Erin’s ADHD and autism story

Erin, 40, was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism aged 39.

Like many undiagnosed women, Erin felt she didn’t fit in and couldn’t understand societal rules.

In school, she regularly received the same criticism; ‘Erin is bright; she just needs to apply herself.’

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Erin completed an online questionnaire which concluded she had a sensory processing disorder and marked her ‘high likelihood’ for autism and ADHD.

She said:

“I started looking into it and it became very, very clear that things I’d considered character flaws and failings in my life, were symptoms of neurodivergence.”

Erin was eventually diagnosed with ADHD. Once diagnosed she received an assessment after six months, with the whole process taking three and a half years.

Erin said:

“Doctors said it was depression and tried to give me medication for that, but I knew I didn’t have anxiety or depression.

“I came away feeling that I’d not been heard or helped to understand the root cause of my symptoms.”

Erin sitting on a hillside enjoying view and holding hands with her husband James
Erin sitting on a hillside enjoying view with her husband James

Post-diagnosis, Erin said she felt relief and clarity on a lot of the unexplained hurdles she faced throughout her life.

This realisation followed a period of grieving for ‘what might have been’, had her neurodivergence been spotted younger.

Erin still hasn’t received an official diagnosis of autism, although she was told by medical professionals she has ‘high autism traits’.

Erin said:

“The online neurodivergent community is very supportive and knowledgeable, but it would be nice to have someone to talk to that is informed with up to date scientific and medical awareness to help someone through it.

“At the moment you’ve only got the people around you. It can be a lonely, frustrating journey if you aren’t around supportive people.”