Hannah Daly | ADHD, Autism, and Being Diagnosed Later in Life #165

🎧 Episode Description

Hannah Daly talks openly about the long path to understanding her brain. Growing up, she knew she experienced the world differently, but dyslexia and dyspraxia seemed to explain enough at the time. It wasn’t until much later that she began to question whether there was more to it.

A period of intense physical and cognitive symptoms during perimenopause became a turning point. As her ability to cope and mask began to unravel, it led her to seek answers - and eventually to diagnoses of ADHD and autism. What follows is a process of looking back, reinterpreting her life, and starting to understand herself in a completely different way.

🔑 Key Points

Growing up feeling different without the language for it

Hannah describes always experiencing the world differently, but early diagnoses of dyslexia and dyspraxia seemed to explain enough at the time.

Masking and the effort of trying to fit in

Much of her life was shaped by adapting to environments and expectations, often suppressing her own needs.

Perimenopause as a turning point

A sudden wave of physical and cognitive symptoms made it harder to cope and brought everything to the surface.

The link between hormones and neurodivergence

Hormonal changes intensified underlying ADHD and autistic traits, including memory issues, overwhelm, and sensory sensitivity.

Late diagnosis of ADHD and autism

Through seeking answers, Hannah went through an assessment process and received both diagnoses.

Looking back with new understanding

She began to reinterpret her life, recognising patterns that had always been there but previously misunderstood.

Unmasking and redefining identity

Diagnosis allowed her to move away from people-pleasing and start living more in line with who she is.

Understanding your brain as self-compassion

Learning how her brain works helped her develop better strategies and a more supportive way of living.

📚 Mentioned in this Episode

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

A neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, and energy regulation.

Autism (Autism Spectrum Condition)

A lifelong condition affecting communication, sensory processing, and social interaction.

Perimenopause

A hormonal transition phase that can impact mood, cognition, and physical wellbeing.

ADHD, Autism, and Hormones (Emerging Research Area)

Growing research explores how hormonal changes can intensify neurodivergent traits.

ADHD Ireland - Support & U-Map Programme

Resources and support for ADHD in Ireland.

Autism and Menopause (Further Reading)

Explores how menopause can affect autistic individuals.

Odd Girl Out - Laura James (Book)

A memoir about late autism diagnosis.

Dr Mary Doherty - Autistic Doctors International

Advocate and founder supporting autistic professionals.

Wim Hof Method

Breathing and cold exposure techniques.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Asking for accommodations and sensory needs

02:30 – What masking looks like in everyday life

04:00 – Growing up feeling “othered”

07:00 – Finding purpose through occupational therapy

10:30 – Writing her book and sharing her story

11:30 – Sudden health episode and onset of symptoms

14:30 – Perimenopause, HRT, and turning point

17:00 – ADHD and autism diagnosis

19:00 – Reframing her life after diagnosis

23:00 – Sensory needs, routines, and daily coping

27:00 – ADHD traits, focus, and conversation style

31:00 – Energy, burnout, and pacing

36:00 – Managing overwhelm and regulation strategies

42:00 – Sleep, routines, and nervous system support

47:00 – Parenting, relationships, and support systems

52:00 – Medication, exercise, and what helps

56:00 – Final reflections and helping other women

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