Flying Under the Radar – Why Autism / ADHD is often missed

There are many reasons why someone can come to an Autism /ADHD diagnosis later in life. Here are some of the reasons why this happens.

Firstly, the DSM-5 (TR) which is the current diagnostic and statistical manual predominately used in Australia and the U.S.to make a neurodevelopmental diagnosis has been informed via research predominately on white cis gender male children. More recent research is now looking at how autism and ADHD impacts people of all ethnicities, genders, and age. So, if you are a cis gender female chances are you have flown well under the radar for Autism and/or ADHD.

Secondly, ADHD and Autism to a large extent is based on observable characteristics typical of young children aka cis gender male children. However, differences in Autistic behaviour can be found all throughout a person’s development depending on but not limited to environmental demands, personality traits, and genetic factors. Also, how a person is experiencing their world is not always clearly observable to others. This means if you have an internal presentation and or inattentive challenges chances are unless you can describe your difficulties it is highly likely you have flown under the radar for Autism and or ADHD.

Lastly, if you are Autistic and or ADHD and socially motivated and socially observant chances are that you have ‘learned’ how to ‘be social’ by studying and copying others. In fact, some Autistic folks have their special interest in human behaviour and go on to study psychology. We now know that Autistic interests can be more diverse than just lining toy cars up. We now know that interests can be mainstream however the intensity will be varied and different. For example, if you are a Taylor Swift fan that would be an understandable and common interest, however, if you have memorised the lyrics of her songs, have an impressive collection of related merchandise, and weave Taylor Swift into social and conversational topics, coming alive with enthusiasm when others mention her work then this is a notable difference in intensity.

In my clinical work supporting late diagnosed neurodivergent adults I have come to understand and learn more about how and why neurodivergent individuals miss a diagnosis in childhood. If you have ever wondered if you might be neurodivergent and would like to embark on a journey of greater self-discovery please reach out to us for more information, our ND-AE Package may be exactly what you are looking for!

We hope to see you in our clinic soon.