Diagnosed at 40 a couple of months ago (combined) on the waitlist for titration. Informed work of the diagnosis but never received the 'official diagnosis letter' to hand to my employer. So far only received a copy of the assessment and diagnosis.
Anyway, had an informal chat with my manager today and mentioned I need to request the document from PsychUK to give to her, as she needs to legally discuss reasonable adjustments etc etc (I haven't requested any, just a formality).
She was asking me to speak in front of the staff team (approx 30 people) to explain my role to them but public speaking is literally the most anxiety inducing thing for me and it's NOT a requirement of my job. I've avoided it where possible all my life and when I've HAD to do it, like at uni, it would eat me up and ruin my life in the run up to it, and the whole experience is awful. Can't find my words, forget what I'm saying, feel myself getting redder by the second, sweating...Hate it. It makes me feel physically sick.
Explained all this to her and explained I now understand part of my reaction to this is potentially down to my ADHD. Seriously can't handle being the centre of attention. My brain feels like it's melting and I can't function 😂
Her response was 'having ADHD seems to be the thing to have now, a third of the country has it and we are all neuro diverse in some way. Even I think I have it. I expect there to be many more of the team coming to me with a diagnosis'
It made me feel so invalidated and as though I'm just joining a perceived current trend getting a diagnosis. Made me feel proper shit.
Putting my anxiety of speaking to a large group of people aside, is her response the widespread feeling towards adults being diagnosed later in life now, or an isolated opinion? Has anyone else had this?
EDIT - Just on my way in to work now so can't reply to everyone but just want to say what an amazing community you are. You have all given me a pair of balls (which is amazing as I'm female 😂) to go in and stand my ground. I'm pretty riled about it now which is a good thing! Thank you, hope you all have a great day ☀️