How did your friends, family or colleagues take your late diagnosis of ADHD/autism?

Reading with interest. I suspect I have ADHD and have just decided to pursue a diagnosis because I'd like to try medication. Having chatted with friends over the years, they seem to fall into two strictly separate camps: they suspect they have themselves (or they have a diagnosis) of ADHD or Autism, and have long since suspected I have, or are absolutely horrified and think I'm being led astray by reading the wrong stuff on the internet 🙄 - I'm REALLY surprised that one of my closest friends was the latter, but then again I remember 8 years ago when another friend told me she had her son assessed for ADHD and suspected it of herself, I thought she was making convenient excuses and talking herself into symptoms😶😅

Autism, at 36. Work have been fine. My partner apparently already thought I was. Im not telling my family - I wont lie, i'm just not going to bring it up,

What medication are you on?

the psychiatrist said to me that I’ve done well in life with job family house etc that not sure medication would be worth it as I’ve managed so far. Not sure if I agree

I don't think people are generally interested in knowing someone has a diagnosis of any kind, unless they're a friend or loved one.

Private therapists are advertising assessments on radio and other media projects. I'm not surprised more and more adults are being diagnosed .

When something becomes so commonly diagnosed, it loses the shock factor and understanding.

I was diagnosed 2yrs ago at 51. Told a few friends, they weren't bothered. Told my DM and she said it was all rubbish, it's a made up thing, it doesn't exist. Not exactly supportive.

I realised I had ADHD after my adult son was diagnosed, and then sought assessment as I had been struggling since perimenopause started. I was diagnosed last year aged 53.
I was open and honest with everyone about it but have learnt who I can and can’t talk to. Some people have always been dismissive, even after diagnosis, and some are genuinely curious and ask me about it.
I really don’t think anyone truly understands what it’s like to have ADHD, though, unless they have it themselves or live/work closely with someone who does.
I’m hoping the medication I’ve just started on will work for me and give me a bit of ease in my life.

I was diagnosed with ADHD at 54. It was a complete surprise to me as it wasn’t something that had ever occurred to me (until a psychologist who I was talking to about something else suggested I might have it).

I still haven’t told anyone in my family. Pretty sure my Dad has it too but at age 82, I don’t want to shock him so I’m still pondering about if we ever have the conversation. My employer knows (they paid privately for my assessment) and quite a few colleagues. I’ve told a couple of close male friends and they weren’t at all surprised whereas my close female friends were very surprised indeed. Interesting how different the reaction was between the sexes.

Worst reaction was from a locum GP who was really inappropriate about it! My kids weren't remotely surprised. Husband is fine about it but sometimes acts like I use it as an excuse 🤷‍♀️ friends and workmates are interested but non-judgemental.