Odalis, diagnosed with ADHD at 22 after years of math struggles

1. What made you decide to have your diagnosis?

I've always struggled with math. I wanted to know why.

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2. What do you do for a living?

I am an assistant case manager for a local clinic.

4. How were your school years?

I never really paid attention unless it was history and English. Physical classes like dance were great though! Music has always been a huge part of me too. Math was a pain. It still is.

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5. Looking back, what was an obvious ADHD trait in your childhood?

I would interrupt others and I would hyperfocus a lot when I had homework. I've also been very irritable.

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6. Was it difficult to get a diagnosis?

Not necessarily difficult but it surprised me that no one bothered to suggest a diagnosis knowing how much I struggled with math.

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7. How did you prepare yourself for your diagnosis?

I wasn't expecting to be diagnosed with ADHD. I was just thinking that the psychologist would tell me I have a math learning disability, which she confirmed but then she said, "You have ADHD" and I was like, "What??".

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8. How did you feel right after getting your diagnosis?

I cried. I got home and told my sisters. I told my mom. It made sense to them, I was shocked but also relieved.

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9. How do you feel about it now?

I feel great. I started taking medication about a month ago and I can definitely see a change. I feel like being an adult who just got diagnosed is very difficult though. I didn't understand why my brain did things the way it did and now I do.

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10. Do you think you "look like" the ADHD stereotype?

Definitely not. I've always been the "quiet" or "shy" girl. I think it's one of the reasons why no one bothered to get me diagnosed.

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11. What are you struggling with because of your ADHD brain?

MATH. I hate it! I don't care for it. I graduated college last year and I don't have to worry about it anymore but it still affects me in other areas. When I'm at work, I get really bored and I don't care for the repetitive stuff.

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12. What are your ADHD strengths ?

When I like something, I immediately dive into it. I started to teach myself how to DJ earlier this year and I love it so much! Maybe someday that can be my career.

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13. Did your ADHD diagnosis help you?

Yes it definitely helped me. The person who diagnosed me also has ADHD and she was great! I thank her for it. She told me about accommodations for school and even for work.

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14. Do you feel your life could have gone the other way if you'd been diagnosed earlier?

I think I would've been more gentle with myself.

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15. What was your family/friends' reaction to your diagnosis?

They were also shocked but not necessarily surprised! They connected the dots.

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16. Do you have any comorbid disorders or neurological conditions?

I have some anxiety and PTSD.

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17. Do you deal with anxiety?

I try to breathe but even when I do that, it makes it hard.

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18. Did people around you make you doubt yourself during your diagnosis journey?

Not at all!

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19. Do you ever doubt your diagnosis now?

Nope! It makes sense to me now.

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20. How has the diagnosis changed the way you live?

It helped me realize that I do things differently compared to people who are neurotypical.

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21. How do you feel about medication?

I like it. At first I didn't think I would. I was afraid because of the stigma.

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22. What was the thing that helped you most in your daily life? 

I've always been super strict with myself when it comes to organizing. Now I know why lol but it's helped.

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23. What advice would you give someone who is wondering if they have ADHD?

Go get that diagnosis. It's never too late to learn if you have it or not.

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