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Later-In-Life Neurodiversity: Adult ADHD & Autism Diagnosis, Discovery & Strengths
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What happens when you realize later in life that your brain has been wired differently all along?
In this episode, Kim and Jacob explore what it’s like to be diagnosed with ADHD or Autism as an adult. From the “aha” moments that spark self-discovery to the emotional rollercoaster that follows a late-in-life diagnosis, this conversation blends personal experience, research, and real-world advice for teens, parents, and adults navigating neurodiversity.
Kim opens up about her own adult ADHD diagnosis — how it changed her understanding of childhood struggles, and how it strengthened her connection with Jacob’s neurodiverse journey. Together, they unpack how self-recognition happens, when formal diagnosis makes sense, and how to manage symptoms through education, structure, and self-acceptance.
💬 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- How ADHD and Autism often go undiagnosed in childhood, only to be recognized later in life.
- What to consider when deciding whether to pursue a formal adult diagnosis — and why some people manage symptoms without one.
- Behavioral, therapeutic, and environmental strategies to manage executive-functioning challenges.
- The pros and cons of disclosing your diagnosis at work, home, or to friends.
- Why understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward self-acceptance and empowerment.
- How to use a strengths-based neurodiversity approach to celebrate unique wiring and build resilience.
🔍 Featured Research & Resources
📚 The Neurodiversity Playbook by Matthew Zakreski, Psy.D.
A practical, science-based guide for understanding how neurodivergent minds work and how to thrive authentically.
🧩 ADDitude Magazine — “Should I Pursue an Adult Autism Diagnosis?” (June 2024)
additudemag.com
– articles, checklists, and community stories about ADHD and Autism at every life stage.
🎧 Episode 581- Roundtable: The Hidden Complexities of Men with ADHD
ADHD Experts Podcast
🌐 CDC — “ADHD Across the Lifespan”
cdc.gov/adhd/articles/adhd-across-the-lifetime.html
🧠 PMC Research Articles
- “Adult ADHD: Underdiagnosis of a Treatable Condition.”
- “Living with Autism Without Knowing: Receiving a Diagnosis Later in Life.”
- “Gender Differences in Late ADHD Diagnosis Among Adult Women.”
💡 InclusiveABA.com — “When ADHD Gets Cozy with Autism in Adults”
Practical blog explaining how ADHD and autism overlap in adults and what that means for management.
❤️ Connect With Us
We’d love to hear your story! Have you had an “aha” moment about ADHD or Autism later in life?
- 💬🌍 Send us a message or question at themothersonpodcast.com
- 📱📸 DM us on Instagram @themothersonpodcast
- ⭐️ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more parents and teens find the show.
🔗 Episode Links
🎧 Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
View all episodes
By Kim & Jake - Mother Son TeamSend us a text
What happens when you realize later in life that your brain has been wired differently all along?
In this episode, Kim and Jacob explore what it’s like to be diagnosed with ADHD or Autism as an adult. From the “aha” moments that spark self-discovery to the emotional rollercoaster that follows a late-in-life diagnosis, this conversation blends personal experience, research, and real-world advice for teens, parents, and adults navigating neurodiversity.
Kim opens up about her own adult ADHD diagnosis — how it changed her understanding of childhood struggles, and how it strengthened her connection with Jacob’s neurodiverse journey. Together, they unpack how self-recognition happens, when formal diagnosis makes sense, and how to manage symptoms through education, structure, and self-acceptance.
💬 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- How ADHD and Autism often go undiagnosed in childhood, only to be recognized later in life.
- What to consider when deciding whether to pursue a formal adult diagnosis — and why some people manage symptoms without one.
- Behavioral, therapeutic, and environmental strategies to manage executive-functioning challenges.
- The pros and cons of disclosing your diagnosis at work, home, or to friends.
- Why understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward self-acceptance and empowerment.
- How to use a strengths-based neurodiversity approach to celebrate unique wiring and build resilience.
🔍 Featured Research & Resources
📚 The Neurodiversity Playbook by Matthew Zakreski, Psy.D.
A practical, science-based guide for understanding how neurodivergent minds work and how to thrive authentically.
🧩 ADDitude Magazine — “Should I Pursue an Adult Autism Diagnosis?” (June 2024)
additudemag.com
– articles, checklists, and community stories about ADHD and Autism at every life stage.
🎧 Episode 581- Roundtable: The Hidden Complexities of Men with ADHD
ADHD Experts Podcast
🌐 CDC — “ADHD Across the Lifespan”
cdc.gov/adhd/articles/adhd-across-the-lifetime.html
🧠 PMC Research Articles
- “Adult ADHD: Underdiagnosis of a Treatable Condition.”
- “Living with Autism Without Knowing: Receiving a Diagnosis Later in Life.”
- “Gender Differences in Late ADHD Diagnosis Among Adult Women.”
💡 InclusiveABA.com — “When ADHD Gets Cozy with Autism in Adults”
Practical blog explaining how ADHD and autism overlap in adults and what that means for management.
❤️ Connect With Us
We’d love to hear your story! Have you had an “aha” moment about ADHD or Autism later in life?
- 💬🌍 Send us a message or question at themothersonpodcast.com
- 📱📸 DM us on Instagram @themothersonpodcast
- ⭐️ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more parents and teens find the show.
🔗 Episode Links
🎧 Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify