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How can I navigate a late diagnosis? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

• 0:00
  SPEAKER_00: Managing a late diagnosis can bring a mix of feelings all at once.
• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: There can be relief that you finally have an explanation, grief for the years spent without the right support, and a bittersweet feeling as you look back at your life in a new light.
• 0:14
  SPEAKER_00: Many people diagnosed later describe exactly this.
• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: It happens because a diagnosis changes how you understand your whole history and that takes time to settle.
• 0:23
  SPEAKER_00: There isn't any right order for these feelings or no deadline for working through them.
• 0:28
  SPEAKER_00: You can feel grateful and sad on the same day, and both are part of adjusting.
• 0:33
  SPEAKER_00: Now, for many people, the years before diagnosis were spent explaining their struggles as personal failings.
• 0:39
  SPEAKER_00: When you're ready, generally revisit those explanations with the new information.
• 0:43
  SPEAKER_00: Ask yourself what you know now about how your brain works and whether a different explanation fits the facts better.
• 0:49
  SPEAKER_00: And often you'll find it does, and it tends to be an explanation that's kinder.
• 0:54
  SPEAKER_00: Then turn your attention to the times things went well.
• 0:57
  SPEAKER_00: So think about a recent day or situation that went a little better than usual.
• 1:01
  SPEAKER_00: Where were you, who was around, and what made it easier?
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  SPEAKER_00: Those moments hold useful clues about the conditions your brain works best in, and you can start building more of that into your days.
• 1:11
  SPEAKER_00: And this gives you something to work with and keeps a focus on what is already working.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now, a practical way to support yourself with this is to go at your own pace.
• 1:20
  SPEAKER_00: There is no rush to tell everyone or to change everything in a week.
• 1:23
  SPEAKER_00: You can pick one small step to start off with.
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  SPEAKER_00: That could be writing down what the diagnosis helps explain for you, reading or listening to other people's late diagnosis stories, or changing one thing in your routine or environment that drains you.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: You can also choose one or two trusted people to tell and let them know what would help.
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: And when you feel ready, think about what support you could ask for at work or in study, such as clear instructions or more flexible routines.
• 1:51
  SPEAKER_00: Now you can speak to your GP if low mood, anxiety, or exhaustion are getting in the way of your daily life or are not easing with time.
• 1:59
  SPEAKER_00: Also, a therapist who understands neurodivergence can help your process the diagnosis and make sense of your past and build a sense of identity that fits you today.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_00: There are also peer groups and neurodivergent communities that can also help because hearing from others with a late diagnosis can help ease that feeling of being alone.
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_00: And you can go back to the app's resources on late diagnosis and neurodivergent identity for further support around this topic.
• 2:23
  SPEAKER_00: And if you are thinking about harming yourself and feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.