Coping with a Later in Life ADHD Diagnosis
Being Diagnosed Later in Life with ADHD
You made it through your childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, maybe feeling like you survived but didn’t thrive. Maybe you always felt a little different, or felt like some things were harder for you than your peers. Maybe you consistently felt that you weren’t living up to your potential, but just didn’t know why. When you finally receive an ADHD diagnosis later in life it can bring a mix of complicated emotions - relief, grief, anger, curiosity… It can also bring about a sense of understanding and an opportunity for self-awareness and growth. It’s a turning point of sorts, one that deserves its own time and processing.
Understanding ADHD in Adults
Although symptoms need to be present in childhood in order for a diagnosis to be accurate, often times these symptoms are missed, or misdiagnosed, in childhood. This means many of us may have gone through early life without the understanding and supports needed to cope with ADHD. Over the years, many may have learned to develop coping strategies that mask symptoms but also create challenges in various aspects of their lives, including relationships, work, and emotional well-being. We also may see different manifestations pop up in adulthood, or what feels like worsened symptoms due to factors like lack of structure once out of school or living alone, increased responsibilities and aspects of life to manage, etc.
The Impact of Late Diagnosis
Validation of Experiences: For adults diagnosed later in life, the confirmation of ADHD can validate years of struggles. The feelings of frustration and inadequacy from not meeting expectations, their own and others’, can be alleviated when the underlying cause is identified and understood. This may bring about a feeling of relief for many adults, and also a need to process experiences from earlier in life through this new lens.
Reframing Identity: Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can lead to a significant identity shift. It can allow space for individuals to view themselves through a different lens, acknowledging that their challenges are not a reflection of personal character defects or failures but rather a true neurodevelopmental condition. This shift can be empowering, sparking curiosity about what ADHD means for each person's unique experience.
Accessing Support and Resources: Diagnosed individuals can access interventions and support systems specifically for ADHD management. This might include therapy, coaching, medication, or support groups. These resources can provide tools for skill development, emotional regulation, and organization, which can help a person thrive in their life, rather than just survive.
Navigating Relationships: Understanding ADHD can also aid in navigating personal and professional relationships. With greater self-awareness, individuals can communicate their needs more effectively and seek understanding from those around them. This transparency can reduce misunderstandings and foster healthier interactions.
Future Planning: A diagnosis in adulthood can prompt individuals to rethink future goals and aspirations. It may uncover and allow one to identify hidden strengths, such as creativity and hyperfocus, which can be harnessed, leading to new opportunities and pathways that align with one’s interests and abilities. It may also highlight patterns and working styles that do not jive with them personally, which can help with decision making for career, relationships, and general lifestyle.
Embracing the Journey
Coming to terms with an ADHD diagnosis later in life is a process. It can evoke curiosity leading to continuous learning about oneself and an exploration of new strategies for coping and thriving. Accessing support through therapy to help develop ways to manage impulsivity, promote emotional regulation, organizational skills, and task initiation can add to this self-awareness and help them to live a life that feels more effective for them.
A late diagnosis of ADHD is not an ending but a beginning. It is an invitation to better understand oneself and to cultivate strategies that enhance life quality. With this knowledge in hand, individuals can embark on a path of resilience, self-discovery, and growth, paving the way for a fulfilling and authentic life.
If you suspect you may meet an ADHD diagnosis, or are in the process of adjusting to a recent diagnosis and are looking for support - reach out today for a phone consultation!
Tina Leboffe, MA, LPC, NCC, CCATP, ADHD-CCSP
*Please note that this blog is for your information only and does not constitute clinical advice or establish a client-counselor relationship.