Member-only story
Why I Love My ADHD at Seventy
Even though it’s still sometimes a struggle
I do, I really do.
I’ve learned to love my neurodivergency (ND), my ADHD, and possible related Autism. I also have PTSD, ongoing since I was three years old — roughly. I am now seventy years old. It's been a long time, and that’s not so easy, but as part of the package of being me, I accept it too.
I was diagnosed in my fifties and many more people are now coming forward and asking this question of themselves. It helps them to understand themselves — ‘was this why I struggled so much all those years and never felt like I belonged’.
Last night, I listened to half a dozen other older ND people speak about the struggle they have with their ND. I recognised myself in it all — the struggle to fit in, to feel acceptable to ourselves, let alone accepted by others.
Yesterday, I was astonished when three other people in various meetings said they loved my enthusiasm, energy, and wonderful smile (their words, not mine).
My husband of 25 years and partner of 28 years says he loves me more with my ND because it makes me fun and exciting to be with. He can cope with my deficits without needing to criticise or put me down for them. Yes, he’s a rare one, but he’s still a human being.
