For many adults, suspecting you are Neurodivergent in later life or receiving a neurodivergent diagnosis – whether it’s autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia – isn’t just a medical label. It’s an illuminating moment that can reframe decades of life experiences, challenges, and self-perception.
As an autistic woman diagnosed 10 years ago at 32. I vividly recall sending flowers to my diagnostic team with the note: “Thank you for the first day of the rest of my life.”
The journey to adult diagnosis is often long and complex, filled with decades of unexplained struggles, vulnerability, misunderstandings, and self-doubt. Many adults report knowing they were experiencing the world differently to others but not quite understanding why or how.
There’s a bittersweet quality to receiving a diagnosis in adulthood. While it provides relief, crucial clarity and better understanding, it can also bring up complex emotions about the past. Many neurodivergent adults find themselves processing what their lives might have been like had they received support and understanding earlier. As one advocate noted, adult diagnoses often leave people counting their “neurodivergent years” from their diagnosis date rather than their actual age – a reflection of how transformative this knowledge can be. While some might question the value of receiving a diagnosis later in life, there are several crucial benefits:
1. Self-Understanding and Validation
An adult diagnosis provides a sturdy personal, inner framework for understanding past experiences and current challenges. It transforms what might have been seen as personal failings into understandable differences in how one’s brain processes information and interacts with the world. This shift from self-blame to self-understanding , forgiveness to self or indeed from others can be profoundly healing.
2. Access to Support and Reasonable adjustments
A formal diagnosis isn’t needed to ask for workplace support and community resources. The Equality Act 2010 is needs-lead not diagnosis-lead, but many neurodivergent adults feel more confident to disclose and seek support at work after a diagnosis.
3. Community Connection
Diagnosis can lead to signposting, finding others with similar experiences and challenges. This sense of community and shared understanding can be invaluable, especially after years of feeling different or isolated.
4. Improved Healthcare Outcomes
Understanding one’s neurodivergent status helps prevent diagnostic overshadowing – where natural Neurodivergent traits are incorrectly attributed to be symptoms of other mental health conditions – and ensures more appropriate medical care. This is particularly crucial given the significant health disparities faced by many neurodivergent individuals.
There are several ways to get a diagnosis as a neurodivergent adult:
Getting an adult neurodiversity diagnosis, such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another condition, brings both unique challenges and benefits. Here’s an exploration of the common experiences:
Challenges of an Adult Neurodiversity Diagnosis
- Emotional Adjustment: Receiving a neurodiversity diagnosis as an adult can evoke a range of emotions—from relief to regret. Many adults struggle with processing past experiences through this new lens, leading to mixed feelings about what might have been different if they’d known sooner.
- Social Stigma and Misunderstanding: Adult diagnoses are sometimes met with skepticism or lack of support from others, particularly in workplaces. Colleagues or family may question the validity of the diagnosis or lack understanding, which can make it harder to feel comfortable discussing or accommodating the diagnosis.
- Access to Support Services: Many services and resources are designed for children or younger people, so adults often face a lack of access to appropriate therapies, workplace accommodations, and support networks. This may add frustration as adults seek meaningful interventions that align with their needs.
- Revisiting Established Routines: Adapting to a neurodivergent perspective later in life can disrupt established habits and coping mechanisms, requiring an adjustment period. For instance, adults diagnosed with ADHD may realise that their time management struggles are due to neurological factors, requiring a reframing of coping strategies.
- Financial and Time Costs: Pursuing a diagnosis, especially privately, can be costly and time-intensive. Long waiting times and expenses can be significant barriers, especially if an individual needs the diagnosis to access workplace accommodations or specific therapies.
Benefits of an Adult Neurodiversity Diagnosis
- Self-Understanding and Validation: One of the greatest benefits is the validation that a diagnosis provides. It offers an explanation for long-standing challenges, allowing individuals to make sense of past difficulties and adopt a kinder perspective toward themselves.
- Access to Accommodations and Resources: With a diagnosis, individuals may become eligible for workplace accommodations, which can greatly enhance their productivity and wellbeing. They might also discover useful resources, support groups, and strategies tailored to neurodivergent needs.
- Improved Relationships: Understanding one’s neurodivergence can improve communication with family, friends, and colleagues, helping them understand behaviours or needs that may have previously seemed unusual or challenging. This can foster stronger, more supportive relationships.
- Empowerment and Advocacy: For many, receiving a diagnosis can lead to empowerment. Adults may choose to advocate for themselves in personal and professional settings and can help raise awareness about the experiences of neurodivergent individuals, which can lead to more inclusive environments for others.
- Personal Growth and Development: Finally, a diagnosis opens doors to new strategies for personal growth, from self-help tools to professional coaching. Understanding neurodiversity can help individuals embrace their strengths, cultivate patience, and improve self-compassion.
The Professional Dilemma: Global Career Implications of Adult Diagnosis
While a neurodivergent diagnosis can provide clarity and the confidence to seek reasonable adjustments, some professionals, particularly those working in international contexts, face complex decisions about pursuing a formal diagnosis. The intersection of career advancement, immigration policies, and neurodivergent identity creates unique challenges that warrant careful consideration, and visa requirements can present significant concerns.
- Some countries have restrictive policies regarding neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Some industries may have outdated policies or biases affecting promotion decisions.
- International assignments might be affected by disclosure.
This can create a difficult choice: seeking diagnosis and potentially limiting future career mobility, or remaining undiagnosed for life while continuing to navigate challenges feeling in “no man’s land”.
Moving Forward
In conclusion, an adult neurodiversity diagnosis brings a transformative journey of self-discovery, presenting both challenges and newfound possibilities. Although grappling with late diagnosis and adjusting to a neurodivergent identity can be complex, the understanding, validation, and support that follow often lead to meaningful changes in personal and professional life. This journey encourages individuals to embrace their strengths, advocate for their needs, and build a life that acknowledges and celebrates their unique perspective. With greater awareness, workplaces and communities can support and empower neurodivergent adults, fostering environments where everyone’s strengths can shine.
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