Man misdiagnosed for 42 years—tears at what he finally learns

 In an emotional clip posted to TikTok, one dad has revealed that after 42 years, he has finally been diagnosed with autism and ADHD, bringing much sought after clarity to his life.

User millennialdad shared his diagnosis, revealing that he had spent his entire life trying to understand what exactly was “wrong” with him.

“Nothing’s wrong with me,” the father said to the camera, overcome with emotion. “I’ve been mislabeled and miseducated and misdiagnosed. I’ve tried to figure this out myself.”

“I feel so relieved.”

Delayed Diagnoses

According to research, many adults discover later in life that they are living with autism.

“Increasingly, adults over the age of 50 are receiving a diagnosis of autism spectrum condition,” researchers Steven D. Stagg and Hannah Belcher write. “Growing up in a time when autism was poorly recognized, these adults have lived unknowingly with the condition and face readjustment.”

ADHD diagnoses come with similar difficulties, especially in adulthood.

“For symptoms to be considered ADHD, they must have started before the age of 12,” writes the American Psychological Association. “This makes diagnosing adults more complicated, as the process involves creating a timeline of when symptoms first appeared.”

‘A weight lifted’

As a 42-year-old man, millennialdad was thus required to create an extensive timeline going back 30 years before receiving a diagnosis.

For those diagnosed in adulthood, though, finding an answer can be a huge relief, finally knowing there is a root cause of what they have faced.

“Receiving a diagnosis can feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders,” said Dr. Kojo Sarfo (dr.kojosarfo), a doctor, comedian and writer, in a video responding to millennialdad.

“Many of us didn’t get the right diagnoses earlier in life for a variety of reasons,” Sarfo continued. “Finally being ‘seen’ and being diagnosed is the first step to truly understanding yourself.”

‘I sobbed’

After sharing his story, the dad was met with supportive comments from thousands of strangers on the internet.

“When you said ‘there is nothing wrong with me’ I sobbed. I’m so glad you have found acceptance and validation,” one person wrote.

Other people shared their own experiences of being diagnosed later in life.

“Some people will never truly understand how much the feeling of relief you feel when why you have been experiencing has a name. Severe ADHD diagnosis at 25,” a commenter wrote, sharing that they had also been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.

“My girlfriend bought a visit for me to make a test. Had the same through whole my life. And now I know… Now I know, and will try to make my life better! I feel you, bro! So happy for you,” said another, sharing that having a diagnosis has given them power back in their life.

Discovering they have Autism or ADHD can be life-altering to many adults, but this change is not necessarily a bad thing. For many, the discovery of a real diagnosis can be the weight off their shoulders that they have been searching for their whole life.