Designed for Difference
Stacey Sheppard explores the realities of being a neurodivergent woman and the support systems that are in place to help navigate work and life. Jemma Pimlott was 47 years old when she received her NHS diagnosis of combined type ADHD (hyperactive and inattentive). What she had previously attributed to the effects of workplace stress, motherhood and latterly perimenopause, was in fact undiagnosed neurodivergence. “I had suspected I was neurodivergent for many years,” says Jemma, explaining that it wasn’t until she found her old school reports that she realised she’d been navigating this since she was young.
Mid-life Diagnoses
Jemma Pimlott, Life Admin Hive Photography by Fran Minifie
“I found the diagnosis mixed initially, mostly grief and sadness that not having this information before now has led to so much stress and upset for me. After processing that, I have found it to be affirming and validating, and it has enabled me to be more self-compassionate than I have ever been,” explains Jemma. Jemma is not alone in her situation. Clare Beach was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in 2021, and as a woman of nearly 50 years old, she can also add the joys of perimenopause to the mix, which she is discovering has many overlapping symptoms with ADHD. ATHENA MAGAZINE | 31