Why I finally shared my AuDHD diagnosis at hospital — and what happened next

Recently, I had minor day surgery — something I do semi-regularly. For years, I’ve never disclosed my AuDHD diagnosis in medical settings. I told myself I didn’t need to. I could manage. I’d done it before.

But as I’ve been exploring the SPACE framework and engaging with the Your Health, Your Way research team at Autism QLD, I started to ask myself: Why wasn’t I sharing this part of myself?

The answers were uncomfortable. Internalised ableism showed up in quiet but powerful thoughts: "You’re fine. ”Don’t make a fuss. ”You don’t need special treatment. ”Just get through it.”

Sound familiar?

But what if I chose differently? What if I modelled the kind of self-advocacy I encourage in others?

So I did. I told the anaesthetist. She paused. She listened. And then she asked: "Is there anything you can think of that you need?”

I asked her to slow down. One thing at a time. One question at a time. She adjusted. She stayed curious. She cared.It was the most affirming care I’ve ever received in that context.

What made the difference? She listened.

And I let myself be known.

We talk about psychological safety, about meeting people where they are, about the power of presence. This experience reminded me how transformative those things are - not just for our clients, but for ourselves.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is to ask for what we need. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer is to stop and listen.

I’d love to hear from others - when have you experienced or witnessed this kind of shift? What helped you feel seen, or helped someone else feel safe enough to speak?