Discovering AuDHD: Unwrapping The Gift of Late Diagnosis
Last Summer, I received my official diagnosis of autism, adding to my earlier diagnosis of ADHD. At 42, I was pretty late to the party, but what a gift this late discovery was!
The reason I choose the word gift is because of the positive change it brought into my life:
The Power of Understanding
Learning that I am both ADHD and autistic finally helped me make sense of some of the contradictions and complexities I had lived with for years. For instance, I thrive on routines but simultaneously crave novelty. Understanding these seemingly conflicting traits has been vital. It’s allowed me to approach my neurodivergence with kindness and compassion.
Embracing Self-Acceptance
Diagnosis alone is not just about labels; it’s deeply tied to accepting and loving yourself as you are. For me, this meant letting go of the versions of myself I thought I “should” be and embracing who I truly am. This acceptance is empowering, releasing the weight of expectation and opening space for authentic living.
The Importance of Language
Finding the right words to explain my experience has been transformational. This might seem less important, but I don’t think the power of language should be underestimated. Discovering the words that others can relate to has been invaluable for me. This language can also change the way you speak to yourself and reshape your internal narrative.
Finding Connection and Community
Perhaps one of the most beautiful gifts has been discovering community. Finding others who share similar neurodivergent experiences has given me a deep sense of belonging and support. This connection is life-enriching and reminds me I am not alone on this journey.
Life Begins
My AuDHD diagnosis came after years of struggling with general anxiety and depression, and a long path of self-reflection and therapy. Receiving these formal diagnoses was validating, it marked a new chapter in my life. So, life begins... at 42.
I wanted to share my recognition of these gifts and celebrate all the ways discovering my ADHD and autism has brought positive change to my life in the hope that others may find similar acceptance. I acknowledge that diagnosis is not accessible to all, and many prefer to self-identify.
If you are neurodivergent or neurocurious, I hope you too find understanding, acceptance, and your own community. You deserve to be seen, heard, and understood. If this is something you could use support with, let’s chat.
