Diagnosed at 40 – “Jane’s” Story

 I was surprised and grateful to be diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at age 40. But how I came to be diagnosed and how my employer treated me after the diagnosis was an experience I don’t wish for anyone.

It didn’t have to be this way. 

I’d always been great at my job at a large, national company and was recognized for the quality of my work. But then my employer implemented a new, standardized certification system for all employees in my area of work and I couldn’t retain the information required to complete the final test. That’s when my work life suddenly went sideways. 

I tried every way I could to prepare for the test and get help, but as exam day got closer, the panic set in. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t eat.  

I had no idea what was wrong with me. 

Desperate, I consulted my doctor, who referred me for testing for learning disabilities. Finally, I had an answer, and was so relieved to know that I simply learn differently!  

Upon being diagnosed, I did everything in my power to learn how my employer and I could work together to create a supportive work environment so I could keep contributing to the company as I had for many years. 

One of the best sources of support was LDAM. They provided extensive information and resources to help me understand and cope with my learning disability and ADHD. 

Armed with information on the tools I’d need to manage the exam and continue with my job, I looked forward to talking to my boss about accommodations that would help me thrive at work. 

I never thought I’d experience what actually happened. 

My supervisor didn’t want to discuss any changes to my work environment, or even my diagnosis. They suggested I shouldn’t talk to anyone about my disabilities – not my boss and not human resources. Instead of supporting me, they started telling me daily that I wasn’t trying hard enough. Suddenly, everyone was speaking loudly and slowly to me. My responsibilities were removed, one by one. All work delegated to me was put in print and I had to acknowledge that I understood the tasks assigned to me. This micro-managing was eroding my self worth and making me even sicker than when I was failing the certification test. 

I could feel they wanted me to leave, but I needed work. And I have to admit that part of me wanted to stay to try to go back to the strong company family I was a part of before all this. In the end, I had to accept that was never going to happen, and I left. 

While I was going through all of this, I continued to seek support at LDAM, where I received compassionate and invaluable guidance as I tried to work things out with my employer.

That was two years ago, and I’m now at another company. They are accepting and accommodating, and the work is rewarding. I’ve learned how to thrive as I embrace the different ways I learn.  

The accommodations and supports I need and receive in my new job are not charity and cost my employer very little. I work hard and am a valued member of their team – in fact, I’m increasing profits.  

I now understand how learning disabilities can have long-term affects on mental health. It certainly took me a long while to start building back my confidence.

If you suspect you may have a learning disability, I encourage you to speak with your doctor to be diagnosed. It might be scary at first, but the folks at LDAM are here to show you how the right tools will make everything in your life easier. 

Looking back, I’m shocked by my treatment at my last employer, and that it was allowed. 

Whether or not you are living with a learning disability, I encourage you to speak with your employer and your colleagues to raise awareness about learning disabilities. Everyone should know about LDs and about resources like LDAM that are available to help workers and employers implement accommodations for different ways of being productive.

We need to stamp out discrimination of all sorts to ensure our companies and our communities are made up of diverse people. Different people, different abilities, different strengths and different perspectives are what make our communities strong!