My Adult ADHD Diagnosis: Challenges & Triumphs
Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD was a challenge I didn’t fully understand until adulthood. Looking back, I always knew I was different, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. It wasn’t until I received an Adult ADHD diagnosis at 20 that everything clicked into place, providing a long-awaited explanation for the struggles I had faced throughout my school years and everyday life.
Early Signs and Struggles
From an early age, I recall being taken out of mainstream classes to work on my balance and motor skills—activities like catching tennis balls, standing on one leg, drawing lazy eights, and building with Lego. The goal was to improve my coordination and processing skills, which were noticeably behind on. Despite these efforts, I still struggled in school, and as I progressed into secondary education, my challenges became more pronounced.
I remember being held back after class to go over lessons again because I couldn’t keep up. Teachers advised me to drop GCSE Physics so I could focus more on Biology and Chemistry—a decision that, in hindsight, was a blessing in disguise. During my A-levels, things became overwhelming. I was asked to attend lower-year Spanish classes, and I found myself in every available additional study session just to pass my exams. Time management became my biggest hurdle, impacting not only my academic performance but also my social skills and ability to gauge social situations.
The Social and Emotional Impact
For me, ADHD isn’t just about forgetfulness or feeling different—it’s about navigating social situations where I often feel like all eyes are on me. One of my biggest challenges is managing my “low social battery.” Even casual conversations or attending social events can quickly drain me. Throughout school, I found making friends incredibly difficult. Apart from childhood friends I had grown up with, I struggled to connect with others. It wasn’t until university that I finally found people who understood and accepted me for who I am.
Another significant challenge has been personal space and sensory sensitivities. I feel deeply uncomfortable when people stand too close to me, and large crowds leave me feeling overstimulated and anxious. On top of that, I experience emotions with overwhelming intensity—whether it’s happiness, frustration, or sadness, everything feels heightened. It’s as if I’m on an emotional rollercoaster, with my brain never switching off. This emotional intensity affects my personal life, from friendships to relationships and even dating.
Embracing ADHD as a Strength
Despite the struggles, I’ve come to appreciate ADHD as part of who I am. It’s not just a challenge—it’s also a strength. One of the things I love most about having ADHD is its link to creativity. My brain doesn’t work in a strictly linear way, which allows me to think outside the box and make connections others might not see. This creative approach gives me confidence and helps me find innovative solutions to problems.
Another trait I value is my ability to hyperfocus. When something truly interests me, I can immerse myself completely, achieving incredible results. ADHD also fuels my enthusiasm, spontaneity, and zest for life. While I might bounce between topics in conversation or switch between multiple activities at once, this energy drives me to take risks and push myself beyond my comfort zone.
Additionally, my heightened empathy allows me to connect with people from all walks of life. I have a natural ability to bring together individuals who might seem like “chalk and cheese” and find common ground between them. While ADHD presents its fair share of challenges, I’ve learned to embrace it, working with my brain rather than against it.
Final Thoughts
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood has been life-changing. It has given me a new perspective on my past struggles and helped me navigate day to day with greater understanding. While my journey hasn’t been easy, I’ve come to celebrate the uniqueness that ADHD brings to my life. Rather than viewing it as a limitation, I now see it as a superpower—one that fuels my creativity, passion, and ability to connect deeply with others.
For anyone struggling with late diagnosis or ADHD-related challenges, I encourage you to embrace your differences. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life, and sometimes, thinking outside the box is exactly what the world needs.
By Natasha Lee, Marketing Assistant at Powertutors
Resources for ADHD Awareness and Support
Here are some highly rated sources that provide valuable insight into ADHD, from personal experiences to scientific research:
- Powertutors Resource Hub – A hub focussed on providing insightful resources into all types of SEND.
- Additude Magazine’s ADHD Book Recommendations – A list of the top 25 ADHD books over the last 25 years.
- Medical News Today: ADHD Rating Scales – Information on ADHD assessments and diagnostic tools.
- Impact of Exercise on ADHD Working Memory – A study examining how different types of exercise improve cognitive function in children with ADHD.
- Missed Diagnosis: ADHD in Adult Women – A systematic review on how ADHD is often under-diagnosed in women.
- Expert Consensus on ADHD in Females – A lifespan approach to understanding ADHD in girls and women.
- ADHD Facts and Statistics – A collection of essential facts about ADHD.
- ADHD Adult UK – A UK-based charity run by adults with ADHD, offering resources and support.
- Royal College of Psychiatrists: ADHD in Adults – A guide to ADHD in adulthood from a psychiatric perspective.
- A Teenager’s Guide to ADHD – A comprehensive guide to navigating ADHD as a teenager, created in partnership with the ADHD Foundation.
By increasing awareness and providing better support, we can help individuals with ADHD lead fulfilling and successful lives, embracing their unique strengths along the way.
