Adult diagnosis is confusing, anxiety-inducing, and can feel lonely… It’s hard to know what traits apply to which parts of our world with a complex diagnosis and traits that can overlap into so many other possibilities for diagnosis.

First, it’s important to outline the different models of disability related to AutieHD+.

The Medical model

The medical model tells us that impairment is the cause of disabled people’s disadvantage and exclusion. This supports employers deciding that a person cannot work for his/her company because s/he is autistic or disabled. This does not leave room for acceptance, inclusion, or the consideration of how an employer can make the workplace suitable for an autistic or disabled person to work in.

The Social Model

The social model differentiates impairments and disabilities. This identifies language and the environments around the disabled or autistic person may impede their participation and equality. This model addresses the prejudice and ignorance/miseducation around Autism and calls out the “corporate culture” that forms a whole system that tends to work against autistic people including the practices, procedures, cultures, unwritten rules and forms of communication.

If you are seeking a diagnosis it will be through the medical model (obviously) and it’s important to understand the diagnostic criteria within the medical model.

DSM V Diagnostic Criteria for

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Types of ADHD diagnosis

• Predominantly inattentive type: Primarily exhibits inattention symptoms

• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: Primarily displays hyperactive-impulsive symptoms 

• Combined type: Meets criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms

Inattention symptoms

• Difficulty paying attention to details, making careless mistakes 

• Trouble sustaining attention on tasks or activities 

• Often not seeming to listen when spoken to directly 

• Difficulty following instructions, failing to finish tasks 

• Issues with organization 

• Avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort 

• Losing things necessary for tasks 

• Easily distracted 

• Forgetfulness in daily activities 

Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms

• Excessive fidgeting or squirming when seated 

• Frequent restlessness 

• Appearing "on the go" or overly talkative 

• Difficulty engaging in quiet activities 

• Blurting out answers before questions are finished 

• Difficulty waiting turn 

• Interrupting conversations or activities 

Important considerations for diagnosis

• Severity: Symptoms must be significant enough to interfere with daily life at home, school, or work. 

• Age of onset: Symptoms should be present before age 12. 

• Differential diagnosis: Other potential explanations for symptoms, like anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities, need to be ruled out. 

Atypical Symptom Presentation in Adults of

ADHD

Most people think of the hyperactive boy who can’t sit still in class when you think of ADHD. It just so happens that more women than men tend to present atypically. In women, ADHD often manifests primarily as inattentive symptoms like difficulty focusing, disorganization, and trouble managing tasks, rather than the more overt hyperactive-impulsive behaviors often seen in men, leading to a higher risk of going undiagnosed as their symptoms might be less noticeable; women with ADHD may also experience more emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, and low self-esteem alongside their cognitive challenges. 

Key points about ADHD in women or atypical presentation of ADHD (inattentive)

• Predominant inattention:

  Women are more likely to exhibit primarily inattentive symptoms like daydreaming, losing things, and difficulty following conversations, compared to the hyperactive-impulsive behaviors often associated with ADHD in males. 

• Internalized symptoms:

  Women may internalize their struggles with ADHD, leading to feelings of inadequacy, self-blame, and low self-esteem, which can sometimes mask the underlying ADHD symptoms. 

• Emotional dysregulation:

  Difficulty managing emotions, including increased sensitivity to criticism, mood swings, and irritability, can be prominent in women with ADHD. 

• Social challenges:

  Relationship difficulties, struggles with social cues, and challenges maintaining social schedules can be present in women with ADHD. 

• Hormonal impact:

  Fluctuations in estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle can exacerbate ADHD symptoms in women, causing increased difficulty concentrating and emotional instability. 

• Underdiagnosis:

  Due to the less visible nature of inattentive symptoms and societal expectations, women with ADHD are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions like anxiety or depression.