Overview
- Jools Oliver told the Lessons From Our Mothers podcast on Monday that she was diagnosed with ADHD about four years ago and later received an autism diagnosis in her 40s.
- She said doctors prescribed ADHD medication but that she is too frightened to take it because of ongoing health anxiety.
- Oliver described living undiagnosed as having “ruined” roughly 45 years of her life while also saying the diagnosis has helped her better understand and bond with children who have autism.
- She said social anxiety and menopause have intensified her symptoms, calling the combination especially draining.
- Coverage links her story to wider evidence that many adults, especially women and older people, go undiagnosed for autism and ADHD and suggests public disclosures like hers may reduce stigma and prompt more adults to seek assessment.