It really is important to diagnose early. I'm sorry you weren't accorded that benefit. I know from my sister's and son's experience that it makes a huge difference.

My sister's dyslexia and bipolar disorder due to a lithium imbalance were not diagnosed until she was grown. She struggled all through school with dyslexia and all through her teens with behavioral issues. She dropped out of school at seventeen and got into a lot of trouble – and danger – before she was finally diagnosed.

Meanwhile, my son was diagnosed with ADHD and on the Spectrum when he was seven. He still struggled, of course. But, he was given resources to deal with those struggles. It made a world of difference by comparison.