Can you tell us a bit about yourself in general.
I’m mum of two grown up children. The youngest who’s 19 still lives at home. I’m currently taking some time out of work but hopefully I’ll be working again in the near future. My most recent role was as a support worker supporting adults with learning disabilities.
I love simple things, like walking outdoors and being in nature. I especially love the spring and autumn when it’s not too cold or too hot. I’ve always loved dogs, even I don’t have one of my own at the moment but I do enjoy dog sitting. I’m someone who genuinely enjoys being around people, but I equally value quiet time on my own—I tend to think of myself as an extroverted introvert.
You have stated you received a later diagnosis, what age were you diagnosed and what prompted you to getting a diagnosis?
I was 46. Throughout the years, I’d seen numerous GP’s regarding my mental health and exhaustion. My struggles were put down to anxiety, depression and OCD. I managed to muddle my way through life and slept excessively. I’d always been able to keep things inside (which I know now was masking) but then the start of the menopause hit and my struggles became more visible outwardly and I was told by others that I needed help. I moved to a different GP surgery and was lucky enough that the GP listened to me instead of dismissing me. She referred me for a test for adhd through the nhs. it was then a chat with a psychologist that made me realise that I should get tested for Autism. I was really mentally unwell at the time because of my struggles so I made the decision to go private. I was diagnosed as autistic and later that year I was diagnosed with ADHD. So I’m what’s known as AuDHD.
What has getting a diagnosis meant to you?
I’m kinder to myself, I know now why I struggle with things and why I get physically and mentally tired. I am able to advocate a lot more for myself instead of people pleasing and pushing myself to exhaustion.
Is there anything you feel that may have been different when you were younger if you’d had a diagnosis earlier?
I have thought about it but in the 80’s and early 90’s when I was at school, there wasn’t the knowledge that there is now. Life would of been very different but that doesn’t always mean in a good way. I’m just glad that there is greater knowledge about what autism and adhd really are and not just assumptions based on stereotypes and misinformation.
What advice would you give to people who are looking to get a diagnosis?
It’s definitely a personal choice. I was lucky to have been able to get a private diagnosis as the NHS waiting lists at the time were so long. I would say speak to your G.P first and explain why you think you might be autistic. I find it easier to write things down so everything I need to say is put across. From my own personal experience with the GP’s I’ve seen through the years, they can be dismissive and some have a really limited understanding of autism. If you do get a negative response, talk to another G.P if you can.
What support have you received from Autism West Midlands and how has this impacted you?
I initially signed up for Autism Confidence sessions. It was for individuals who had recently learnt they were autistic. It was run by staff who were so welcoming and knowledgeable and I learnt so much. Being with people who were able to understand each other’s differences, quirks and struggles helped me so much. It helped my mental health immensely and I was able to see myself not as a failure, but wired differently which isn’t wrong.
What makes you unique?
I experience the world deeply and intensely as an AuDHD woman. I’m hyperempathetic, value fairness strongly. I trust my instincts, choosing not to act when something feels wrong. I notice details others might miss, whether in my surroundings or in people’s behaviour, and I naturally spot patterns and inconsistencies. I think creatively and outside the box, often hyperfocusing when something captures my interest because I need to fully understand it. I enjoy art and have taught myself to paint as a way to express how I see and feel the world, and I love to laugh and make others laugh, using humour to connect and bring warmth into the intensity of my experiences.
