Getting to Diagnosis as an Adult
“What’s in the dark shall come to the light.”
What’s coming to light is spectrum diagnoses, and the number of spectrum diagnoses in adults is increasing. Dramatically.
Yet, many students and adult professionals are struggling in school and their careers due to undiagnosed learning differences. So, they’re failing - and it’s not really their fault.
As an adult, there is no one way to live with neurodiversity, and if you coped well as a child, it's possible you were overlooked. Typically, one of two things happen to compel students and adults to get diagnosed:
Major disappointments - Poor grades, job loss, broken relationship, bankruptcy, during therapy
Child or relative diagnosis - According to ADDitudemag.com, “…if your child [is diagnosed], there is a 50% likelihood that one of his or her parents does as well.”
So, what’s the benefit of an adult diagnosis?
Getting a diagnosis helps to
Understand yourself better and gain insight into why some things didn’t work out for you, and learn how to get through a challenging situation.
Get professional therapy and support. Treatment, practical strategies, coaching, and prescriptions are among the best ways to go from coping to living.
Undiagnosed neurodiversity is more common than ever. If you think you may be neurodivergent, here is a list of resources we’ve gathered to help guide you on your way:
Learn more about learning differences:
Seven Learning Disabilities Every Psychology Professional Should Study
Types of Learning Disabilities
Think you have the symptoms? Try a self-assessment:
ADHD assessments
https://www.psycom.net/adhd-test
https://www.adhdadulthood.com/adhd-test
Learning Differences Assessment
https://www.mentalup.co/blog/do-learning-difficulties-test
ASD Assessment
https://www.additudemag.com/screener-autism-spectrum-disorder-symptoms-test-adults/
If you see yourself in any of these self-assessments, please seek professional support from a licensed Psychologist. list your symptoms and their severity with examples to show to your provider.
To find a provider - in the US:
Check with your health insurance and search for Neuropsychologists, Psychological testing, and Psycho-Educational testing. Many insurances cover these tests - including Medicaid. Request a referral from your primary care provider as needed.
Alternatively, Find your state Rehabilitation Services Agency to see if they offer testing services. https://rsa.ed.gov/about/states
If you are able, you can Self-Pay online for a faster diagnosis.
ADHD/Learning Difference testing
https://ediagnosticlearning.com/adultadhd/
ADHD testing
For more information on ADHD and groups about learning disability, click the links below:
Children and Adults with ADHD
Learning Disabilities Association
***DISCLAIMER: We are not doctors and do not endorse or recommend any methodology, treatments, providers, or medications - this is not for diagnostic purposes. This is just a compiled list of resources.
