turn

• Emotional dysregulation

A diagnosis can be made through a thorough evaluation by a qualified professional. If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, therapy can be an essential part of understanding and managing symptoms.

How is ADHD different in Girls vs. Boys?

ADHD often shows up differently in girls and boys. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed, often due to more visible hyperactive symptoms. Girls, however, may experience more internalized symptoms like daydreaming, anxiety, or perfectionism, and are frequently underdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life. Our therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase is sensitive to these gender differences and supports clients accordingly.

Girls with ADHD may be misidentified as having anxiety or depression, when their struggles are rooted in executive functioning differences. They may work harder to mask their symptoms, leading to increased burnout. Therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase can help girls and women with ADHD build a better understanding of their needs and shed the pressure of perfectionism.

How is Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy helpful for ADHD?

At Ballast Health and Wellness, we believe in celebrating neurodiversity. Rather than trying to "fix" ADHD, we focus on helping clients understand their unique brains and develop strategies that work for them. Our neurodiversity-affirming therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase helps individuals build self-awareness, self-compassion, and effective coping tools in a judgment-free environment.

We avoid deficit-based language and instead affirm the value of different neurotypes. Neurodiversity-affirming therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase means embracing the whole person and recognizing that the goal is not to change who someone is—but to support how they live.

How Therapy Helps with ADHD

Therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase involves:

• Strengths-based self-identity building

• Support for navigating school or work environments

• Emotional regulation skills

• Family therapy and parent coaching

• Mindfulness and body-based practices

• ADHD education and psychoeducation

Therapists work collaboratively with clients to develop tools for time management, communication, and stress reduction—tools that foster resilience and well-being. We also help families build systems and routines that honor neurodivergent needs while reducing conflict and emotional burnout.

Therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase may include collaboration with schools, workplace accommodations, or coordination with medical providers when appropriate. Our therapists meet clients where they are and provide steady guidance toward a more regulated, empowered life.

ADHD as a Superpower

Many people with ADHD possess creativity, innovation, empathy, and the ability to think outside the box. With the right support, ADHD can be a strength. Our therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase helps clients embrace these qualities and live more fully as their authentic selves.

Rather than framing ADHD as a limitation, we help clients see how their brains work differently—and how they can thrive by leaning into those differences. Understanding your unique cognitive profile can be the first step toward success, joy, and self-trust.

Get Support Today

Ballast Health and Wellness offers evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase. Whether you're seeking therapy for your child, teen, or yourself, our clinicians are here to help you build skills and self-understanding in a warm, welcoming environment.

We provide individual therapy, parent coaching, and group therapy options to meet the unique needs of each client and family. Our collaborative, strengths-based approach helps clients with ADHD move from overwhelm to clarity, from frustration to confidence.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and explore how therapy for ADHD in Chevy Chase can support you or your family.