There are many adults who finally figure out they're neurodivergent after their children are diagnosed. This was very true for me starting after my oldest two were diagnosed with ADHD. When I began researching it I stumbled on articles pertaining to ADHD in girls and I just remember my brain exploding. I was like, "Holy crap! This was my childhood!" I went in to get screened (paid privately since my insurance did not cover any of it) and was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety.

My 14 yo was later also diagnosed with autism and my partner pointed out that many of the things he does, I do. Or at least do within a spectrum of it. He is sensory-seeking which can be a bit difficult for me as I am more of the opposite. I live in the U.S. and it's incredibly difficult to find someone who is both able to screen for autism in adults AND is covered by insurance. So unless I want to pay over a grand to privately get tested (which I definitely do not), I'll have to just assume some things.

However, my partner is convinced I'm autistic and began reading up on autistic adults, listening to Ted Talks held by autistic adults, etc., and has said that not only has it helped him understanding our 14 yo better, it actually has helped him communicate with me and understand some of my "mood swings." He's like, "You're not grumpy, you're dysregulated! Now when you get anxious and want to leave the store immediately, I understand. Before, it was perplexing."