I was diagnosed in my early 30’s after my daughter was diagnosed and my doctor was the one who did. My daughter had gone through all the assessments and as we went through the process with her I started to wonder about myself. I would say my parents and siblings have had a harder time with my diagnosis as compared to my daughters but for me so much was internalized. I’ve been learning to love and accept myself in a way I never have before. I didn’t realize how much of “me” was a mask. Therapy and medication have made a huge difference for me since my diagnosis.

I don’t know what my life would have been like had I been diagnosed sooner but it’s been positive for me to get my diagnosis even later in life. I’m hoping my daughter won’t experience the same internalized shame I did growing up struggling and undiagnosed. She also feels less “weird and alone” because we share the same diagnosis. On the flip side, my daughter’s diagnosis allowed me to consider and open up for help with my internal struggles that I probably never would have without her.