Dr. Sonia Morris:

Mental health conditions are the main things to look out for. The vast majority of undiagnosed adults, whether going for any neurodivergence assessment, have experienced mental health difficulties in the past and have been through the system before. If there is persistent depression, persistent anxiety, that is resistant to treatment one would want to consider whether something is underlying that with regards to ADHD or autism or something like that. The presentation is broadly similar but obviously at an adult level. It might be hyperactivity, impulsivity with regard to workplace relations such as quitting a job on the spur of the moment or going off travelling for a little bit instead of really thinking of the consequences. Trouble with finances is quite a common one because of impulse spending, gambling and things like that.

With inattention one might find a similar as to in school but in work meetings. Thankfully a lot of adults are steered towards careers that play to their strengths and that is often why we see a decrease in presentation in comparison to childhood, because adults know themselves where their strengths lie and follow careers that support them. Often the presentation is not as apparent. Somebody from the Changing Lives cohort mentioned externalising behaviours and internalising behaviours earlier. In adulthood, we see an increased amount of internalising behaviours; this feeling of restlessness or difference within the individual and not quite placing a finger on what that may be.