sought adhd diagnosis, was told it’s not possible, eventually tested and given diagnosis

i’m 24 and ever since i found out about inattentive adhd i’ve been convinced i have it, as it explains most of my struggles throughout life (gifted kid to burnt out adult pipeline).

once i finally dared to seek a diagnosis, after years of burn out, i was told i couldn’t possibly be neurodivergent. why? because statistically too many are already diagnosed (apparently only 2% can be neurodivergent, says “science”) and i am able to speak to people and somehow graduated school. i talked about social masking and how much it drains me, but was told that masking is made up by people online and that people who are really neurodivergent aren’t able to mask.

i was met with an attitude implying that i was shopping for diagnoses, and should just try harder and go be a normal 20-something year old. i broke down crying and he told me i was just angry that he wouldn’t let me have a diagnosis, i told him that i’m simply frustrated at never getting help.

fast forward, i was transferred to a different therapist at the same clinic. i didn’t mention any diagnosis or suspicion i had until she brought it up herself. she had me do a full IQ test and it showed with no uncertainty that i in fact have inattentive adhd.

she told me she would have to discuss with the previous therapist before diagnosing me, so i didn’t dare have any hope. however the second therapist was senior and therefor i ended up being officially diagnosed.

i do suspect i am audhd (also suggested by the second therapist), but i guess i’ll take that battle if i find it necessary…