Unravelling the Complexity and Overcoming Stigma for Improved Well-being
Late diagnosis of ADHD/Autism in adults is a huge challenge. Individuals are often diagnosed with depression and anxiety which is never treated properly because the undiagnosed neurodiversity is not considered. As healthcare professionals understand ADHD and Autism more, it provides better opportunity for people to access diagnostic services. The stigma surrounding Autism diagnosis will decrease with increased awareness and greater acceptance. Providing the right support and intervention can empower individuals and advocate for a more inclusive future.
Introduction
According to the National Autistic Society, Autism is “a lifelong developmental disability.” Neurodevelopmental disorders in adults have a huge impact on how they communicate and interact with the world and it can be a challenge for people unless it is understood and managed well. There is no treatment or cure for autism but some medications and behavioural treatments can help somebody with Autism to thrive.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) impacts behaviour. People can appear restless, act on impulse and have difficulty concentrating (source: NHS). Although both ADHD and Autism are often diagnosed in children by the age of 12, there are a number of adults now being diagnosed into their 30’s, 40’s and beyond.
In this blog, we look at the challenges of late ADHD and Autism diagnosis in adults and the psychological impact of late diagnosis ADHD / Autism.
Late ADHD diagnosis
A late diagnosis of ADHD/Autism in adults might be due to a number of reasons. Autism is a spectrum disorder, therefore if an individual is ‘high functioning’ they might not appear to need support because they have developed coping mechanisms for late ADHD autism.
Emerging research shows that the inattentive type of ADHD impacts 15% of people with ADHD, which is harder to diagnose. Typically, ADHD was characterised by children who can’t keep still but we now realise that many children and adults learn to mask their symptoms. It’s not until they are an adult that they start to wonder why they can’t switch their brain off. As their responsibilities increase in life, their symptoms become more unmanageable.
Challenges of late ADHD diagnosis
Many clinicians do not have any specialist training in mental health conditions such as ADHD and Autism, so it’s common that people asking for help are dismissed and they are treated for conditions such as depression and anxiety – which are only present due to the ADHD and Autism.
They may also miss key signs of ADHD such as poor sleep and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) – both common for adults with ADHD but not children.
The pressure to perform in a certain (neurotypical) way can cause feelings of shame, which can cause relationship issues and reduce self esteem. It’s common for people with undiagnosed ADHD and Autism to retreat from the world to minimise feelings of rejection and shame.
Importance of early diagnosis of ADHD Autism
In many areas across the UK, the waiting list for diagnosis is several years, which can also act as a barrier. Lack of training and awareness within some healthcare professionals can also lead to a late diagnosis of ADHD/Autism for many adults.
It can take them a long time to reach out to get more help if their initial attempts to get a diagnosis have been dismissed.
The stigma surrounding Autism diagnosis
Although great progress has been made to understand ADHD and Autism, the stigma surrounding autism diagnosis still exists within families, friendship groups and even in the world of work.
The stigma surrounding Autism diagnosis and the fear of being marginalised, judged or excluded is cited as a major reason there is a late diagnosis of ADHD/Autism in adults.
Opportunities for adult ADHD diagnosis
Luckily, research into Autism and ADHD has developed, which means more people are being diagnosed than ever. Often, people are diagnosed when they are having an assessment for their child – the symptoms in their children start to sound very familiar (as you may notice in this blog (insert blog for G Sabini Roberts).
According to Psychology Today, there is more awareness of ADHD and Autism now, with a number of high-profile celebrities talking about their experience. There is more access to NHS-funded and private ADHD and Autism Assessment clinics, which is speeding up the process and helping people to get faster diagnoses.
Changes to the definitions for ADHD and Autism mean more people are being diagnosed because the screening is more accurate. And from a societal perspective, there is less stigma about mental health conditions, and treatment is more accepted.
However, lots of individuals and organisations do promote neurodiversity and allyship which will help to create a more harmonious world for people who are neurodivergent. The following are worth celebrating:
- Greater appreciation of the diverse strengths and talents that people with ADHD and Autism bring to our communities.
- Increased knowledge and awareness of neurodivergent conditions among healthcare professionals, educators, and employers.
- More celebrities and high profile entrepreneurs are talking about their neurodivergence and how they turn it into a superpower, such as a unique perspective and problem-solving abilities.
- More individuals and organisations are prepared to stand up to misinformation and misconceptions about neurodiversity.
Coping mechanisms for late ADHD autism diagnosis
There are no cures for ADHD and Autism. However, there are a number of medications and behavioural therapies that can help minimise the impact of a neurodevelopmental disorder in adults.
- Adults with ADHD might benefit from a range of therapies, which can be taken alongside medication or independently:
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioural therapy
- ADHD Coaching
For adults with Autism, therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and applied behaviour analysis might help them to develop social skills and build greater resilience in the world.
Depending on the degree of autism and the impact it has on their day-to-day life, an adult might be offered medication for anxiety or sensory integration therapy to improve sensory processing and the symptoms of sensory overload.
Final Thoughts
A late diagnosis for ADHD/Autism in adults may be due to a number of factors. As research and understanding of both conditions has evolved over the years, growing numbers of adults now spot the signs of some of the behaviours that they ‘masked’ growing up.
Reducing the stigma surrounding autism diagnosis and greater awareness of ADHD and Autism has helped many adults to get the help they need for conditions such as anxiety and depression, which can be signs of a neurodevelopmental disorder in adults.
There are lots of opportunities for Adult ADHD diagnosis. Organisations are increasingly implementing policies to support neurodiverse individuals and as more high-profile people speak up about how they turn their ADHD and Autism into a superpower, there is a greater chance of people getting the diagnosis they need and thriving in a world that accepts and embraces their unique qualities.
Are you or a loved one struggling to get a late diagnosis of ADHD/autism in adults?
Don’t wait any longer. There is no need to struggle with the challenges of late ADHD diagnosis. Take the first step towards understanding and support by scheduling an appointment at The ADHD and Autism Clinic today. Our experienced team is here to provide personalised assessments, compassionate care, and tailored treatment plans to help you thrive. Don’t suffer with the stigma surrounding autism diagnosis. Contact us now to embark on your journey towards a brighter future.