Jools Oliver says undiagnosed autism cost her 45 years

Jools Oliver said she lost 45 years to exhaustion because she did not know she had autism and ADHD. The 51-year-old made the remarks while appearing on the Lessons From Our Mothers podcast. She described the period before her diagnosis as a time of constant fatigue.

Oliver explained that one of her children received an autism diagnosis four years ago. That news prompted her to seek medical testing for herself. She said she recognized her own traits when she learned about her child's condition. "I found out the children had autism. So, then I thought 'my God, that sounds like me'," she said.

She received diagnoses for both autism and ADHD. Oliver said she has medication available but has not started taking it. She attributed her hesitation to health anxiety. "I've got the medication but I don't want to take it because I'm scared - due to health anxiety - that something will happen," she told the podcast hosts.

Oliver described the experience of managing these conditions as draining and tiring. She noted that knowing her diagnosis felt overwhelming. She said the lack of earlier clarity ruined a large portion of her adult life. "For me, I think it's quite draining. I think it's tiring. And I think it's actually ruined, well I'm 51, so far 45 years of my life thinking it's something else," she said.

The National Autistic Society notes that women are often diagnosed later than men. Autism traits often present differently in girls. Many women mask their traits, which can delay recognition by healthcare providers. This often leads to adult diagnoses after years of uncertainty.

Jamie Oliver recently discussed family mealtime dynamics in an interview with the i Paper. He said he prefers to serve the same dish to everyone. He noted that his wife is more flexible about individual dietary needs. "I would be much stricter, but Jools is much nicer than me," Oliver said.

He explained that he cooks for their five children, including two daughters with gluten intolerance. He tries to make dishes that stay warm for staggered arrivals. He adds different spices to separate pans to allow for personal choice.