I got diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age 34 – and it was a turning point

I come from a family of engineers.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated by engineering and the built environment.

I’m now a Chartered Engineer and an engineering delivery manager at Devonport Royal Dockyard. I lead a team of engineers to improve and maintain part of the UK’s critical defence nuclear infrastructure.

But my journey in civil engineering has been challenging and often overwhelming.

I’ve had many setbacks and failures along the way, owing to undiagnosed neurodiversity.

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity describes a wide range of neurological differences and the variety of ways that people's brains process information, function, and present behaviourally.

We’re all neurodiverse, as we’re all different, with unique ways of processing and thinking.

But to be neurodivergent is to differ from the ‘typical’ ways, within specified criteria.

This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyscalculia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Irlen’s, and Tourette’s.

If you have one neurodiverse condition, the likelihood of you having characteristics of another increases substantially.

It’s estimated that 14-20% of people in the UK are neurodiverse, with even higher rates within STEM professions.

Diagnosed at 34

At the age of 34, I was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. I also have some traits of dyspraxia and dyslexia.

My diagnosis hasn’t yet been recognised by the NHS, and I haven’t been able to access help or medication.

But, the diagnosis was a turning point for me.

It was hugely validating. It helped me make sense of so many aspects of my life, my journey through education, and my career.

Understanding myself better

I’m still discovering and making sense of things, as well as understanding strategies to help me.

But for the first time, I have a framework to understand why I seem to find certain things more difficult than others. And, why things that help some people don’t help me.

I’m grateful for the support I’ve received through my employer and the ICE Benevolent Fund.

I felt immediately supported in my journey. This has inspired me to raise awareness and build a community to support others.

The challenges I face at work

As a neurodiverse individual, I often face unique challenges – through education and in the workplace.

These can include:

• difficulties with interpreting verbal or unclear instructions;
• dealing with confrontation;
• managing anxiety in social interactions;
• prioritising tasks; and
• adapting to changes.

Sensory overload and vulnerability to burnout are also common issues.

Despite these challenges, neurodiverse individuals bring valuable strengths to their roles, such as creativity, innovation, empathy, analytical thinking, and a strong focus on detail.

Neurodiversity can be disabling

While neurodiversity can bring positives, it’s important to recognise that it can be, and often is, disabling for some people.

Neurodiverse individuals often face worse mental and physical health compared to the general population.

Despite growing public and professional interest in neurodiversity, diagnosis and support remains inconsistent. Many people are unaware that there could be resources available to them.

This lack of support, including seeking a diagnosis in the first place, can be particularly damaging for those who are already marginalised. This could be due to factors such as race, gender, sexuality, or socioeconomic status.

But also those who are less able to express themselves due to communication differences or higher support needs.

Setting up a support network

Recognising the need for better support and awareness, I’ve worked with the ICE South West Regional Committee to set up a network for the region.

The network aims to:

• support neurodivergent civil engineers;
• foster a supportive and understanding community;
• shape policy by representing neurodivergent interests at the regional committee; and
• raise awareness of neurodivergent concerns across the industry.

One of the aims of the group is to challenge the unhelpful and harmful information that’s widespread because of poor representation and reporting in the media.

We’ll do this by increasing awareness and removing stigmas through sharing our stories.

Help me shape our new network

I believe we can enhance the experience of neurodivergent civil engineers in the South West.

If we can increase awareness across the industry and encourage openness, it will help more organisations accommodate challenges and maximise strengths.

I hope to build an inclusive community to share guidance and support and advocate for our concerns within the region.

If you care about neurodiversity in civil engineering, join me in shaping and running our new network.