Hannah Daly | ADHD, Autism, and Being Diagnosed Later in Life cover art

Hannah Daly | ADHD, Autism, and Being Diagnosed Later in Life

Hannah Daly | ADHD, Autism, and Being Diagnosed Later in Life

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

 🎧 Episode DescriptionHannah Daly talks openly about the long path to understanding her brain. Growing up, she knew she experienced the world differently, but dyslexia and dyspraxia seemed to explain enough at the time. It wasn’t until much later that she began to question whether there was more to it.A period of intense physical and cognitive symptoms during perimenopause became a turning point. As her ability to cope and mask began to unravel, it led her to seek answers - and eventually to diagnoses of ADHD and autism. What follows is a process of looking back, reinterpreting her life, and starting to understand herself in a completely different way.🔑 Key PointsGrowing up feeling different without the language for itHannah describes always experiencing the world differently, but early diagnoses of dyslexia and dyspraxia seemed to explain enough at the time.Masking and the effort of trying to fit inMuch of her life was shaped by adapting to environments and expectations, often suppressing her own needs.Perimenopause as a turning pointA sudden wave of physical and cognitive symptoms made it harder to cope and brought everything to the surface.The link between hormones and neurodivergenceHormonal changes intensified underlying ADHD and autistic traits, including memory issues, overwhelm, and sensory sensitivity.Late diagnosis of ADHD and autismThrough seeking answers, Hannah went through an assessment process and received both diagnoses.Looking back with new understandingShe began to reinterpret her life, recognising patterns that had always been there but previously misunderstood.Unmasking and redefining identityDiagnosis allowed her to move away from people-pleasing and start living more in line with who she is.Understanding your brain as self-compassionLearning how her brain works helped her develop better strategies and a more supportive way of living.📚 Mentioned in this EpisodeADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)A neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, and energy regulation.Autism (Autism Spectrum Condition)A lifelong condition affecting communication, sensory processing, and social interaction.PerimenopauseA hormonal transition phase that can impact mood, cognition, and physical wellbeing.ADHD, Autism, and Hormones (Emerging Research Area)Growing research explores how hormonal changes can intensify neurodivergent traits.ADHD Ireland - Support & U-Map ProgrammeResources and support for ADHD in Ireland.Autism and Menopause (Further Reading)Explores how menopause can affect autistic individuals.Odd Girl Out - Laura James (Book)A memoir about late autism diagnosis.Dr Mary Doherty - Autistic Doctors InternationalAdvocate and founder supporting autistic professionals.Wim Hof MethodBreathing and cold exposure techniques.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Asking for accommodations and sensory needs02:30 – What masking looks like in everyday life04:00 – Growing up feeling “othered”07:00 – Finding purpose through occupational therapy10:30 – Writing her book and sharing her story11:30 – Sudden health episode and onset of symptoms14:30 – Perimenopause, HRT, and turning point17:00 – ADHD and autism diagnosis19:00 – Reframing her life after diagnosis23:00 – Sensory needs, routines, and daily coping27:00 – ADHD traits, focus, and conversation style31:00 – Energy, burnout, and pacing36:00 – Managing overwhelm and regulation strategies42:00 – Sleep, routines, and nervous system support47:00 – Parenting, relationships, and support systems52:00 – Medication, exercise, and what helps56:00 – Final reflections and helping other womenThanks for listening! You can watch the full episode on YouTube here. Don’t forget to follow The Laura Dowling Experience podcast on Instagram @lauradowlingexperience for updates and more information. You can also follow our host, Laura Dowling, @fabulouspharmacist for more insights and tips. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it really helps us out! Stay tuned for more great conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
No reviews yet