Can Adults Develop ADHD or Autism Later in Life?
If you’ve ever wondered whether adults can develop ADHD or autism later in life, you’re not alone. Many adults experience symptoms that make them question if they have these conditions. While ADHD and Autism usually begin in childhood, some individuals may not recognize or receive a diagnosis until adulthood.
This blog explores ADHD and Autism in adults, covering common symptoms, diagnosis, and why some people seek evaluations later in life.
Can Adults Develop ADHD or Autism?
ADHD and Autism are neurodevelopmental conditions. They usually start early in brain development. Adults don’t develop these conditions suddenly. Instead, some may go through childhood without a diagnosis. Later in life, symptoms may prompt them to seek an ADHD or Autism evaluation.
Life changes can reveal struggles that were unnoticed in childhood. For example, a child with undiagnosed ADHD might cope well with parental support. However, as an adult, the demands of work, relationships, and daily tasks can highlight symptoms. Similarly, an Autistic adult may find that increased social expectations bring their difficulties to the surface.
Why Are ADHD and Autism Often Diagnosed in Adulthood?
Diagnosing ADHD or Autism in adults can be challenging. Many adults adapt to their differences and develop coping strategies that hide the root causes of their struggles. These adaptations can mask symptoms, leading to a lack of awareness about ADHD or Autism.
Life changes often trigger the need for an evaluation. Starting a new job or facing larger responsibilities can highlight differences that were manageable before. Increased stress can worsen symptoms, making it hard to cope.
ADHD and Autism can also present differently in each person. For instance, ADHD symptoms in adults may include inattention, forgetfulness, difficulty focusing on long-term projects, and challenges with executive function, such as planning and organizing tasks. Autism symptoms might involve trouble with social cues, sensory sensitivities, or a strong need for routine. These variations can lead individuals to remain unaware of their conditions, especially if their symptoms don’t fit common stereotypes.
Common Symptoms of ADHD and Autism in Adults
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward understanding yourself better. Here are common symptoms associated with ADHD and Autism in adults.
Symptoms of ADHD in Adults
Inattention: Difficulty focusing on tasks, especially long or complex ones
Forgetfulness: Losing track of items like keys or phones
Impulsivity: Making decisions or speaking without thinking
Poor time management: Misjudging how long tasks will take
Executive function challenges: Struggles with planning, prioritizing, and regulating emotions
Restlessness: A constant need to move, even in calm situations
For many adults, ADHD can lead to frustration or low self-esteem. They may try to “fix” these traits without realizing they stem from ADHD.
Symptoms of Autism in Adults
Social interaction difficulties: Trouble reading nonverbal cues
Intense focus: Deep interest in specific topics
Sensory sensitivities: Being overwhelmed by loud noises or bright lights
Need for routine: Feeling stressed by changes
Understanding implied language: Difficulty with sarcasm or metaphors
Adult Autism symptoms can vary widely. Many feel “different” throughout their lives without understanding why.
How Are ADHD and Autism Diagnosed in Adults?
Getting an ADHD or Autism diagnosis as an adult follows a process similar to that of children but may involve additional challenges. Many adults seek assessment from mental health professionals, psychologists, or psychiatrists. These professionals review the individual’s history, ask about childhood behaviors, and may interview family members for insights about early symptoms.
ADHD evaluations often include assessments focused on attention, impulsivity, and executive function, using assessments like the Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales (Brown EF/A Scales) and Delis-Rating of Executive Functions (D-REF). Autism assessments may emphasize social interactions, communication skills, and sensory processing, often using the Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS-2), Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2), and Sensory Profile.
In both cases, a diagnosis can validate experiences and open doors to support, including therapy, medication, or workplace or school accommodations.
The Importance of a Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
A neurodiversity-affirming approach to diagnosis is crucial for adults suspecting they have ADHD or Autism. Neurodiversity values neurological differences as part of human diversity. This perspective encourages acceptance rather than viewing these conditions solely as problems to be fixed.
This view can be empowering, especially for adults who have faced low self-esteem due to their symptoms. A neurodiversity-affirming professional can help individuals appreciate ADHD or Autism as unique ways of thinking. For example, an adult with ADHD might learn to value their creativity. An Autistic adult might recognize their focus and passion for interests.
Why Seeking an ADHD and Autism Evaluation Matters
If you think you might have ADHD or Autism, an evaluation can be an empowering step. Understanding your unique way of thinking and processing can bring relief and self-acceptance, helping you connect with supports like executive function coaching, therapy, or guidance in addressing your social navigation needs tailored to your strengths.
A formal diagnosis can also provide access to helpful accommodations, improving daily experiences. For example, workplace adjustments can honor your individual needs around time, tasks, and sensory preferences. Counseling can offer support for social, emotional, and sensory needs, providing tools to thrive on your own terms.
Seeking Support and Moving Forward
If you think you might be neurodivergent, whether with ADHD, Autism, or both, an evaluation can be an affirming step toward understanding your unique ways of thinking and processing the world. It can help you embrace your strengths, understand areas of challenge, and connect with supports like executive function coaching, sensory-friendly strategies, and social or communication guidance that honors your individuality.
A diagnosis may also offer access to accommodations that support your preferred ways of navigating life. For example, workplace adjustments can align with your needs around time, tasks, and sensory preferences. Counseling and coaching can provide tools to support social, emotional, and sensory well-being, empowering you to thrive in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
While adults don’t develop ADHD or Autism, they may only come to understand these conditions later in life. Recognizing symptoms, seeking an ADHD and Autism assessment, and receiving a diagnosis can be life changing. It allows individuals to embrace who they are with greater self-compassion.
If you suspect you might have ADHD or Autism, remember it’s never too late to seek an assessment. Take that first step toward understanding your unique brain and accessing the support that can help you thrive. An evaluation can open new possibilities for personal growth and self-understanding.
Address Your Unique Neurodivergent Needs With ADHD and Autism Evaluations in Middlesex, NJ
Understand who you are by getting an ADHD and Autism evaluation! These evaluations can uncover the support you need, like accommodations for school and/or week, and personalized counseling. Don't wait - start your journey to personal growth with the help of True Reflections! Follow these three simple steps to get started:
Request an appointment to set up an evaluation
Begin meeting with a skilled neurodivergent affirming therapist
Find support embracing your strengths!
Other Services Offered at True Reflections
At True Reflections Mental Health Services, I’m here to help you find your true self and help you overcome anything with therapy. So in addition to providing ADHD and Autism Assessments to embrace your unique traits before college, I also offer Autism and Anxiety Therapy, ADHD and Anxiety Therapy, Trauma Therapy for ADHD and Autism, Affirming Therapy for those with ADHD, Affirming Therapy for those with Autism, and Prenatal and Postpartum Therapy. I also offer different treatment modalities such as Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, EMDR Therapy, DBT Therapy, and more. My services are offered in both Middlesex, NJ as well as online in the state of New Jersey. Check out my blog for more topics!
Janine Kelly, MSW, LCSW, C-NDAAP, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS, PMH-C, RPT-S™, C-DBT, CBT-C, CCATP-CA, CATP is a neurodivergent psychotherapist and the Founder of True Reflections Mental Health Services in Middlesex, NJ. She provides support and Neurodiversity Affirming Comprehensive ADHD & Autism Evaluations to children, teens, and adults in-person and virtually in the state of New Jersey. Janine specializes in the diagnosis of ADHD & Autism in girls and women.
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