Jools Oliver has shared that she was diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after decades of struggling without understanding the cause. The 51-year-old mother and wife of television chef Jamie Oliver revealed her diagnoses during an appearance on the Lessons From Our Mothers podcast, marking the first time she has publicly discussed her neurodivergence.

Oliver said she first discovered she had ADHD about four years ago. The subsequent autism diagnosis came after learning that two of her children were also on the autism spectrum. "We found out a couple of our children had autism," she explained. "So then I thought, 'My god, that sounds like me.' I've got that as well."

Reflecting on the impact of these late diagnoses, Oliver described the experience as having "ruined, so far, 45 years" of her life. She emphasized that ADHD is not a "superpower," but rather "a drain" and "really hard work." Although she has been prescribed medication for her ADHD, she said she is hesitant to take it due to health anxiety. "It's just one ongoing situation," she said.

Oliver also spoke candidly about how her neurodivergence affects her daily life and family interactions. She recounted recently advising her eldest daughter, Poppy, 24, not to bring her fiancé to a party at their home, fearing she would struggle to cope with the number of people present.

Her husband Jamie Oliver, who is dyslexic, has previously spoken about their family's neurodiverse makeup. He has shared his own experiences being labeled negatively in school and feeling "worthless, stupid and thick" because of learning difficulties. Jools Oliver said her diagnoses have deepened her understanding of her children, particularly those with autism. "There's such a bond in understanding with the ones that do have autism because I can go, 'Yeah, I get you,'" she said.

Last month, Jools Oliver sold her children’s clothing brand, Little Bird, to Next, marking a shift in her career as she continues to navigate life with her new diagnoses.