Being late for something is usually seen as a bad thing. Late for an appointment, missing dinner reservations, and even the common tongue in cheek phrase “being late for one’s own funeral.” The negative connotation of being late or poor time management has swirled around people with ADHD their whole life; and of course the final swan song of lateness for an adult with ADHD comes at the hands of a late diagnosis. Let’s explore all the factors that play into a late ADHD diagnosis in adults.
By medical definition a late ADHD diagnosis in adults begins with symptoms showing prior to the age of 12. Which can be a difficult thing to dive into, but is possible through conversational assessment with a client to run back their history with some key indicator symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Poor time management
- Limited memory
- Unable to focus for long periods of time
- Academic struggles
- Mood swings
- Quick temper
Obviously all these symptoms can be a mixed bag and not be completely present all at once or a few may be more prominent than others based on each person’s unique diagnosis.
Why Do Symptoms Show Up Later in Life?
The reasons for delayed symptoms being displayed as an adult could be due to a few factors. One of those is that perhaps you had a very supportive environment as a child and young adult where your network recognized your challenges and supported you and made adjustments to ensure you thrived. A dialed-in parent, an “above and beyond” learning environment, even siblings that could help you out of any type of symptom pitfall.
Another factor which is gender based, but has the science to support it, as read here, shows that the ratio for boys to girls being diagnosed with ADHD is 3:1, whereas in adulthood that ratio is more even with men and women being 1:1. Some pieces that make up this puzzle include the fact that girls tend to internalize their symptoms more and don’t show them as boys do in a more obvious fashion.
The sad truth being that some social norms label girls more quickly if they are hyperactive, outspoken, or display impulsivity. The result being girls hide these symptoms. This means that as girls grow into women and become more self-aware they can see the writing on the wall more clearly and seek treatment on their own accord.
Why is Managing Your Symptoms so Difficult?
As an adult who has received a late diagnosis of ADHD you may find that your symptoms have increased. Is that the case or have you become just more aware, or perhaps found yourself in a tough life situation and are encountering some triggers.
Some studies have shown that children can “outgrow” their ADHD symptoms. This occurs in many cases, but one of the contributing variables is that they have had years of support and self-awareness maturing into an adult. In a late diagnosis case these symptoms have been ignored, or untreated for years so they are very fresh and need some time and attention.
ADHD coaching does wonders for someone that is just starting out their treatment journey and can help shine a light on a place that has been kept in the dark or undiscovered for many years. Being able to explain everything you have been through and all the moments throughout your life that have been negatively impacted is not only therapeutic, but integral to beginning a solid ADHD coaching program.
Can ADHD Coaching Eliminate My Symptoms?
Eliminate is a strong word, let’s go with the word mitigate. Coaching has been proven to walk symptoms down to a more manageable level. It also helps clients address other mood disorders that have been created due to a non-diagnosis at a younger age.
Struggling during these times as a child and youth with symptoms can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. ADHD coaching can be a stepping stone to more fulsome behaviour based therapy.
Does one always beget the other, no, but nothing will be achieved unless we bring awareness to what is ailing you and a willingness to have the hard conversations, be vulnerable and, put the effort in to start a more controlled and peaceful life.
ADHD coaching has changed the lives of so many and started to present not only hope, but a renewed optimism that has been missing. These issues they have faced for years can finally be met head on and be changed for the better. I have seen firsthand the difference ADHD coaching has made in the lives of my clients so I invite you to join them and see for yourself. Click here to sign up today for a discovery call and see if ADHD coaching is the right fit for you.