Late Diagnosis

Receiving a formal diagnosis of a condition significantly later than when symptoms first appeared, often in adulthood for conditions typically identified in childhood. Late diagnosis of ADHD and autism is common, particularly among women, people of color, and those who developed coping strategies that masked their symptoms. Late diagnosis can lead to years of struggling without appropriate support, mental health impacts from self-blame, and difficulty accessing services designed primarily for those diagnosed in childhood. Video-sharing platforms have become important resources for late-diagnosed individuals to share experiences and recognize symptoms.