JOOLS Oliver has revealed she has been diagnosed with Autism and ADHD in a candid admission – admitting she feels like being on the spectrum has “ruined 45 years of her life”.
The wife of TV chef Jamie says she feels “drained” and was “overwhelmed” to learn of the diagnosis.
, and the couple are parents to five kids; Poppy, 24, Daisy, 23, Petal, 17, Buddy, 16, and ten-year-old River.
Appearing on the Lessons From Our Mothers podcast this week, Jools explained how the children had been diagnosed with autism – which prompted her to get herself checked.
“[My ADHD diagnosis] was about four years ago. And 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; it’s just an ongoing situation.
“But found out the children had autism. So, then I thought, ‘my god, that sounds like me’. So, I went for that and I’ve got that as well,” said Jools.
Despite saying it’s “great to know” and to be able to understand herself, author Jools says the diagnosis also hasn’t been easy to get her head around.
The mum-of-five explained: “It’s a little bit overwhelming to know what I actually have and what’s actually wrong with me. 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. It’s no superpower, it’s just drain and it’s really hard work.”
Speaking candidly, Jools went on to admit that she’s not sure if things are heightened due to menopause or if it is simply the impact of her ADHD and autism.
The admission is a rare one for Jools, who often keeps life with Jamie fairly private.
Jools and Jamie are childhood sweethearts and met growing up in , beginning their romance at just 17 years old.
