'I was diagnosed with ADHD in my 30s, now I understand my brain better'

Women are increasingly being diagnosed as neurodivergent later in life, giving them a better understanding of their personal struggles and opening the door to workplace support

Cathy Michael was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in her late 30s. Photograph Moya Nolan

Cathy Michael was in her late 30s when she learned her mind worked differently from other people’s. The 42-year-old from Monkstown in Dublin had been diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, but it wasn’t until 2021 that a psychologist told her she also had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

She had always struggled with executive function, the term used for the mental skills we draw on to achieve our goals, such as planning, prioritising, and self-control.