Together: Diagnosis and beyond

🔍 1. Ask yourself...

Before starting, ask yourself:

• Do you want access to accommodations (e.g., at work)?

• Are you seeking clarity about lifelong challenges?

• Do you want community or self-understanding?

A clear goal helps guide your decisions and what kind of professional to see.

🧠 2. Research and understand

Start with research and self-assessment:

• Read about common traits in adults (especially those often overlooked in childhood).

• Try screeners or questionnaires: While not diagnostic, they can be good starting points (e.g., the AQ Test for autism, or the ASRS for ADHD).

Look for:

• Patterns in sensory sensitivity

• Attention regulation difficulties

• Social communication challenges

• Executive function struggles

• Masking or camouflaging behaviors

🩺 3. Find the right professional

Look for a licensed clinician with experience diagnosing adults:

• Psychologist or neuropsychologist

• Psychiatrist (more for ADHD)

• Developmental or clinical psychologist

• In some countries: occupational therapists or specialized diagnostic teams

Use:

• Directories (e.g., Psychology Today, local psychology boards)

• Neurodiversity-affirming clinicians (search terms like "autism-affirming" or "ADHD-affirming")

• Referrals from GPs or primary care doctors

🔎 Ask questions before booking:

• Do they assess adults?

• Are they familiar with how neurodivergence presents in professionals, women, LGBTQ+ people, or late-diagnosed individuals?

🧾 4. Undergo the Diagnostic Process

Depending on what you're being assessed for, it may include:

• Structured interviews (e.g., ADOS-2 for autism)

• Standardized questionnaires (e.g., RAADS-R, DIVA-5 for ADHD)

• Developmental history (you may need input from family or school records)

• Cognitive testing (e.g., for ADHD or learning differences)

💡 Note: Many clinicians understand that adults, especially professionals, may have developed coping strategies (masking) that hide signs—be honest about internal experiences, not just outward behaviour.

💡 Be prepared that you may not get the result/diagnosis you were seeking or hoping for. 

🧠 5. Understand Your Results

The clinician will provide:

• A diagnosis (if appropriate)

• A written report (useful for accommodations or support)

• Referrals to therapy, coaching, or workplace support if needed

If the diagnosis doesn't match what you expected:

• You can seek a second opinion

• Sometimes the outcome is "traits but not enough for diagnosis" – this is still valid and can inform self-understanding

🛠️ 6. Take Next Steps (Optional)

Depending on your goals:

• Workplace accommodations: Share documentation with HR or Occupational Health

• Therapy/coaching: Find support for executive function, sensory needs, social burnout, etc.

• Community: Join neurodivergent peer groups or online forums

• Legal rights: In many countries, a diagnosis offers protection under disability laws (e.g., ADA in the US, Equality Act in the UK)

💬 7. Consider Self-diagnosis

Some people choose self-diagnosis if:

• Access to professionals is limited

• They've done in-depth research and connect deeply with the traits

• They are part of communities that validate lived experience

Self-diagnosis is valid in many neurodivergent spaces. Under the Equality Act 2010, you do not need a formal diagnosis to be protected as a disabled person, including if you are self-diagnosed as neurodivergent.

🔚 Summary

• Look for clinicians familiar with adult presentations and masking

• Be prepared to discuss your internal experiences, not just observed behaviors

• Know your goals—clarity, support, accommodations?

• Whether diagnosed formally or self-identified, understanding your brain can help you thrive