"ADHD and autism are neurodiversities, meaning that the brains of individuals with ADHD and/or autism are wired differently from those of people with typical brains. In other words, you either have it or you don't. To suggest that everyone is a bit ADHD or a bit autistic is insulting to those of us who actually are ADHD/autistic, and diminishes our lived experience."
"I am a children's health professional who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 56 and ADHD at the age of 57. I cannot overstate the difference this has made to my mental health and my approach to my life. I spent my life pre-diagnosis unknowingly developing strategies to cope with my neurodiversities, while at the same time suffering from depression and low self-esteem."
"These diagnoses are not labels. They are explanations of who people are. In my professional role I advise parents to pursue assessment for ADHD or autism for their children. The process of diagnosis is robust and not undertaken lightly."
ADHD and autism represent neurodiversities with fundamentally different brain wiring, not conditions existing on a continuum affecting everyone. Suggesting everyone is somewhat ADHD or autistic diminishes the lived experiences of those with these diagnoses. A formal diagnosis provides significant mental health benefits and self-understanding that self-help tools alone cannot replicate. The author, diagnosed with autism at 56 and ADHD at 57, spent decades unknowingly coping with these conditions while experiencing depression and low self-esteem. Early diagnosis would have prevented masking behaviors and self-criticism. Diagnoses function as explanations of identity rather than restrictive labels. The diagnostic process is rigorous and carefully conducted, offering individuals clarity about themselves and enabling self-compassion regarding past difficulties.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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