How to Start Again as a Late-Diagnosed Neurodivergent Entrepreneur after finding out you're ADHD AuDHD or autistic? Entrepreneur 

 It took me almost two years to get over the shock, grief, anger and shame. I wasn't like the others! I was ADHD and autistic and had masked as a neurotypical for 60 years.

I had built a multiple 6 figure business by pushing through the pain, working day and night, driving my large team crazy, and jumping from idea to idea. My late-diagnoses forced me to drop it all.

The team,  20K months, the endless travelling to business meetings, masterminds, sleeping in hotels. I couldn't do it anymore. It was too much. I had been such a fabulous Master Masker that I had to start again. 

I had to find my natural neurodivergent rhythm. I had to deal with the fact that not recognizing facial expressions had taught me to become an even better empath. I learned to tell my clients: I can't read your face. Give me thumbs up, or a heart, or wave when you need me. I had to allow to feel the pain of a failed launch instead of biting through it.

Whether you're self-diagnosed, have a strong suspicion, or are self-diagnosed, this I know: after my AuDHD diagnoses, I realized most of the hundreds of women I had worked with were neurodivergent as well. They were different in their own unique form and way.

That is why it felt natural to support late-diagnosed neurodivergent women with a business to build their brand, cause and business in a way that was optimized for them.

So what specific challenges do late-diagnosed neurodivergent women entrepreneurs face in growing their businesses?

The difficulties of masking their neurodivergence and navigating a world designed for neurotypical individuals (aka trying to be normal in the eyes of neurotypical people) and the challenges of finding suitable support (aka coaches - who are awesome BUT don't understand how completely different the neurodivergent brain works.

Challenges Specific to Late Diagnosis and Neurodiversity:

• Masking and its impact:
  Like many neurodivergent women, we have learned to mask our differences to fit in socially, often leading to emotional exhaustion and difficulty articulating our specific needs. 
  
  This can make it difficult to advocate for ourselves in our business and to seek necessary support. Raise your hand when you have heard - and internalized - sentences like: Just do it! Just work harder!
  If they can do it, I HAVE to do it too (or I'm a loser)
• Navigating a neurotypical world:
  Most businesses, workplaces and business support are designed for neurotypical individuals. With systems and processes that are not conducive to our neurodivergent ways of working. This can lead to inefficiencies and frustration, making it harder to grow your business. 
• Lack of understanding and support:
  Many business programs and solutions lack understanding and support for neurodivergent people, making it difficult to find resources. Since we always - almost on default - feel like the odd one out, this can lead to increased feelings of isolation and only grows our lack of confidence. 
• Difficulty with executive functioning:
  Many neurodivergent people struggle with tasks like planning, time management, and prioritization, which are essential for business growth. How many planners did you buy that promised you the moon and the sun? 
  I've got at least 2 large boxes filled with unused planners. Minus the first day when I thought this was THE BEST PLANNER EVER. But I forgot the planner on the second day . . so, hence the boxes with unused planners. 
• Hormonal fluctuations:
  Women with ADHD or autistic women very often experience fluctuating symptoms because of menstrual cycles or pregnancy, making it harder to manage business responsibilities. When you're diagnosed at a young age, you already know this. It doesn't make the flying hormones go away, but awareness means that you won't push yourself even harder, or even blame yourself for being a (you fill in the words).
• Burnout hindering business growth. :
  The combination of masking, navigating a neurotypical world, and managing executive function challenges can lead to burnout, going into hiding, giving up right before the finish, doing a thousand things at the same time without finishing anything.  

Tips for late-diagnosed neurodivergent women to run their business and brand the ADHD way, the AuDHD way, or the autistic way

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges and faster growth in your way/

• Self-awareness and advocacy:
  Understanding your neurodivergent needs and advocating for your way of growth is crucial for success. 
• Building a support system:
  Connecting with other neurodivergent entrepreneurs and seeking support from fellow neurodivergent coaches helps with managing challenges and will often lead to faster growth and results.
• Embracing your neurodiversity:
  Recognizing and embracing your unique strengths and skills can be a powerful asset in your business. 
• Creating a neurodiversity-friendly business:
  Implementing strategies that support your neurodivergent brain will, without a doubt, help you grow your authentic brand. Once you're confident and aligned with yourself, your audience will feel it too!  
• Prioritizing self-care:
  Addressing the impact of masking and other challenges through self-care practices can help prevent burnout. 
• Find your personal rhythm, needs, dreams and of working:
  I have developed The Roadmap Sisterhood where - based on an extensive questionnaire and in-depth personal meeting - I create a Roadmap FOR you. I will fill it with the tools, brand, marketing, structure, monthly planner, etc. for you. I create the path of least resistance for you. 
  
  After 30, 40, 50, 60 or more years working against 'the real you' you deserve to go for ease!
  
  Curious? Go to Roadmap Sisters and find out how I create your Roadmap to Success