There are many reasons adults seek neurodivergent assessments later in life. Some may begin to notice traits in themselves after their children are diagnosed. Others may have spent years living with undiagnosed challenges such as sensory sensitivities, difficulty concentrating, or social communication difficulties.
As our society is becoming more aware of neurodiversity, later-life assessments have become more common, particularly for women, non-binary individuals, and those from marginalised groups. In the past, these people may have been overlooked by diagnostic tools that focused primarily on early-life identification and were often biased towards “classic” male presentations of conditions like ASD and ADHD (Lai & Szatmari, 2020).
Some individuals may be looking for closure or explanation for lifelong differences, while others may be seeking access to workplace accommodations or support with mental health difficulties. A diagnosis can help individuals make sense of their experiences, validate their challenges, and develop strategies to help them navigate everyday life.
What to Expect in an Assessment
The assessment process for neurodevelopmental disorders in adults generally involves multiple stages. The first step is often consulting a GP, who may refer the individual to a specialist such as a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or neurodevelopmental specialist.
Once referred, the assessment may include:
- Detailed Questionnaires: Adults are typically asked to complete questionnaires designed to screen for characteristics associated with ADHD, ASD, or other neurodivergent conditions. These may focus on areas such as attention, sensory processing, social interactions, and emotional regulation.
- Developmental History: As part of the diagnostic process, practitioners often gather information about childhood behaviours and experiences. This can involve interviews with family members or a review of early-life behaviours, which is particularly relevant for conditions like autism that are present from a young age. However, some individuals, particularly women, may have masked their traits so effectively in childhood that these signs may have been missed (Hull et al., 2017).
- Observational assessment: During the assessment, professionals observe the individual’s interactions, communication style, and responses to various stimuli through their interactions with them and through structured assessments.
For many neurodivergent adults, masking can complicate the assessment process. Masking can lead to feelings of exhaustion or “burnout” when individuals feel pressured to suppress their true selves in social or professional settings. Specialists will account for masking and gather information from a range of sources to build a holistic picture of individual difficulties.
Emotional Responses to Diagnosis
While receiving a diagnosis can provide immense relief and validation, it’s common to experience a mix of emotions. Some adults may feel a sense of grief for missed opportunities, or for relationships that may have been impacted by misunderstandings of their behaviour. Others may feel apprehensive about how to integrate this new change into their self-concept.
Support from mental health professionals, such as counsellors or therapists experienced in working with neurodivergent adults, can help individuals navigate these feelings. Peer support groups, whether in person or online, also spaces to connect with others who share similar experiences.
Post-Diagnosis: Accessing Support and Accommodations
After receiving a diagnosis, exploring available support options is a popular next step. This might involve seeking workplace accommodations, as employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent employees. This might include flexible working hours, quiet spaces, assistive technology, or modified job responsibilities.
Neurodivergent adults may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a benefit designed to help with the extra costs of living with a disability or long-term condition. Other support systems, such as mental health support or coaching can also be explored.
For many, a diagnosis is a starting point to help them better understand their needs, strengths, and boundaries. Over time, this can contribute to increased self-awareness and self-advocacy.
References
Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., & Mandy, W. (2017). “The female autism phenotype: Real and imaginary.” Archives of Scientific Psychology, 5(1), 60-73.
Lai, M-C., & Szatmari, P. (2020). Sex and gender impacts on the behavioural presentation and recognition of autism. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 33(2), 117-123.