Late Diagnosis of ADHD: My Personal Journey

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often misunderstood. Many people think it only affects children or that it simply means being hyperactive or inattentive. My experience with ADHD has shown me that it is much more complex and deeply personal. This post shares my story, the challenges I faced, and the strategies I developed to live a balanced life.

A quiet space for reflection and planning

Early Signs and Diagnosis

I didn’t realize I had ADHD until adulthood. Growing up, I struggled with focus and impulsivity but thought it was just part of my personality. Looking back through the lens, I can now pick up on the signs that I was showing at a younger age. As a young girl, I was the daydreamer. I would get bored easy in class, which would lead to wandering in my own mind and doodling.

I was the stereotypical version of a late diagnosis ADHD woman. Earned good, if not great grades in school. Was the easy going people pleaser. I was a critical thinker, or a "think outside the box" girl. But the signs were there. I had a hard time concentrating for extended periods of time. Or if I loved the class I hyper focused to obsession levels. I could be impulsive at times. I was creative and thought differently. I would forget EVERYTHING (hello, where were my car keys before school?). I was the procrastinator. I couldn't sleep well at night. But I am a 90's baby, ADHD/ADD was barely a thing back then.

When I became a mom of my two boys, that is when I believe I truly noticed something was different about the way my brain works. I am forever thankful that I met a friend of mine who is a therapist who I was talking to about how I was feeling and she suggested to get evaluated. As I looked into it and watched video after video of the symptoms of ADHD, I was convinced that was what was happening. Like many women I have seen on social media, becoming a mother and having to manage other lives on top of my own became incredibly overwhelming and that is when I knew I needed to figure out what was happening.

Getting Evaluated

One of the best things I did for myself was get an ADHD evaluation. I learned so much about myself, despite how tough actually hearing a diagnosis was. On one hand learning what was going on was liberating and made me feel less crazy. But on the other hand I was sad I didn't know sooner in order to help myself.

Along with my Inattentive ADHD diagnosis, I also received my APD & anxiety diagnosis. APD stands for Auditory Processing Disorder and from my research can increase a few of my ADHD symptoms. Essentially I do not process information verbally fully in real time but also my brain does not store information correctly or at all which can be incredibly challenging. The biggest factor with APD is if I am in a crowded space, trying to distinguish one voice from another is almost impossible. I have to look at you while you are speaking, though I cannot read lips. It is just as challenging as it sounds! I believe that is why I was so invested in my art over my lifetime. I am very visual in how I learn and express myself and I think APD helped that.

When you go for your evaluation, for anyone who is thinking about doing it, do it! It is long. I spent two hours in an office going through evaluation after evaluation. I was sent home with more questionnaires. My husband also had to fill out a lengthy questionnaire with questions about me and how he perceives my day to day from an outsiders perspective. This evaluation tests your IQ, moods, stress, how you perceive certain factors, audio vs visual factors and more.

I highly recommend going for an evaluation instead of self diagnosing after watching some TikTok videos.

Daily Challenges

Living with ADHD means dealing with challenges that many don’t see. Some days are harder than others. Here are some common struggles I face:

• Difficulty focusing on tasks, especially if they are repetitive or boring.

• Time management issues, often underestimating how long things take.

• Impulsivity, leading to hasty decisions or interrupting conversations.

• Forgetfulness, like missing appointments or losing track of important items.

• Emotional sensitivity, feeling overwhelmed by stress or criticism.

  
  

These challenges affect every part of life, from work to personal relationships.

Strategies That Help Me

Over time, I developed practical ways to cope with ADHD. These strategies don’t eliminate the challenges but make them easier to handle.

Structure and Routine

Creating a daily routine helps reduce chaos. I use calendars and reminders to keep track of appointments and deadlines. My digital calendar (linked here) has been one of the best tools for me and my family. Also, breaking big tasks into smaller steps makes them less intimidating.

Environment Control

I organize my workspace to minimize distractions. My phone especially gets tucked away in a drawer or across the room. Keeping only necessary items on my desk and using noise-canceling headphones helps me focus better. Controlled background noise is a must for me, so therefore white noise, my favorite music or podcast, or an episode of a show I have seen a hundred times is always on in the background

Mindfulness and Breaks

Taking short breaks during work refreshes my mind. Movement can be a blessing and a curse. As long as I have a purpose during my breaks, I won't get too distracted to get back to what I was doing.

Seeking Support

Talking openly with friends, family, and colleagues about ADHD has improved my relationships. Now that I can recognize patterns and the way my brain works witha better understanding I am more mindful of how I move about and conduct myself. Support groups and therapy provide valuable advice and encouragement.

The Importance of Self-Acceptance

One of the biggest lessons I learned is to accept myself as I am. ADHD is part of my identity, not a flaw to fix. Embracing my strengths, like creativity and problem-solving, helps me build confidence. In some ways I have grown to see how ADHD can be a superpower!

I also learned to be patient with myself. Some days will be tough, and that’s okay. Progress is not always linear, but every small step counts.

ADHD and Creativity

Many people with ADHD have a unique way of thinking. For me, this means seeing connections others might miss and coming up with creative solutions. I channel this energy into hobbies like art and photography, which provide an outlet for my thoughts and emotions.

This creative side is a reminder that ADHD brings both challenges and gifts. Focusing on what makes you unique can be empowering.

Advice for Others Living with ADHD

If you suspect you have ADHD or have been recently diagnosed, here are some tips that helped me:

• Get a professional evaluation to understand your specific needs.

• Build a support network of people who understand and accept you.

• Experiment with different strategies to find what works best.

• Celebrate small victories and don’t be too hard on yourself.

• Stay informed by reading about ADHD and learning from others’ experiences.

  
  

Looking Ahead

Living with ADHD is a continuous journey. I am still learning and adapting every day. The key is to stay curious about yourself and open to new ways of managing life.

If you or someone you know is dealing with ADHD, remember that you are not alone. With the right tools and mindset, it is possible to live a fulfilling and balanced life.

---

ADHD shapes how I experience the world, but it does not define my limits. By sharing my story, I hope to offer insight and encouragement to others navigating similar paths. The next step is to seek understanding, build support, and embrace your unique brain.