Many neurodivergent folks can wait years, sometimes a lifetime, for a formal ADHD diagnosis. For some, self-diagnosed ADHD may feel like the only option due to barriers such as cost, anxiety or lack of professional support.
If you’re in this position, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, this issue is all too common. It might not always feel like it, but your struggles and needs are valid- whether you have a formal ADHD diagnosis or not.
Why People Self-Diagnose ADHD in the UK
Long NHS Waiting Lists for ADHD
Long waiting lists are a huge barrier for neurodivergent folks, especially those living in the UK. It’s not unusual to wait years for an ADHD assessment in the UK on the NHS. Even then, the process can be exhausting, inconsistent, and full of gatekeeping.
Financial Barriers to Private ADHD Diagnosis
Private assessments often cost thousands of pounds, which isn’t realistic for many people. And for those from marginalised backgrounds, language barriers, cultural bias, or a lack of awareness from professionals can make the system feel impossible to navigate.
High Masking ADHD Traits
Many neurodivergent folks are highly skilled at masking. However, this can sometimes confuse assessors, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses. It also means that friends, family etc might not have noticed the signs earlier, which leaves many people questioning themselves as adults.
The Relief of Self-Identification
Using the words “ADHD” or “neurodivergent” can bring a huge sense of relief. Self-diagnosing often helps people find community, validate their lived experience, and start exploring strategies that actually work for them.
Self-diagnosed ADHD isn’t about jumping on a trend. It’s about recognising yourself in stories, resources, and other people’s lived experiences, and saying: “This explains me. This helps me make sense of my world.”
The Challenges of Not Having a Formal ADHD Diagnosis
Self-diagnosed ADHD can be enough for some. However, it can come with challenges. Some people may find it difficult to receive accommodations or support at work or educational settings without an ADHD diagnosis in the UK.
Some neurodivergent folks feel like their experience is invalidated by others without a diagnosis. This can also lead to people doubting themselves and questioning whether they have ADHD.
What You Can Do While Self-Diagnosed ADHD in the UK
1. Seek ADHD Community Support
Online ADHD groups, local meetups, safe spaces where lived experience is valued.
2. Try Accomodations Anyway
E.g. noise-cancelling headphones, requesting reasonable adjustments at work, sensory tools-no diagnosis required for this.
3. Create A Paper Trail
Journals or notes about challenges and what helps. Doing this while waiting for an ADHD assessment in the UK means that you have something to refer to when assessed.
4. Educate Yourself with Trustworthy Resources
Blogs, books by neurodivergent writers, advocacy groups e.g ADHD Foundation UK can be a useful way of coping while waiting for an ADHD assessment in the UK. They can help you to understand and learn how to advocate for yourself.
When A Formal ADHD Diagnosis Might Help
Deciding whether to have a formal diagnosis is a very personal decision. However, there are times where it can be useful, such as:
- If you want access to legal protections/adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 (UK). (Although it’s worth noting that anyone can request “reasonable adjustments” at their workplace in the UK- with or without a formal diagnosis).
- You are considering ADHD medication (only available with ADHD diagnosis in the UK).
- If you feel it would be supportive and provide you with clarity.
Self-Diagnosed ADHD Reminder:
You don’t need a formal ADHD diagnosis to start understanding yourself, setting boundaries, or using strategies that make life feel more manageable. Whether you’re waiting for an ADHD assessment in the UK or living with self-diagnosed ADHD, you deserve support, understanding, and strategies that actually work for your brain.
If you’re exploring your identity as a neurodivergent person, you don’t have to do it alone.
I offer neurodiversity-affirming therapy in Scotland and across the UK. I’d love to help you understand yourself better so that you can advocate for yourself and figure out coping strategies that actually work for your brain, so that you can feel more confident navigating life as you are.
