Sapphire → Tanzanite

The initial screening suggested neurotypical patterns, but the deeper Level 2 assessment revealed neurodivergent traits that weren't immediately obvious. This progression is actually quite common and happens for several reasons.

You may be "masking". Many people become expert at hiding neurodivergent traits. You might have spent years observing others and learning to mimic neurotypical behaviour. The surface screening captured your masked presentation, but deeper questions revealed what's underneath.

Alternatively, your neurodivergent traits might be situational or context-dependent. Perhaps they only emerge under stress, in certain environments, or when you're tired. The original questionnaire caught you on a good day or in a comfortable setting, while the detailed assessment has revealed a fuller picture.

Each person's neurodivergent profile is unique. Your specific combination of traits creates both challenges and strengths. The traits that make some things harder often make other things easier. Understanding this balance can help you work with your brain rather than against it.

• 60%+ (Strong pattern): Significant traits likely impacting daily life

• 40-59% (Moderate pattern): Clear traits that may be situational or well-managed

• 25-39% (Emerging pattern): Some traits present but not predominant

• Below 25%: Minimal traits in this area

Having multiple conditions with moderate percentages is common and doesn't mean you're "a little bit of everything". It means your brain has its own unique operating system with traits from different neurodivergent profiles.

Decide About Diagnosis: You have options here. Some people find formal diagnosis valuable for accessing accommodations, validating their experiences, or connecting with communities. Others find self-identification sufficient. There's no single right answer.

Consider a formal diagnosis if:

• You need workplace or educational accommodations

• You want access to specific support services

• You're seeking medical or therapeutic support tailored to your neurology

• You value the validation of professional assessment

• You're in a position where disclosure could help others

• Self-identification might be enough if:

• You primarily need personal understanding

• Access barriers (cost, waiting lists, etc.) make diagnosis difficult

• You're concerned about discrimination

• You've found strategies that work without formal diagnosis

• You simply want to understand yourself better

Build Your Support System: Whether you pursue diagnosis or not, understanding your neurodivergent traits opens doors to communities, strategies, and accommodations that can transform your daily life.

Practical Next Steps:

• Explore communities related to your identified traits

• Research accommodations that might help you

• Consider therapy with a neurodiversity-affirming practitioner

• Experiment with tools and strategies designed for your neurotype

• Connect with others who share similar experiences

Late diagnosis support groups [URL]

Understanding masking and burnout [URL]

Finding neurodiversity-affirming therapy [URL]

Workplace accommodations and disclosure strategies [URL]

Books and resources by neurodivergent authors [URL]

This is significant information that deserves time to process. We strongly recommend pursuing formal assessment given the strength of your patterns. Visit our diagnostic pathway guide [URL] to understand your options.

You can also show this assessment to your workplace to seek additional help and support that sits within your company's Reasonable Adjustments. If you need guidance on workplace disclosure or accommodation requests, contact hello@peterlarkum.com.

Remember, you've managed this long without understanding why things were hard. Imagine what's possible with the right framework and accommodations.